If you are going to retire - why not to a beautiful place?
Ajijic: Area and Information
Warm Affordable Retirement Haven is becoming the place to be if you are seeking adventure.
Lake Chapala, Mexico, over 5000 feet above sea level is located only 2 hours from Houston, Texas via the airport in Guadalajara and has the largest expatriate retirement population in the World, with Europeans, Canadians and of course Americans who are making the cognitive decision of switching their cold winters, high prices and stressful lives for a temperate, beautiful climate with a leisurely lifestyle.
This area first discovered by the Americans after World War II now houses over 40,000 expatriates. Yes this is still very much Old Mexico, not the trendy tourist meccas but laid back, family style, and English is a popular language that makes you feel welcome and ready to understand you could make that move South of the Border.
The charming village of Ajijic (Ah-he-he-ic) with a population of about 10,000 dates back to the 16th century, and is the home of many Artists and Craftsmen. Cobblestone streets and open air vendors surround the quaint town square where merchants will go out of their way to help you with directions or making change. Restaurants are plentiful and the food is excellent and if the mood is right, a cold margarita hits the spot. You may actually feel you're back in the time of Happy Days or Lavern and Shirley.
Real estate costs have risen most recently, but not only is this area still a great bargain, but today Medical facilities are very good, and the things to keep you busy are phenomenal. It is quite possible to find a nice 2-3 bedroom home for under $100,000.00 with luxury amenities, even servant's quarters. Lake views, gated communities, even more spectacular options are also available; the limit is your own budget or imagination. Very important however, are rentals ... why you may ask.; Because before one jumps in and makes a purchase you should visit this area, take some time, understand the culture, maybe even rent for a while. What's next is you can rent a great place for $500 to $1,000 / month. Once you've been here awhile without breaking the bank and having your heart tell you, "what are you waiting for…" then, consider purchasing or even investing.
One of the best places to learn of the area is the "Lake Chapala Society" an organization that is the networking hub in the area. Located in Ajijic it is where everyone gathers for Yoga lessons, health screenings, learning about the area, including where to live and what to do, Legal help is available as well as information on all the social functions. You can even take Spanish lessons and the dues are all of about 40.00/year. Plus learn of all the Bed and Breakfast hideaways, another hidden secret of Ajijic.
In the United States we pride ourselves on our mobility and think nothing of getting in a car or plane and traveling across the country. In Mexico if you want to travel, the roads have greatly improved and you can now be in Puerta Vallarta in 5 hours via modern expressway or even drive to the US Border in about 9 hours. The areas little towns and villages beg to be visited and treasures abound for the looker. Many Mexicans go on holiday in South America where everything is exciting and most different. If you are looking for the unusual or exuberating this will certainly trip your trigger. The airport in Guadalajara is only 25 minutes away and a direct flights to Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles or Phoenix are only a couple of hours away. Guadalajara is a mystery in itself. The second largest city in Mexico has some of the world's finest artisan and cultural events. A cosmopolitan city with universities, hospitals, major manufacturing firms, as well as the Opera, playhouses, and some of the finest restaurants in the country. This constantly moving city is very much like a South of the Border New York City.
Crime and terrorism are two factors that unfortunately influence people everyday. Here lies a great misnomer. One of the factors that makes Mexico so wonderful is the fact it is a family oriented Country. Family values influence the lifestyle along with a definite religious influence. Although this country is predominately Roman Catholic, all religions are practiced and tolerated. Because of these strong influences of religion and the strong family ties crime is much less than in America, and terrorism has little place in Mexico because it gets little press or reason to be there. In fact this is a nation that is not easily influenced by the media. People are self sufficient and make up their own minds then go about their own business. The rest of the world has not yet discovered Mexico and tried to pedal their influence, it's refreshing. Now there are issues regarding taxes and visas that demand evaluating, but good legal advice is available and very affordable compared to U.S. barristers. You can also create a Mexican corporation and start your own business if you are so inclined. The opportunities are like going back to the 60's or 70's in the U.S. with today's knowledge.
Another misnomer…thy ugly American. Today much of the World has the opinion that America is decadent and its people spoiled and mean spirited. Not true in Mexico. These people have watched those who have moved here and integrated themselves in the Mexican lifestyle. Most Americans living here are respectful yet inquisitive how this family culture has survived so long while our own values seem to unravel upon occasion.
In this area of the World we have become co-dependant upon each other. The Americans are in need and the Mexicans are willing to provide. This needs based economy is driving the overall economic picture. Prices remain reasonable and it is not uncommon to even have domestic help in the home or garden. This is not decadent…it is good for their economy yet affords you more time to explore the beauty of this wonderful part of the world.
Also there are two great periodicals, in English, that will keep you apprised of what is going on in Chapala / Ajijic. Both can be subscribed to and received in the U.S. These are not only great resource pieces, but incredibly entertaining. Excellent writers, tremendous information and lots of local advertisers make these a must for the visitor as well as potential visitor. Please see "The Chapala Review" and "El Ojo Del Lago".
For those who feel compelled to "give back" there is an unbelievable opportunity here. The "Society" has earmarked charity work with tons of groups that not only really need help, but you can readily see the results of your efforts. The rewards from good work or dollars invested have an immediate impact and there are no words for the way your heart feels upon helping your fellow man, even if he may be Mexican. Needs are great and opportunity abound to help, from the children to needy adults. People here feel the magic of this pre-Columbian fishing village, encircled by this ancient ring of mountains on Mexico's high central plain. Even folks who view everything as black & white admit they feel the magic; the Magic of Ajijic.
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