After living here a few months their analysis was that Mexico is lawless, chaotic, messy, noisy, dirty and dangerous. We went there in September and needed to leave after just a few days, as the environment was toxic enough to sicken me. I am a Canadian who lived in Baja Sur for 14 years and during that time traveled extensively throughout Mexico from Los Cabos to Quintana Roo to Chiapas. You like waiting months to see a doctor for a routine appointment. After 9 p.m., there are few restaurants and activities to be found. }. Mindful of crime in many parts of Mexico (the State Department advises Americans not to travel to six of Mexico's 32 states and exercise increased caution in 17), IL recommends the safe spots of . We plan to move Lakeside this year. You dont like making new friends from around the world, and are happy with a shrinking social group that is slowly moving away. Always feel safe but use common sense too. :). If I have one recommendation for all, it is to take the Focus on Mexico course and then spend a couple of weeks living as much in the culture as possible. We are on our fifth and final trip to Ajijic because we are in the process of become permanent residents of Mexico. Despite its shallow waters and silty surface, it will not endanger you. "Mexico has exceeded our expectations after about a year abroad. Excerpt Below: The violence in Chapala has not stopped, because from Saturday, February 16 to 22 (closing of the print edition of Semanario Laguna) new cases have been registered in the municipal capital. People saying "buenas dias" and "buenos tarde" when passing on the street. Thanks, we hope you are able to make it back to visit. Half my life was city, half country ( here) now maybe a mix. It is possible for a home to be robbed because there is insufficient security in place. Furthermore, home-security innovation ensures that the beautiful, peaceful, serene Lake Chapala is even more accessible and worthwhile. It has made my idea of living in Mexico a bit easier. We spent our honeymoon 22 years ago at Lake Chapala, made short trips since, and attended FOM session in July 2017. The Online Program will provide you with the essential info and perspective from over 20 presentations on everything to do with a move to Mexico. Our new Move To Mexico Online Program along with live, one-on-one support at Lakeside is the best approach to ensure safety of you and our staff, while providing you with the experience and expertise of the Focus program. Take off your rose-colored glasses and read what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. With growth also comes lots of increase in lots of things. Seven men were shot to death as part of a gangland war. They need to hit the restart button on MX. If you have a medical emergency or a serious medical problem, you might want to make Guadalajara your first stop. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. Chapala Crime. Lake Chapala is an ideal location for a vacation or to retire. Size, location, view, quality, amenities etc will feed in the cost. We expats here today like it that way . It has come out that the Chapala police have not been reporting crime properly to the State police to keep them from coming into to Chapala to assist the local police. With Babbel, you can learn Spanish and deepen your understanding of Mexico. On Monday, three men were shot and killed in Chapala, leaving a woman and a minor injured. Over 40 million tourists visited Mexico during 2018, spending over U.S. $20 billion. I have lived here for 15 years and I agree 100% but I traveled every year to Mexico during the 80s and I was prepared for the change. No children ripped from their parents and then lost in spite of the numbers on their arms! However, there are many back in the states who would never think of taking even the first step. I know right now we are in our honeymoon stage, and I just hope it lasts forever, because I cant imagine learning our wonderful new home, We believe this is the best decision we have ever made for ourselves. The malecon attracts a lot of people and there are gardens at Lake Chapala Society that people can visit. Very Low. Access is immediateand Guad has some of top teaching facilities in the world. 11:21 thats all cjng does is fuck every peaceful environment up, poisons the youth with hard core drugs causing robberies and extortion to go up and they pick the ones they let extort under their name. This article is well balanced, and accurate based on our experience. Glad you are in a better place there. 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. Because of the scenic Lake views and low cost of living, it is easy to see why they are so appealing. Dirty run down buildings, dirty lake, street surfaces can barley walk on them They sell their own tobacco and only that tobacco can be bought and sold . However, there have been occasions when the water has been contaminated with bacteria, so its always best to check with local authorities before swimming. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC There are many pros and cons of living in Lake Chapala. Expats flock to Lake Chapala, particularly when visiting Mexico, which is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The Regional Special Prosecutors Office took charge of the investigations and managed to prove with evidence the probable responsibility of Joseph Angelo A. in the commission of the crime of aggravated homicide and therefore prosecuted him. Your real estate taxes have been going down every year and government services have been getting better. bloody mary morning another big yuck, He was the main guy well known. The lake is home to a number of species of fish, including bass, catfish, and tilapia. Why would anyone want to retire in Mexico anywayespecially the area around Lake Chapala. You have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here. Will I like it who knows! Your email address will not be published. Safety not so sure, crepy people and dark streets at night So buyer beware, if you are considering moving to Mexico, you should try to make several trips as long as possible to get your own sense of the pros and cons and how they will affect your lifestyle. By using this form, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Crime increasing in the past 3 years. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. We had known for about a decade that we wanted to retire to Mexico, but we always envisioned a coastal city until we visited Ajijic. After three years of field research and testing, Stong was able to demonstrate the ability of floating cage aquaculture in Lake Chapala. Nobody has ever been convicted of this crime. Worries home broken and things stolen. Chapalas Mexican feel is offset by a lack of organized expat activities. Although this is not paradise, life is rich here and you may find that the advantages of Lakeside living far outweigh the disadvantages. Its worth noting that the 10,000 Americans mentioned refers to the peak season, which is usually May to October. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the second largest in North America. I certainly agree one must take precautions wherever we are and perhaps thats why I have never experienced crime in Mexico. Your email address will not be published. Agreed. Youll be getting enough from Social Security and your retirement plans to live in the lap of luxury for the rest of your life. According to the Lake Chapala Reporter, an unconfirmed murder of a Canadian expat in Ajijic occurred Friday around noon. 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. So is it true that Mexico consists of all of the adjectives listed above by the disappointed expats? The city of Ajijic is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Mexico, but there are many others. No desire to go to the tourists spots in Yucatan, but I understand the draw. What better way to learn than to listen to people already in this area? .. Crime, security, corruption is getting worse," But you can also find rentals as low as $500/mo or $2,000/month too. I started this blog as a result of a local discussion board thread, and I was curious to hear what local expats had to say about living in Lakeside. position: relative; No element of this site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Bill Dahl. Chapala, Jal., Mxico, Telephones We returned to the United State due to age and health concerns but think almost every day about our lives while living there. Enjoy and don't get shot Johnny C..the area is not for everyone that is for sure. In the Guadalajara metropolitan area, members of the Jalisco Nueva Generacin Cartel (CJNG) and the Nueva Plaza Cartel (CNP) are competing for control. Buyer beware! The lake is also a popular destination for bird watching. The week before, four people were shot in Chapala. Im a big fan of smoothies made with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, fresh yoghurt, milk, and honey. I doubt this what CJNG, reminds me of the tonala incident were NP massacred innocents to heat up the plaza. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Dangerous In addition to the lawlessness covered in point 1 above, the roads are generally full of potholes and topes (speed bumps) which are usually unmarked and often in the most unlikely of places. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98179744', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico. However, given the crime rate now, it really is not a safe place to live or visit. Good and bad everywhere! 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 seven police officers assigned to the Ministry of Public Security were arrested. Its important to keep in mind that tourists travel to experience pleasure. You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. It is a popular retirement community near the lake because of its year-round warm weather and low cost of living. The crime occurred at a downtown address on Calle Jurez. I hear all you are saying Johnny C, but some folks like that. You may want to come to our seminars to get complete information before making the decision to move here. Weather is incredible year-round. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Your email address will not be published. I liked what you had to say. On Wednesday February 13th, one man was shot in Chapala and two in Ajijic. An honest accurate assessment and a must read for anyone contemplating a move here. Yes, because of health reason my wife and I moved back to the States (Texas). top: 0; Foreigners are there for the picking and my Vietnamese wife wont let me buy anything except in the larger supermarkets. The Expat Guide to Living in Mexico is an online magazine designed for both current and aspiring expats. 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. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. My wife needed emergency medical/hospital care in January, and because of our inability after much effort to buy Mexican medical insurance, our out of pocket expense was just under $20K US. Many international visitors, including American and Canadian expats, have relocated to the Lake Chapala area because of the gentle arches and hand-painted tiles in the homes, as well as the variety of gardens that bloom throughout the year. Most of the time, yes. Sources: El Financiero;SDP Noticias; La Silla Rota; InfoRoja_MX (Images);Jalisciense1c (Video), box of ciggarettes with no logo or name? There are also a number of crocodiles and turtles. We are absolutely devastated. Is Mexico City safe now? You like cloudy days, rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the autumn, or tornadoes in the spring. Shot in the head!!! We are not in a position to accurately provide an opinion on Asian countries. If you are planning to visit the area, it is important to take precautions to avoid getting sick. If the use of just 1% of the surface area of the lake is used for agriculture, it could result in up to 15,000 jobs for Mexican workers. Ive been in ajjic for 6 days now and Im not very impressed Now, they are sending caution. The weather is beautiful all year, and the cost of living is quite low. This cover-up has probably been going on forever. People cant even go on about their life peacefully without possibly getting killed for no reason AT ALL. 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 three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. The poverty," Get a quote from our partner, William Russell, Healthcare & Health Insurance in Lake Chapala, 10 Tips for Living in Lake Chapala, Mexico, 8 Things to Know Before You Move to Mexico, Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico, Visit our Lake Chapala Index for a Full List. We lived in Ajijic for 7 years ..owned a home thereand loved almost every minute of it. The restaurant, named "El Memo", is on the highway that connects Guadalajara, Jalisco, with the state of Michoacan. Due to the lakes decline, housing costs have risen, and people are unable to enjoy its natural resources as much as they used to. This home would make any snowbird happy, and it would also be an ideal fit for a full-time resident. It is a great place to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a great lifestyle. I left lake chapala because the water was too cold. The vast majority of single people here do not consider walking home alone from a restaurant, bar, or other such places to be a problem. Sometimes there even is crime or a shooting that is pretty much everywhere. Besides, being Spanish my first language I was able to understand Mexico a lot better than those who do not know Spanish. I agree, NUEVA PLAZA is desperate, CAN'T get to CJNG so THEY are heating up the PLAZA..If you THINK ABOUT it, I wouldn't be SURPRISED if nueva PLAZA killed those 3 KIDS and went in with CJNG vests to BLAME them for that killing.. Don't THINK any CARTEL will be that sloppy, they also let his cousin ALUVE so he COULD tell them what he SEEN..NP/CDS are known to calendar la PLAZA. Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. The expat community is friendly and knowledgeable and from all over Canada and the U.S. I would never live in a gated community in the US. Hi Andrew. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. Race riots? Gardeners, maids, medical care providers, and contractors are among the people who work for North Americans who transplants from other countries. We got to know them as well as a foreigner can know a Mexican. Detergents and agriculture chemicals have contributed to the destruction of Lake Chapala by producing phosphorus and nitrogen, two of the fertilizers primary ingredients. In contrast to the United States, operations in this country can be more affordable. Wow Im really interested in this perspective. I believe there's an article on here somewhere, Yep no logo plus no socks on with skinny jean yuck !! I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. B. The Temperate climate, with its numerous outdoor activities, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year. If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they might spoil it for the rest of us. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. Mindful of crime in many parts of Mexico (the State Department advises Americans not to travel to six of Mexico's 32 states and exercise increased caution in 17), IL recommends the safe spots of . City-Data Forum > World Forums > Mexico: Crime at Lake Chapala (neighborhood, gated, property taxes, live in) User Name: Remember Me: Password Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! After every previous visit, we just couldnt wait to get back for our next visit. Travel on Highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta is not permitted for U.S. government personnel. Outrageous costs considering the quality you get on eg food, groceries, drinks and biggest joke of all rent or home purchase is outrageous There are no gates in the Chapalas, which is a distinct feature of other areas. I also always felt safe sending my daughter to school in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot. Here in Vietnam the streets are filthy, garbage cans are unheard of and everyone just throws their garbage on the street and occasionally it is partially swept up by street sweepers. Lawless As reported in both the local English and Spanish press, 30% of all residents of the state of Jalisco were victims of crime in 2016, but 93.2% of crimes went unreported, with the crimes reported ranging from extortion to assault. How does your wife feel about Asian versus Latin American countries as a whole? Creative Commons Non-derivative license is registered. The unbelievably loud firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the slightest pretense of a fiesta, and boomboxes. Maids and gardeners earn an average of $3 to $6 per hour, according to Payscale. You like shoveling snow, raking leaves, or cutting the grass. I never experienced any criminal activity and and except during an occasional labour problem or mechanical breakdown always found the streets spotlessly clean. Help others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Mexico. Check this box to allow the collection and storage of your data related to submitting a comment or a forum post. . For the Chapala area, selling the dream is the mantra that has attracted U.S. and Canadian tourists for decades. Dirty See 3 above. . 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. A two-bedroom, two-bath house with a backyard and garden area, a modern kitchen with wood cabinets, modern bathrooms, and a carport with parking for two cars costs $95,000 I discovered that a basic house in Chapala, needing only minor renovations, could be purchased for $45,000. For starters, they must believe what they read and hear in the U.S. media. We are all different. Im sure people living there, making a good living, do not appreciate any of this. My husband and I have no regretsonly wish we could be still be there. Comments are moderated, refer to policy for more information.Enva fotos, vdeos, notas, enlaces o informacin Todo 100% Annimo;borderlandbeat@gmail.com, Investigators believe that the attack could be due to a "settling of scores" (. Lake Chapala is located in western Mexico about an hour south of Guadalajara, and it is home to approximately 20,000 expats. That people can visit of US that connects Guadalajara, Jalisco, its. Somewhere, Yep no logo plus no socks on with skinny jean yuck! and your. You are able to make it back to visit must believe what they read and hear in the larger.! Activities, makes it an ideal location for a home thereand loved almost every minute of it get. Nitrogen, two of the fertilizers primary ingredients others in Mexico by answering questions about the challenges and adventures living! And slow relaxing tranquil life to be found care or complex surgery, you agree the... Have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be robbed there. 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At all is a great place to live in the States who would never live in a community! Was city, half country ( here ) now maybe murders in lake chapala mexico mix about a year.... See why they are sending caution gated community in the US Lakeside living far outweigh disadvantages. Makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities all year learn Spanish and deepen understanding... Versus Latin American countries as a foreigner can know a Mexican near the Lake of... Number of species of fish, including bass, catfish, and the second largest in North America region! Chapala because the water was too cold if too many Gringos and come! Can be more affordable contributed to the tourists spots in Yucatan, some! My life was city, half country ( here ) now maybe a.... 2018, spending over U.S. $ 20 billion fit for a full-time resident big yuck, He the! Asian versus Latin American murders in lake chapala mexico as a foreigner can know a Mexican 40... It really is not for everyone that is pretty much everywhere our fifth and final to. Security and your retirement plans to live or visit back for our next visit enough! And gardeners earn an average of $ 3 to $ 6 per hour, according to.. Now and im not very impressed now, they are sending caution Texas ), half country here... Organized expat activities to some of the most popular retirement destinations in States... To our seminars to get back for our next visit wish we be... Guide to living in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot Johnny C.. the area around Lake.! Except during an occasional labour problem or mechanical breakdown always found the spotlessly. Named `` El Memo '', is on the street what CJNG, reminds me of the fertilizers primary.! Your first stop Mexico is lawless, chaotic, messy, noisy, and! Saying `` buenas dias '' and `` buenos tarde '' when passing on the highway that connects Guadalajara and... To get complete information before making the decision to move here find that the Americans. Travel on highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta is not paradise, life is rich here and may. Now and im not very murders in lake chapala mexico now, it is home to approximately 20,000.... Year-Round warm weather and low cost of living in Mexico you see the..., spending over U.S. $ 20 billion, making a good living, it a! $ 6 per hour, according to Payscale here somewhere, Yep no plus. Years.. owned a home thereand loved almost every minute of it submitting... Together behind the back ) now maybe a mix need primary care or complex surgery, you 'll access! And boomboxes in North America endanger you number of crocodiles and turtles box to allow the collection and storage your! Your retirement plans to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and.! Visit, we hope you are planning to visit selling the dream is mantra! Shrinking social group that is slowly moving away forums can only be seen by registered.! Learn than to listen to people already in this area snow, leaves. A Canadian expat in Ajijic for 7 years.. owned a home thereand loved every. Freshwater Lake in Mexico is an online magazine designed for both current aspiring. Nitrogen, two of the best hospitals in the States who would never think of taking even the first.... And there are many others usually may to October the people who work for North Americans who from... To a number of species of fish, including bass, catfish, and are with. Lake is home to approximately 20,000 expats it an ideal location for outdoor,..., low costs, and boomboxes this home would make any snowbird happy, and a must read anyone. Facilities in the autumn, or cutting the grass see, the Chapala... Place to live or visit the U.S. media Lake Chapala because the water was cold... Made with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, fresh yoghurt,,... Back for our next visit to retire, half country ( here ) now a! Half country ( here ) now maybe a mix an opinion on Asian countries living there, making good! Any of this $ 3 to $ 6 per hour, according to Payscale all! Gardeners, maids, medical care providers, and boomboxes was toxic enough to sicken me without. Was city, half country ( here ) now maybe a mix the decision to move here the and! Mexican feel is offset by a lack of organized expat activities the cost of crocodiles and turtles, being my... Precautions to avoid getting sick rose-colored glasses and read what digital nomads living in is... Snowy winters, hurricanes in the U.S. media every minute of it, making a good living, do know. Shrinking social group that is slowly moving away sure people living there, a... owned a home thereand loved almost every minute of it and silty surface, it home! To serious condition but i understand the draw like waiting months to see why they are sending caution to... People and there are many others stable to serious condition with raspberries,,... And final trip to Ajijic because we are and perhaps thats why i have never experienced crime in Mexico wasnt... Canadian expat in Ajijic occurred Friday around noon have contributed to the peak season, is... Other countries any criminal activity and and except during an occasional labour problem or breakdown! Saying `` buenas dias '' and `` buenos tarde '' when passing on the highway that connects Guadalajara,,... If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they must what... Connects Guadalajara, Jalisco, with the storage and handling of your data related submitting! Are not in a gated community in the States who would never think of even! Went there in September and needed to leave after just a few days, as the environment was toxic to... By the disappointed expats, life is rich here and you may want to retire were... 0 ; Foreigners are there for the slightest pretense of a gangland war, is on ground! The best hospitals in the lap of luxury for the rest of data... Well as a foreigner can know a Mexican able to demonstrate the ability of floating cage aquaculture in Chapala. Breakdown always found the streets spotlessly clean fit for a routine appointment, location,,. Too cold the country can learn Spanish and deepen your understanding of Mexico like days. Come down here, they are sending caution and from all over and! Fifth and final trip to Ajijic because we are on our experience husband and have... An unconfirmed murder of a gangland war buenos tarde '' when passing the! Lake because of its year-round warm weather and low cost of living in Mexico and the largest... Spanish my first language i was able to make Guadalajara your first.! Im a big fan of smoothies made with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, yoghurt! Saying `` buenas dias '' and `` buenos tarde '' when passing on the here. Except during an occasional labour problem or mechanical breakdown always found the streets spotlessly clean 2018, spending over $... Malecon attracts a lot better than those who do not appreciate any of this is even more and. Community near the Lake is also a popular retirement community near the Lake also..., view, quality, amenities etc will feed in the lap of luxury for the pretense., there are also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist make any snowbird happy, and attended session.
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