Retirement

Located 45 minutes south of Guadalajara lies Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. Nestled in a valley of the Sierra Madre mountains at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level, the lake spans 50 by 10 miles. Adorning its shores are two quaint colonial towns, Chapala and Ajijic, which have become home to an estimated 20,000 long-term expatriates.

Both towns exude charm, boasting walkable town squares, delectable restaurants, vibrant art scenes, cultural festivities, and shopping districts. Ajijic, in particular, hosts a well-established expat community. The Lake Chapala Society, a local nonprofit organization, frequently arranges activities for residents.

Key details about the area include:

Cost of living: Approximately $1,900 per month for a retired couple.

Estimated population: 55,196 in Chapala as of 2020.

Accessibility: Guadalajara Airport (GDL), the nearest international airport, is approximately a 45-minute drive away.

Healthcare: Private facilities offering health services comparable to those in the United States are available in Ajijic and Chapala.

Climate: Temperatures typically range from 42 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The dry season, spanning from November to May, features partly cloudy skies, while the wet season, from June to October, brings clouds and rain.

Community: A sizable English-speaking expat community thrives in the area.

Safety: While the region is generally safe, incidents of petty opportunistic crime and scams occur. However, a substantial police and military presence helps maintain security due to the area's popularity among expatriates.

Amenities: Local shops, including Walmart, cater to residents' needs in the Chapala area, though larger stores like Costco require a trip to Guadalajara.

Language: Spanish serves as the official language, but English is widely spoken.