Moving to Lake Chapala, Mexico

"Since realtors are not regulated here in Mexico one should hire an attorney just to be on the safe side... We did and it was worth every peso... Cheap insurance. Do your due diligence on line and stay for a month or more... If one has not lived abroad and in similar locales there might be a bit of a culture shock... How I explain this in simple terms: 'If in the morning you have water for your shower.... It is a good day.' and 'If the water is hot... It is GREAT DAY!' Living here is an adventure... One needs to be flexible, have a sense of humor, and accept the fact that things here move at a different pace. The Mexican people are warm and friendly, the expats are willing to help get you settled, and the weather is outstanding... What is not to like?," commented one expat who made the move to Ajijic .

"When we started looking at the money we would have to live on after retirement, I realized that I would never be able to quit work and live comfortably. We started looking at places we could live. We wanted to be close enough to hop up to the states to see family but be able to afford to retire. Mexico was the obvious answer. After much internet research, I stumbled on Lake Chapala. My husband and I knew nothing about Mexico. His vision was from the old westerns. There is a group that provides a week long seminar that will answer all of your questions and also show you the fun side of the area. We booked a trip 3 months away. I used the time to look at real estate offerings. I had limited funds. This is a cash economy so it had to be a house I could afford. They have an MLS listings here so I could check out everything. I contacted a realtor and he helped weed out houses that had issues or less than savory neighborhoods. I wanted city water, a pressurized/filtration water system and city sewer. Many houses are on septic so I knew that I might have to make a compromise there. We had 14 houses on the final list. We bought the second one we had looked at and we paid cash. And it is on city sewer," remarked one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"We had visited months before, staying in a local hotel. When we sold the motorhome and moved down, three months later, we stayed with friends for two weeks and then bought a house. It was a private sale, without realtor, so was closed by a local attorney/notario in a matter of days," explained one expat living in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Expat homes and apartments in Lake Chapala offer a desirable blend of comfort and convenience. They typically feature modern comforts such as spacious kitchens, ample storage, and comfortable bedrooms. Balconies and terraces provide extra space to relax and soak in the picturesque views. Expats usually enjoy easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping areas, as well as nearby outdoor recreational activities. The beautiful environment and sunny climate make for an inviting atmosphere for expats to live and call home," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

"Much lower than in Washington state. Taxes are minimal but utilities (electricity) is rather expensive... Based on the former occupant's usage, we opted to install solar. This was a significant amount but with a 3-4 year pay back...We are able to have a maid, gardener and pool guy which we certainly couldn't afford up north... Eating out is inexpensive and about 1/2 of what it would cost NOB. The average cost of housing depends a lot on the area one chooses. The closer to Ajijic center the more expensive. Houses with views (which we have) command a higher price tag... We were looking in the $3-400,000 range and there is a good supply at these prices," explained one expat living in Ajijic , Mexico.

"Much lower. We pay our property taxes and water yearly. Our taxes are $699 MX and water is $1000 MX per year. Electricity is expensive in Mexico but still less than the US and is paid every other month. We have our propane tank filled on the off month and runs about $1600 MX for 2 months. Phone and internet is $600 MX per month and that is with unlimited long distanse. We have satelite which comes out of Canada. They have grocery stores that carry US products but it is imported and therefore expensive. Produce, eggs, meat, chicken and fish is amazing and reasonable. You can pay as much as you want or as little as you have for a house and find something to fit your needs," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

"The cost of housing in Lake Chapala varies depending on the type of housing that you are looking for. On average, you can find basic living accommodations such as a one or two bedroom apartment for around 600-1,000 USD a month. For larger homes, the cost can climb up to around 2,500 to 4,000 USD a month," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"Buying a home in Lake Chapala can be a great investment. With stabilized economies and a reasonably high standard of living, the area has seen steady growth over the last decade. The cost of living is relatively low, with high quality housing more affordable than many other locations. Additionally, rental properties in the area are becoming more popular as an income source for many residents and there are financial incentives for investing in real estate. Before making a decision, it is important to consider your lifestyle needs and financial goals, as each future homeowner will have different needs for their new home," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"I continue to housesit in the same home I have for the past 10 years. There are many housesitting opportunities here for people considering moving to Lake Chapala," explained one expat living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Two things that I didn't bring and eventually did buy in the states was a vacuum and a sponge mop. We brought down large area rugs to put on the floors in the bedrooms that need to have a vacuum run over them. Everything here were shop vacs although now you can find vacuum cleaners. Sponge mops are still not found. I brought down a counter top dishwasher since our home did not have one. I also purchased a rice cooker and proper food processor on a trip to the states. I didn't need to bring my straw broom. The dust does not sweep up as well as it does with the plastic bristled brooms that they sell here," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

"You should pack for a warm, tropical climate with clothes that are lightweight and breathable, such as shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Bring items like a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep you safe from the sun. Don't forget to pack insect repellent to keep pests away. Be sure to bring an umbrella and raincoat if you plan on spending time outdoors during rainy season. Make sure to bring a power adapter or converter since many of the outlets in Mexico are different than in the US. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport and other important documents," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"Thanks to reading this website we brought two vacuums which worked out well. We could have left more of our art work at home. Also my hobby "stuff" in 25 book boxes that are now gracing the wall of our guest bedroom," explained one expat living in Ajijic , Mexico.

"We moved to Mexico from a retirement motorhome, not a house,and brought everything in two trips in an SUV. Whatever one doesn't want can be put on consignment here and whatever you forgot will eventually be found to be available; just ask around," said one in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

"Io far (knock on wood), my biggest blunder is going into a doctor's office and saying to the receptionist "habla espanol" when, of course, I meant "habla ingles." however, she was very gracious about it and laughed with me instead of at me," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

"It is important to be aware of and respectful of local customs while visiting Lake Chapala. Be mindful of the local clothing customs; avoid wearing revealing attire, particularly in more conservative areas. It is also important to be respectful of religious beliefs and practices, so avoid displaying symbols, proselytizing, or openly criticizing religious beliefs. Moreover, be respectful of local elders and leaders, and be considerate when taking photographs or videos of local people or buildings, as many may consider this to be intrusive or inappropriate. Finally, when speaking to local people, it is important to be mindful of Mexican cultural norms; using too much slang or being overly direct may be seen as rude," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"Lake Chapala offers expats a wealth of activities and attractions that make it one of the most desirable locations in the world to move to. Its year-round temperate climate and stunning scenery are two major draws, while its vibrant culture and friendly people are a welcome addition to any expat lifestyle. Additionally, the area boasts a reliable telecommunications infrastructure, excellent healthcare (both public and private), and an established expat community, making it an ideal home for those looking to make a permanent move. Low crime rates, affordable housing, and a lower cost of living also contribute to its popularity, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a new home," replied one expat when asked about moving to Lake Chapala.

"Lake Chapala offers a wide range of healthcare services for both locals and expatriates. The area is home to several hospitals and clinics, including the American-accredited Hospital San Javier, which provides a full range of medical services. Additionally, there are numerous private medical practices, offering general and specialized care, as well as dental and optometry services. The area also has a number of pharmacies, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications. For those seeking alternative treatments, there are a variety of holistic health practitioners, including acupuncturists, massage therapists, and homeopaths," replied one expat when asked about moving to Lake Chapala.

"We chose to self-insure in Mexico for now, but we still have Medicare in the USA just in case....," replied one expat when asked about moving to Lake Chapala.

"Lake Chapala offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and expatriates. The area is home to a number of private clinics and hospitals, as well as a public hospital. These facilities offer a range of services, including general practice, specialist care, emergency services, and diagnostic testing. Many of the private clinics and hospitals are staffed by bilingual doctors and nurses, making it easier for expatriates to access medical care. Additionally, the area is home to a number of pharmacies, providing access to medications and other medical supplies," stated one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.