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. People inside the restaurant called the emergency line to notify authorities of the attack. Sitting at gringo cafes drinking lattes while ragged Mexican kids thrust hands out for pesos, ignoring veiled stares from the locals, ignoring the stench from the lake, saying about the multiple daily murders it was Mexicans, not expats. Nearby Ajijic was surreal. Will I like it who knows! All of the other issues, and they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be there at all. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. So sad RK: I am glad you are happy in your Paradise! Taking part in local events throughout the day for free is an excellent way to enjoy the community. I believe after living 16 years in Mexico, that economic motives are not sufficient to sustain a lasting reason to live south of the border. The lake is also a popular destination for bird watching. I've explored most of the country by car now and love it. 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," During our brief stay we met and enjoyed the company of many expats, Americans and Canadians. The investigative acts carried out by the Special Regional Prosecutors Office of District V based in Chapala allowed obtaining evidence against Joseph Angelo A. for his probable responsibility in the death of a man that occurred in that municipality, for which he is already facing criminal proceedings. You like arguing about politics all of the time. 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 . Ninety years later, Mexico's municipality of Chapala has plunged into the midst of the Valentine's Month of Mayhem & Murder. 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 adolescent attitude of the people who are well beyond adolescence in years. On Monday, three men were shot and killed in Chapala, leaving a woman and a minor injured. At one point, Joseph Angelo A. pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who was fatally wounded. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. The richness in Mexico lies in its people. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. Recently, 3 bodies were found murdered (shot) in San Antonio in the last three weeks, I lived in Chapala Centro for three months. Thats OK with us. 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. Creative Commons Non-derivative license is registered. Your email address will not be published. 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. The crime occurred at a downtown address on Calle Jurez. 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. One popular web board is said to have banned discussion of crime because a real estate company owns it. Lake Chapala is an excellent place to retire. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. I liked what you had to say. Good and bad everywhere! The cost of living in Mexico at my baseline (and total) levels was less than $745 per month. 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 town of Ajijic is so tight, it can be very challenging to walk anywhere in the village. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Expats and Mexicans coming together to enjoy the warm Sunday afternoon breeze and the frequent free music concerts and art exhibitions. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). There are no gates in the Chapalas, which is a distinct feature of other areas. 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. Email was only possible through long-distance calls because Guadalajara only had one Internet provider. You like being used by your children as a babysitter, cook and house cleaner. Goodness knows that being an Expat there (Lake Chapala) brings with it risks that are not present elsewhere in Mexico. Saturday: 9:00AM1:00PM. 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. 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. Laissez faire attitude prevailslike most countries in EuropeLatin America embracejust us gringos go at 90 mph in a 30 mph zoneand cannot break the habit. The Expat Guide to Living in Mexico is an online magazine designed for both current and aspiring expats. Traffic cops may still question you and demand mordida (a bribe). The dust of Mexico settles slowly. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! Moderate. They won't be appeeaing in convoy holding machine guns. Adapted from his blog:retirednsingleblog.wordpress.com. 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. I am the kind of traveler that likes to visit many different places, instead of being married to one town. 3. name is at the very beginning of the article dawg. Fast Delivery. Could you please share with me an approximate average cost of living for a reasonable rental for a single person? Due partly to the eclectic mixture, it has developed a continental Old World charm which blends smoothly with a distinctly Mexican ambiance. The distance from Mexico City isnt quite as long as it appears, and there isnt much to see here. 2023 Tour By Mexico. On Wednesday February 13th, one man was shot in Chapala and two in Ajijic. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98335009', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. Who knows, but I travel a lot and I am not Canadian, so no clue how they think or such. Most of those tourists come from the U.S. and Canada. I think one needs to take precautions everywhere, but I do feel more vulnerable in Mexico despite such precautions. Anecdotal, but one friend had his truck stolen in Chapala last year, and another, her home burglarized early this year. Then moved to Lake Chapala, Mexico maybe 3 years ago, roughly 2018. Chapala Lake, Mezcala Island, and Ajijic Private Tour with a Local Expert (From $165.00) Half-Day Guided Tour of Lake Chapala from Guadalajara (From $65.00) Tour to Lake Chapala, MAGIC TOWN of Ajijic from Guadalajara (From $40.67) Private Tour One Day Adventure in Chapala and Ajijic Pueblo Mgico (From $81.34) See all Lake Chapala experiences . You like spending thousands of dollars for a tiny apartment in New York, Boston, or San Francisco. 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. You would be able to get a feel and also find and move on rentals that you might find on Facebook groups, rental agencies, word of mouth and bulletin boards. We went there in September and needed to leave after just a few days, as the environment was toxic enough to sicken me. Two were killed. On Wednesday February 13th, one man was shot in Chapala and two in Ajijic. Crime, security, corruption is getting worse," swim in the pool and read. Hi Patricia, Tourism is BIG business. What is the currentbstate of thing in Chapala: same, better, worse? The water in the lake is clean and safe to drink. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. All true and I LOVE it here! Come visit Napa sometime! Utility bills, cable TV, internet access, maid service, and other services are all included in the rent. Crime in Mexico varies widely by location with the worst crime reported in the states that border the United States and the south of Mexico, mostly because of drug cartel activity, according to the U.S. Department of State. Her travel writing has earned her numerous awards, most notably from Lake Chapala English magazine, El Ojo del Lago. Mexico. $25 a month electric bills are too high, and youd rather spend hundreds of dollars a month to heat and air-condition your house. Recently some Lakeside expats who decided to return to their home country shared their grievances about the Lake Chapala area with us. This strategy must include resources dedicated to enhancing crime prevention, crime reporting, and the responsiveness/effectiveness of law enforcement. Thanks for the reply. Restaurants are affordable, although somewhat limited in scope -- but that's getting better. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98154842', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vallarta. 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 . Prices for basic necessities such as groceries and other items are also reasonable. Expat senior murdered in Chapala. Besides, being Spanish my first language I was able to understand Mexico a lot better than those who do not know Spanish. 100% Safe Payment. We lived in Miami before hereunless there are 2-3 people murdered every dayjust normal murders of 1go unreported.Guns here are not a BIG issue like in U.S.-where people have armoriesand all kids seem to own a hand gun. You are sure right about Mexico overall. 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! Enjoy and don't get shot Johnny C..the area is not for everyone that is for sure. After 9 p.m., there are few restaurants and activities to be found. Guadalajara, Mexicos second largest city, is one of the worlds most beautiful cities. He was over 65 years of age, retired, and living in the Chapala part of Lake Atitlan near the park. Take off your rose-colored glasses and find out what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. We expats here today like it that way . Hotels in Guadalajara are similar to private hospitals. Lake Chapala is a relatively safe place to live, with crime rates comparable to those of other North American cities. As prices rise, so do the number of people living there. Lakeside is an excellent place to live if youre looking for a low-cost place to live. This is a huge plus for those who dont like the heat and want to avoid it as much as possible. The towns of Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan Cosala, La Floresta, and Jocotepec have been featured. 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. We had lived in Mexico in both Ajijic and Mazatlan for five years mostly in Mexican areas and with Mexcian neighbors. Te amo. According to the Lake Chapala Reporter, an unconfirmed murder of a Canadian expat in Ajijic occurred Friday around noon. "Narco cartels and the resulting territorial violence is more than challenging--it's scary when it gets close. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the second largest in North America. Tourism is highly influenced by the perceptions acquired from these platforms. 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. First, if all depends on where you are coming from and what is important to you. So, to make them feel better, Ive compiled a list of the top 20 reasons NOT to retire to Lake Chapala (in no particular order): So dont believe all those books about the wonderful life here, or the promotional websites all the realtors produce to entice you to buy a house. . Menchas are pure scum. Most of these are located in the town of Ajijic. It is safe and, in fact, particularly for a retiree or tourist from the United States or Canada. 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. According to official studies, Guadalajara receives water with levels of aluminum ten thousand times higher than normal, he explained. The Valentines Day Massacre occurred in Chicago, Illinois on February 14, 2019. The decline of Lake Chapala has serious consequences for the people who live near it as well as the area. 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. So stay there for retirementif you can afford to. The bottom version of the photo is much more clear and there is no logohmm , Look into the CJNG tobacco Monopoly they have going on I their areas of influence. The Jalisco Attorney General's Office is investigating a mass killing in Jocotepec Municipality, Jalisco. The lake is also home to a number of birds, including herons, egrets, and pelicans. 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. If you are planning to visit the area, it is important to take precautions to avoid getting sick. Opportunistic thievery and denial. We love what we did for our country and what our country did for us, but that's all in the past," 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. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC The unbelievably loud firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the slightest pretense of a fiesta, and boomboxes. If you want to entertain yourself, you can spend as little or as much as you want here. bloody mary morning another big yuck, He was the main guy well known. You like waiting months to see a doctor for a routine appointment. It is simple to spend the entire day here, with so many things to do and see. Stray dogs abound in both Mexico and Rico, and people of both countries adore them. While I dont have any hard statistics, the expat retiree population lakeside is a combination of couples, a larger number of single women and a smaller number of single men. Mexico has a responsibility to protect the lake and the ecosystem that surrounds it. Im not impressed with the place nor the people, the only thing I like so far is the weather. 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. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. 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 . Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. News outlets have confirmed robberies and car burglaries are on the rise in the area. Interested in finding out more about our Online Program? Do know they occupy a lot of area here especially gated communities LOL. For many, Mexico ranks high on their list of places to explore. Lake Chapala Mexico real estate offers a wide variety of options for those looking for a place to live. The sidewalks are uneven, crumbling on many corners where the local buses repeatedly miss the turn, and the cobblestones are rough, making every walk through the village feel like a journey through uncharted territory. 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. are there any chat groups or forums where we can communicate with people already there to ask questions? To be honest it was the best six years of our lives. We got to know them as well as a foreigner can know a Mexican. Its our health and safety we have to be concerned with. R. Canada. In addition, the home invasions and petty crime are on the rise. Always feel safe but use common sense too. I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. Copyright 2022 | Focus on Mexico | Phone (From U.S.) 210 745 1404 (From Ca) 416 619 9310 | Privacy Policy. You like cloudy days, rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the autumn, or tornadoes in the spring. (We northerners could learn something about what it means to be discreet, which has a slightly different meaning in Spanish, roughly translating into not saying everything thats on your mind, and wrapping every discourse in courtesy regardless of how angry or justified you may think you are.). Michael, Bette, There is an unofficial tax called the Gringo Tax. You should also keep the sidewalk in front of your house clean. Street markets that have everything you need, and the smell of cooking. I suggest you go to other parts of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, given the crime rate now, it really is not a safe place to live or visit. 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. Contribute We saw some of the bad sides of Mexico, but we were fortunate enough to experience the people and culture. Local police are small departments and are not paid well. The streets are shared with dogs, horses and trash piled up for the eventual trash pick-up. Countless home robberies including from in-home staff. All Rights Reserved. The only source of fresh water for Guadalajaras 3 million residents is Lake Chapala. The posts that influence perception of the Chapala and Ajijic areas on these sites has become decidedly more forthcoming over the past six months; disclosing the challenges and realities that inhabit the area, confronting the selling the dream narrative from those who have a vested interest in maintaining the mirage. They are not all retirees, although an estimated one-third of expats living there are no longer working. 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. As mentioned above, it's even more rare for serious crime to involve the Expat community. Hi Andrew. You are right on. . How are they treated ? Worries home broken and things stolen. Why dont the government take care of Lake Chapala? Lake Chapala has a unique climate, beautiful lakeside homes, a low cost of living, and a thriving expat community. Very welcoming community. Its all in what you choose to focus on, isnt it? (He might want to revisit this purported strategy). For more information about Lakeside visit:Lake Chapala Towns. Expat communities based in Ajijic consider it a very safe place to live. Get a quote from our partner, William Russell. To their credit, they realized that this is not the life for them and made the decision to go home. This is all happening so fast. Not very friendly nor helpful Many countries are in the process of building new assisted living facilities in order to meet the needs of the elderly expat population. If you are . 16.67. COVID UPDATE: During the uncertainties created by the pandemic, we have suspended our live 6-Day Educational Programs and will be back in late 2021 OR 2022 depending on how conditions evolve. No children ripped from their parents and then lost in spite of the numbers on their arms! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Business affairs will be taken care of eventually, but probably not in the time frame expected by a typical U.S. or Canadian citizen. Its important to keep in mind that tourists travel to experience pleasure. 21 years no problems, one petty crime. The detainee, who is of foreign nationality, will remain for one year in informal preventive detention, as a precautionary measure imposed at the request of the Public Ministry. 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. The Mexicans in Ajijic view the gringos as a source of money. I like (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is no doubt that the State of Lake Chapala is healthier than many people believe. When a gringo buys something, the stores automatically tax you more. Mexico is still plagued with the issue of stray dogs. I believe there's an article on here somewhere, Yep no logo plus no socks on with skinny jean yuck !! Although the city is still dangerous, keep an eye out for trouble. Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Worldwide Delivery. Likewise, the municipality has run out of resources for the strengthening of public safety of the federal program FORTASEG ( LINK to Article). As a result, they were frequently bitten by bugs, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. We expats here today like it that way. Pathetic. That is happening with more frequency lately. So is it true that Mexico consists of all of the adjectives listed above by the disappointed expats? Safety not so sure, crepy people and dark streets at night The international living magazines and blogs tout the climate and cost of living as two of the prime reasons to move to Mexico, but warm weather and low cost of living are not enough on which to base a life. We are on our fifth and final trip to Ajijic because we are in the process of become permanent residents of Mexico. However, for those of us who can adapt to being here, it has a great deal to offer. 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. This is less expensive than living in Canada or the United States, where you would spend up to a third of your income. Deep wells were drilled many decades ago to provide water for homes. My brother far prefers China and Asian countries over Latin America an I feel more comfortable south of the border. I do not think there is a Paradise anywhere, everywhere has faults. A cobblestone is the cause of any number of accidents. No razor wire either nor paranoia! remarked another expat in Lake Chapala. GET A QUOTE, .video-container { 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? Former Dallas Police Officer, Sid Grosvenor, gives his opinion of the crime in the Lake Chapala Ajijic area of Mexico. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The purpose of this group is to help people make an informed decision on where to move in Mexico. Although this is not paradise, life is rich here and you may find that the advantages of Lakeside living far outweigh the disadvantages. It is a great place to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a great lifestyle. 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. Her family believed she had become obsessed with the situation as well. All the best and let us know if Focus can help you further. I know things have changed in these, but damn it, I miss Mexico. Nobody has ever been convicted of this crime. Also there are only beautiful babies here! 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. Very welcoming community. Michael Sapp, a man who lived in Panajachel, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan for maybe 5 years. They are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be found of... Consequences for the eventual trash pick-up, retired, and they are growing in numbers, make an. Of places to explore people already there to ask questions something, the only source of money guy well.... Toxic enough to experience the people and culture about the Lake and the second largest in North.. The eclectic mixture, it & # x27 ; s even more rare for serious crime to involve the Guide. Guadalajara is home to a third of your house clean are in time. 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