Are you starting to look for places to retire to? Is your area of the U.S or Canada getting too expensive to live in? Then Lake Chapala should be on your short list of places to check out. It has so many amenities in one of the best climates in the world that you get to have your cake and eat it too!!
So get out your list and start checking off the boxes for Lake Chapala as a retirement destination.
Great climate
Lake Chapala is often said to have the 2nd best climate in the world. It is as great as advertised? After living here for 10 years now I have to say it is absolutely incredible. Year around average temperature of 22 degrees C (72 degrees F), 8 months of dry season with sun or sun/cloud, and 4 months of refreshing rainy season where (believe it or not) it really actually rains mostly overnight! Even during the hottest months of April/May, the humidity drops so low that it hardly feels too hot. Best climate? You bet!
Affordability
I'll make a blanket statement. You will spend 1/2 to 1/3 of what you are spending in the U.S. or Canada! Yes, hard to believe but true. If you have a couple hundred thousand dollars to invest in a house, you can live on one thousand per month. If you are renting then figure on two thousand a month. For more information and breakdown of the costs you can read my cost of living blog where I give you my cost of living figures for a couple with two cars.
Culture
It's all here! Festivals upon festivals throughout the year. The culture and tradition of Mexico around every corner.
Established ex-pat community
Right now there are about 8000-15000 permanent ex-pats living in the Lakeside area and an additional 10,000-15000 or so visit for 1-6 months. Why is this a good thing? Because of the enormous knowledge base that it provides. From virtual help through Facebook groups and discussion boards to personal help and assistance with any matters you need done. It's all here. And a low or no cost. This makes expatriating to Lake Chapala easier than you ever thought possible. Many who come don't even bother learning Spanish and if you limit yourself to the Ajijic area you can get by just fine.
Amenities
Since Lake Chapala has been an expat community for over 70 years now, there has evolved a huge platform of amenities and services which cater to this population. From home deliveries, concierge services, personalized health care to specialty stores, there is everything you will need in Lake Chapala. In addition, Guadalajara (Mexico's second largest city) is only 1 hour away and internet shopping through Amazon.com, Amazon.com.mx, Mercado Libre and more has become super easy and extremely quick in the past couple of years. You won't miss a thing living in Lake Chapala.
Proximity to an International Airport
If and when you need to fly out for family, business or vacation the closeness and ease to reach the Guadalajara International Airport makes Lake Chapala as a retirement destination a no brainer. One half hour to 45 minutes along well maintained highways make it breeze to fly out to destinations around the world with direct flights to many U.S destinations.
Proximity to the Beach
I get it. You love the beach! Who doesn't? But the beach is a totally inhospitable to live for 6-8 months of the year! Luckily, various beach destinations like Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta are an easy 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car with many smaller towns and villages spread along the coast for those that want to get away from it all. For those who miss that turquoise water of the Caribbean, remember that airport is only a short distance away and you can have your toes in the sand within a few hours from when you pack your snorkel.
Conclusion
If you look at all the boxes and check mark them off, Lake Chapala has to be on your short list of retirement destinations!
Thanks for reading. We are here for your questions so contact us about whatever is on your mind or join our large and growing community on Facebook. We're here for you!
Michaela & Ricardo are your FULL SERVICE Real Estate Agents. Along with our Retirement Seminars, our over 20 years of combined experience Lakeside, and our network of area Professionals, we help guide you to from beginning to forever in your Retirement Journey to Lake Chapala, Mexico.
