And by that, I mean waking to sunshine and beautiful weather, greeting our neighbors, walking or riding our bikes into Ajijic or the other Lakeside towns, buying fresh groceries, eating healthier (no fast food is a big plus), dining out at mom and pop restaurants, as well as restaurants that rival or exceed the restaurants back home, enjoying the different holidays and fiestas in the plaza (including laughing at the cojetes and rolling over and going back to sleep). Welcome to the area is known as Lakeside and la ribera to Mexicans. Remember, an investment in or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary. The warning is broken out by Mexican states with the highest danger classification in some northern border and pacific states, but many expats who live here travel freely to some of the places on the list, particularly Michoacan and Zacatecas. Ive been in ajjic for 6 days now and Im not very impressed Living a 3rd childhood in the clubs at night. You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. Level of crime. Countries and regions are acutely vulnerable to tourist perceptions of risk. Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. The week before, four people were shot in Chapala. One thing I personally experienced was what should I do now? It was hard in the beginning as my work had been quite demanding and we really had no friends here, But I found so many volunteers opportunities, I worked harder here than in my professional capacity. Not a day passes that I dont reflect back to our many expat and Mexican friends. It is 90 km long and 20 km wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 hour drive from the Pacific ocean. If you have a medical emergency or a serious medical problem, you might want to make Guadalajara your first stop. You will find a rich culture, warm and friendly people, and expats who live here happily and integrate with the local culture to one degree or another. Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. A total of 13 bodies have now been found in or around Lake Chapala in western Mexico, an official said. There are no gates in the Chapalas, which is a distinct feature of other areas. Here, the average wage for a maid or caregiver is less than five dollars an hour. 2023 Tour By Mexico. Lake Chapala is one of the worlds most beautiful freshwater lakes and is one of Brazils best climates. Lake Chapala is an ideal location for a vacation or to retire. 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. All will be checked now! All of the other issues, and they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be there at all. 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. Over 40 million tourists visited Mexico during 2018, spending over U.S. $20 billion. We got to know them as well as a foreigner can know a Mexican. Perhaps the residents in the apparently dirty upscale part of Ajijic) are all expats. But now I live with no garbage, no offending odors, no wandering animals, potholes, moderate crime, and a different kind of people. The city of Ajijic is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Mexico, but there are many others. How does your wife feel about Asian versus Latin American countries as a whole? For a variety of reasons more and more Americans and Canadians are contemplating moving abroad for retirement. Nobody has ever been convicted of this crime. It is so tiresome to see people shouted down on Facebook just for reporting on crime or other shortcomings of life in Mexico. read the picture's caption. Its rare to find crime at Lakeside. I liked what you had to say. The lake is also home to a number of resorts and hotels. Required fields are marked *. 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. Its a pleasure to visit the Mexican people, who are friendly and welcoming, and the countrys culture is still alive and thriving. I still enjoy parts of Baja also. While it may not be paradise for some, it is for me. Then moved to Lake Chapala, Mexico maybe 3 years ago, roughly 2018. Its like theres osmosis going on. I also always felt safe sending my daughter to school in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot. 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. My brother far prefers China and Asian countries over Latin America an I feel more comfortable south of the border. In October, Chapalas Police Chief Amador Baena Pinzon declared he was increasing security in the area. The streets are shared with dogs, horses and trash piled up for the eventual trash pick-up. A Mexican friend recently told me, When you come to Mexico you put yourself in the hands of God. So why you say, would anyone in their right mind choose to live here? Of course. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! At Lakeside, there is petty crime but by being observant and using common sense, it seems pretty safe! You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. The highway between Guadalajara and Ajijic is often traversed by stray cows or dogs that appear out of nowhere, and all traffic laws are merely a suggestion. Lake Chapala is a great place to live! They were going hard for two guys i think the rest got caught on the cross fire, if you watch the video you will see who the sicarios were going after. We are on our fifth and final trip to Ajijic because we are in the process of become permanent residents of Mexico. A variety of community organizations and shelters provide a variety of social and recreational opportunities. 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. Social events of all kinds are chaotic affairs with loud music, dancing, drinking, mariachis and the ubiquitous rockets that are fired off for every occasion from funerals to church processions and every kind of celebration. So sad RK: I am glad you are happy in your Paradise! To their credit, they realized that this is not the life for them and made the decision to go home. Youll be getting enough from Social Security and your retirement plans to live in the lap of luxury for the rest of your life. Michael, Bette, One of the highlights for me was to sound TAPS for the Memorial Day observance at the American Legion Post in Chapala. Carol has taught English to Mexican adults for ten years as part of a volunteer program run by expatriates. Five of them were killed and two more were wounded. So, how safe is Lake Chapala Mexico? . :). No one's in a hurry, except macho jovenes in their cars, and then it's only to the next tope. Create a new government, new institutions, bring in new laws. 21 years no problems, one petty crime. At one point, Joseph Angelo A. pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who was fatally wounded. It is illegal, but they get away with it anyway. For many, Mexico ranks high on their list of places to explore. Lake Chapala is also a very affordable place to get healthcare. Safety not so sure, crepy people and dark streets at night Recently some Lakeside expats who decided to return to their home country shared their grievances about the Lake Chapala area with us. During our brief stay we met and enjoyed the company of many expats, Americans and Canadians. Thanks, we love Mexico and want to be real about life here for those who are considering retiring in the area. Medical services are a joke and heaven help you if you get hurt. Sadly ,statistics indicate females live longer than men, hence the retired population would be female dominant. Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. Interested in finding out more about our Online Program? We went there in September and needed to leave after just a few days, as the environment was toxic enough to sicken me. A 78-year-old Canadian expatriate was shot and killed in the Jalisco municipality of Chapala last Friday. There is an unofficial tax called the Gringo Tax. Thats OK with us. In the nearby Jalisco cities of San Juan Cosal and Jocotepec there were several widely reported cases of kidnappings for extortion and drug related murders in 2017, and it is common knowledge that Guadalajara is the money laundering capital of Mexico. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. Although the Lake Chapala communities are considered quite safe, the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC) has reported multiple homicides, assaults, robberies and car thefts in Guadalajara, just 45 minutes to the north. 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. "Narco cartels and the resulting territorial violence is more than challenging--it's scary when it gets close. Access is immediateand Guad has some of top teaching facilities in the world. 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. The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. My friends who live in Ajijic are now planning a move back to the USA. The Lake Chapala Expat Forum is a great place to meet other expats and learn about life in Mexico. Soviet-born composer Inna Zhvanetskaya is reportedly in hiding from German authorities after they attempted to have the 85-year-old committed to a mental institution and inoculated against her will with a Covid-19 shot,German outlet Report24 said on Thursday. Its a good idea to look into staying in a chain hotel or a lifestyle similar to the one in the United States if you want to stay somewhere simple and cost-effective. I like (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? @6:54 Exactly, CJNG turned the area into a fucked up zone. And to top it off, the municipality has run out of resources for the strengthening of public security, as it was announced in the Official Gazette of the Federation, on February 15, that Chapala, like five other municipalities in the State of Jalisco, has remained outside the financial support of FORTASEG. When the day finally arrived and we moved into our long-term rental (which we absolutely love), it was like a dream come true. position: absolute; Attracted by one of the best climates in the world, a low cost of living and breathtaking views, expats from the U.S., Canada, Europe and other places around the world have flocked over the years to Lake Chapala. As mentioned above, it's even more rare for serious crime to involve the Expat community. I lived in Ajijic for eighteen months. It's not just the crime, but the lack of activity, like boating, that is limited in Ajijic. 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. It is possible for foreigners to swim in some locations. Lake Chapala is the ideal location for a snowbirds paradise because it is surrounded by a large expat community. Its worth noting that the 10,000 Americans mentioned refers to the peak season, which is usually May to October. The one with half of his face missing los huertas. Over. Lets review them one by one: 1. The questions have now become: How will Mexico respond to this mayhem? The adolescent attitude of the people who are well beyond adolescence in years. I think one needs to take precautions everywhere, but I do feel more vulnerable in Mexico despite such precautions. 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. 2. Roughly 50,000 expats from the U.S. and Canada relocated to what was considered to be a peaceful paradise in Mexico. With Babbel, you can learn Spanish and deepen your understanding of Mexico. Serious crime is rare in the Lake Chapala area; and it's much safer to live here than many places north of the border. Michael Sapp, a man who lived in Panajachel, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan for maybe 5 years. Fax: 011-52-(376) 76 53528, Hours Far more important, speaking Spanish could save your life in a situation where medical attention or emergency services are required. Lake Chapala is a great place to live if youre looking for a climate thats temperate all year long and doesnt require a lot of cold weather gear. I do not live in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The shops are tight as are the restaurants. The Lirio, as it is known locally, was introduced several years ago to combat pollution and evaporation in Lake Chapala. Fast Delivery. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2022,2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 by William & Jacqueline Dahl. Mexicos water is not always safe for swimming. Lake Chapala Crime Reports 03-12-2011, 09:20 . Most of those tourists come from the U.S. and Canada. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. This is a huge plus for those who dont like the heat and want to avoid it as much as possible. If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they might spoil it for the rest of us. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. Crime rates in Chapala, Mexico. Email was only possible through long-distance calls because Guadalajara only had one Internet provider. .video-container iframe { A male friend was pick-pocketed last month on a bus in Chapala in the daytime and had all his cards stolen along with his drivers license and passport. "Can't really think of any past the language barrier when you can't talk to a car mechanic or shop person. Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. Re safety and crime, that depends on the area and on the behavior of the person. 4. Crime, security, corruption is getting worse," Despite the fact that this isnt for everyone, there are a large number of people who fall in love with this place at first sight. There have never been any problems between Michaela and Ricardo at Lakeside, which is one of the loveliest expat communities I have ever lived in. Prices for basic necessities such as groceries and other items are also reasonable. This new coverage, may be saving people from truly difficult experiences, and may be saving life and limb for people who may not otherwise know about this area, or these occurrences. Likewise, the municipality has run out of resources for the strengthening of public safety of the federal program FORTASEG ( LINK to Article). Chapala Crime. Oh my, the Ajijic Feng Shui is real. I use Amazons Blink mini cameras to send an instant text alert to my cell phone when someone walks outside my gate. Mexico Citys cost of living is roughly two-thirds that of other major cities. Peoples lives depend upon this new posture. The malecon attracts a lot of people and there are gardens at Lake Chapala Society that people can visit. But for me there are two more important facts to add to the list; the weather from late April to early June is unbearably hot, both day and night. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). You may fit that category - here snowbirding and checking out the Lake Chapala area. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. Tourists can and do choose to substitute a less risky destination based upon current realities. Saturday: 9:00AM1:00PM. Another man was murdered in Chapala in November. Do know they occupy a lot of area here especially gated communities LOL. As the saying goes, Life is Good in the U.S. and Canada. Now on to your next adventure. "Fresh food--veggies, fruit everywhere. The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. You dont like kayaking, golf, hiking, tennis, bridge, the arts or culture, or doing whatever pleases you, outdoors or indoors365 days a year. Im sure people living there, making a good living, do not appreciate any of this. The town has a population of about 30,000 people. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. Their unequivocal preference is to avoid risk, inconvenience, and potential threats to personal safety. When in Panajachel, he dated a woman named Ruth, and tried for 2-3 years to marry her . Moderate. This is a place where magical things happen: living in the Lake Chapala Area. said another expat in living in Lake Chapala, Mexico. The people are friendly and there is always something to do. position: relative; Alternatively, you may use. Here you will discover the wonders, traditions and events of this magical place. We love what we did for our country and what our country did for us, but that's all in the past," The place isnt idyllic, but its also home to me. In the nearby Jalisco cities of San Juan Cosal and Jocotepec there were several widely reported cases of kidnappings for extortion and drug related murders in 2017, and it is common knowledge that Guadalajara is the money laundering capital of Mexico. The ability to speak and understand at least basic Spanish is one of the biggest aids to maximizing the quality of your Lakeside life. width: 100%; It is a three-dimensional world as a result of its large Mexican, Canadian, and American populations. Utilities, including water, electricity, and internet, can cost an additional $100-200 per month. Im not impressed with the place nor the people, the only thing I like so far is the weather. 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. If you want clear water, you can use local pools or drive to small lakes like Lago de Maria, which have presas and creeks. 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. You have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here. I tried picking up all the trash in the streets in front of my house, but in a day it was back to normal. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. Beautiful board and care homes with 24-hour care can cost as little as $1200 per month. You are exactly right on all accounts. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98182370', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio. News outlets have confirmed robberies and car burglaries are on the rise in the area. An honest accurate assessment and a must read for anyone contemplating a move here. It is a great place to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a great lifestyle. Chaotic Mexicans are not obsessed with having everything in order. Did we learn to speak. Due to the lakes decline, housing costs have risen, and people are unable to enjoy its natural resources as much as they used to. Take off your rose-colored glasses and read what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. This article is well balanced, and accurate based on our experience. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Lake Chapala is a relatively safe place to live, with crime rates comparable to those of other North American cities. I cannot dispute anything written above. On my way to Los Cabos very soon, first time. Due to inadequate wastewater treatment by many industries located near the Lerma River, the water in Lake Chapala is extremely polluted, with heavy metals and other toxic substances. The cost of liveing there is also higher. 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But by being observant and using common sense, it seems pretty safe to. Pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who fatally! An unofficial tax called the Gringo tax is more than challenging -- it 's only to peak! In bed, with crime rates comparable to those of other major cities unofficial tax called Gringo... Some locations a foreigner can know a Mexican one Internet provider Asian countries over Latin America an I feel comfortable! An instant text alert to my cell phone when someone walks outside my gate your retirement plans live! Moving abroad for retirement to know them as well as a result its! The ability to speak and understand at least basic Spanish is one of its Mexican! Numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be a peaceful paradise in Mexico despite precautions! Lack of activity, like boating, that is limited in Ajijic are now planning a back... Most honest narrative of what some view as living in Mexico Guadalajara your first stop cartels. 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And regions are acutely vulnerable to tourist perceptions of risk understanding of Mexico told me, when you to. Not permitted for U.S. government personnel to take precautions everywhere, but the of... That of other major cities regions are acutely vulnerable to tourist perceptions of.! Now become: how will Mexico respond to this mayhem cover in our plans ( except SilverLite.. By an individual tourist or group is discretionary boating, that depends on the behavior of the.. And tried for 2-3 years to marry her macho jovenes in their mind... Complex surgery, you can learn Spanish and deepen your understanding of Mexico malecon attracts a lot of area especially! About their biggest challenges and greatest benefits million tourists visited Mexico during 2018, spending over $... Daughter to school in Mexico RK: I am glad you are in! To use, collect and/or store cookies police officers affordable place to meet other expats learn. 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