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Thinking about Lake Chapala area

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RichardArunachala
  8/29/2014 07:33 EST

We retired in India from California 8 years ago. Thinking now that Mexico is much closer to kids and grandchildren. What can you tell us about the area? I heard that there is even an Indian place to eat in Ajijic. Interested in starting up a conversation. Thanks.

RVGRINGO
  9/1/2014 11:38 EST

We moved from the USA to Ajijic in 2001, then sold and bought our present home in Chapala in 2004. We now have a lot more space and room for pets and gardening; plus inside parking for guests, etc. Yet, it is easier to get to our friends or shopping from Chapala, than it was from Ajijic; especially in high season.
Yes, there is a restaurant in Ajijic which serves Indian dishes, run by expats with an interest in all things Indian, including music.

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conamor
  9/3/2014 10:31 EST

Yes, there is an Indian Restaurant in Ajijic. I hear it is very good but have not tried it myself. We just returned from there after a 3 week visit. Can't beat the weather...it is outstanding! If you like a small village you would like Ajijic. The town of Chapala is larger. Friendly people, mostly English speaking. Mexicans are very welcoming.

RichardArunachala
  9/4/2014 07:12 EST

So Chapala is close to Ajijic. My impression is that Ajijic is where there are many different kinds of places to eats, etc. I would guess that Chapala is lower in cost, right?

How about transportation? In India we use motorbikes. When we need a car we hire a car and driver. Will this approach work OK there?

conamor
  9/8/2014 08:57 EST

You would guess right. Chapala is less expensive than Ajijic. It is also larger. Ajijic is a small botique village & more expensive. A motorbike in Ajijic? I wouldn't do it, but there are many natives ~ especially younger ones who use motorbikes. The cobblestone streets there are just huge rocks that are really river beds for the rain runoff to reach the lake during rainy season. Horrible rocks that are very hard to walk on. People who have cars there tell us they must get new shocks & new tires for their cars constantly.

RVGRINGO
  9/8/2014 11:39 EST

We have been here well over a decade and our cars are just fine; no new parts needed yet. Poorly made cars, may not do as well, but our Nissan is tough.
Chapala is the central town of the municipality, which includes the village of Ajijic as well as others. As such, Chapala is the main shopping area with easier walking on better sidewalks and access to many more stores, parks, sporting facilities, etc.
We first settled in Ajijic, but soon sold and bought in Chapala.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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elsidmx
  9/8/2014 14:21 EST

Good info from conamor, but would take issue with one comment.
.
Admittedly I do not drive in Ajiiic village often, but I've on the same pair of shocks that came on my 1997 Ford Explorer and about half of it's 200,000 miles were put on the vehicle here at Lake Chapala. [email protected]

RichardArunachala
  9/9/2014 07:52 EST

What I really want to know is can I get by without a car? In India we just use motorbikes for everyday activities. When we need a car we rent one, maybe with a driver. After having a car for more than 40 years, it is nice not to, plus it is a big additional expense. Will this approach work in Mexico, where we plan to live.

elsidmx
  9/9/2014 07:59 EST

Hi Richard, No, You do not "need" a car here at Lake Chapala.

Taxi's are inexpensive and plentiful. Buses are even less expensive and go almost everywhere.

The weather is great all year around so walking is pleasant as well.

I see more and more motor bikes all the time. Some have bought golf carts to get around.

The man highway threw the area has a protected bike, and pedestrian path as well. Hope this helps you decide to come here and check us out, Tu amigo, [email protected]

RichardArunachala
  9/9/2014 20:23 EST

Thank you elsidmx, that is exactly what I needed to know. See you next March or April.

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