An email from an Ajijic resident February 5, 2020: I live in Ajijic the next town over from Chapala where most of the expats live and I was mugged recently after going to an ATM right on a residential street. Yes, its quite safe here and there are many single women living here. Ive only been here for 6 days and yes, I agree with what the Guadalajara people told me If you can afford it, you can buy a two-bedroom, two-bath, second-floor condo with a swimming pool and garden view for $99,000. Fax: 011-52-(376) 76 53528, Hours You get the picture and the story line, but something essential is missing when you are unable to communicate freely with the Spanish speaking community. During our brief stay we met and enjoyed the company of many expats, Americans and Canadians. Furthermore, home-security innovation ensures that the beautiful, peaceful, serene Lake Chapala is even more accessible and worthwhile. There is a cash society here. The richness in Mexico lies in its people. . Foreigners are there for the picking and my Vietnamese wife wont let me buy anything except in the larger supermarkets. 5. My wife needed emergency medical/hospital care in January, and because of our inability after much effort to buy Mexican medical insurance, our out of pocket expense was just under $20K US. In Mexico, the average cost of living is $600 $2,000.Monthly expenses include rent, Internet, electricity, and water, as well as transportation. An elderly man, tentatively identified as a U.S. citizen in his 70s, was found dead in his Chapala home on Sunday, August 22, the apparent victim of homicide. The only source of fresh water for Guadalajaras 3 million residents is Lake Chapala. It is its own place, and those who are not flexible in their demands and expectations (and who have not traveled much) will struggle and should probably make a different choice. Its not fair though to lure more and more people into, what looks like a good deal, but in reality isnt. You hate looking at beautiful flowers blooming all year long. It seems that there is also an increase in petty crime and household robbery Lakeside, a fact of life in almost all of Latin America. Mexico. We feel safer here in the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area during COVID than we did in the States. Due to inadequate wastewater treatment by many industries located near the Lerma River, the water in Lake Chapala is extremely polluted, with heavy metals and other toxic substances. 2023 Tour By Mexico. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. Youd rather pay your dentist $150 for a teeth cleaning and check-up rather than $20. All true and I LOVE it here! Its time to discard the dream and eliminate the illusion. Lake Michigans capacity fell to just 15% between 2001 and 2003. If you have a medical emergency or a serious medical problem, you might want to make Guadalajara your first stop. } A bill can be paid in cash. Its all in what you choose to focus on, isnt it? swim in the pool and read. Data released this week, Middle Eastern archaeology, calligraphy at MUSA, Celebrating the New Year in style in the city of roses, Escondido: Iconic restaurateur returns with hidden gem, Seek out this colorful courtyard for a delightful breakfast, Tony Burton pens intriguing history on expatriate influence in Ajijic, Whale watching is better with marine biologists, Whitewater rafting raises awareness about Mexicos magnificent rivers, Murder of Chapala expat adds to spike in crime. I doubt this what CJNG, reminds me of the tonala incident were NP massacred innocents to heat up the plaza. You like paying $60-$100 an hour for house cleaners and gardeners. The adolescent attitude of the people who are well beyond adolescence in years. The lake has shrunk, resulting in a decrease in water content and an increase in salt. The Chula Vista North community has another home with spectacular lake views. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Lake Chapala Mexico real estate offers a wide variety of options for those looking for a place to live. Lake Chapala has been shrinking for quite some time. Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to swim and boat in Lake Chapala. I have been waiting for an artical like your for a while and finally someone has made the simple effort to tell it like it is. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. They sell their own tobacco and only that tobacco can be bought and sold . The following are a few recent social media posts that represent what Im referring to (authorized by those who made them): The reality in Chapala is disturbing for sure, but Im glad it confirmed my slightly unsettling feelings I had after visiting the area. Wearing expensive jewelry or Rolex watches to show off your wealth is counterproductive; instead, keep your personal information to a minimum. Chapala is a town in Jalisco, Mexico, and is located on the shores of Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. I left lake chapala because the water was too cold. There are so many reasons to move to Lake Chapala and Mexico, here's a top 10 list for you. Your real estate taxes have been going down every year and government services have been getting better. Sign up below to get helpful tips & information on moving to Mexico. The towns of Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan Cosala, La Floresta, and Jocotepec have been featured. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=garbage+in+streets+saigon&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images. Far more important, speaking Spanish could save your life in a situation where medical attention or emergency services are required. Chapalas Mexican feel is offset by a lack of organized expat activities. The poverty," Allow law abiding citizens to arm themselves legally. We expats here today like it that way. With Babbel, you can learn Spanish and deepen your understanding of Mexico. . Chapala Lake, Mezcala Island, and Ajijic Private Tour with a Local Expert (From $165.00) Half-Day Guided Tour of Lake Chapala from Guadalajara (From $65.00) Tour to Lake Chapala, MAGIC TOWN of Ajijic from Guadalajara (From $40.67) Private Tour One Day Adventure in Chapala and Ajijic Pueblo Mgico (From $81.34) See all Lake Chapala experiences . You may want to come to our seminars to get complete information before making the decision to move here. I have lived in Ajijic for two years full time and adore it. One of them, showing a good sense of self-awareness commented, I guess Im not as flexible as I thought I was. Its certainly true that Mexico is not for everyone and while international living blogs paint it and other Latin countries as a retirement paradise for northern baby boomers, the difficulties of adapting to life in a foreign county, particularly for those who have not traveled extensively outside of their home country, are often underemphasized. Not very friendly nor helpful The Jalisco travel warning remains at Level 2 exercise increased caution due to crime Some areas have increased risk. There is no doubt that the lake will continue to dry up, but misinformation about this is not uncommon. Peoples lives depend upon this new posture. Hi Patricia, 011-52-(376) 76 52877 An honest accurate assessment and a must read for anyone contemplating a move here. Here in Vietnam the streets are filthy, garbage cans are unheard of and everyone just throws their garbage on the street and occasionally it is partially swept up by street sweepers. The questions have now become: How will Mexico respond to this mayhem? Moderate. Worldwide Delivery. Will I like it who knows! Ajijic is a small town with many amenities that makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. You are right on. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98335009', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. This is impunity at its worst. To be honest it was the best six years of our lives. Likewise, the municipality has run out of resources for the strengthening of public safety of the federal program FORTASEG ( LINK to Article). There are some good Mexicans there but as always, there are a lot of bad ones too. You can also stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. said another person in Ajijic. According to expat reviews, here are five of the best places to live in Mexico. It can be difficult to complete a simple errand in a hurry because lines are long and multiple trips are required. On Wednesday February 13th, one man was shot in Chapala and two in Ajijic. $25 a month electric bills are too high, and youd rather spend hundreds of dollars a month to heat and air-condition your house. As the saying goes, Life is Good in the U.S. and Canada. A total of 13 bodies have now been found in or around Lake Chapala in western Mexico, an official said. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! There is so much variety. On Valentines Day February 14, 2019 Chapala Mayor Moises Alejandro Anaya publicly declared the urgent necessity for assistance from state and federal authorities to increase security for residents of the municipality of Chapala. Those who live here for years without learning Spanish are missing a major component of the benefit to be gained by living here, sort of like watching TV in black and white instead of in color. Its time to confront reality. Soviet-born composer Inna Zhvanetskaya is reportedly in hiding from German authorities after they attempted to have the 85-year-old committed to a mental institution and inoculated against her will with a Covid-19 shot,German outlet Report24 said on Thursday. Given the steady stream of drug cartel violence presented on TV, reinforced by US State Department advisories and the increasingly hysterical concerns expressed by friends and family, we started to lose confidence in our own research and decision to leave for Lake Chapala, Mexico. Take off your rose-colored glasses and find out what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. The water in the lake is clean and safe to drink. People told me in Guadalajara that people in the ajjijic area are cold, arrogant and are aholes You can either order a maid to cook for you or have food delivered to your home. After every previous visit, we just couldnt wait to get back for our next visit. This website or its third-party tools use cookies which are necessary to its functioning and required to improve your experience. As a result of these changes, lake levels have dropped significantly. bloody mary morning another big yuck, He was the main guy well known. Mexicans have a lot of violence against each other, particularly between drug gangs and police, but there is little to no violence against Americans in the Lake Chapala area. Second, the traffic is just terrible, (too many Gringos) and even getting from just outside town to just the other side, turned what should have been a 7 minute drive to up to 40 minutes. Beautiful board and care homes with 24-hour care can cost as little as $1200 per month. Hi all, Ive been planning on going to lake side in 2019 and doing lots of studying on the area, Im a single female 55 planning on retiring hopefully at 62 to lakeside and want to know if its safe for single women, ps; I do speak fluent Spanish. Cops have all been extremely nice and not threatening at all," The Mexicans in Ajijic view the gringos as a source of money. GET A QUOTE, .video-container { Chapala Installs New Security Guidance Council (Previous councils never did anything other than the installation ceremony since 2000). Remember, an investment in or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary. No one was arrested for the crimes. If you are really saying that you traveled all over Mexico and the streets were spotless, well thats like saying youve never seen a cloud. As my husband says, Lakeside attracts some folks who are looking for a cheaper version of Florida and then they are POd when it is not. The lake is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners. Weather is incredible year-round. The Temperate climate, with its numerous outdoor activities, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year. The people are friendly and there is always something to do. You like spending thousands of dollars for a tiny apartment in New York, Boston, or San Francisco. In addition, the State Prosecutors Office of Jalisco (FE) announced that on Monday, February 18, in a surprise review of the barracks of the Amphibious Squadron (located in the Cristiania Park of the municipal seat), elements in the possession of illegal substances, so seven police officers assigned to the Ministry of Public Security were arrested. It is a human choice. Gardeners, maids, medical care providers, and contractors are among the people who work for North Americans who transplants from other countries. It seems that most retirees there are married.. In contrast to the United States, operations in this country can be more affordable. How are they treated ? Maids and gardeners earn an average of $3 to $6 per hour, according to Payscale. By Bette Brazel, Focus on Mexico Content Manager. There is shallow water near the shore of Lake Chapala, but it is not toxic. Reports of a Canadian murdered in San Antonio Tlayacapan "Lake Chapala" February 3, 2019 3384 Canadian Global Affairs confirms death of Canadian citizen in Mexico. What I love most are the people, most are genuinely happy and didnt see too much of that up north. This is impunity at its worst. COVID UPDATE: During the uncertainties created by the pandemic, we have suspended our live 6-Day Educational Programs and will be back in late 2021 OR 2022 depending on how conditions evolve. You like being used by your children as a babysitter, cook and house cleaner. Mansions and top-notch restaurants are available, as are plenty of fine dining options. Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. My tercera edad, or third life, has finally arrived, and I cant wait to share it with you all. When in Panajachel, he dated a woman named Ruth, and tried for 2-3 years to marry her . Learn how your comment data is processed. Expats from all over the world can meet and share experiences in Mexico through our Mexico forum. I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. Because of the scenic Lake views and low cost of living, it is easy to see why they are so appealing. The Expat Guide to Living in Mexico is an online magazine designed for both current and aspiring expats. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. Start from scratch. The average wage in Ajijic for a Mexican is much higher than in other parts of Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98182861', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio Texas but in Lake Chapala area so in between Chapala and Ajijic. The streets in Ajijic are cobblestone and are difficult to navigate. I have high walls as that is what everyone has in the villages, no gated community for me. Find out which cities and counties in Mexico will be the best to live in in 2022 based on current residents. Good and bad everywhere! Most people here are scrupulously honest (like my handyman who can hardly bring himself to charge me for his work) but there are unsavory people in every country and non-Spanish speakers make an easy target. The basic information you need to know about moving to Mexico, such as the best places to live, the cost of living, health care, and insurance, is provided in our Mexico Living Guide. Expats and Mexicans coming together to enjoy the warm Sunday afternoon breeze and the frequent free music concerts and art exhibitions. U.S. State Departments Mexico Travel Warnings, Mexico - A Growing Global Crisis of Confidence - Bill Dahl, Lake Chapala: State of the Lake 2019 - Bill Dahl, Americanaries Observing Canaries from their Nest in the West, The Americonundrum Democracy in Decline, La Vista de Queretaro Our Bed and Breakfast Your Accommodations to Explore Gorgeous Colonial Central Mexico, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. I have also traveled through Cambodia and Laos and experienced the same thing. The town of Ajijic is so tight, it can be very challenging to walk anywhere in the village. However, Municipal services are not that great, but when you factor in the average tax rate on a home, which is between $100 and $300 USD per year, you can expect a fair amount. Lake Chapala is also a very affordable place to get healthcare. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. While I dont have any hard statistics, the expat retiree population lakeside is a combination of couples, a larger number of single women and a smaller number of single men. Your email address will not be published. Lake Chapala has a unique climate, beautiful lakeside homes, a low cost of living, and a thriving expat community. Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. There was one quite awhile ago but that was caused by a labour dispute. However, there have been occasions when the water has been contaminated with bacteria, so its always best to check with local authorities before swimming. You would be able to get a feel and also find and move on rentals that you might find on Facebook groups, rental agencies, word of mouth and bulletin boards. According to the Lake Chapala Reporter, an unconfirmed murder of a Canadian expat in Ajijic occurred Friday around noon. Restaurants are affordable, although somewhat limited in scope -- but that's getting better. Algae, lilies, and weeds in the water contribute to the formation of high oxygen levels and the death of fish. Copyright 2022,2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 by William & Jacqueline Dahl. However, given the crime rate now, it really is not a safe place to live or visit. You havent figured out yet that you need to down-size your lifestyle to survive retirement. It's not just the crime, but the lack of activity, like boating, that is limited in Ajijic. The Mexican people are generous and helpful with us who are just learning their language, assisting us with pronunciation and finding what we are looking for. Sources: El Financiero;SDP Noticias; La Silla Rota; InfoRoja_MX (Images);Jalisciense1c (Video), box of ciggarettes with no logo or name? The lake is also home to a number of resorts and hotels. The Jalisco Attorney General's Office is investigating a mass killing in Jocotepec Municipality, Jalisco. You may fit that category here snowbirding and checking out the Lake Chapala area. After eating my last meal of the day, I walk to the lake to sit and watch the water lap on the shore, as birds fly low overhead. If you want to entertain yourself, you can spend as little or as much as you want here. Roslyn intensifies to category 4 hurricane;heavy rains expected in these states, VIDEO: THIS IS THE MEXICAN NEIGHBORHOOD THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED THE COOLEST IN THE WORLD, Jalisco students arrested and imprisoned for planting trees, Veracruz and Jalisco, the livestock giants in Mexico, A private clinic exclusively for the LGBT community opens in Puerto Vallarta. Roughly 50,000 expats from the U.S. and Canada relocated to what was considered to be a peaceful paradise in Mexico. What the hell do we do now? No one's in a hurry, except macho jovenes in their cars, and then it's only to the next tope. But the community of Lake Chapala says c. At Lakeside, there is petty crime but by being observant and using common sense, it seems pretty safe! When he lived in this area, D.H Lawrence embraced its setting as the backdrop for Plumed Serpent. As mentioned above, it's even more rare for serious crime to involve the Expat community. After 9 p.m., there are few restaurants and activities to be found. While the murder investigation is underway, official statistics indicate a recent spike in the lakeside areas crime index. No children ripped from their parents and then lost in spite of the numbers on their arms! Mexico is a wonderful country with a lot of great. Hiking might be good in the wet season, but kind of dry on the hills now. Its sort of amusing and sort of not amusing to hear expats brag about what a great deal they got on some purchase, blissfully unaware that they paid way more than the usual price. Another man was murdered in Chapala in November. On average, it is 69F (20.5C) in the summer and 57F (19.4C) in the winter. You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. My friends who live in Ajijic are now planning a move back to the USA. Lake Chapala is a great place to swim if you want to get away from it all. Your Guide to Moving and Retiring to Mexico's Lake Chapala. The sidewalks are uneven, crumbling on many corners where the local buses repeatedly miss the turn, and the cobblestones are rough, making every walk through the village feel like a journey through uncharted territory. Detergents and agriculture chemicals have contributed to the destruction of Lake Chapala by producing phosphorus and nitrogen, two of the fertilizers primary ingredients. We returned to the US shortly thereafter. There are a number of boat rental companies in the area. Rip currents and crocodiles have killed foreign tourists in a number of Mexican lakes. The unbelievably loud firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the slightest pretense of a fiesta, and boomboxes. Mexican States American citizen arrested in Chapala, he is accused of committing a homicide July 5, 2021 4207 The Chapala Regional Prosecutor's Office is working on the clarification of the death of a male, whose body was located on June 11 in the Barrio de San Miguel in the municipality of Chapala. Falling in love with this romantic place and then finding out about the current murders and fabrication of information, really has taken the wind out of our retirement plans. J. Love to visit all of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. Here you will discover the wonders, traditions and events of this magical place. You dont like kayaking, golf, hiking, tennis, bridge, the arts or culture, or doing whatever pleases you, outdoors or indoors365 days a year. Away over rated Outrageous costs considering the quality you get on eg food, groceries, drinks and biggest joke of all rent or home purchase is outrageous So, to make them feel better, Ive compiled a list of the top 20 reasons NOT to retire to Lake Chapala (in no particular order): So dont believe all those books about the wonderful life here, or the promotional websites all the realtors produce to entice you to buy a house. Enjoy and don't get shot Johnny C..the area is not for everyone that is for sure. Utilities, including water, electricity, and internet, can cost an additional $100-200 per month. Forget about the Traffic Light entering Mexico. The decline of Lake Chapala has serious consequences for the people who live near it as well as the area. Race riots? If you are planning to visit the area, it is important to take precautions to avoid getting sick. Good job gumshoe! Access Lake Chapala offers a glimpse into the life and retirement opportunities near Mexicos largest lake as you share your daily life stories and learn about the opportunities offered by the lake. Fast Delivery. Around the time of the ancient Khmer Empire, the lake was a mile deeper than it is now. The restaurant, named "El Memo", is on the highway that connects Guadalajara, Jalisco, with the state of Michoacan. Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. Its important to keep in mind that tourists travel to experience pleasure. What are some ways to learn Spanish while also getting along with the Mexicans? Uncertainty in the Mexican economy has led foreign investors to cancel 2 billion pesos (US $105 million) of spending on business travel, an industry spokesman says, Cancn sees decline in international tourism for first time in seven years, Elite Police Amphibious Squad Busted in Chapala. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. Former Dallas Police Officer, Sid Grosvenor, gives his opinion of the crime in the Lake Chapala Ajijic area of Mexico. Perhaps you should try Puerto (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Global Affairs Canada said on Saturday that it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico and is providing consular services to the family. Thanks for the reply. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. Your email address will not be published. It is possible for foreigners to swim in some locations. In this sense, prospective tourists have a built-in risk avoidance mechanism. Excerpt Below: The violence in Chapala has not stopped, because from Saturday, February 16 to 22 (closing of the print edition of Semanario Laguna) new cases have been registered in the municipal capital. The U.S. government has advised its personnel to use the Federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City, but stops in La Barca or Ocotlan are not permitted. Although the Lake Chapala communities are considered quite safe, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC) has reported multiple homicides, assaults, robberies and car thefts in Guadalajara, just 45 minutes to the north. Lake Chapala Crime Reports 03-12-2011, 09:20 . The disconnect of the expat community is appalling. Saturday, June 5, 2010 Crime and Safety in Lake Chapala, Mexico We live in Lake Chapala, south of Guadalajara and a few hours drive from Puerto Vallarta. It is 90 km long and 20 km wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 hour drive from the Pacific ocean. I also always felt safe sending my daughter to school in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Welcome to the area is known as Lakeside and la ribera to Mexicans. When the day finally arrived and we moved into our long-term rental (which we absolutely love), it was like a dream come true. People saying "buenas dias" and "buenos tarde" when passing on the street. Crime increasing in the past 3 years. Truth be told, selling the dream in the Lake Chapala area has been an illusion for quite some time. We spent our honeymoon 22 years ago at Lake Chapala, made short trips since, and attended FOM session in July 2017. B. Tequila and basic Mexican home cooking. Get every new post on this blog delivered to your Inbox. Lawless As reported in both the local English and Spanish press, 30% of all residents of the state of Jalisco were victims of crime in 2016, but 93.2% of crimes went unreported, with the crimes reported ranging from extortion to assault. The investigative acts carried out by the Special Regional Prosecutors Office of District V based in Chapala allowed obtaining evidence against Joseph Angelo A. for his probable responsibility in the death of a man that occurred in that municipality, for which he is already facing criminal proceedings. Despite the presence of geothermal activity, there is still plenty of steam and hot water that can be obtained from a large commercial bath and spa. I suggest you go to other parts of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Te amo. You have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here. Just as NOB requires people to clean their nose, stay away from illegal activities, stay within a reasonable distance of them, and get home at a reasonable hour (by 10 p.m.), walk with purpose, and never call the police. Lake Chapala is located in western Mexico about an hour south of Guadalajara, and it is home to approximately 20,000 expats. It is illegal, but they get away with it anyway. The Regional Special Prosecutors Office took charge of the investigations and managed to prove with evidence the probable responsibility of Joseph Angelo A. in the commission of the crime of aggravated homicide and therefore prosecuted him. View of a place on the Lerma River where bodies were found in Jamay, Jalisco State. Tourism is highly influenced by the perceptions acquired from these platforms.

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