Moving to Lake Chapala, 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:

"Do your research. Figure out what is really important to you. There is so much to do here and lots of people who speak English. The locals are very friendly. There are always exceptions but we have been very happy. It is a noisy country and there is dust. Bill is a musician and does sound for many of the productions and I am a quilter. There is a theater group, a community choir, an art society and a multitude of clubs, restaurants, live music that you will recognize. Medical care is good and you will find alternative as well as traditional medicine. You will see donkey carts and BMWs sharing the road. Working is a problem since jobs are reserved for the citizens so planning on working here may not happen," remarked one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

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

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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:

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

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Lake Chapala?

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

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

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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:

"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.

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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:

"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," said one expat in 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," said one expat who made the move to Ajijic.

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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:

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

"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," said one expat in Ajijic .

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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!:

"Undoubtedly, but I have selective memory, and most Mexicans have been very kind and tolerant of me butchering their language. I did get "drawers" and "balls" mixed up when I was trying to explain changes to the kitchen. Cajones vs cojones. Yes, those kind of balls," remarked one expat in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"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.

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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," replied one expat when asked about moving to Lake Chapala.

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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 is well known for its excellent healthcare services. The area boasts a great selection of quality hospitals, clinics and private doctors' offices that serve all medical care needs. All of these facilities provide excellent medical care and maintain high standards. They are well-equipped with up-to-date medical technology and offer a range of services from regular check-ups and preventive care to complex surgeries. Additionally, many local doctors are trained in a variety of specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology and oncology, making Lake Chapala a great destination for those seeking top-notch healthcare. Moreover, there is a wide range of specialists and nurses who provide invaluable assistance to patients and their families. Finally, the cost of living in the area is relatively low, making medical care here quite affordable," commented one expat who moved to Lake Chapala.

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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:

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

"We are ground zero here for healthcare, two brand new hospitals, one upgraded reciently, Dr.'s make house calls, it's beyond increadable. A friend of ours just had an hip injury corrected with a hip ball and socket replacement for $11,000.00 USD," remarked one expat in Lake Chapala.

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