Expat Community > Mexico

Vince
Joined 2004
Posts: 62

Living in Jocotepec

20 years ago

Jocotepec is at the western end of Lake Chapala, and it is the end of the "gringo zone." The highway circles the lake completely, and there are other towns and villages withn little or no gringo population.

Jocotepec is the cheapest of the gringo towns. It is the second-largest, with a large, pleasant plaza surounded by two blocks of other stores. The large number of stores are adequate for your regular shopping.The center of town is far enough from the surrounding mountains (which ring the entire lake) that you can buy a decent home without a steep climb.

When I ordered two beefsteak tacos at a sidewalk cafe in the plaza, a family of Mexicans burst into applause at my Spanish.

One local author wrote that she moved there because she could afford to buy a house with a grass yard. Locals tell me that this is where Ajijic and Chapala were twenty years ago.

Jocotepec's biggest disadvantage is distance--it is 17 kilometers to Ajijic, although the road is well-maintained. Buses usually travel east to San Juan and then turn back, and it took me forty minutes before a bus came by that was headed for Ajijic.

But Jocotepec has a major bus terminal that provides clean, cheap, comfortable transportation to other major cities, various tours, and trips around the lake. These air-conditioned buses require tickets, have a rest room (and often, a movie) and every seat is reserved.

My opinion? If you're tight on money, Jocotepec and Rivera are the best places to settle. I also expect that properties bought there are likely to increase in value the most.

Vince

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Living in Mexico Guide

Our Living in Mexico Guide is an introduction to everything about the basics for moving to Mexico: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Mexico Forum
Join our Mexico forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Mexico.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

Best Places to Live in Mexico

If you're thinking about living in Mexico, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Mexico in 2023.

Healthcare in Mexico

If you're moving to Mexico or an expat living in Mexico, understanding the Mexican healthcare system is essential. We offer an overview of the public and private healthcare systems in Mexico, health insurance for expats in Mexico, hospitals and prescription drugs.

Cost of Living in Mexico

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Mexico.

Moving to Mexico Guide

Expats in Mexico share important tips for people preparing to move to Mexico. From banking in Mexico to finding a safe city, read these 8 tips before moving to Mexico.

Real Estate in Mexico

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Mexico.

Pros & Cons of Living in Mexico

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Mexico.

Retiring in Mexico

Advice for people retiring in Mexico.

Mexico Visa & Residency Guide

If you plan to move to Mexico, you'll need to understand the process involved and the order in which requirements need to satisfied. Here is an excellent primer on what you'll need to do regardless of the amount of time you plan to spend in Mexico.

10 Tips for Living in Mexico

If you've recently arrived in Mexico, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Mexico.

Additional Information:

Visit our Mexico Index for a Full List

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Mexico

Living in Jocotepec

Login