The cons you mentioned are very understandable from the standpoint of many Americans. But, as you mentioned, we are not all alike in our "take" on the way of life here in Mexico. Cobblestone: I agree with much of what your viewers said, but they definitely reduce speeding and that is very very good thing from my 80 year old standpoint. Plus, they are aesthetically pleasing at least to me. Slow pace: I was actually shocked that this was categorized as a con to your viewers! I have always been under the impression that that was a motivation to come here. It definitely was for me. Actually, I have often spent extended periods of time here, somewhere, in Mexico. I used to spend sleepless night worried that so many Expats moving here would speed up the pace of life (not to mention prompt the tearing up of cobblestone) in Mexico. it is so gratifying to see that this is not happening at least to an objectionable degree. The plumber arriving a week later than he said he would is small price to pay for local families and expats taking an evening stroll together at a ridiculously slow gate enjoying the soft evening breeze or watching the sun set from the Malacon in Chapala, or lingering over a meal in the afternoon engrossed in conversation with no worry the waiter is getting anxious to clear the dishes from the table or you from the premises! The "live and let live" attitude is relaxing and I find so soothing to the universal human spirit. But, this segment was really really well done, truthful, and very comprehensive! Thank you so much! Jim
In Thailand, stray dogs are no problem, been here for 4 years and never once stepped in dog poo.. It's amazing how private they are when it comes to that, only saw 1 dead dog, never see pups until they're weaned off milk, lived in Mexico for a year also. Was amazed how the community took care of these dogs.. I received a visit from several "best friends of men" once or twice a day like clockwork I was told one didn't eat or go anywhere for several days after I left.. I missed her also.. Strays in US go crazy bc they're either mistreated, unsocialized, ignorant of cars. Poop on walking paths because that's what they smell and trained to do as most American pet owners just take them for walks on a leash to potty where people walk.. After witnessing dogs and humans can coexist freely in urban environments.. It's become apparently tragic to why the lone house pet of a typical 8-5 western world worker.. dogs are more social than humans, humans are more social than house cats.. so you can see why dogs act irrational when unleashed in US..imagine the intense feeling of excitement and fear of exploring new territory of running into strangers and speedy cars.. Dogs were never given a chance to roam freely, co-exist naturally in a community.. Only western expats complain about stray dogs in other countries bc they have no experience dealing with a growing, barking dog.. 99.9% OF the time It's all bark, you call their bluff by ignoring or turning the aggression around.. 100% of the time, problem solved if you give them food.. they understand the concept of "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" better than humans inhumane 'incanine' to
Thanks Ricardo. Excellent. Also , you covered the walking conditions which is also important. 2 people yesterday told me how you are helping them. They are very happy to have met you
I have been in Ajijic going on two months now, taking my time to decide if I want to stay, and it's a nope. I can only see the negatives getting worse over time, especially the crime and over crowding. The cobblestone streets are no joke, painful, and dangerous to walk on, it's not a question of if you will fall, but when. Honestly, this is my biggest reason for leaving the area.
You're not the first to decide Ajijic is not for them because of the cobblestone streets. It is a factor for many people who are not strong on their feet and that's why people should come on down and check it out first for a while. There are other options (as I always say) to living and shopping in Ajijic. There are many communities where there are no cobblestones and if you own a vehicle the world is your oyster. You can choose to shop in Walmart, Chapala or Jocotepec or Guadalajara. As an example, let's say you live in one of the gated communities, no cobblestones; you drive and walk the malecon daily, no cobblestones; you shop at Walmart, Panchos, SuperLake and Costco, no cobblestones; you go to events at the new auditorium in La Floresta and plays at Lakeside Little Theater, no cobblestones; you go and spend a day at the hot spring pools in San Juan Cosala, (okay, you'll have to walk a half block on cobblestones); anyway, I'm sure you get my drift. Moving on...there is concern over things getting busier and busier. What can I say, Guadalajara is nearby and growing as most cities in the world are. I don't recognize any of the areas I grew up in outside of Vancouver (which was just farming communities at the time). Such is life. I appreciate that you feel Ajijic is not right for you. It's not for everyone. Thanks for watching the videos and commenting.
@@RetireInLakeChapala just in Walmart yesterday..... 🤣 I'm currently living in Lower La Floresta, and the hike to Walmart is a chore.... 🙄 Back in the US I was used to walking twice a day, a total of five to seven miles, but here, an up and back of two miles kicks my butt. For those retiring here, a car is a must. Another alternative would be an electric bike, since the bike path is well developed.
@@Dave-eu3ib That's one of the great things about this area. There are different neighborhoods and living options. We have many clients who gravitate to Chapala verses Ajijic. It's all a matter of personal preference and what you are looking for.
Thank you so much. You showed me all that I wasn't to know. I will kept you in mind cause I might want to rent during the summer months. Puerto Rico is too hot from May to October. I was born here but grow up in NYC. I am a retired Librarian who loves history and has traveled the world . I have a few friends in Cabo Rojo, P.R. so I look forward to return to the land of my birth and it's fabulous food. But Mexico has a very special place in my heart: ben there about 30 times and the people have been so kind and welcoming. So if things work out I hope to spend my summers in Lake Chapala.
Thank you so much for the Pros & Cons, we are interested in retiring there in a few years, we do want to come visit first. I think the problem I am probably going to have is the loose dogs, because I am such an animal lover & want to save them all, lol, but most of the information sounds lovely.
Thank you for watching. I just tell it like it is. In this particular case, it was expats already living here who commented on a Facebook Group and I just consolidated their comments.
The cobblestone streets are problems ? Oh my …. I remember being 5 years old and it being just nothing but dirt roads and huge potholes . Let’s not mention when it would rain . I think it’s a little funny how people are sensitive to things like this . You can’t deny the beauty of Chapala . Not only that but how close you are to other small Pueblo’s that are rich in culture and have amazing food etc.
Good. Check it out for yourself and see if it's for you. Give yourself more than just 1 week and explore around a bit. Talk to as many people as possible, it's easy to strike up conversations.
One of the bad things are Realtors who are not forthcoming. They way overstate the availability of housing and seem to have an industry-wide reluctance to divulge the price, which feels manipulative. Many do not give a street view and are reminiscent of the (unfortunate) reputation of USA used car salesmen. They do not seem trust worthy.
A huge one for me was the "gringo pricing." If you are not fluent/almost fluent in Spanish you can expect to be ripped off in many of the local restaurants and stores by being given an English menu with higher prices or just being told higher prices than what the Mexicans pay.
@@RetireInLakeChapala I lived it myself for two months in 2018 and have watched at least four vloggers report the same thing on RU-vid videos. Try educating your dumbass before you doubt the word of others.
Okay... that's it then... creepy crawlies... I will stay in Canada then... Mind you, I did live nine years in Southern Spain and there were some pretty poisonous scorpions, spiders, and centipedes there... I just want the laid-back lifestyle and cobblestone streets and donkeys and all the things I miss about no longer living in Spain.
That would be impossible to say. Certainly some people here get cancer and some live to a very old age. My partner, who does personal training, has two clients who are 96 years of age and they are in great shape. Both are long time residents of over 30 years.
While there is some pollution in the lake, the information is overblown by social media and the press. You can go in the water if you want but underwater hazards, nets, etc are your biggest danger. Kayakers, water skiiers, jet skis, bass fishermen, local fishermen are all on the lake.
I seriously considered moving to LC for retirement but the idea of stray dogs (who haven't been vaxxed against rabies) as well as the constant festivals, fireworks and noise as well as garbage everywhere stopped me. I want peace and quiet, not constant noise, no matter how inexpensive. Also, moving with a US style SS retirement does the locals no favors - how are they supposed to compete for housing, goods and services with people who are coming from a totally different system? I can imagine the resentment building; besides no matter what I did, no matter how good my Spanish might become, I would forever be an outsider who was planning on returning to the US at some point in old age.
You are so very correct.I have spent 2 or 3 years altogether in Philippines and it is the same way,resentment and jealousy, poverty and overcrowding,people living in horrendous conditions.Still the lower cost of living is very appealing,but you really need to overlook and get hardened to what most westerners would find appalling and run home to mommy.
HI, I HAVE A QUESTION ON THE STONED STREETS: CAN YOU ACCOUNT FOR HOW MANY STREETS ARE THAT UNCONSTABLE, OR IS IT THE WHOLE TOWN UNCONFORTABLE ON THE ROADS.
Theft is a real problem. The local police apparently will take interest in your problem, but don't think they help you. The traffic is bad, but the problem is the bad planning. There are narrow rods, no parking spaces or parking lots. The streets are pueblo streets for burros not for cars! People park their cars on both sides of the street. So, don't drive, use public transportation, it's not bad or walk. Prices, on the street be aware, they will charge you as much as they can. By at the regular or known stores!
Thanks for your comments. I wouldn't really say theft us a problem but it's true the police aren't of any help. Traffic is sometimes slow on the Carretera. Driving in the village takes some getting used to. Obviously, the roads were never designed for cars. I think I might get "overcharged" a couple times a year. I don't feel it is common practice.
Wait, should we hear "diverse ecosystem" as "spiders, cockroaches and scorpions"? I feel privileged too as long as the little buggers stay in their natural environment.
lol. I keep trying to train them that that side of the wall is their habitat and if they get on my side of the wall their dead. lol. They don't listen well though.
Definitely. There are two golf courses so I'm not sure if you are referring to Chula Vista Golf course or Chapala Golf and Country. Both are worlds apart. Chula Vista is in town and close to all amenities, the other not. So if you are looking for a rental, look for Chula Vista and/or San Antonio for location. Will be easy to find a rental now but not so in the winter months. Here is a blog with links to every way possible to find a rental. www.retireinlakechapala.net/post/2017/08/17/ajijic-rentals-where-to-find-rentals-in-ajijic And to golfing in Lake Chapala/Guadalajara. www.retireinlakechapala.net/post/2018/02/28/golf-in-lake-chapala
Thanks for your video. Maybe since the Ex-Pats are benefiting from living so cheap and all the fresh foods and veggies, they could all chip-in there, and help man's best friends. Show care for dogs and all at least contribute to have one dog spade or neutered per person. It is the least they can do. Also to provide food for the strays, and think about adopting a dog or a puppy. If they don't step out of the 'me only' frame of mind I don't think they have any right to complain. In this way they could solve the problem of stray dogs and slippery streets with compassion.
Thanks for your comments Shirley. The expats do help out tremendously with the dog population. Spay and neuter clinics, adoptions, dog rescue, ,etc. There are two big organizations, Lucky Dog and The Ranch (which I did a video on) which rescue and rehabilitate dogs, find homes, and fly many north of the border to new homes in the states. Whether its dogs or children or the poor, you'll find that there are organizations helping out in Lake Chapala. If you would like a more complete list of organizations then sign up to our website RetireInLakeChapala.net and I'll send you the info. This is covered thoroughly during our Retirement Seminars too.
"solve the problem of stray dogs", in Mexico that's laughable. Mexicans don't care about the dogs so there will always be dogs, and as many cats here in Mexico.
Sounds nice! As a comparison,I recently returned from almost a years stay in a very remote area of the Philippines where my wife is from.The local cops were drinking and decided to shoot,grill and eat my brother in law's dog.Makes Mexico sound pretty tame,and possibly a better place for retirement.
How about healthcare? If you had a serious illness you would have to go to the states. The Police are a bigger problem than you mention, as is crime. You really soft touched these issues. Yes I had place there.
Thanks for your comments. There is excellent healthcare in Guadalajara. We know many people who have had major surgeries and I can say that all the people I know have had excellent care (including my dad with his hip replacement at 89 years of age). Going back to the states is always an option if you had some type of insurance making it worthwhile for you to return. That's a personal decision. As to the police, I don't think I soft touched the issue and am always frank in telling people that they are best to stay away from. Nor do I think crime that crime is a big issue here. But, these are only one person's opinions.....
@@ricardoheckert3092 your dreaming - health care in Mexico is not good. I know first hand as I had a home not far from you. I had an issue and went to Guadalajara ( the health care capital 🤪). I know you enjoy living there and that your choice/. But I have had first hand experience there as well. You are being biased and sugar coating it. I had car and property crime issues more than I should have. The police force is tiny and does not deal with real crime well. I even had my car stolen, they did nothing. They found it in Mexico City 2 months later. Enjoy living there, but don’t let your joy bias cause you to give potential buyers bad info.
@@nsanenthembrane we've never had a problem but we do see the odd one (a couple a year). We have listed houses in the past that have had many. It's the way it is.
Many good things are there in Lake Chapala but one thing is lacking good Hospital. I had very bad experience with Hospital San Antonio. I would like to suggest everyone not to visit this hospital. There is too much language barrier.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I've heard many great things about them as well. If you don't speak Spanish and one has good insurance in the states, we always introduce, during our Seminars, the SkyMed evacuation membership option. There are over 2000 Lakside residents subscribed to this service
There is one elephant in the room that nobody discusses on these types of videos.....politics. I lived in the Lake Chapala area for 2.5 years, and found that it leans FAR FAR left. If that suits your political likings you'll be just fine. For me, this was the only place I've actually been threatened for my political beliefs. My wife was recently talking with a friend of hers that still lives there, and the friend was bragging to my wife that they (the liberals) have almost succeeded in chasing away most of the Conservatives. So depending on which way you lean, this could be very good or very bad.
Thanks for your comments and thanks for watching. I like to think that politics is something you can get away from here. Just don't talk about it... I never do.
@@RetireInLakeChapala I didn't talk about it. It's just that people assumed, correctly, that being from Texas I was a Conservative...and literally warned me to keep my mouth shut. But the liberals realized that, since they held the upper hand, they didn't have to worry about when they talked or where they talked about politics. You'd hear them talking in the restaurants, in the gym, in the stores...basically everywhere they were. And many of the store owners in Ajijic displayed far-left items in their stores.
Only buy a home in investable countries. I've owned homes in the US, Canada and New Zealand. All investable countries with governments that abide by "The Rule of Law". I love this area, but no country below the US Mexican border is investable in my humble opinion.
Covid has changed many things including the future of the old Anglo European Empire. The unprecedented levels of public debt, uncontrolled government spending, inflationary real estate, and rapidly escalating taxation are all pointing to a declining standard of living for most people in the old Anglo Euro counties. In addition the political environment is highly polarized and increasingly violent. Mexico is well positioned to be one of the winners of the 21st century.
@@cliffm6566 Especially geographically, you could redirect the trading and routes in the panama canal to the south of Mexico, which would make travel times faster to europe since Mexico is closer to the northern hemisphere. The only thing missing is the infrastructure or building a canal for ships to pass.
