An Expat Talks about Moving to Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Ajijic, Lake Chapala

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

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.

Moving to Mexico

Moving to Mexico soon? AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Their experience and expertise allows them to guarantee their clients the best quality moving services. Get a moving quote today.

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Do your homework, then come for a preliminary visit. Talk to local expats, visit the Lake Chapala Society & other venues to meet them. Walk the town for a few days and enjoy the evenings in our great restaurants. Once you decide to make the move, your new friends will be able to give you priceless advice suiting your circumstances. Mine is: Travel light, bring your car but not furniture or major appliances. Bring your computer fall/spring clothing only. Frankly, I don't like the "gated communities". If you are moving to Mexico, live in Mexico, not the "suburbs" you left behind. Oh, learn some Spanish, learn to relax & enjoy this beautiful place and its wonderful people.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live on a principal street in Ajijic, convenient to everything in the village. It is a new house of two bedrooms (one up, one down), 2 1/2 baths, a "mirador" with a view of the lake and mountains, and is light & bright and fully modern. We have satellite TV, phone, computer, etc. The price was under $100,000 USD unfurnished and we had fun furnishing and decorating. The house is modest in size, like a townhouse, but the location allows us to walk, rather than drive; good for the health

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

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.

Expats in Mexico may get a free expat health insurance quote from our partner Allianz Care, whose plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Allianz's flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Get a Quote

Expats in Mexico may get a free expat health insurance quote from our partner Allianz Care, a leader in international insurance for expatriates. Allianz's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Their flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget..

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

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!

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

More about Ajijic, Lake Chapala

Guide to Living in Ajijic, Lake Chapala

Lake Chapala is one of Mexico's most popular expat destinations - especially among retirees. Expats love Lake Chapala's near perfect climate, beautiful lakeside homes, low cost of living and thriving expat community. Sadly, Lake Chapala is not immune to Mexico's drug cartel related violence, which those thinking of moving to Lake Chapala should take into consideration.

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.

Moving to Ajijic

An Expat Moving and Relo Report helps you explore housing options and life as an expatriate in Ajijic, Mexico. Located near Lake Chapala, southeast of Guadalajara.

Moving to Lake Chapala

An expat in Lake, Chapala shares her experiences moving there. Lake Chapala has an active, large expat community with a theater group, choir, art society and more.

Living in Ajijic, Mexico

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.

Retirement in Lake Chapala

A retiree who has lived all over the world as a house sitter, talks about packing up and making the permanent move to Lake Chapala, Mexico. She had been there many times before and is thrilled she finally made the move - she appreciates the lower cost of living, expat community, close proximity to Guadalajara.

Join our Mexico Expat Forum

Visit our Mexico Forum and talk with other expats who can offer you insight and tips about living in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico.

More about Mexico

Expat Survey: Mexico Still Popular Among Expats

Expats in Mexico continue to rate the country highly. Even though there are always security concerns, expats who prepare properly enjoy excellent weather in close proximity to the United States and at a much lower cost of living.

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.

Tax Guide for Americans in Mexico

This tax guide for Americans living in Mexico is an important read. Do you need to file a tax return in Mexico? Plus, an overview of Mexico's tax system, income tax rates, Mexico resident qualifications and more.

Is Mexico City Safe?

Is Mexico City Safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City? Expats answer these questions and offer tips (based upon first-hand experience) for avoiding being the victim of a crime.

10 Best Places to Live in Mexico 2021

Expats from the United States and Canada often choose to move to Mexico or retire there. Here are some of the locations that they recommend most to others considering living in Mexico.

Write a Comment about this Expat Report

Comments about this Report

elsidmx

Sep 8, 2010 15:11

Great Report, I lived at Lake Chapala for 10 years now and can't imagine living anywhere else on the planet. If anyone reading this post would like more information about living, working, or playing in our little slice of paradise just drop me an e mail to Sid

elsidmx

Sep 8, 2010 15:13

A very sensible post. Very good information. I live and work here at Lake Chapala and if anyone reading this post would like to pick my brain send me an email to Sid

guest

Aug 25, 2011 12:22

we are thinking of moving to mexico in the next couple of years...maybe sooner. have been looking on line at homes in Jalisco and Nayarit and Lake Chapala looks best ot me at this time, especially the La Florista area of Ajijic. recently read of some cartel activity on the hiway to Guadalajara. any thoughts on cartel activity in the area and safety of driving to Guadalajara??? also will be bringing a street rod down with us, probably driving it down. am concerned about getting stopped along the way and getting it stolen by ?????..any advice is soooo appreciated..thanks..J

guest

Jan 22, 2012 00:58

Some places around Mexico have communities for retired US senior citizens, room, tv laundry and cooking provided, Its better for some people. Narcos have not messed up with eldery or american citizens, its bad for bussines, remmber what happened after they killed 2 US border patrol agents in Queretaro?

jimbo37221

Feb 20, 2012 13:28

I PLAN TO VISIT THERE IN MARCH , WHAT ABOUT RENTAL FOR SINGLE PERSON ?

4leafclover

Mar 7, 2012 21:43

I am looking for a job I just arrived 2 weeks ago in Guadalaljara, How do I go about looking, and I do speak English and spanish. I lived in the US just about all my life... I'm an advid golfer,would love to get a job at a Golf Course... Send me your suggestions...thanks

kittvincent

Apr 4, 2012 12:16

There are two ways to move down here. You can sell everything and come down in your car or on a plane. Or you can bring it all. We chose the latter since my husband and I are collectors of stuff. There is a 90 day window after you receive your residency visa to bring bring down your personal items without importation fees. They do still look at your things, looking for large quantities of like things that you might sell in Mexico. Bill had 25 guitars and I had a 20 year collection of fabric and we didn't pay anything. We also brought our pro audio stuff and my quilting machine. Since we bought our home, we knew we wouldn't be moving around. It was expensive but I had allowed for it in my budget. We live in El Chante, a small village on the west end of the lake near Jocotepec in a neighborhood that is mixed with expats and locals. This area is a piece of paradise and I have never regretted our descision to move here and bring it all. Kitt

guest

Apr 16, 2012 22:48

these people have it together. We did much the same and are loving Mexico. You have to remember that Mexico is full of Mexicans and they are the most wonderful people, as a whole, we have ever met. We are renting in a gated community at this time but, it will not last long. This is not Mexico. We have a lot of time, what will be will be. Thats what is so wonderful about being here. Don't sweat the small stuff and most of it is. Me encanta Mexico

guest

Aug 6, 2012 12:49

Just a comment since I don't see the date this was posted. I've lived in the Lake Chapala area for over eight years now. Regarding computers, if you want to have a laptop, yes, bring it with you, because it will have a English operating system. If you want a desktop, don't bring it. The prices for desktops are comparable to the US and you can have an English operating system. Also, I know you probably need your car to bring your 'stuff' in, but, again, new cars are just as cheap here and it's nice to have a Mexican-plated car.

amandaandrandy

Jan 3, 2014 00:15

are you still living in Ajijic? Did you import your vehicle? did you find that difficult to do?

margewoodfill

Feb 20, 2017 13:05

We are planning a move to the Chapala area in the next few months. In the interim we will visit the area in early April and hope to get many questions answered....rentals, transportation, lifestyle and practical living issues. Are there good places to meet and talk to US Expats Pats. We would love to spend some of our time taking to those who have made the "leap".

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Mexico from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

Guide to Living in Ajijic, Lake Chapala

Healthcare in Mexico

Restaurants in Ajijic, Lake Chapala

Support your favorite restaurants in Ajijic, Lake Chapala as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.

Moving to Ajijic

An Expat Moving and Relo Report helps you explore housing options and life as an expatriate in Ajijic, Mexico. Located near Lake Chapala, southeast of Guadalajara.

Moving to Lake Chapala

An expat in Lake, Chapala shares her experiences moving there. Lake Chapala has an active, large expat community with a theater group, choir, art society and more.

Living in Ajijic, Mexico

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.

Retirement in Lake Chapala