Laguna Real Estate
Certified International Property Specialist

Lake Chapala Inn
English elegance with Mexican warmth and charm

Casa Tres Leones
Bed & Breakfast and Inn Complete and modern conveniences with old world charm

Hernandez Realty Group

International Realty

Ajijic Home Inspections

Email: home_inspections@ajijic-chapala.com

Vita Real Living Concepts

Stewart Title Guadalajara

Focus on Mexico

Casa Blanca Hotel

Chapala

Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake, is massive - 50 miles long and 17 miles wide - and its tranquil presence induces a soporific effect on lakeshore residents. The effect is to reinforce the already laid-back lifestyle of the area. But this is not a predominately bucolic lifestyle. Here everybody walks around town doing their daily chores. At an altitude of 5,200 feet where the climate is perfect for year-round  walking, this daily work-out on Ajijic's gently sloping cobblestone streets means that these lakeshore residents are an unusually fit lot. Despite this hive of activity, there is no sense of rush here. The Lake, surrounded as it is by a ring of low mountains, manages to physically and psychologically cut residents off from much of our modern world's frantic pace.

Now put this 5,200 feet high, cocoon-like setting on a sub tropical latitude and you have a combination that creates one of the world's best climates. (The coolest month along the Lake is January with an annual average temperature of just over 77 degrees farenheit. Average rainfall is about 32 inches annually.)

Finally, place this whole mixture near the heartland of colonial Mexico and you have easy access to the cultural treasures of the Bajio. Finally, link it with four-lane highways to the nearby cultural and commercial centre of Guadalajara as well as the Pacific resorts of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, and you have a retirement destination that combines a predominately relaxed lifestyle with easy access to bright lights, ocean playgrounds and big cities.

 The towns of Chapala and Ajijic are the two main centres on the lake for North American retirees. They, and their neighbouring communities, are situated on the Lake Chapala's north shore. Chapala was the first to be visited and inhabited by North Americans and Europeans nearly a century ago. In the 1950's more and more retirees rented or bought properties in lakeside communities west of Chapala and today Ajijic has emerged as Mexico's largest single North American community. Because the influx was slow and spread out over many decades these foreign retirees integrated well with the indigenous Mexican population. Until the 1970's new homes were usually built within each town's boundaries, whereas today subdivisions have spread along much of the existing shoreline. New developments are now generally gated affairs north of the main highway. These gated communities, however, offer many distinct advantages over the older more central residential areas not least of which are the great views of the lake they command from their slightly elevated positions. For those concerned about security in this generally crime free environment, the walled and gated enclaves are definitely reassuring. Because every development is in competition with each other they tend to be competitively priced, imaginatively designed, well constructed and come complete with all the modern refinements North Americans have come to expect. 

Up until 2003 the lake was suffering from overuse and a series of unusually dry rainy seasons. Pollution was one problem and massive deforestation in the surrounding mountains meant that tons of topsoil was being flushed into the lake markedly affecting it's depth. The drier-than-usual rainy seasons plus increased human consumption meant that the lake's water level fell considerably over the decades. While public pressure forced Federal and State governments to act effectively the undisputed star in Lake Chapala's resurgence was Mother Nature. Two of the last three rainy seasons have seen tremendous downpours and the lake's waters now lap Chapala's pier and the boardwalk. This, combined with the effective conservation measures now enacted should ensure the lake's long-term stability.

 The rising waters have transformed the Lakeside. Not only do residents smile a lot more but visitors have become re-enchanted with the area and snapping up homes. The result is a much reduced housing inventory, much higher prices and the construction of new developments all along the lakeshore. With over 10,000 North Americans now calling it home, Mexico's most populous retirement destination continues to grow in popularity because of all the factors outlined above plus the fact that, despite recent massive price increases, houses here are still relatively inexpensive compared to other gringo destinations.   

Downtown homes are still a great place to live for those looking for a Mexican experience - even Mexican neighbours! The area abounds with realtors with properties for rent or sale right in the heart of Lakeside towns. Live here and what you lose in modern amenities you gain in cultural immersion. Even visitors can live much closer to the real Mexico here because of the number of small posadas and bed and breakfasts that dot the area. These are generally found in the heart of the communities, and by just stepping outside your front door you will leave your North American style comfort and enter into that Mexican experience.

Whatever you decide you can live cheaply and well on Lake Chapala's north shore. The climate is so ambient air conditioning is unnecessary in summer and each winter only a few days of supplemental heat is the norm. Annual real estate taxes are inconsequential compared with north of the border and most of the groceries you knew back home are here at similar prices. Local produce is cheap and excellent and if you need a McDonalds or Burger King "hit" head into Guadalajara 30 miles away where you can shop at North American style supermarkets, and visit the local Wal Mart or Sears.

So many retirees have chosen Lake Chapala as their "island in the sun" that some newcomers are looking at other communities that dot the lakeside landscape as alternatives. Most, such as Jocotepec, San Juan Cosola and Ixtlahuacan, are close by and already have a number of well established gringo residents and even a few retirement communities. Home prices tend to be cheaper in these towns and their strong Mexican ambience is a plus to many. Two things are certain. Firstly, the enduring appeal of the the lakeside will continue to ensure it's place at the top of North American's retirement choices in Mexico. Secondly, despite the recent surge in popularity, the massive size of the lake means that great places to live will continue to be "discovered" by retirees and developers alike.