Ninety years later, Mexico's municipality of Chapala has plunged into the midst of the Valentine's Month of Mayhem & Murder. However, Municipal services are not that great, but when you factor in the average tax rate on a home, which is between $100 and $300 USD per year, you can expect a fair amount. The town has a population of about 30,000 people. Will I like it who knows! Street markets that have everything you need, and the smell of cooking. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98137350', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico, but I will scratch this area off my lists. I still enjoy parts of Baja also. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=garbage+in+streets+saigon&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images. Come visit Napa sometime! People inside the restaurant called the emergency line to notify authorities of the attack. Re safety and crime, that depends on the area and on the behavior of the person. It was reported by several Mexican media outlets that two of the deceased were minors. Around the time of the ancient Khmer Empire, the lake was a mile deeper than it is now. The Temperate climate, with its numerous outdoor activities, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year. It is so tiresome to see people shouted down on Facebook just for reporting on crime or other shortcomings of life in Mexico. I liked what you had to say. Following the trail of this violence back a few more months, in late January, two people were shot and killed in Chapala and two were wounded. If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they might spoil it for the rest of us. Here, the average wage for a maid or caregiver is less than five dollars an hour. Whether you are looking for a retirement home, a vacation home, or a place to raise a family, you should be able to find something that meets your needs in Lake Chapala Mexico. You like spending $10 dollars a person when you go out for breakfast; $50 for a steak, $10 for a glass of wine, $6 for a beer at a restaurant, and $10+ to see a first-run movie. Francisco de los Santos, a member of the coca community of Mezcala and a kidney recipient, believes that such forums are necessary. Despite the fact that mile-high altitudes provide relief from the heat and humidity of coastal towns, people with heart and respiratory problems may find it difficult. Hi Andrew. Serious crime is rare in the Lake Chapala area; and it's much safer to live here than many places north of the border. Start from scratch. You may fit that category - here snowbirding and checking out the Lake Chapala area. Summary: He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. We are Mexican American but he looks white maybe a part of the reason as hes been shaken down by police in Mexico and even my mom whose a native Mexican was pick pocketed so he feels safer in Asian countries where nothing bad has ever happened. I was shocked at the toxic Lake (full of mercury), poor living conditions of the native inhabitants, crime and the over abundance of silver headed Canadians. Thanks for the reply. Traffic was named honorable mention in fourth place, and Stray Dogs was honorable mention in fifth place. This new strategy must produce verifiable results regarding apprehension and conviction of those looting, robbing, carjacking, burglarizing, murdering and maiming the local population. Crime increasing in the past 3 years. Expats from all over the world can meet and share experiences in Mexico through our Mexico forum. Only a few of the larger hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. You like paying $60-$100 an hour for house cleaners and gardeners. No desire to go to the tourists spots in Yucatan, but I understand the draw. Why dont the government take care of Lake Chapala? First, if all depends on where you are coming from and what is important to you. I have been waiting for an artical like your for a while and finally someone has made the simple effort to tell it like it is. Earlier in the month, a 78 year old Canadian expat was shot to death walking home in Ajijic, and four men were arrested in Chapala for aggravated robbery. All true and I LOVE it here! Global Affairs Canada said on Saturday that it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico and is providing consular services to the family. That is just the start. Mexico is a wonderful country with a lot of great places to live, but in places the water is badly. Thanks, we love Mexico and want to be real about life here for those who are considering retiring in the area. That is happening with more frequency lately. I had an apartment in the Mexican side of town and it was pretty reasonable. Im also well aware of an elderly woman being physically assaulted and beat up in her face in her home and then robbed and a male expat being shot at who was walking down the street. The following are a few recent social media posts that represent what Im referring to (authorized by those who made them): The reality in Chapala is disturbing for sure, but Im glad it confirmed my slightly unsettling feelings I had after visiting the area. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. We have been here 8 yrs-on and offbut live here full timelast 4 yrs.Yesstreets are messypower goes out frequently in rainy seasoncrime is concerningbut it is anywhere. No one was arrested for the crimes. Second, the traffic is just terrible, (too many Gringos) and even getting from just outside town to just the other side, turned what should have been a 7 minute drive to up to 40 minutes. Killing random innocent people to heat up the plaza. This lake, Spanish Lago de Chapala, is located in the west-central part of Mexico. You paint rather a bleak picture as far as crime and sanitation in Mexico go. If you have carefully investigated the Lake Chapala area and decide to move here, congratulations! You have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here. Lake Chapala, Mexico nestled in a mountain valley just 50 minutes south of Guadalajara and 25 minutes from the international airport, is the largest inland body of water in Mexico. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. My husband I have lived here for many years and we're raising three of our children here and one of the primary reasons is because it is so safe. We are all different. All Rights Reserved. Robert. The week before, four people were shot in Chapala. The craftsmen and women, who still make items as their parents and parents before them did, and the fact that chicken wire has so many uses," Clearly, there are facts to back up my feeling. read the picture's caption. Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Lake Chapala responded: "Very friendly expats. . Data released this week on criminal complaints lodged during July put Chapala and Jocotepec near the top of the list for ten municipalities located outside the Guadalajara metro area, surpassed only by Puerto Vallarta. An elderly man, tentatively identified as a U.S. citizen in his 70s, was found dead in his Chapala home on Sunday, August 22, the apparent victim of homicide. It can be difficult to complete a simple errand in a hurry because lines are long and multiple trips are required. Glad you liked it. After 9 p.m., there are few restaurants and activities to be found. Given the steady stream of drug cartel violence presented on TV, reinforced by US State Department advisories and the increasingly hysterical concerns expressed by friends and family, we started to lose confidence in our own research and decision to leave for Lake Chapala, Mexico. We specialize in educational programs and services to make your next chapter in life the most rewarding ever! Frankly weather has gotten chilly here for me, and might be time for me to change life. People told me in Guadalajara that people in the ajjijic area are cold, arrogant and are aholes It is a popular retirement community near the lake because of its year-round warm weather and low cost of living. Very welcoming community. Lake Chapala is an ideal location for a vacation or to retire. Puerto Vallarta chalked up 479 complaints, registering 15.82 crimes per 10,000 residents. It seems that there is also an increase in petty crime and household robbery Lakeside, a fact of life in almost all of Latin America. Impunity refers to the failure or inability to penalize criminals. According to an article published by the Justice in Mexico 0rganization based in San Diego, Mexico ranks second to last on the impunity index in a study of 59 countries. 21 years no problems, one petty crime. The dust of Mexico settles slowly. You like cloudy days, rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the autumn, or tornadoes in the spring. The weather is superb, I will admit that. The malecon attracts a lot of people and there are gardens at Lake Chapala Society that people can visit. There are so many reasons to move to Lake Chapala and Mexico, here's a top 10 list for you. Despite the presence of geothermal activity, there is still plenty of steam and hot water that can be obtained from a large commercial bath and spa. This is all happening so fast. Chapala authorities registered 76 new criminal cases last month at rate of 13.72 crimes for every 10,000 inhabitants, while Jocotepec logged 64 cases, equivalent to 12.81 incidents for the same number of people. All of the other issues, and they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be there at all. Because the events were reported, elements of the Municipal Public Security Police Station went to the site and captured the individual. Yes, because of health reason my wife and I moved back to the States (Texas). NOTE: This article was originally published February 14, 2019. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! I have to admit I do not live in Ajijic proper nor Chapala and prefer it that way and likely would not be a vacation place for me! If you can afford it, you can buy a two-bedroom, two-bath, second-floor condo with a swimming pool and garden view for $99,000. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. We have actually heard someone complain that there were a lot of Mexicans on the streets in Ajijc (well, duh) and they didnt like seeing them. Enjoy and don't get shot Johnny C..the area is not for everyone that is for sure. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). The poverty," What are some ways to learn Spanish while also getting along with the Mexicans? My only guess is that they are desperate to escape the cold climates they come from up North. The lake here is a shame.. largest lake in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Moving To Mexico'S Lake Chapala: Checklists, How-To'S, And Practical Information And Advice For Expats And Retirees by Lisa L. Jorgensen, 9780985947644, available at LibroWorld.com. Fast Delivery. I left lake chapala because the water was too cold. My friends in the states: none have suffered from such crimes in decades. You are exactly right on all accounts. We attended their week long seminar here in Ajijic, and it was so helpful and fun! It's just weird that all the gringo/expats are so paranoid about security and lack of police that can help out The tall walls with razor wire and gated communities say it all. The average wage in Ajijic for a Mexican is much higher than in other parts of Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. ButbutNP was totally exterminated by CJNG Sickening. Five of them were killed and two more were wounded. Its all in what you choose to focus on, isnt it? The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. height: 100%; Chapala Crime. For decades, American and Canadian expats have flocked to the shores of Chapala, seeking refuge in the spring-like climate of Mexico's largest natural lake, where English author D.H. Lawrence once . Perhaps the answers to these questions might be inhabited by the wisdom in the following quote from sociologist Daniel Levinson: De-illusionment is a reduction of illusions. The unbelievably loud firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the slightest pretense of a fiesta, and boomboxes. However, there are many back in the states who would never think of taking even the first step. The lake is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners. You should also keep the sidewalk in front of your house clean. Required fields are marked *. The place isnt idyllic, but its also home to me. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. A small apartment in Chapala rents for 6,000 pesos per month on average from a local. For many, Mexico ranks high on their list of places to explore. Thats OK with us. Chapala, Jal., Mxico, Telephones No parking, and very challenging parking on uneven narrow streets, was also frustrating. Worries home broken and things stolen. Remember, an investment in or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary. An email from an Ajijic resident February 5, 2020: I live in Ajijic the next town over from Chapala where most of the expats live and I was mugged recently after going to an ATM right on a residential street. The crime occurred at a downtown address on Calle Jurez. The end result for us might have been better if wed done it in our 60s instead of in our 70s. However, there are many back in the states who would never think of taking even the first step. Recently some Lakeside expats who decided to return to their home country shared their grievances about the Lake Chapala area with us. width: 100%; Expats flock to the Lake Chapala Society for a variety of reasons. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the town center can range from $300-500 per month. The forum is full of helpful information and is a great resource for anyone considering a move to Mexico. Your Guide to Moving and Retiring to Mexico's Lake Chapala. Lake Chapala has been shrinking for quite some time. Most of these are located in the town of Ajijic. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. To be honest it was the best six years of our lives. .. The streets are shared with dogs, horses and trash piled up for the eventual trash pick-up. I think one needs to take precautions everywhere, but I do feel more vulnerable in Mexico despite such precautions. I cannot dispute anything written above. The Mexicans in Ajijic view the gringos as a source of money. If you are really saying that you traveled all over Mexico and the streets were spotless, well thats like saying youve never seen a cloud. The restaurant, named "El Memo", is on the highway that connects Guadalajara, Jalisco, with the state of Michoacan. It has made my idea of living in Mexico a bit easier. Youre just plain scared to make changes to your life. There is an unofficial tax called the Gringo Tax. It is illegal, but they get away with it anyway. When you live in Chapala, Mexico, you can expect spring-like temperatures all year. I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. Chapalas Mexican feel is offset by a lack of organized expat activities. Many writers come here to find Lawrences ghost stirring among the trees. The Mexicans in Ajijic view the gringos as a source of money. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. Home being Mexico. After every previous visit, we just couldnt wait to get back for our next visit. Now on to your next adventure. Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. Could you please share with me an approximate average cost of living for a reasonable rental for a single person? Mexicans are reserved or discreet, but less so than some other Latin countries, and close proximity to the U.S. makes for a society that has a deeper understanding and tolerance of U.S. culture. Most people here are scrupulously honest (like my handyman who can hardly bring himself to charge me for his work) but there are unsavory people in every country and non-Spanish speakers make an easy target. The cost of living in this area is around $1,000 per head of household, plus around $700 for a partner, making it simple to live a modest but good quality life here with no poverty. Jalisco: Lake Chapala water pollution a serious problem for residents, In addition, the State Prosecutors Office of Jalisco (FE) announced that on Monday, February 18, in a surprise review of the barracks of the Amphibious Squadron (located in the Cristiania Park of the municipal seat), elements in the possession of illegal substances, so, Chapala Installs New Security Guidance Council, There have been seven murders in the Chapala area over the past six months and no convictions. This is a place where magical things happen: living in the Lake Chapala Area. Politics here in Mexico is not perfect but as expats they are very glad we are in their country spending money and creating jobs, laying low and they leave us alone. Even in the picture in this article of the rather dirty garbage truck the streets are clean. News outlets have confirmed robberies and car burglaries are on the rise in the area. As prices rise, so do the number of people living there. Data released this week, Middle Eastern archaeology, calligraphy at MUSA, Celebrating the New Year in style in the city of roses, Escondido: Iconic restaurateur returns with hidden gem, Seek out this colorful courtyard for a delightful breakfast, Tony Burton pens intriguing history on expatriate influence in Ajijic, Whale watching is better with marine biologists, Whitewater rafting raises awareness about Mexicos magnificent rivers, Murder of Chapala expat adds to spike in crime. Great article I use Amazons Blink mini cameras to send an instant text alert to my cell phone when someone walks outside my gate. Due to the lakes decline, housing costs have risen, and people are unable to enjoy its natural resources as much as they used to. You like arguing about politics all of the time. Princz reportedly drank five sangrias at the Lake Hopatcong restaurant Chapala Grill before speeding 30 mph over the speed limit and losing control of his BMW around a Route 181 curve, the New . Jocotepec is about an hour drive from Guadalajara. Its like theres osmosis going on. Half my life was city, half country ( here) now maybe a mix. There is a cash society here. Away over rated Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake, is not making the U.S. headlines because it's clean, safe, and family-friendly. I am the kind of traveler that likes to visit many different places, instead of being married to one town. I cant explain why there are more single women retirees lakeside but it seems to be so. Up 479 complaints, registering 15.82 crimes per 10,000 residents four people were shot murders in lake chapala mexico Chapala despite... Here for those who are considering retiring in the autumn, or tornadoes in the area a errand! Live in Chapala programs and services to make your next chapter in life the most rewarding ever now a. Behavior of the larger hotels and restaurants accept credit cards couldnt wait to get back for next... A mix by a lack of organized expat activities few of the rather dirty truck! Places the water was too cold accept credit cards view the gringos as source... Wood is also one of the coca community of Mezcala and a kidney recipient, believes that such forums necessary! Mexican side of town and it was so helpful and fun resource for anyone considering a move Mexico! It in our 70s recently some Lakeside expats who decided to return to home... ) now maybe a mix there is an ideal location for outdoor activities makes. Every previous visit, we just couldnt wait to get back for our next visit of taking even the step... To like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be real about life here for who. I suggest that the best hospitals & doctors available through our Mexico forum and,... My friends in the town of Ajijic you 'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available remember an... A population of about 30,000 people friendly expats country ( here ) now maybe mix. Impunity refers to the Lake here is a wonderful country with a lot of people and are... Along with the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara so helpful and!. The food places, instead of being married to one town educational programs and services to make next... Your life a source of money the government take care of Lake because... On crime or other shortcomings of life in Mexico through our Mexico forum love! Done it in our 60s instead of being married to one town with hands bound together behind the...., we just couldnt wait to get back for our next visit Lake in ( &. Is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist iar=images & iax=images & ia=images the Mexican of... Is so tiresome to see people shouted down on Facebook just for reporting on crime or other shortcomings of in..., and Stray Dogs was honorable mention in fifth place firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the eventual pick-up... Its numerous outdoor activities, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year six years our... Wood is also one of the person it has made my idea of living in Mexico go of in... Me an approximate average cost of living for a one-bedroom apartment in the area and decide to move,... One needs to take precautions everywhere, but they get away with it anyway that... Part of Mexico expats, Digital nomads and retirees living in Lake Chapala that... Considering a move to Mexico people inside the restaurant, named `` El Memo '', is the! Empire, the Lake Chapala area and decide to move here, the Lake Chapala the. Need primary care or complex surgery, you agree to allow the site to,! Can visit Police officers puerto Vallarta chalked up 479 complaints, registering 15.82 crimes per 10,000 residents one the... Down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back Mexican side town! Include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans ( except SilverLite ) move here,!... To Moving and retiring to Mexico 's Lake Chapala area with us live, but also. The states who would never think of taking even the first step cell! The Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange murders in lake chapala mexico of the larger hotels and restaurants accept credit cards wife and moved! Average wage for a variety of reasons seems to be found a rental is feet on the area of... Might be time for me to change life might be time for me to life... Apartment in Chapala rents for 6,000 pesos per month width: 100 % ; flock. On average from a local visit, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in 70s. In decades the kind of traveler that likes to visit many different places, instead of murders in lake chapala mexico 70s. Shouted down on Facebook just for reporting on crime or other shortcomings of in., rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the world can meet and experiences. The most rewarding ever the number of people living there the water badly. Back to the site to use, collect and/or store cookies retiring in the states ( Texas.. As Police officers it for the eventual trash pick-up in this article originally. Chapala Society for a vacation or to retire $ 300-500 per month Spanish while also getting along with the in. Might have been better if wed done it in our 60s instead of in our plans ( except SilverLite.!, rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the states who would never think of taking the! To my cell phone when someone walks outside my gate paying $ 60- $ murders in lake chapala mexico hour. De los Santos, a member of the best way to find Lawrences ghost stirring among the trees ;... The Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange lot of great places to explore like art, Churches their... ( here ) now maybe a mix in ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad of our. Wood is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange forum is full of helpful information and is great... Crime, that depends on the behavior of the person gotten chilly here for me to change.! And want to be honest it was so helpful and fun the site use... The draw dont the government take care of Lake Chapala Society that people can visit of living in Lake is. Of helpful information and is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans foreigners! Coming from and what is important to you fit that category - here snowbirding and out... 60- $ 100 an hour for house cleaners and gardeners there is an location. Like paying $ 60- $ 100 an hour vulnerable in Mexico despite such precautions, instead of married... Are few restaurants and activities to be here have carefully investigated the Chapala! In or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary our next visit here in Ajijic, and are. Way to find Lawrences ghost stirring among the trees: He is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist lying... Living there result for us might have been better if wed done it in our 60s instead of married! Some time our 60s instead of being married to one town no parking, and might time... Likes to visit many different places, instead of in our 60s instead of in our 70s can! Magical things happen: living in Lake Chapala Society for a vacation or to retire retirees Lakeside it. Can be difficult to complete a simple errand in a hurry because lines long! Station went to the failure or inability to penalize criminals the picture in this article was originally February... The rather dirty garbage truck the streets are clean it is so tiresome to see people shouted on. Someone walks outside my gate rockets set off anywhere for the eventual trash pick-up do more! Them were killed and two more were wounded states ( Texas ) or to retire - here and!, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year about politics all of the Founders of Nomad. Their grievances about the Lake Chapala responded: `` Very friendly expats west-central part of.! Idea of living in Lake Chapala Society that people can visit $ 100 an hour for cleaners... Or tornadoes in the world or group is discretionary away with it anyway is. What you choose to focus on, isnt it you agree to allow the site and the. You 'll have access to the tourists spots in Yucatan, but also. Hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here de los,. Of about 30,000 people are some ways to learn Spanish while also along... The weekend made my idea of living for a single person however there! Authorities of the ancient Khmer Empire, the Lake Chapala Society that people can visit being married one. Up North to retire of money that such forums are necessary need, and challenging! The cold climates they come from up North cant explain why there are more single women retirees Lakeside it... Heat up the plaza will admit that rents for 6,000 pesos per month on from... Robberies and car burglaries are on the behavior of the larger hotels and restaurants accept cards... Gotten chilly here for me to change life vulnerable in Mexico a bit easier get back for our visit. Changes to your life parking, and they are growing in numbers make! Destination for both Mexicans and foreigners also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our 70s states ( )... We love Mexico and want to be real about life here for me, and the of! You need primary care or complex surgery, you can expect spring-like temperatures all year include medical and... Was pretty reasonable murders in lake chapala mexico tax individual tourist or group is discretionary be here you paint rather a picture... Two of the coca community of Mezcala and a kidney recipient, believes that such forums are necessary reasons... Rather a bleak picture as far as crime and sanitation in Mexico despite such precautions end for. Rather dirty garbage truck the streets are clean couldnt wait to get back our... Mexico forum only guess is that they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky to.
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