27:45 I love what he said there "We are all equals here." That is soooo important to me as a Mexican, I don´t want the woke culture of "I am a minority, please be sorry for me crap." We are all equal here and we try to behave that way.
I think the difference is that racism has been less of a problem in Mexico than it was in the US. Mexico abolished slavery 30 years before the US and then didn't have decades of discriminatory policies (for instance, Black people weren't allowed to buy houses in most areas, which meant they couldn't get rich from owning real estate. And that's just one example.) The Woke culture of the US is a reaction to the history of the US. Mexico has been fortunate to value equality for a much longer time. Even now, many whites in the US don't want equality.
@AlmostRetiredinMexico thank you for your comment, I couldn't have said it better. As an African American 70 year old woman from the South (America) we have unique circumstances many outside of the US are woefully ignorant of.
Great info! I’ve been in the Ajijic area for 8 months. Extraordinary dental care at a fraction of the cost brought me here. The beauty, pace of life and graciousness of everyone brought me back! It is my forever home. ❤
I'm really looking forward to completing my dental work in the Chapala area. I've had some work done in Tijuana over the past 15 months but I won't be going back there; they were lovely, caring people but unfortunately the lack of good tools, shall we say, was a set back. I'm glad to hear your dental experience has had a positive outcome.
@@jackbaldwin3649 well, I was given an estimate of $25,000 for extensive dental work in Orlando. I went to ajijic, Mexico where I was quoted $3,000!!!! I am now in the middle of my procedure (it takes a few months), and loving my new life in Mexico!!!
I've been looking into dental care in Mexico and heard that Los Aldogones is a major hub. Do you have any advice on how to find good dental care there?
Very good video and you covered most of the important issues. You touched on the impact of expats on local Mexicans. On one of my first visits to Chapala/Ajijic, I attended a discussion at LCS where the topic was "has expat influx helped or hurt the locals?" The discussion was divided. The local economy is stronger than many other areas in Mexico and many jobs have been and are being created by the expat community, but many local native Mexicans have been priced out of the housing market and the costs for food, and other necessities have gone up quite a bit over the years.
A “soft landing” is exactly what Ajijic (and LCS) was for me on my first solo, non-vacation trip when I visited in 2022 looking for my retirement home and my “place to die.” I haven’t settled on my new home yet. But, regrettably, it probably won’t be Ajijic, even though I badly wish it could be. Why? The infrastructure issues are too overwhelming for me. With only a single main road, the traffic is bad a lot of the time, the internet connectivity and electrical services can be irritatingly inconsistent. The level of what is acceptable is different for everyone. So, you must visit and draw your own conclusions of whether Lakeside, and specifically Ajijic, is for you. Expat FB groups have their advantages but, as Steve suggested several times, for every question asked, there will be 10 differing responses. Boots on the ground is the very best way to evaluate your future home. Brighton, your video style is the best. Asking the question off camera and separately filming the response cuts through the “noise” that is persistent in so many other videos in the mexpat space. Well done, as always!
Thank you! The single road around the lake is definitely a challenge. I’m happy to see a bike path as an alternative - I saw a few people on electric bikes. Chapala was a nice town too, with less of a traffic problem (as soon as they finish construction…) But there are lots of options around Mexico. I hope you find your forever home soon!
Your boots on the ground outpace me by about a year as I won't be lakeside for a checkout till my property sells. I'm also looking at lakeside (not specifically Ajijic) as a soft landing space primarily due to language; if I were fluent I would be confident to consider other towns around the lake. I also have concerns regarding the unreliability of water, power and internet; some conflicting info from people on FB groups, most of whom are living lakeside. I'd be interested in hearing more about your discoveries as time goes by.
@@transequitur Best of luck with your sale and move. Ajijic and Chapala are both great soft-landing places. And it's so easy to explore all over Mexico from the GDL area. The airport has so many direct flights!
Hey brother! It is amazing how professional your videos are becoming. Really love the b-roll as well as the content itself. Keep doing what you're doing, your channel is totally underrated!
Hola, met you at Craig and KJs....ice cream is great in Mexico! We have lived in the Ajijic area for 1 year now and could not be more happy. Retired early, sold our house in Vegas, bought house and car in Mexico. Never going back, people are great and weather is near perfect. We are members at LCS
I'm so glad to see you doing a video from Ajijic, especially covering some ground not previously covered. I noticed Steve mentioned Orange County, Ca. more than once and being a So Cal native I get the gist of what he's saying. At this stage I'm interested in being around more ex pats for the soft landing it affords given my lack of spanish fluency. Conversely, I'm interested in commingling with locals to expand my skills and boundaries, culturally and otherwise. And as anyone from southern California knows, it's really an extension of Mexico and working in the construction industry I've worked with more Mexican American than Anglos. I really admire their commitment to community and family. Thanks for your great work.
Start practicing your Spanish with the construction workers! They'll teach you all the good words ;-) You can live in Ajijic (or San Miguel de Allende) and still get immersed in Mexican culture. You just need to try harder because it's so easy to hang out with other foreigners.
I love the way you explain all the important info about living in Mexico as an expat. I want to thank you and the Mr in the video for such very good information.
Good video. I liked that you brought up the subject on the perspective of preferring to be in an expat community versus being in an "expat free" community, since this an important point for many foreigners. Steve Balfour suggested there might even be a "middle ground" between these two viewpoints as an option for some. Hearing his commentary on a wide variety of topics made this a much better video given his role in the community. Learning Spanish is always a good idea for EVERYONE. Don't buy into the "I'm too old to learn it." argument. Communicating in Spanish is a game changer.
Great video and absolutely relevant advice on setting expectations, evaluating medical needs and setting a budget. We have been living lakeside for 6 years now. 4 years in Ajijic and 2 years now in Chapala. We did the soft landing by buying into a beautiful gated community of mostly expats which made for easy transition but then sold our home and moved to Chapala where we live in a mostly Mexican neighbourhood with some expats and love it. We pay out of pocket or ‘ self-insure’ medical care and most people we have met over the years have also cancelled their insurance as it is outrageously expensive and in most cases will not cover you after a certain age or if you have any pre-existing conditions. It is certainly something that must be in your budget or plan. The quality of care here is fantastic and overall, better than our experiences in Canada. Thanks for the video and interviewing Steve Balfour was a good choice.
I rented lakeside 22 years ago. It was a great place to start and learn the ropes of living in Mexico. But, after 6 months, I was ready to go because the area was too expat heavy for me, and, at the time, the lake was drying up (the lakebed was grazing ground for horses and kids fashioned soccer field where the water once flowed. I joined the Lake Chapala Society and got their resource binder with information on trusted services in the area: doctors, insurance, etc. I now live in a traditional Mexican neighborhood in Morelia. I recently returned to Lakeside 2 years ago and was surprised to see a Walmart and even more traffic on the main highway than before. I was glad to see the lake had filled back up to normal levels.
I had heard about the low water levels and animals grazing in the lake bed. Including barb wire used to corral the animals (which supposedly still exists below the waterline. It still felt like the water was low when I was there. But clearly higher than it once was. Ajijic is a great landing spot for new expats. I haven't been to Morelia, but I've heard good things! Thanks for sharing!
Brighton, I really appreciate the balanced perspective you provide in your videos. For my part, I’m retired and will be moving to Mexico in the next year or two. Your videos are helping me to select the places I first want to explore for my permanent residency (currently narrowed down to LaPaz and the Chapala area. I lived and studied in Mexico in my college years and am so looking forward to my future life in Mexico. I have no strong desire to live among English-speaking immigrants and snowbirds, BUT the Lake Chapala Society and the excellent hospitals/senior care, as well as the good climate, do place Chapala high on the list as I move along in retirement. Have you covered La Paz from the perspective of retired seniors in any of your videos (ex. activities, healthcare, senior care)?
Many other videos lightly touch on the Lake Chapala Society, but you went deep! THANK YOU for that! I really appreciate how you are able to share so many details in one video, your interview questions are the Key I think ... so keep that up! ( questioning minds) I think people want to know what they might be getting into and as for the "soft landing, I think the Lake Chapala Society really provides that for Newbies in this area. Great Video!
Thanks. Excellent video. I arrived in Ajijic 4 years ago ! Immediately after arriving at my AirBnb I walked over to Lake Chapala Society and became a member I’ve taken a few classes there Also got help getting my Mexican drivers license . I eat there Attend the Children’s Art Programs where I’ve purchased their art and some pottery. I go there to eat , relax and listen to music I suggest visitors go there once arriving in Lakeside. A very educational place , Cultural place and a springboard to many things including getting involved with other expats as well as other Mexican/ Latin American residents. Beautiful ground too as you covered so well. Very informative for the viewers 👍
What an incredible story and interesting lady! I say those dogs are very lucky to have an incredible caregiver and volunteer. Her husband recovering from brain surgery and having her parents with her must be an incredible blessing!!!🥰❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦
Great video as always Brighton. I was glad to hear him specify the difference between "Working with the government" and "politics". I read, possibly from the website when applying for residency: As a Mezican resident either temporary or permanent you are not allowed to participate in politics or any protests. Or something to that effect. I can search for it if you'd like. However, it's great to hear that it doesn't stop anyone from working with the government.😊
I am drawn to San Miguel de Allende for a number of reasons. I’ve been twice and already have 5 friends there! My husband is not so keen (though he hasn’t been there) because there are so many expats. He says he doesn’t need the soft landing because he’s from India! He adores CDMX and though I love to visit it’s just too big for me. A place I really liked that is not well known among expats is Tepoztlán. It’s quite close to Mexico City but is very Mexican and so beautiful.
Thank you very much for this thorough & much-needed video. As an expat for almost 20 years, in Asia and Europe, I have found that it is very important, if possible, to have access to at least 5-10 expats who plan to live in the community for the long-term. It's also good to know expats from different countries if possible as each group often has access to different information and your life also becomes more interesting, especially if you speak their language. Thank you also for telling us about different parts of Mexico and what is & isn't available in those areas. Take care & keep up the wonderful work!🌷🌷🌷🌍🎉
Living in Mérida. Awesome. I am a Yucatecan now. Accepted by all the folks in our neighborhood. I'm the only immigrant in this 4 block area. Expat...not a good word..
Brighton: Yes, Kat is better looking. Yes, you may have better stories, but I haven't heard her stories to be able to judge who's are better. Thanks for your Chapala story. It was well organized and executed. It provides a nice glimpse of the Chapala area and tons of useful information packed in half an hour. You and Steve did a nice job of articulating the pros and cons of living there as an expat. For me personally, there are way too many ex-pats for my taste, but my wife/Arlene would fit right in.
So true. It would be a nice soft landing for Arlene. Maybe you can check out San Juan Cosalá. It's nearby, but a lot less foreigners. And there is a bike trail along the main road. Get Arlene an e-bike and she can spend all day in Ajijic if she wants!
I spent time in Ajijic last year and loved strolling around the LCS grounds, browsing their library, and listening to the Sunday morning talks. A lovely town, but watch out for those damn cobblestone streets and poor sidewalks. Real ankle twisters!
Love your video and perspective. I was at LCS yesterday with a local Dr. Who was inquiring about various ads etc. The experience there is hot and cold! I thougjt they were trying to be more friendly....but still many off puting expats and entitled attitudes...just wish it were friendlier! Being here five years my any local call the attitude " toxic" at times. It is a beautiful place and grounds, however. If steve doesnt want to build bridges...then that says it all. Keep your videos coming!
Another interesting interview with comparisons to help people decide if Mexico itself or one of the cities within would be a good place to live. Thanks, Brighton!
I appreciate the nuance that's recognized in this video. I personally prefer to live around Spanish speakers bc linguistics are such an important aspect to living a full life in another country, but that's a personal decision. Regardless of circumstances, I'd encourage immigrants (sorry, I'm not the biggest fan of the word "expat" these days) to learn the local language.
I agree - for me it’s important to learn the language. And I’ve been trying to mix the terms expat, immigrant and foreigner into my videos. I know some folks don’t like “expat” but others haven’t yet learned to use the other words.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico If you plan to permanently live in Mexico or any other country, you are considered an immigrant like it or not. If you live part time in Mexico and part time in the country of your origin and birth, only then can you truly refer to yourself as an ex-pat. Only extranjeros from the US have turned the word immigrant into something that is undesirable. I am a proud to be an immigrant in Mexico and I love that they allow me to live here.
@@davidsebastianelli1326 There are many definitions. And there are many connotations. In Mexico, many locals feel that "expat" is a term used to signify superiority. I don't think that extranjeros from the US mean it that way, but how it lands matters. For me, I try to use all the terms - because different people use different terms. As a guy creating content on the Internet, I need to pay attention to the words my audience uses. And most commonly that term is expat, but I'd love to see more people use foreigner, immigrant (or extranjeros.) KJ and Craig at Truly Remarkable Life just did a great video on this topic: ruclips.net/video/Lk_rbyu1iaA/видео.html
@@davidsebastianelli1326 Typically the difference in the terms of expat and immigrant, is that expats are typically not getting their resources from the new country. Typically when People immigrate to another country they are looking to benefit or place down economic roots in the new country. Thus, in the 1920's writers like Ernest Hemingway & F.Scott Fitzgerald moved to Paris, France they were called Expats, so its not a new terms. These writers made their income independently, so they weren't an hardship on the host country. One has to show the Mexican Government that they are self-sustaining to be given a temporary or permanent residency. If one was escaping a repressive government and the government of Mexico granted asylum, one would be accepted on the basis of that and not have to show one's financial stability. Thus, you are an immigrant.
I heard that many gringos move away from Ajijic to Chapala. Cheaper rent, easier to walk cheaper food, more choices in music etc etc. Ok, even less bugs. And those who have made this move have said that ok, if we want to visit Ajijic, it's so easy to just either drive your car or take the bus witch is so cheap so there it is. Ok, as the president here is saying WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT and wow, he is so right.
Goat milk I’ve cream? I’ve never had it. I saw an ice cream store across from the plaza, but I’d already had my cone for the day, so I didn’t investigate.
Many years ago I was a professor at a state university in Mazatlan. I talk to film history and basic film production, in Spanish. Though I was asked to teach English classes as well all right told them no thanks. It’s my intention to keep learning Spanish and when I’m in Mexico I try to avoid speaking English. Therefore being in places like San Miguel & Ajijic I’m hearing English way too often and most waiters and shopkeepers assume I speak English so they address me in English. When I’m in Mexico I’m all about Spanish a real focus on it. I lived in a building in an area in Mazatlan the historic district and at the time it was known as gringo Gulch since there were so many retired Americans and Canadians living there. I always greeted them in Spanish and if they didn’t speak much English well we just didn’t converse much. An example of the opposite of what my approach is to Spanish, I had a friend from the US who is teaching English classes at the same time. After school he was paid to hold conversation groups at a local coffeehouse and give private tutoring lessons in English in the late afternoon. He would come home to his apartment and watch CNN and other channels in English, listen to American and British music who is the lyrics were in English, and make phone calls to friends who are also English-speaking. Over the course of eight months he lost a lot of his Spanish simply by not using it very much. I just don’t want to be one of those people who loses any of my Spanish. I meet people all of the time who come to Mexico on vacation who studied for years of Spanish in high school but now it’s 10 years later and they can only remember two or three words. Can you imagine not being able to order a glass of water in Spanish? Some of them and calendar this difficulty, the most basic of survival skills. Comments?
I love your informative videos, thank you for that. I am wondering what kind of camera you are using? the clarity and the quality of the picture is great. I you dont mind to share the name and model of the camera.
Thanks for the compliment! Pretty simple: iPhone 13 Pro. Sometimes I use cinema mode to get the nice fuzzy background. Sometimes I do that in Final Cut Pro. Happy to share!
First of all thank you for all you hard work providing this useful information for us Americans. Hope you can reply to this, we’re thinking to move there, who can we contact first for good advise in renting and general info, a good expat like us and avoid scams . I appreciate your help.
Me too. Too many RUclipsrs have just asked Mexicans (who are very polite people) and concluded that Mexicans are happy about foreigners. But the researcher I met with will be doing door to door survey with Mexican college students asking the questions. I'm hoping she can get honest answers!
Gentrification is getting a problem in different areas not only in the capital but also in other states, some Mexicans need to move because everything is getting expensive to live, they are selling their properties, rents are getting higher, services as restaurants and stores are increasing their prices, some foreigners don't want to mix with locals and are rude to them they live in their own "bubble"and don't want to follow social norms or rules and are entitled and also the idea of doing nomad work and living with an American salary are making the immigrants not to incorporate to the local economy, it just create more inequality. Discrimination over services are increasing because businesses prefer those who pay more like foreigners. There are some Mexicans that dislike seeing more and more foreigners because that means community displacement, don't get me wrong Mexicans in general are not xenobobic they will help people of different countries and be nice to them but things are getting expensive over the years because of that displacement. Also please learn some basic Spanish or use translators to help you sort out the miscommunication. I have met specially Americans that get mad and insult people and get in their Karen mode just because people speak Spanish in their own country. Normally we will be patient and help you out but that entitlement and rudeness to people that are not in touristic places and do not speak English is not appreciated. If you go to another country be respectful and responsible. I don't like to generalize but unfortunately I know this things have happened before some people are nice and other not so much.
I am so glad there’s no American politics! Lake Chapala strikes me as the Villages of Florida. Lots to do everywhere. I can’t decide between PV, Lake Chapala, or San Miguel
I want to do a video comparing the Villages to Expats in Mexico. But I need to find more reasons to go to Florida... It's an unspoken rule not to talk politics from the US or Canada. Not perfectly followed, but most people are in Mexico to leave that behind. You've got three great places on your list. PV gets hot in the summer - the other two are perfect for year-round living!
@@lunazamoracreative I'm working on a video about the Tequila train... does that count? Thanks for the suggestions. Check out these videos: ruclips.net/video/R9S6BqeCCe4/видео.html AND ruclips.net/video/D7pGSfQBtNw/видео.html And be sure to join the Expat Facebook Groups in the different towns.
I've been down there last year and on RUclips. A lot Americans come there and energy is getting expensive and overcrowded of a Canadian and American in ajijic It's not like used to be just to many Americans.there.
The interesting thing about retiring in MX is that a US citizen needs about $2,500 passive income to retire. Isn’t that quite high considering that Portugal is only about $900 a month? And Argentina $600 a month? (Approximate)
Correct - $2,500 is the minimum amount of monthly income (can be active) required to get a temporary visa to live in Mexico. Or savings around $50,000 (including retirement accounts.) Mexico has been raising the requirements for the past 3-4 years. It probably costs more to live in Portugal than Mexico, but they are encouraging immigration more than Mexico. Argentina is cheaper than Mexico and also encouraging immigration. Mexico is so close to the US that they can be more restrictive.
Love all the info. Thank you for the great videos. Having had a flood in our area now I do worry about natural disasters. How is the earthquake preparedness there?
Hmmm... They are very big on having "reunification points" for emergencies. They are painted on the ground on sidewalks and parking lots. Other than that, I really don't know. Fire and ambulance service is less impressive than the US. But hurricane insurance is available! One of my followers had his condo destroyed in Acapulco 2 days after he purchased it. :-( He was insured. The government is pretty good at cleaning up quickly after a hurricane. I'm assuming the same for earthquakes. Good luck with the floods!
I am still in TX, but planning my move to Mexico. My social security payments go direct deposit into my bank in TX and will continue to do so. I hope that helps & answers your question.
Ají ji is too crowded and over price for me i found a lake gem only 20 min from there and 30 min from the airport.bought a pc of land on a new development over looking this other lake. Don’t feel like there is only Ají ji or chapala there is many small lake towns outside the Chapala lake strip that are affordable and nice the language for some is the main reason people usually stay stuck in the immigrant bubble i suggest learning a few key words to get around im a dual citizen raised in Los Angeles and move out here from henderson NV . I m not retired yet but already im getting ready for when that time comes and Cajititlán lake is the place for me .
Brighton, cool. Well done. S0 much going 0n. I am tickled pink that i was able to buy/lease land in El Comit❤n. LSC is a great benefit. RUclips BSC is a huge part of my days these days. Kraig or craig and AJ are helpful too. Thanks! Please 🕴let’s keep collaborating about healthcare and how to be an honorable and a fine ex-pat.
“We have as much to learn from them as they may learn from us.” Perfectly said, the possibility is there for a lot of back and forth education. I see that I have more to learn from Mexicans than they do I yet i am determined to be present … and engage. My land is real close to the Tecate Six. Maybe see you and your guys’ spot in April. I should have a party, somehow.
I visited Ajijic two years ago for a few weeks. It is enchanting and I would recommend it! Great restaurant scene! In my view there is only negative: the cost. By Mexican standards it is expensive - not "a little more expensive" - but - EXPENSIVE. That that regards it's like San Miguel de Allende. No I don't think you can live comfortably on less than $2000 a month.
No one drinks the municipal water - locals or foreigners - in Mexico. But drinking water is dirt cheap and buying it is just like buying anything else you need in daily life.
Hey, HI!!!!! I was tryihg to find you earlier today. Is your lovely HOME okay in Mexico w this 140 mph winds roaring thru ????? Thinking of you. Realize you are in Portland but have to be only a phone call away from your home in MX. Hope all okay.
We checked in with friends and our caretaker. Done flooding in downtown La Paz but not much in El Centenario. Some wind and power outages. But all looks great on our cameras.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Oh my !!! Well, thank goodness. The roof is okay ? You must be so relieved. Your camera system sure has proven to be a best friend. If it wasnt there, I wonder if you would have put it in. And the roof. Wow. Well, sleep well, tonight. Best to you both. Fall is coming. Back to MX , soon.
@@BPe-ie9je The roof seems to have survived just fine. I'll be happy when hurricane season is over! I'm a big camera fan, so I would have probably put them in anyway. But it was good to have one there in the beginning (but we had to run all new wiring anyway...) Thanks much!
@@BPe-ie9je We cross at Mexicali. It's a great way to get to Baja California Sur. MX 5 is a great road from Mexicali south. It joins with MX 1 about 5 or 6 hours south of the border and it's smooth sailing. MX 1 is a bit rougher road (narrower, older pavement...) If you don't have your residency, don't forget to stop to get your passport stamped! Here's our recent crossing: ruclips.net/video/TnEU7CAjR64/видео.html
I checked the Lake Chapala org on line and the services are $300 a month? It doesn’t explain what that $ is for. Of course I will inquire about that $ but that on top of regular monthly expenses is high for me. I’m sure it’s a great program. Hola. Hope to see you in the near future.
San Juan De Los Lagos Jalisco is pretty much identical weather wise to this place but somewhat bigger 70,000 + residents according to wikipedia . I spent two weeks July 08 there and it was heavenly . I live in VERRRY HOT San Antonio Tx with heat index of 110 degrees F Rained during days keeping it cool lil daily showers that's all . Every day lil showers and carried an umbrella wwith me . Yeah fairly large numbers of foreigners who have more disposal income and are eating , drinking out more often than the locals and renting apartmens can and probably certainly do drive prices up in rentals and in restaurants / bars . This video didn't show if these expats spread out living in the local community or it's an expat specific area ?
San Juan de los Lagos sounds like a nice place. I'm not sure where all the expats live in Ajijic. The ones I visited were interspersed with the locals in the downtown area. As Steve mentioned, there are fraccionmentos along the highway that are almost all foreigners. I've got a real estate video coming soon...
Interesting video. I lived in El Dorado for 2 years and Upper Chula Vista for 1 and then Mazatlan for one and went back to South Florida, I don't like it here and will be back in Ajijic in early July as there is nothing to do here. My days of boating and jet skis are over but the Harley I ride daily. I can't get a place on the beach anymore that is affordable so no more fishing or boating. I like feeling safe dowb there but Guadalajara at night is nuts. I like living in gated communities as guns are outlawed in Mexico and I would feel pretty vulnerable in a house outside of one. But to each his or her own...it is a very safe town so Steve was right on that point. I guess I just like nice stuff???
These videos are so helpful. I don’t think I’d enjoy trying to recreate the USA inside of Mexico. Blah. I mean why are you leaving in the first place? Doh!
México always opened their arms to foreigners like chinese french or spanish. People willing to invest and work hard. Not the ones who come to have an early retirement or to buy things that can not afford in your own country. Even less if you come to not pay taxes here. We are friendly yes. Not dumb
Actually, most of Mexico opens their arms to all foreigners. At least that's been my experience. Where are you from - I'll keep that off my travel list.
Ajijic has a lot of older people from the US and Canada. They've been coming for around 100 years. Younger immigrants from the US and Canada are starting to move to this area too.
Ajjic is like riding a training bike with 3 wheels on the back. Good place to start to immurse yourself into Mexican Culture. Not quite real, but good place to start. I live in a City of 450K people, only about 30 are Gringos. Way superior, way cheaper and a lot of fun, once the neighbors take you in and adjust that you are there. Gotta start some where so Gringo Gulches are a good place to start if you have no Latino relatives and not very familiar with that culture. I would never go back and live in a Gringo Gulch community.
No to be a hater but why do you still call yourselves "expats"? As far as I know, moving from a country or region to live in another is called a migrant. If I live in Mexico and move to the U.S. I am therefore called a "migrant". I get it you want your views or clicks from fellow migrants like yourself but please use the correct terminology.
With all due respect you are the one using the wrong terminology. An expat and an immigrant are completely different things and people like you who harass youtubers with the wrong information need to be stopped. Look up the definitions of both and stop harassing people. An expat is someone who spends time in their home country AND another country. An immigrant leaves their home country FOR GOOD with no intention of ever returning. The gentleman who you are currently harassing spends half his year in the United States.
@@JoeyBeeFit Thanks for setting us straight :) I do NOT call myself either !! I spend about 4+ months in other countries per year... I am a foreigner when I am living abroad, but not an immigrant because I have no intention of landing there permanently... so There ya have it! :)
Ajijic was definitely not my vibe. Too much American and Canadian influence and the politics that comes with it. Check out Oaxaca and Chiapas there's more of a European population of foreigners and less political bias with that.
Interesting! I hadn’t thought about the difference between where the foreigners originate The researcher I mentioned studied the differences between expats in Ajijic and PV and found surprising differences.
@AlmostRetiredinMexico I spent 6 months traveling mainland on my motorcycle hitting every state and noticed quite a contrast. South of Acapulco, I noticed more European and less North Americans. The vibe was more laid back. Mazunte, San Jose Del Pacifico, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, Bacalar all very laid back. Conversations were very relaxed. If you have been in the Facebook groups of Ajijic and Pv, you often see political banter labeling people Trumper or Liberal. I have not been in those groups for a while, so I don't know the current status of those groups. You know exactly what I'm talking about it was similar in Loreto over the cruise ships during covid. These situations I did not encounter at all in expat communities with higher rates of Europeans.
When Mexicans talk about norte americanos or europeos, do you use "méxico inmigrantes"? When I type in "Mexico Immigrants" into Google, 99% of the results are about Mexicans moving north. But if I type in Expat Mexico, I get results about people moving to Mexico. I got similar results with "méxico inmigrantes." But maybe I'm using the wrong terms. I try to use Expat in my video titles because that's the language used by most people moving to Mexico. I try to include "immigrants" and "foreigners" when I'm speaking in the video.
Some expats gooood. Too many not so goooood. Too many and they can pollute and dilute the local community. Yes sometimes they might enrich or enlighten but sometimes they just tell the locals that isn't how they do it at home. But that's just my opinion and fear. PS Steve seems nice enough to be Canadian although he claims he's not. 😁 P n D
Steve's probably from Minnesota or some other "close to Canada" state. I know what you're saying about "ugly expats." I'm working on getting those folks to move to Florida...
I like your videos, but I have a question. Why did you interview a Colombian woman instead of a Mexican woman? I am Mexican living in another country, and for me, it is an insult that you interviewed a woman who does not belong to our Mexican culture, considering that you are talking about my country Mexico, not Colombia. Otherwise, the content of your videos is very good. I really enjoy them, but the only thing that caught my attention was "that" detail.
In general, Americans and Canadians who move to Mexico do not bother to learn Spanish. They spend more time talking about how they want to, would like to, and how difficult it is, than on actually learning Spanish. They don't want to shell out for private lessons and don't learn much in everyday settings. They also don't really need to learn Spanish to survive. Fancy restaurants and real estate offices will always have people who speak English to attend to their needs. They pick up a few words, usually related to food, and then showcase them to friends and family when they go home for a visit to display how integrated they are in Mexico. Meanwhile, they are generally just hanging out with other ex-pats.
In my experience here at Lakeside, the first sentence above (and what follows, of course) is just not true. Yes, there are some who fit that description, but the generality is too broad. For some reason, it's too commonplace here to find expats who feel it necessary to be critical of other expats. Can't we all just get along?!
I’ve heard that expats can be very entitled and rude to locals. People in the States are constantly judgement to latinos in the States that don’t speak English, for example. It seems really entitled and rude to live in Mexico for years and not have a good grasp of the language.
Yes - expats can be entitled and rude. And we can also seek to fit in with the local culture. It's important to no isolate from the locals - and language is key to connecting (and the official Mexican language, not the one you came down with.)
I don't think anyone is afraid of the term immigrant. It's kinda like if you called yourself a man instead of a male. You wouldn't be afraid of the term "male" but you are more likely to use the term "man."
Yes, it's possible to live in the US for $1500 a month. And you could live for $300 a month in Mexico. It's kinda like touring a high rise condo in New York and comparing the cost to a townhouse in Des Moines.
I always embarrassed for those people who have lived 15 years in Mexico and can't even order a beer in a restaurant. Not everyone learns at the same pace, but come on, make an effort.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I am Mexican and live in Tepatitlan with family living in Chapala I Spent most of my life in San Francisco Ca, when I visit the Chapala area I am surprised at how many Americans that have lived there for over 15 years don't bother to learn Spanish, to me it means they have no intention in having any interaction with the local Mexican community
@@gustavomezcala4142 I understand. Yes - it's a lot of older people who struggle with languages and just give up. And in Ajijic it can work for them because a lot of the locals speak English.
Excellent job as usual. We have considered the Lake Chapala several times. One of my biggest reservations is the lake itself. I read that it is heavily polluted. I’ve read that it is receding. It would just be sad IMO to live next to a beautiful lake and not be able to let your dogs swim or go fishing and eat the fish. And if there is a lot of pollution in the lake, doesn’t it inevitably seep into the local soil and groundwater? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Chapala?wprov=sfti1
Yeah - the lake itself is a major drawback. It's polluted and low. I heard that the pollution has been worse and the level has been lower. But I don't feel like either of those issues will be solved soon. Someone also said there is barbed wire in the water (from when the levels were really low and farmers started using the land for grazing.) It's beautiful, but it will take a lot of work to get it into good shape. Supposedly the fish is edible, but I'm not sure I would trust that. I stayed away from eating fish while there.
27:45 I love what he said there "We are all equals here." That is soooo important to me as a Mexican, I don´t want the woke culture of "I am a minority, please be sorry for me crap." We are all equal here and we try to behave that way.
I think the difference is that racism has been less of a problem in Mexico than it was in the US. Mexico abolished slavery 30 years before the US and then didn't have decades of discriminatory policies (for instance, Black people weren't allowed to buy houses in most areas, which meant they couldn't get rich from owning real estate. And that's just one example.)
The Woke culture of the US is a reaction to the history of the US.
Mexico has been fortunate to value equality for a much longer time. Even now, many whites in the US don't want equality.
Wow, you really should educate yourself on our history
@AlmostRetiredinMexico thank you for your comment, I couldn't have said it better. As an African American 70 year old woman from the South (America) we have unique circumstances many outside of the US are woefully ignorant of.
Are you really a Mexican, I doubt that.
Great info! I’ve been in the Ajijic area for 8 months. Extraordinary dental care at a fraction of the cost brought me here. The beauty, pace of life and graciousness of everyone brought me back! It is my forever home. ❤
Congrats on finding this special place! I love that you came for very practical reasons and stayed for all the wonderfulness that is Mexico!
I'm really looking forward to completing my dental work in the Chapala area. I've had some work done in Tijuana over the past 15 months but I won't be going back there; they were lovely, caring people but unfortunately the lack of good tools, shall we say, was a set back. I'm glad to hear your dental experience has had a positive outcome.
I would like to hear more about the dental care!!
@@jackbaldwin3649 well, I was given an estimate of $25,000 for extensive dental work in Orlando. I went to ajijic, Mexico where I was quoted $3,000!!!! I am now in the middle of my procedure (it takes a few months), and loving my new life in Mexico!!!
I've been looking into dental care in Mexico and heard that Los Aldogones is a major hub. Do you have any advice on how to find good dental care there?
Very good video and you covered most of the important issues. You touched on the impact of expats on local Mexicans. On one of my first visits to Chapala/Ajijic, I attended a discussion at LCS where the topic was "has expat influx helped or hurt the locals?" The discussion was divided. The local economy is stronger than many other areas in Mexico and many jobs have been and are being created by the expat community, but many local native Mexicans have been priced out of the housing market and the costs for food, and other necessities have gone up quite a bit over the years.
Gentrification
A “soft landing” is exactly what Ajijic (and LCS) was for me on my first solo, non-vacation trip when I visited in 2022 looking for my retirement home and my “place to die.” I haven’t settled on my new home yet. But, regrettably, it probably won’t be Ajijic, even though I badly wish it could be. Why? The infrastructure issues are too overwhelming for me. With only a single main road, the traffic is bad a lot of the time, the internet connectivity and electrical services can be irritatingly inconsistent. The level of what is acceptable is different for everyone. So, you must visit and draw your own conclusions of whether Lakeside, and specifically Ajijic, is for you.
Expat FB groups have their advantages but, as Steve suggested several times, for every question asked, there will be 10 differing responses. Boots on the ground is the very best way to evaluate your future home.
Brighton, your video style is the best. Asking the question off camera and separately filming the response cuts through the “noise” that is persistent in so many other videos in the mexpat space. Well done, as always!
Thank you!
The single road around the lake is definitely a challenge. I’m happy to see a bike path as an alternative - I saw a few people on electric bikes.
Chapala was a nice town too, with less of a traffic problem (as soon as they finish construction…)
But there are lots of options around Mexico. I hope you find your forever home soon!
Your boots on the ground outpace me by about a year as I won't be lakeside for a checkout till my property sells. I'm also looking at lakeside (not specifically Ajijic) as a soft landing space primarily due to language; if I were fluent I would be confident to consider other towns around the lake. I also have concerns regarding the unreliability of water, power and internet; some conflicting info from people on FB groups, most of whom are living lakeside. I'd be interested in hearing more about your discoveries as time goes by.
@@transequitur Best of luck with your sale and move. Ajijic and Chapala are both great soft-landing places. And it's so easy to explore all over Mexico from the GDL area. The airport has so many direct flights!
Hey brother! It is amazing how professional your videos are becoming. Really love the b-roll as well as the content itself. Keep doing what you're doing, your channel is totally underrated!
Thanks Joe. We are releasing collab videos in September, right? We need to pick a date. I'll send you a message on Instagram.
Hola, met you at Craig and KJs....ice cream is great in Mexico! We have lived in the Ajijic area for 1 year now and could not be more happy. Retired early, sold our house in Vegas, bought house and car in Mexico. Never going back, people are great and weather is near perfect. We are members at LCS
Great to connect here! They was a great event. I’m jealous: I want an LCS in La Paz!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexicoNoelle and I were thinking the same thing (La Paz Society) and we nominate Brighton West as the first president. We would join!
I'm so glad to see you doing a video from Ajijic, especially covering some ground not previously covered. I noticed Steve mentioned Orange County, Ca. more than once and being a So Cal native I get the gist of what he's saying. At this stage I'm interested in being around more ex pats for the soft landing it affords given my lack of spanish fluency. Conversely, I'm interested in commingling with locals to expand my skills and boundaries, culturally and otherwise. And as anyone from southern California knows, it's really an extension of Mexico and working in the construction industry I've worked with more Mexican American than Anglos. I really admire their commitment to community and family. Thanks for your great work.
Start practicing your Spanish with the construction workers! They'll teach you all the good words ;-)
You can live in Ajijic (or San Miguel de Allende) and still get immersed in Mexican culture. You just need to try harder because it's so easy to hang out with other foreigners.
I love the way you explain all the important info about living in Mexico as an expat. I want to thank you and the Mr in the video for such very good information.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Agreed!
Been in the lake Chapala area 20 ,years. Love it .!!!!
It’s a wonderful place. There’s so much more for me to explore around the lake.
What I love about La Paz is that there are some expats but not too many plus it’s not a major tourist hub.
Yes - that’s exactly why Kat and I love it too. It’s like the Goldilocks zone of tourists and foreigners!
It is not "expats" it is immigrants... Don't try to hide the reality from yourselves "expats"...
One of the best discussions about moving to Mexico! Muchas gracias!
Thanks for commenting! This makes me feel great.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico What about the dollar conversion now ? Thats a HUGE hit for person on fixed income ????
Good video. I liked that you brought up the subject on the perspective of preferring to be in an expat community versus being in an "expat free" community, since this an important point for many foreigners. Steve Balfour suggested there might even be a "middle ground" between these two viewpoints as an option for some. Hearing his commentary on a wide variety of topics made this a much better video given his role in the community. Learning Spanish is always a good idea for EVERYONE. Don't buy into the "I'm too old to learn it." argument. Communicating in Spanish is a game changer.
Great video and absolutely relevant advice on setting expectations, evaluating medical needs and setting a budget. We have been living lakeside for 6 years now. 4 years in Ajijic and 2 years now in Chapala. We did the soft landing by buying into a beautiful gated community of mostly expats which made for easy transition but then sold our home and moved to Chapala where we live in a mostly Mexican neighbourhood with some expats and love it. We pay out of pocket or ‘ self-insure’ medical care and most people we have met over the years have also cancelled their insurance as it is outrageously expensive and in most cases will not cover you after a certain age or if you have any pre-existing conditions. It is certainly something that must be in your budget or plan. The quality of care here is fantastic and overall, better than our experiences in Canada.
Thanks for the video and interviewing Steve Balfour was a good choice.
I've lived in the Lake Chapala area (San Antonio Tlayacapan) for nearly six years. Love it.
That’s great. I have a video coming up from a little health clinic in your town. It’s Lakeside Medical Group. Have you been there?
I rented lakeside 22 years ago. It was a great place to start and learn the ropes of living in Mexico. But, after 6 months, I was ready to go because the area was too expat heavy for me, and, at the time, the lake was drying up (the lakebed was grazing ground for horses and kids fashioned soccer field where the water once flowed. I joined the Lake Chapala Society and got their resource binder with information on trusted services in the area: doctors, insurance, etc. I now live in a traditional Mexican neighborhood in Morelia. I recently returned to Lakeside 2 years ago and was surprised to see a Walmart and even more traffic on the main highway than before. I was glad to see the lake had filled back up to normal levels.
I had heard about the low water levels and animals grazing in the lake bed. Including barb wire used to corral the animals (which supposedly still exists below the waterline. It still felt like the water was low when I was there. But clearly higher than it once was.
Ajijic is a great landing spot for new expats. I haven't been to Morelia, but I've heard good things!
Thanks for sharing!
Brighton, I really appreciate the balanced perspective you provide in your videos. For my part, I’m retired and will be moving to Mexico in the next year or two. Your videos are helping me to select the places I first want to explore for my permanent residency (currently narrowed down to LaPaz and the Chapala area. I lived and studied in Mexico in my college years and am so looking forward to my future life in Mexico. I have no strong desire to live among English-speaking immigrants and snowbirds, BUT the Lake Chapala Society and the excellent hospitals/senior care, as well as the good climate, do place Chapala high on the list as I move along in retirement. Have you covered La Paz from the perspective of retired seniors in any of your videos (ex. activities, healthcare, senior care)?
Many other videos lightly touch on the Lake Chapala Society, but you went deep! THANK YOU for that! I really appreciate how you are able to share so many details in one video, your interview questions are the Key I think ... so keep that up! ( questioning minds) I think people want to know what they might be getting into and as for the "soft landing, I think the Lake Chapala Society really provides that for Newbies in this area. Great Video!
You are so welcome, Diana! I love hearing this feedback (I welcome all feedback, but I LOVE the positive feedback.)
Thanks. Excellent video. I arrived in Ajijic 4 years ago ! Immediately after arriving at my AirBnb I walked over to Lake Chapala Society and became a member I’ve taken a few classes there Also got help getting my Mexican drivers license . I eat there Attend the Children’s Art Programs where I’ve purchased their art and some pottery. I go there to eat , relax and listen to music I suggest visitors go there once arriving in Lakeside. A very educational place , Cultural place and a springboard to many things including getting involved with other expats as well as other Mexican/ Latin American residents. Beautiful ground too as you covered so well. Very informative for the viewers 👍
LCS is such a great resource! I want to move to Ajijic just to become a member and hang out there. You're a lucky guy!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thanks. You covered it perfectly. 👍🇲🇽
knocking it out of the park again sir. you may already be aware...but you are changing lives.
My brother and I have been researching and interviewing since watching this. We are planning our exploratory trip this month. Because of you.
What an incredible story and interesting lady! I say those dogs are very lucky to have an incredible caregiver and volunteer. Her husband recovering from brain surgery and having her parents with her must be an incredible blessing!!!🥰❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦
Great video as always Brighton. I was glad to hear him specify the difference between "Working with the government" and "politics". I read, possibly from the website when applying for residency: As a Mezican resident either temporary or permanent you are not allowed to participate in politics or any protests. Or something to that effect. I can search for it if you'd like.
However, it's great to hear that it doesn't stop anyone from working with the government.😊
True but the government granted expats a permit to protest for the 2018 Women’s March.
As a mexican I find this comment very underrated.
I am drawn to San Miguel de Allende for a number of reasons. I’ve been twice and already have 5 friends there! My husband is not so keen (though he hasn’t been there) because there are so many expats. He says he doesn’t need the soft landing because he’s from India! He adores CDMX and though I love to visit it’s just too big for me. A place I really liked that is not well known among expats is Tepoztlán. It’s quite close to Mexico City but is very Mexican and so beautiful.
Thank you very much for this thorough & much-needed video.
As an expat for almost 20 years, in Asia and Europe, I have found that it is very important, if possible, to have access to at least 5-10 expats who plan to live in the community for the long-term. It's also good to know expats from different countries if possible as each group often has access to different information and your life also becomes more interesting, especially if you speak their language.
Thank you also for telling us about different parts of Mexico and what is & isn't available in those areas.
Take care & keep up the wonderful work!🌷🌷🌷🌍🎉
Thanks for your comment. Where are you living now?
Great video,lots of good information ❤! Thanks again dear friend and brother. You are doing the service of a great ambassador for both sides!
Thank you!
Living in Mérida. Awesome. I am a Yucatecan now. Accepted by all the folks in our neighborhood. I'm the only immigrant in this 4 block area. Expat...not a good word..
Brighton: Yes, Kat is better looking. Yes, you may have better stories, but I haven't heard her stories to be able to judge who's are better. Thanks for your Chapala story. It was well organized and executed. It provides a nice glimpse of the Chapala area and tons of useful information packed in half an hour. You and Steve did a nice job of articulating the pros and cons of living there as an expat. For me personally, there are way too many ex-pats for my taste, but my wife/Arlene would fit right in.
So true. It would be a nice soft landing for Arlene. Maybe you can check out San Juan Cosalá. It's nearby, but a lot less foreigners. And there is a bike trail along the main road. Get Arlene an e-bike and she can spend all day in Ajijic if she wants!
Excellent video, thx. Really liked Steve’s description of life in ajiji\chapala.
Great video! Thanks! Love you smile and dimples.😊
Oh thank you! 😊
I spent time in Ajijic last year and loved strolling around the LCS grounds, browsing their library, and listening to the Sunday morning talks. A lovely town, but watch out for those damn cobblestone streets and poor sidewalks. Real ankle twisters!
Totally! I took some video of the cobblestones that I’ll include in another video about elder care.
Love your video and perspective. I was at LCS yesterday with a local Dr. Who was inquiring about various ads etc. The experience there is hot and cold! I thougjt they were trying to be more friendly....but still many off puting expats and entitled attitudes...just wish it were friendlier!
Being here five years my any local call the attitude " toxic" at times. It is a beautiful place and grounds, however. If steve doesnt want to build bridges...then that says it all.
Keep your videos coming!
VERY happy I found your channel. Thank you very much.
You are very welcome - thanks for coming by. Be sure to subscribe if you haven't yet.
Another interesting interview with comparisons to help people decide if Mexico itself or one of the cities within would be a good place to live. Thanks, Brighton!
Thanks Cindy!
This was a great video. It was very informative. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
I appreciate the nuance that's recognized in this video. I personally prefer to live around Spanish speakers bc linguistics are such an important aspect to living a full life in another country, but that's a personal decision. Regardless of circumstances, I'd encourage immigrants (sorry, I'm not the biggest fan of the word "expat" these days) to learn the local language.
I agree - for me it’s important to learn the language. And I’ve been trying to mix the terms expat, immigrant and foreigner into my videos. I know some folks don’t like “expat” but others haven’t yet learned to use the other words.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico If you plan to permanently live in Mexico or any other country, you are considered an immigrant like it or not. If you live part time in Mexico and part time in the country of your origin and birth, only then can you truly refer to yourself as an ex-pat. Only extranjeros from the US have turned the word immigrant into something that is undesirable. I am a proud to be an immigrant in Mexico and I love that they allow me to live here.
@@davidsebastianelli1326 There are many definitions. And there are many connotations. In Mexico, many locals feel that "expat" is a term used to signify superiority. I don't think that extranjeros from the US mean it that way, but how it lands matters. For me, I try to use all the terms - because different people use different terms. As a guy creating content on the Internet, I need to pay attention to the words my audience uses. And most commonly that term is expat, but I'd love to see more people use foreigner, immigrant (or extranjeros.)
KJ and Craig at Truly Remarkable Life just did a great video on this topic: ruclips.net/video/Lk_rbyu1iaA/видео.html
@@davidsebastianelli1326 Typically the difference in the terms of expat and immigrant, is that expats are typically not getting their resources from the new country. Typically when People immigrate to another country they are looking to benefit or place down economic roots in the new country. Thus, in the 1920's writers like Ernest Hemingway & F.Scott Fitzgerald moved to Paris, France they were called Expats, so its not a new terms. These writers made their income independently, so they weren't an hardship on the host country.
One has to show the Mexican Government that they are self-sustaining to be given a temporary or permanent residency. If one was escaping a repressive government and the government of Mexico granted asylum, one would be accepted on the basis of that and not have to show one's financial stability. Thus, you are an immigrant.
I heard that many gringos move away from Ajijic to Chapala. Cheaper rent, easier to walk cheaper food, more choices in music etc etc. Ok, even less bugs. And those who have made this move have said that ok, if we want to visit Ajijic, it's so easy to just either drive your car or take the bus witch is so cheap so there it is. Ok, as the president here is saying WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT and wow, he is so right.
There was an ice cream store just off of the Ajijic plaza that sold goat milk ice cream … delicioso! I hope it’s still there as we return in October.
Goat milk I’ve cream? I’ve never had it. I saw an ice cream store across from the plaza, but I’d already had my cone for the day, so I didn’t investigate.
Many years ago I was a professor at a state university in Mazatlan. I talk to film history and basic film production, in Spanish. Though I was asked to teach English classes as well all right told them no thanks. It’s my intention to keep learning Spanish and when I’m in Mexico I try to avoid speaking English. Therefore being in places like San Miguel & Ajijic I’m hearing English way too often and most waiters and shopkeepers assume I speak English so they address me in English. When I’m in Mexico I’m all about Spanish a real focus on it.
I lived in a building in an area in Mazatlan the historic district and at the time it was known as gringo Gulch since there were so many retired Americans and Canadians living there. I always greeted them in Spanish and if they didn’t speak much English well we just didn’t converse much.
An example of the opposite of what my approach is to Spanish, I had a friend from the US who is teaching English classes at the same time. After school he was paid to hold conversation groups at a local coffeehouse and give private tutoring lessons in English in the late afternoon. He would come home to his apartment and watch CNN and other channels in English, listen to American and British music who is the lyrics were in English, and make phone calls to friends who are also English-speaking. Over the course of eight months he lost a lot of his Spanish simply by not using it very much.
I just don’t want to be one of those people who loses any of my Spanish. I meet people all of the time who come to Mexico on vacation who studied for years of Spanish in high school but now it’s 10 years later and they can only remember two or three words. Can you imagine not being able to order a glass of water in Spanish? Some of them and calendar this difficulty, the most basic of survival skills. Comments?
I love your informative videos, thank you for that. I am wondering what kind of camera you are using? the clarity and the quality of the picture is great. I you dont mind to share the name and model of the camera.
Thanks for the compliment! Pretty simple: iPhone 13 Pro.
Sometimes I use cinema mode to get the nice fuzzy background. Sometimes I do that in Final Cut Pro.
Happy to share!
That was so informative. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Great info... thanks for sharing!
Excellent program.Thank you all.🇨🇦☝️🎬
I'm tapatio and thanks for got my city the people of Guadalajara is very relax in comparition with others states 😊
I really enjoyed GDL. You live in a wonderful place!
First of all thank you for all you hard work providing this useful information for us Americans. Hope you can reply to this, we’re thinking to move there, who can we contact first for good advise in renting and general info, a good expat like us and avoid scams . I appreciate your help.
May god bless these men, they really take pride in helping the community.
Hey Bud.. Nice seeing you. Met you with Craig n Kj . Great video.
I'm so glad that you're safe and well and away from the Baja coastline as the hurricane/tropical storm passes by
Me too! It’s wasn’t too bad in La Paz but I’m thinking TJ probably got hit hard.
I would be interested in knowing how Mexican people are impacted by all the foreigners moving to Mexico.
Me too. Too many RUclipsrs have just asked Mexicans (who are very polite people) and concluded that Mexicans are happy about foreigners. But the researcher I met with will be doing door to door survey with Mexican college students asking the questions. I'm hoping she can get honest answers!
Can't wait for this video on what the Mexicans think. Really want their perspective.
@belliott4844 The Mexicans in part due to their culture have always been accommodating to immigrants from all over the world.
I would like to know that too
Gentrification is getting a problem in different areas not only in the capital but also in other states, some Mexicans need to move because everything is getting expensive to live, they are selling their properties, rents are getting higher, services as restaurants and stores are increasing their prices, some foreigners don't want to mix with locals and are rude to them they live in their own "bubble"and don't want to follow social norms or rules and are entitled and also the idea of doing nomad work and living with an American salary are making the immigrants not to incorporate to the local economy, it just create more inequality. Discrimination over services are increasing because businesses prefer those who pay more like foreigners. There are some Mexicans that dislike seeing more and more foreigners because that means community displacement, don't get me wrong Mexicans in general are not xenobobic they will help people of different countries and be nice to them but things are getting expensive over the years because of that displacement. Also please learn some basic Spanish or use translators to help you sort out the miscommunication. I have met specially Americans that get mad and insult people and get in their Karen mode just because people speak Spanish in their own country. Normally we will be patient and help you out but that entitlement and rudeness to people that are not in touristic places and do not speak English is not appreciated. If you go to another country be respectful and responsible. I don't like to generalize but unfortunately I know this things have happened before some people are nice and other not so much.
Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing it!
Glad you enjoyed it David
I am so glad there’s no American politics! Lake Chapala strikes me as the Villages of Florida. Lots to do everywhere. I can’t decide between PV, Lake Chapala, or San Miguel
I want to do a video comparing the Villages to Expats in Mexico. But I need to find more reasons to go to Florida... It's an unspoken rule not to talk politics from the US or Canada. Not perfectly followed, but most people are in Mexico to leave that behind. You've got three great places on your list. PV gets hot in the summer - the other two are perfect for year-round living!
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico you do the best job! Your topics are interesting. I’m looking for the girl clans, and artist clans
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico also are there tour groups to different places in Mexico? Like that new train in the Yucatán. You could do a piece on that.
@@lunazamoracreative I'm working on a video about the Tequila train... does that count? Thanks for the suggestions.
Check out these videos: ruclips.net/video/R9S6BqeCCe4/видео.html AND ruclips.net/video/D7pGSfQBtNw/видео.html
And be sure to join the Expat Facebook Groups in the different towns.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico the tequila train looks fun!
Loved the ice cream comment ,I’m thinking LaPaz is more for me ,great info in the video though Hi from Canada 😀🌴
La Paz is a happy medium. There is English spoken, but not everywhere.
I lived in Puerto Vallarta years ago....really enjoyed it. But as I get closer to retirement I'm thinking Europe.
I've been down there last year and on RUclips. A lot Americans come there and energy is getting expensive and overcrowded of a Canadian and American in ajijic It's not like used to be just to many Americans.there.
Come to Queretaro, it is a beautiful city with many ppl from all over the world.
Too many Americans? Yeah right 😆 😅
Great information.
The interesting thing about retiring in MX is that a US citizen needs about $2,500 passive income to retire. Isn’t that quite high considering that Portugal is only about $900 a month? And Argentina $600 a month? (Approximate)
Correct - $2,500 is the minimum amount of monthly income (can be active) required to get a temporary visa to live in Mexico. Or savings around $50,000 (including retirement accounts.)
Mexico has been raising the requirements for the past 3-4 years.
It probably costs more to live in Portugal than Mexico, but they are encouraging immigration more than Mexico. Argentina is cheaper than Mexico and also encouraging immigration. Mexico is so close to the US that they can be more restrictive.
Love all the info. Thank you for the great videos. Having had a flood in our area now I do worry about natural disasters. How is the earthquake preparedness there?
Hmmm... They are very big on having "reunification points" for emergencies. They are painted on the ground on sidewalks and parking lots. Other than that, I really don't know. Fire and ambulance service is less impressive than the US.
But hurricane insurance is available! One of my followers had his condo destroyed in Acapulco 2 days after he purchased it. :-( He was insured.
The government is pretty good at cleaning up quickly after a hurricane. I'm assuming the same for earthquakes.
Good luck with the floods!
I'm in Texas planning to retire over there.
Question: Can anyone tell me how SocSec payments can be picked up there?
Thanks
I am still in TX, but planning my move to Mexico. My social security payments go direct deposit into my bank in TX and will continue to do so. I hope that helps & answers your question.
My girls and myself love Mexican food and ice cream
Ají ji is too crowded and over price for me i found a lake gem only 20 min from there and 30 min from the airport.bought a pc of land on a new development over looking this other lake. Don’t feel like there is only Ají ji or chapala there is many small lake towns outside the Chapala lake strip that are affordable and nice the language for some is the main reason people usually stay stuck in the immigrant bubble i suggest learning a few key words to get around im a dual citizen raised in Los Angeles and move out here from henderson NV . I m not retired yet but already im getting ready for when that time comes and Cajititlán lake is the place for me .
Brighton, cool. Well done. S0 much going 0n. I am tickled pink that i was able to buy/lease land in El Comit❤n. LSC is a great benefit. RUclips BSC is a huge part of my days these days. Kraig or craig and AJ are helpful too. Thanks! Please 🕴let’s keep collaborating about healthcare and how to be an honorable and a fine ex-pat.
“We have as much to learn from them as they may learn from us.” Perfectly said, the possibility is there for a lot of back and forth education. I see that I have more to learn from Mexicans than they do I yet i am determined to be present … and engage. My land is real close to the Tecate Six. Maybe see you and your guys’ spot in April. I should have a party, somehow.
I visited Ajijic two years ago for a few weeks. It is enchanting and I would recommend it! Great restaurant scene! In my view there is only negative: the cost. By Mexican standards it is expensive - not "a little more expensive" - but - EXPENSIVE. That that regards it's like San Miguel de Allende. No I don't think you can live comfortably on less than $2000 a month.
Ajijic is definitely not cheap, but I think you can make it work if you are careful and frugal! But you wouldn’t get to enjoy that restaurant scene!
No one talks about the drinking water. Is it safe for gringos?
No one drinks the municipal water - locals or foreigners - in Mexico. But drinking water is dirt cheap and buying it is just like buying anything else you need in daily life.
Hey, HI!!!!! I was tryihg to find you earlier today. Is your lovely HOME okay in Mexico w this 140 mph winds roaring thru ????? Thinking of you. Realize you are in Portland but have to be only a phone call away from your home in MX. Hope all okay.
We checked in with friends and our caretaker. Done flooding in downtown La Paz but not much in El Centenario. Some wind and power outages. But all looks great on our cameras.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Oh my !!! Well, thank goodness. The roof is okay ? You must be so relieved. Your camera system sure has proven to be a best friend. If it wasnt there, I wonder if you would have put it in. And the roof. Wow. Well, sleep well, tonight. Best to you both. Fall is coming. Back to MX , soon.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Quick question: when you drive to MX, where do you cross the border ? Any tips, suggestions or drive thru as usual ?
@@BPe-ie9je The roof seems to have survived just fine. I'll be happy when hurricane season is over! I'm a big camera fan, so I would have probably put them in anyway. But it was good to have one there in the beginning (but we had to run all new wiring anyway...) Thanks much!
@@BPe-ie9je We cross at Mexicali. It's a great way to get to Baja California Sur. MX 5 is a great road from Mexicali south. It joins with MX 1 about 5 or 6 hours south of the border and it's smooth sailing. MX 1 is a bit rougher road (narrower, older pavement...) If you don't have your residency, don't forget to stop to get your passport stamped! Here's our recent crossing: ruclips.net/video/TnEU7CAjR64/видео.html
I checked the Lake Chapala org on line and the services are $300 a month? It doesn’t explain what that $ is for. Of course I will inquire about that $ but that on top of regular monthly expenses is high for me. I’m sure it’s a great program. Hola. Hope to see you in the near future.
I'm guessing that is pesos (both USD and Pesos use the $ sign - which is confusing, but the Peso used it first...)
So that would be $17 USD per month.
San Juan De Los Lagos Jalisco is pretty much identical weather wise to this place but somewhat bigger 70,000 + residents according to wikipedia . I spent two weeks July 08 there and it was heavenly . I live in VERRRY HOT San Antonio Tx with heat index of 110 degrees F Rained during days keeping it cool lil daily showers that's all . Every day lil showers and carried an umbrella wwith me . Yeah fairly large numbers of foreigners who have more disposal income and are eating , drinking out more often than the locals and renting apartmens can and probably certainly do drive prices up in rentals and in restaurants / bars . This video didn't show if these expats spread out living in the local community or it's an expat specific area ?
San Juan de los Lagos sounds like a nice place. I'm not sure where all the expats live in Ajijic. The ones I visited were interspersed with the locals in the downtown area. As Steve mentioned, there are fraccionmentos along the highway that are almost all foreigners. I've got a real estate video coming soon...
i'd say not necessarily
As a Canadian couple contemplating moving to Ajijic, would you recommend going to the Mexican Consulate in Toronto? Our very first step.
If you’re looking to get residency, that’s the first step. But you could explore Mexico on a tourist visa for up to 6 months.
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico oh ok!!! Awesome!!! Thank you!!!!!
Interesting video. I lived in El Dorado for 2 years and Upper Chula Vista for 1 and then Mazatlan for one and went back to South Florida, I don't like it here and will be back in Ajijic in early July as there is nothing to do here. My days of boating and jet skis are over but the Harley I ride daily. I can't get a place on the beach anymore that is affordable so no more fishing or boating. I like feeling safe dowb there but Guadalajara at night is nuts. I like living in gated communities as guns are outlawed in Mexico and I would feel pretty vulnerable in a house outside of one. But to each his or her own...it is a very safe town so Steve was right on that point. I guess I just like nice stuff???
These videos are so helpful. I don’t think I’d enjoy trying to recreate the USA inside of Mexico. Blah. I mean why are you leaving in the first place? Doh!
I’m amazed at the people who think Mexico is just a cheaper version of the US. Nope - totally different country / culture!
their looking for a cheaper US/ probably not going to find it in Mexico
México always opened their arms to foreigners like chinese french or spanish. People willing to invest and work hard.
Not the ones who come to have an early retirement or to buy things that can not afford in your own country. Even less if you come to not pay taxes here.
We are friendly yes. Not dumb
Actually, most of Mexico opens their arms to all foreigners. At least that's been my experience. Where are you from - I'll keep that off my travel list.
It sounds more like an older retirement community, no?
Ajijic has a lot of older people from the US and Canada. They've been coming for around 100 years. Younger immigrants from the US and Canada are starting to move to this area too.
Ajjic is like riding a training bike with 3 wheels on the back. Good place to start to immurse yourself into Mexican Culture. Not quite real, but good place to start. I live in a City of 450K people, only about 30 are Gringos. Way superior, way cheaper and a lot of fun, once the neighbors take you in and adjust that you are there. Gotta start some where so Gringo Gulches are a good place to start if you have no Latino relatives and not very familiar with that culture. I would never go back and live in a Gringo Gulch community.
No to be a hater but why do you still call yourselves "expats"? As far as I know, moving from a country or region to live in another is called a migrant. If I live in Mexico and move to the U.S. I am therefore called a "migrant". I get it you want your views or clicks from fellow migrants like yourself but please use the correct terminology.
With all due respect you are the one using the wrong terminology. An expat and an immigrant are completely different things and people like you who harass youtubers with the wrong information need to be stopped. Look up the definitions of both and stop harassing people. An expat is someone who spends time in their home country AND another country. An immigrant leaves their home country FOR GOOD with no intention of ever returning. The gentleman who you are currently harassing spends half his year in the United States.
@@JoeyBeeFit Thanks for setting us straight :) I do NOT call myself either !! I spend about 4+ months in other countries per year... I am a foreigner when I am living abroad, but not an immigrant because I have no intention of landing there permanently... so There ya have it! :)
@@dianaj3139 that makes sense to me my friend!! 🙌
Ajijic was definitely not my vibe. Too much American and Canadian influence and the politics that comes with it. Check out Oaxaca and Chiapas there's more of a European population of foreigners and less political bias with that.
Interesting! I hadn’t thought about the difference between where the foreigners originate The researcher I mentioned studied the differences between expats in Ajijic and PV and found surprising differences.
@AlmostRetiredinMexico I spent 6 months traveling mainland on my motorcycle hitting every state and noticed quite a contrast. South of Acapulco, I noticed more European and less North Americans. The vibe was more laid back. Mazunte, San Jose Del Pacifico, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, Bacalar all very laid back.
Conversations were very relaxed. If you have been in the Facebook groups of Ajijic and Pv, you often see political banter labeling people Trumper or Liberal.
I have not been in those groups for a while, so I don't know the current status of those groups. You know exactly what I'm talking about it was similar in Loreto over the cruise ships during covid.
These situations I did not encounter at all in expat communities with higher rates of Europeans.
Shhhhhhhhh, secret ❤
"US IMMIGRANTS " Why you keep calling yourselves "expats" ? 🤦🏻♀️
When Mexicans talk about norte americanos or europeos, do you use "méxico inmigrantes"?
When I type in "Mexico Immigrants" into Google, 99% of the results are about Mexicans moving north. But if I type in Expat Mexico, I get results about people moving to Mexico. I got similar results with "méxico inmigrantes."
But maybe I'm using the wrong terms.
I try to use Expat in my video titles because that's the language used by most people moving to Mexico. I try to include "immigrants" and "foreigners" when I'm speaking in the video.
The guy says cultural exchange but is all in english in that cultural center🤣
Some expats gooood. Too many not so goooood. Too many and they can pollute and dilute the local community. Yes sometimes they might enrich or enlighten but sometimes they just tell the locals that isn't how they do it at home. But that's just my opinion and fear. PS Steve seems nice enough to be Canadian although he claims he's not. 😁 P n D
Steve's probably from Minnesota or some other "close to Canada" state. I know what you're saying about "ugly expats." I'm working on getting those folks to move to Florida...
Keep up the good work. And or try harder. @@AlmostRetiredinMexico
I like your videos, but I have a question. Why did you interview a Colombian woman instead of a Mexican woman? I am Mexican living in another country, and for me, it is an insult that you interviewed a woman who does not belong to our Mexican culture, considering that you are talking about my country Mexico, not Colombia. Otherwise, the content of your videos is very good. I really enjoy them, but the only thing that caught my attention was "that" detail.
In general, Americans and Canadians who move to Mexico do not bother to learn Spanish. They spend more time talking about how they want to, would like to, and how difficult it is, than on actually learning Spanish. They don't want to shell out for private lessons and don't learn much in everyday settings. They also don't really need to learn Spanish to survive. Fancy restaurants and real estate offices will always have people who speak English to attend to their needs. They pick up a few words, usually related to food, and then showcase them to friends and family when they go home for a visit to display how integrated they are in Mexico. Meanwhile, they are generally just hanging out with other ex-pats.
In my experience here at Lakeside, the first sentence above (and what follows, of course) is just not true. Yes, there are some who fit that description, but the generality is too broad. For some reason, it's too commonplace here to find expats who feel it necessary to be critical of other expats. Can't we all just get along?!
I’ve heard that expats can be very entitled and rude to locals. People in the States are constantly judgement to latinos in the States that don’t speak English, for example. It seems really entitled and rude to live in Mexico for years and not have a good grasp of the language.
Yes - expats can be entitled and rude. And we can also seek to fit in with the local culture. It's important to no isolate from the locals - and language is key to connecting (and the official Mexican language, not the one you came down with.)
Expats!!! 😂 why are you guys afraid to call yourselves immigrants?
I don't think anyone is afraid of the term immigrant. It's kinda like if you called yourself a man instead of a male. You wouldn't be afraid of the term "male" but you are more likely to use the term "man."
$1500-200 is not cheap! I can live with that kind of money in USA. These American immigrants raise the cost of living everywhere they go.
Yes, it's possible to live in the US for $1500 a month. And you could live for $300 a month in Mexico. It's kinda like touring a high rise condo in New York and comparing the cost to a townhouse in Des Moines.
I always embarrassed for those people who have lived 15 years in Mexico and can't even order a beer in a restaurant. Not everyone learns at the same pace, but come on, make an effort.
Migrants not Expats
Migrants, yes. Immigrants, yes. Foreigners, yes.
But why do you say Expats is wrong?
Your an Immigrant period, a migrant,
Expat is a cute word for you to use, but be real
“Expats” are just immigrants of a different color. Such a colonizer term. 😂
Expats? You mean immigrants?
Or foreigners? Extranjeros? Many words apply.
Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic is a Snobbish community
Can you share more about your experience?
@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I am Mexican and live in Tepatitlan with family living in Chapala I Spent most of my life in San Francisco Ca, when I visit the Chapala area I am surprised at how many Americans that have lived there for over 15 years don't bother to learn Spanish, to me it means they have no intention in having any interaction with the local Mexican community
@@gustavomezcala4142 I understand. Yes - it's a lot of older people who struggle with languages and just give up. And in Ajijic it can work for them because a lot of the locals speak English.
Excellent job as usual. We have considered the Lake Chapala several times. One of my biggest reservations is the lake itself. I read that it is heavily polluted. I’ve read that it is receding. It would just be sad IMO to live next to a beautiful lake and not be able to let your dogs swim or go fishing and eat the fish. And if there is a lot of pollution in the lake, doesn’t it inevitably seep into the local soil and groundwater?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Chapala?wprov=sfti1
Yeah - the lake itself is a major drawback. It's polluted and low. I heard that the pollution has been worse and the level has been lower. But I don't feel like either of those issues will be solved soon. Someone also said there is barbed wire in the water (from when the levels were really low and farmers started using the land for grazing.) It's beautiful, but it will take a lot of work to get it into good shape. Supposedly the fish is edible, but I'm not sure I would trust that. I stayed away from eating fish while there.