“Where should I live at Lake Chapala?”
This question comes up all the time, even from seasoned visitors. The fact is that there are many areas and developments along the lake that appeal to different kinds of people, based on their desired lifestyle and personal preference. This is why it is so important to take a communities tour with an experienced Realtor who will highlight the particulars of each area so you can determine which best fits your needs. Like I always say, "There is more to Lake Chapala then just Ajijic!" So make sure you explore and experience all the different villages and communities that collectively make up what we call Lakeside.
Do you want to live near the shops, restaurants, conveniences and services in Ajijic and still be close to Guadalajara and the International Airport? Then the Libramiento (the bypass around the town of Chapala) might be the right location for you. This road intersects San Antonio and La Floresta and enters the East/West Carretera at the Walmart center. Starting at Walmart going towards Guadalajara, let’s look at the existing communities individually to see if one is right for you.
Cielo Vista
Prized for its excellent location, Cielo Vista Phase 1 is a 38-home Gated Community of mostly 2-bedroom, smaller sized, Contemporary Mexican Style homes. Some features of these homes are: Cupolas (domes), boveda (domed) ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, first class carpentry and garden irrigation systems. Cielo Vista is gated with 24 hour manned security and common areas that include a tennis/pickleball courts, Club House, Pool, and Gym.
Cielo Vista is currently expanding into Phase 2 with some remaining empty lots and many newly built homes. Most of these homes in Phase 2 offer lake views.
Vista Alegre
Vista Alegre is a gated community subdivided into 100 lots and is one of the few developments where you have the option to buy a lot and build your dream home with an Architect or Contractor of your choice. This is one of the nicest developments of stand alone homes on lots. Common area facilities within Vista Alegre include two tennis courts, a clubhouse and heated pool.
Las Terrazas
The gated community known as Las Terrazas has only 15 properties, built in 2001. The houses come with special features that you don’t get even in the most exclusive neighborhoods, like central purified water pumped directly into your kitchen & bathrooms. The grounds are beautifully maintained and it has 24-hour code security access. Las Terrazas HOA is one of the best run Home Owners Associations. It’s not often that one of these homes is offered for sale. Las Terrazas common facilities include a clubhouse and small swimming pool.
El Dorado
Another upscale development, El Dorado features condo units in the 5-story high rise tower, as well as beautiful independent villas with manicured private gardens.
Considered to be the most luxurious condominium development in the area, El Dorado is within walking distance to San Antonio shopping and restaurants, to the Centro Laguna shopping center, Wal-Mart, Lakeside Little Theater, Pilates, and several great cafes and restarants along the Carretera. Hands down, El Dorado common facilities are the best! Amenities include a well-equipped gym with cork floor and top of the line machines, movie theater (for tower residents only), infinity pool and hot tub with awesome lake views, 2 tennis courts and a clubhouse with a large kitchen, sitting area, library, and pool tables.
Birds of Paradise
Developed by a Canadian company back in the 1990's, this gated community of 62 condominiums is a combination of condos and a few bungalow-style townhouses. Each unit has an efficiently designed and partitioned floor plan with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths and measures slightly less than 1,000 sq. ft. If you want total “care-free living” this is the place to be! The gardens are beautiful and well maintained and their 24-hour manned security is the best in the area. There are washers and dryers for common use, a large activities center, spotless salt water pool, Jacuzzi, seating around the pool, and a café/bar where owners and renters get together for morning coffee and Happy Hour margaritas. Some units have lovely lake and mountain views, others have garden views. If you like to walk, you can pass by the side of El Dorado and down the road to the Carretera in San Antonio for shopping and dining.
Chula Vista Norte
This is a unique development of mixed, mostly upscale, homes on the hillside. Once you get past the first couple streets, all the homes offer stunning vistas of the lake and mountains. The home owners’ association fees cover maintenance of the brick paved streets, gated security, garbage removal and street lighting. This is the perfect place for a hiker to get their daily cardio workout while looking at pretty gardens and scenery. Note that there are no common facilities in Chula Vista Norte
Mision Chula Vista
This is an upscale development with only 15 homes in mostly "Mexican contemporary" style. Some have mountain and lake views. The community is gated and features a pool and club house but no other facilities. This is a great location if you are looking for tranquility on the outskirts of Ajijic and closer to the airport and Guadalajara.
For an overview of all the communities along Lake Chapala, read my previous blog on Lake Chapala Communities
For more information please contact me through this website or my Facebook Page. I am here to help! Thanks for reading!
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Michaela & Ricardo are your FULL SERVICE Real Estate Agents. With over 25 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.
