Rentals in Lake Chapala, Mexico

"We made a discovery trip here in July. Loved the place and stayed a month... We toured the entire area and eliminated those areas that were a bit far out or did not meet our needs. We sold our home in the states in three days which spurred us to find a home... We have a dog and two cats that made renting a bit of a hassle so we decided to buy. I made another trip in September and we decided on one of the homes we had previewed earlier. It is a smaller gated community (7 homes) and we are quite delighted," commented an expat living in Ajijic , Mexico.

"If you are looking for a place to live in Lake Chapala, one of your best options is to contact a local real estate agent. They are knowledgeable about the local market, have access to listings of properties for sale or rent, and can provide advice on finding and securing a new home. Additionally, there are various online resources such as the Lake Chapala Society's website, www.lakechapala.net where you can find rental apartments and homes in the area, and informational websites like Chapala.com which can provide helpful tips on living in the region. You can also ask around among the expat community in the area for recommendations on trustworthy real estate agents and for referrals to interesting rental opportunities," said one in Lake Chapala.

"We live in a single family dwelling that shares side walls with my neighbors. It is 2 story with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Houses are made with brick or cider block with a skin coat of concrete. Many houses have beautiful, lush gardens with indoor/outdoor living. We chose not to have one. Many people have maids and gardeners but it was not in our budget. Square footage of houses include covered porches so be aware of that. We looked at one house that a porch was 1/3 of the square footage which left very little living space," said a member in Lake Chapala.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"We have a large home, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, jacuzzi, sauna, washer dryer fridge stove and completely furnished. Mexican style home with 12 foot ceilings and a huge yars. It is typical of this area. It is much better than what we had in Canada and less expensive. $600 a month," said one person in Lake Chapala.

"Our home is a two story, 2 bedroom with around 2800 sq ft. We have a pool and small garden. The house is stand alone in a gated community. The area in which we live is primarily single family and we are about 10 minutes driving time to the center of town," explained one expat in Ajijic .

"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," said a member in Ajijic .

"The housing costs here are much less than in the US. Taxes and utilities are very, very reasonable and there is no need for A/C or a Furnace since the climate is perfect. Upkeep is simple masonry, plaster & paint with labor costs being very reasonable. This house would rent for $550-600/month, but we recently rented a very nice older house for friends at $450/month for a winter visit. Those are hard to find," explained one foreigner living in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, 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 person in 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," remarked one member in 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," commented an expat living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"We purchased a home... Buying is easy but selling is a challenge so they say... Ours went well and we have moved over 20 times in our marriage so buying and selling homes is not new to us... One serious recommendation is to get an attorney to look over the papers and assist in closing. Realtors here run from great to not so and having a knowledgeable third set of eyes makes the process painless," said one in Ajijic.

"The most popular neighborhoods in Lake Chapala are Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan Cosalá, and San Juan Tecomatán. Ajijic is known for its picturesque lakeside setting, diverse cultural attractions, shopping and dining, and range of lodging options. San Antonio Tlayacapan is a small village teeming with colonial-era charm, while San Juan Cosalá is known for its traditional earthen architecture and great sunsets. San Juan Tecomatán is a charming pueblo with great views of Lake Chapala, and a thriving arts and crafts community. The surrounding villages also have plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bicycle tours, and more," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"Before renting a home in Lake Chapala, an expat should research the area to ensure it is a safe and suitable place to live. They should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations regarding renting a home. Additionally, it is important to understand the cost of living in the area, including the cost of utilities, groceries, and other necessities. It is also important to understand the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition into the area. Finally, it is important to have a clear understanding of the rental agreement, including the length of the lease, the amount of rent, and any other fees or deposits that may be required," explained one person living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Renting a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Lake Chapala typically costs between 800-1300 USD per month. When renting a larger 2 bedroom apartment, the average cost can range from 1400-1800 USD per month," said one expat in Lake Chapala.

"Many rental properties in Lake Chapala have a refrigerator and stove as standard appliances. Washing machines and dryers may also be included depending on the property. Other common appliances in rental properties in Lake Chapala include ovens, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Further amenities such as air conditioning and hot water heating may also be included in the rental," said one person in Lake Chapala.

"When renting a home in Lake Chapala, it is important to research the area thoroughly and visit the property in person before signing a lease. Make sure to ask questions about the neighborhood, safety, and amenities. Additionally, it is important to read the lease carefully and understand all the terms and conditions before signing. Be sure to ask for a written receipt for any deposits or payments made. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding rental properties," explained one person living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.