Chapala is about one fourth of the way from the eastern end of Lake Chapala. There are other towns east of Chapala, but it is the "end" of the gringo zone.
Chapala's town plaza is by far the biggest and the best along the lake, and it is both clean and safe. It includes a large number of stores and financial institutions, and many street vendors. The bus goes straight to the plaza, which also has a number of taxis.
Like the other communities, it rises into the mountains that ring the lake, but Chapala is FAR steeper than the communities. I saw steep steps carved into the mountainside within a block of the plaza. The realtor took me to a house on a very steep road that retirees might have trouble walking down.
Chapala is much cheaper than Ahijijic, and it is also much larger. The American Legion has a small English library for its members.
I bought the realtor lunch at a plaza restaurant. They brought us a gigantic platter of steak, pork, chicken, and sausage, with lots of vegetables, seasonings, and two soft drinks. There was too much for us to finish, and it cost about $9.50.
Chapala has an unusual problem. There is a "fault line" on the highway (This is the main highway that circles the entire lake). The municipal building had to be abandoned due to the large cracks that kept appearing. I was warned by several people to be careful about buying any unusually low-priced houses there.
My opinion? You can live cheaper elsewhere, and Chapala's magnificent plaza is only a short drive away from other towns.
Best regards, Vince
Chapala's town plaza is by far the biggest and the best along the lake, and it is both clean and safe. It includes a large number of stores and financial institutions, and many street vendors. The bus goes straight to the plaza, which also has a number of taxis.
Like the other communities, it rises into the mountains that ring the lake, but Chapala is FAR steeper than the communities. I saw steep steps carved into the mountainside within a block of the plaza. The realtor took me to a house on a very steep road that retirees might have trouble walking down.
Chapala is much cheaper than Ahijijic, and it is also much larger. The American Legion has a small English library for its members.
I bought the realtor lunch at a plaza restaurant. They brought us a gigantic platter of steak, pork, chicken, and sausage, with lots of vegetables, seasonings, and two soft drinks. There was too much for us to finish, and it cost about $9.50.
Chapala has an unusual problem. There is a "fault line" on the highway (This is the main highway that circles the entire lake). The municipal building had to be abandoned due to the large cracks that kept appearing. I was warned by several people to be careful about buying any unusually low-priced houses there.
My opinion? You can live cheaper elsewhere, and Chapala's magnificent plaza is only a short drive away from other towns.
Best regards, Vince
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