Ever dream of getting a “New Lease on Life?” … An affordable, stress-free lifestyle in a different country…One where you can set your own pace, and enjoy a new culture in a near-perfect climate?
Well, you’re not alone. Thousands of Americans and Canadians have discovered Lake Chapala in southwestern Mexico as the perfect place to live year ‘round… or simply as a seasonal escape from sweltering summers or frigid winters. Lake Chapala is the # 1 choice in Mexico, with an English-speaking infrastructure already in place to make you feel right at home.
Chapala/Ajijic - One of the Last Best Places on Earth!!!
Rated by National Geographic as THE 2nd Best Climate in the WORLD…
Nestled between the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and Lake Chapala, the largest inland body of water in Mexico, you will find our little pocket of paradise.
Unlike the traditional resort locations on the coast where people like to vacation, Lake Chapala is a place where people come to live. Although ALL are drawn to Ajijic by the incomparable weather, gorgeous scenery and lower cost of living, they stay because they fall in love with the people, the setting and the lifestyle they can so easily enjoy. While retiring in Lake Chapala gives you the richness of a foreign country and culture, it also provides a familiar yet exotic environment in which to enjoy the best years of your life, and at a cost you can afford. In Lake Chapala, you can have all kinds of luxuries that only the wealthy enjoy back home. Just about everyone has a maid and gardener; many even have a cook. Pamper yourself, here you can afford it. Fruits and vegetables are abundant and ridiculously cheap. Property Taxes for a nice home hover around $150 US (PER ANNUM), yes, that’s right - $150 for the whole year. Add no heating and no air conditioning costs. There are not many places in the world that can offer you so many pluses.
Mexico – The Best Place in the World to Retire – says International Living
For two years running, International Living rated MEXICO as THE # 1 place to retire to. They use an Annual Retirement Index whereby they analyze 29 countries ranking them in categories including real estate costs, special benefits offered to retirees, culture, safety and stability, health care, climate, infrastructure, and cost of living.
Of the popular spots within Mexico, there is no question that Lake Chapala ranks at the top. We enjoy a much lower cost of living that other popular locations, we have better weather and easy access couldn’t be better with the International Airport a mere half hour away, not to mention the incredible beauty of the area.
So much Color!
One thing you’ll notice straight away is all the color; different each season. Imagine ten foot poinsettia Trees at Xmas. Beautiful (purple) flowering Jacaranda trees in February. Exquisite plants and bushes everywhere. Mexico is vibrant and alive with color, year round.. Wonderful little boutiques in colorful painted buildings. Houses painted orange, pink, blue… anything goes. Color brings joy and vitality to our lives; color lifts our spirit… warmth, smiles and laughter everywherer. Come share it with us!
The sheer beauty of the area is awe inspiring.
As I sit on my terrace, absorbing everything around me, a feeling of calmness and oneness with nature brings me a sense of peace. A gentle breeze caresses my skin while the palm trees sway in time to classical music. While listening to the sweet chirps of exotic birds I take a precious moment appreciating the gorgeous butterflies adorning the colorful plants and foliage that, during rainy season, seem to grow before your eyes. Often Ray and I imagine that if we were still working back in Canada and had taken a month off and come down to Ajijic and were sitting out on this terrace having our morning coffee, we would surely look around and say, “My God, what a wonderful life it must be to live here full time.” Then we’d look at each other and smile and say “We do!” For the full 13 years we have lived here, we have enjoyed every single moment.
Best of All Worlds
Not only are we welcomed with open arms by both the government and the warm Mexican people, we are also involved wholeheartedly with the foreign community in a way that extends well beyond what we would find back home. The influence of the Mexican people and their culture has a profound and lasting effect on us. Many people now living on the lakeside have traveled the world and they say they have never seen the sense of community anywhere else that we enjoy here.
One of the first things you will notice after spending a little time in Lake Chapala is the lack of consumerism and materialism and this is a special part of the charm. The Mexican people very much value friends and family and aren’t into “things” the way we are. People on the street will always greet you with a friendly "Buenos Dias" and a big smile. Walk safely, day or night and enjoy the special warmth of the local population as they invite you to share their culture and history. Continually we learn valuable lessons from them.
