Here is a simple list of the many things that are wonderful about living and retiring in Lake Chapala.
-Low cost of living compared to living in Canada or the U.S. For instance, it is roughly a third of the cost of living in Vancouver, Canada.
-The second best climate in the world. Most days range between a low of 12 degrees C (53 F) to a high of 22 degrees C (71 F) in the winter and 18 degrees C (64 F) to 28 degrees C (82 F) in the summer.
-No heating or air conditioning is required in the houses. House temperature remains pretty steady between 20 C (68 F) to 26 C (78 F)
-Low property taxes. In fact taxes here are only about $150 per year on a $200,000 home.
-Excellent and inexpensive medical care is available in Guadalajara, only 1 hour by car.
-Excellent dentistry is available Lakeside at 1/3 the cost of procedures done in Canada.
-More prescription drugs are available over the counter at less cost then north of the border.
-Easy access to a major international airport. Guadalajara's International Airport is only 30 minutes by easy highway.
-Need to return to the U.S. by car? Although most make the trip in 2 days, it is possible to cross the U.S./Mexican border in only 1 days drive.
-The excellent, consistent temperatures allows for less clothing in the closet. No more parkas, snow boots or gloves!
-Year around gardening is possible for avid gardeners. Perfect temperatures and lots of sunshine means you can grow just about anything all through the year.
-Missing something? Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara, is only 1 hour by car where you can find anything that you need.
-Good technological infrastructure exists in Lake Chapala, Excellent high speed internet, Vonage and satellite services are all available.
-Want to live healthy? Enjoy all the fruits and vegetables you can imagine at a fraction of the cost of north of the border. Mexico is a diverse and large country with many different growing regions and fresh produce is always available.
-Established gringo community of like minded active retirees already exists. Just step right in and enjoy the benefits of well run organizations and clubs.
-English is optional. Due to the long established community of ex-pats in Lake Chapala, most services are available in English and all your day to day activities can be handled in English. In fact, there are many foreigners who never learn anything more than 'Hola' and 'Gracias'.
-If you want to learn Spanish then this is your chance. There are many excellent schools available Lakeside and the Mexican people are always willing to talk to you.
-Culture abounds in the area. All festivities and religious events are marked and celebrated in traditional Mexican fashion. Many parades, dances and events in traditional folkloric dress happen throughout the year.
-Always wanted to volunteer and give back to the community? It has never been easier than in Lake Chapala. Many volunteer and community groups desperately need your time and (in some cases) money to support anything from school children, the disabled and even abused or abandoned dogs. You can make a difference living in Lake Chapala!
-Many artisans and creative minded people live here. If you always wanted to paint, write, act or sculpt, here is your opportunity to come out of the closet.
-Don't like to cook? The Lakeside area has over 100 restaurants of every ethnic origin you can imagine and, in many cases, at 'less than cooking at home' prices.
-Ample opportunity exists for dancing every night of the week so grab your dancing shoes and party down.
-Every outdoor activity is represented here Lakeside. Whether you enjoy kayaking, fishing, tennis, pickleball or golf, the weather is always perfect every day of the year for your activity.
These are only some of the great things about living Lakeside. Come see for yourself to discover the others!
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.
