Where to buy real estate and retire in Lake Chapala is your biggest decision. Because there are several retirement communities in Lake Chapala, we suggest that you first think about what you really need in your life and make a list of those things. Then make a second list of what you would like to have. When you finish your list of needs/wants, you can start looking for the cities that offer your most important “wants” and eliminate the cities that are missing many items from your list.
If you have pre-existing health problems, you will probably want to live in an area where there is a good hospital and English-speaking doctors. That, depending on your needs, could be in the heart of Lake Chapala. We have posted more information about medical care in the area, but there is also good information.
There’s something for everyone at Lake Chapala
Are you a beach person or a mountain person? When you buy real estate and retire on Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake and high in the mountains, you’ll find it has something for everyone. On the shores of the lake the temperature is stable and comfortable. Some communities are more expensive and others are very affordable. You will also need to determine your budget for Lake Chapala real estate.
Are you a social butterfly who doesn’t speak Spanish? If so, you’ll definitely want to live in a community that already has a lot of expats, so you’ll have plenty of activities to participate in. If you like to eat in nice restaurants, some towns, like Ajijic in the Lake Chapala area have many available, but others do not.
Would you like to move to a town that has an English speaking church? In some towns there is no problem, but in others there is none.
If you do not speak Spanish, you will have a much easier transition if you move to a popular expat community where English is much more widely spoken, such as Ajijic. Since there are already many expats here, you will find that English is spoken regularly in many businesses. But beware, in some of the smaller nearby towns most people don’t speak English, so you’ll need to know Spanish or learn more to get by.
Here are some communities to consider. First are the most popular areas where expats have established a presence, and then some towns that have yet to be discovered by many expats.
Popular retirement areas around Lake Chapala
You have probably already heard or read about these popular expat towns on the Internet; Chapala, Riberas del Pilar, San Anotonio Tlayacapan, Ajijic, San Juan Cosala, Jocotepec. Some of these towns and neighborhoods have well-established networking groups, communities, events and activities. As a result, they tend to have more of the amenities you may be used to back home. There tend to be larger hospitals, (better stocked) supermarkets and a wider variety of restaurants.
There are more expats and English-speaking locals in these areas. Because of this, prices for housing, restaurants and other items tend to be a bit higher in these areas. In terms of affordability, there is give and take in most areas. An increase in family amenities usually means an increase in prices. It will be up to you to prioritize what you need to live comfortably.
Real Estate in Local Towns to be Discovered in Lake Chapala
