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Moving to Lake Chapala, Mexico | Expat Exchange
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Ajijic Boardwalk, Lake Chapala

Moving to Lake Chapala, Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Apr 22, 2023

Summary: Expatriates move to Lake Chapala, Mexico for its year-round temperate climate, low cost of living, and vibrant culture. The area is known for its friendly locals, excellent healthcare, and easy access to nearby cities and attractions. Expats also appreciate the area's natural beauty, with its lush vegetation, stunning mountain views, and picturesque lake. Additionally, the area offers a wide variety of activities, from outdoor sports to cultural events, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

What do I need to know before moving to Lake Chapala?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Lake Chapala, they said:

"Rent your first house for a 2-3 month period while you look over the entire area and decide where you really want to rent, then go for a long term lease at a reduced rate. Use every resource available to you in your new area. Don't think you can learn it on your own. We thought we could and suffered for it. Take the help that others want to give," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

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How do I find a place to live in Lake Chapala?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

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

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Welcome Home Mexico

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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Welcome Home Mexico

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.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like 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 living in Ajijic , Mexico.

"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 one expat in Lake Chapala.

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What is the average cost of housing in Lake Chapala?

If you are thinking about moving to Lake Chapala, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"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," remarked one expat in 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 expat in Lake Chapala.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Ajijic, 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.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Lake Chapala?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Lake Chapala, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"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," explained one expat living in Ajijic, Mexico.

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What should I pack when moving to Lake Chapala?

We asked people living in Lake Chapala to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"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," remarked one expat in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Lake Chapala?

We asked people in Lake Chapala if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"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 in 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 who made the move to Lake Chapala.

Why do people move to Lake Chapala?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Lake Chapala, they responded:

"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," commented one expat who moved to Lake Chapala.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico
Connect

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.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

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.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How are healthcare services Lake Chapala?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Lake Chapala, they replied:

"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," wrote one expat living in Lake Chapala.

What are medical services in Lake Chapala like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Lake Chapala, they replied:

"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," offered one expat living in Lake Chapala.

"We chose to self-insure in Mexico for now, but we still have Medicare in the USA just in case....," wrote one expat living in Lake Chapala.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Ajijic Boardwalk, Lake Chapala
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
Learn More

Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
Learn More

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

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