7 Reasons Why Lake Chapala & Ajijic Are Not For Me
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- Опубликовано: 30 май 2024
- Get ready for a more critical view of the Lake Chapala and Ajijic area.
Seven reasons why I won't be moving to "Lakeside".
It was nice to visit the Expat Village, but I don't want to live there.
Talking about everything from cobblestone to expenses, I'll show you my point of view about Lake Chapala and Ajijic area!
If you'd like to hear a more general positive view of the area please see my other video: "Living in Ajijic Lake Chapala".
This video was made by me, a U.S. citizen. Mexico has given me permission to spend time in their country and check it out.
This video is not, in any way, a dis to Mexico or Mexican people.
Just like I prefer a small town in Utah or Oregon over New York City, I have preferences about Mexican towns. These are just my opinions and impressions. You are entitled to your own.
I prefer to spend time with dogs instead of cats (I’m allergic to cats). I like sunny weather over constant clouds (too much gray makes me depressed). I love Mexican food more than Italian (I love the flavors and Italian tends to put unnecessary weight on me). I am not bigoted towards cats, clouds or Italian food. I have preferences. That’s what it is to be an individual human. You have your own preferences, that’s why you’re watching videos, to see what you might like and prefer.
Please don’t judge me because of my allergies, potential for depression, or propensity for weight gain. Or my decision to not make Ajijic my home. These things do not negate my love for, or the value and quality of, Mexico or Mexican people. My experience in Mexico is vastly positive, thus my obtaining residency and seeking a home here.
If you’d like to stir up trouble or create division between people you will be considered a troll. If you have an opinion or preferences you are welcome to share in the comments, or make your own video.
We are all different, and that’s the beauty in life. Maybe, if more people understood that, there would be less grumpy people.
Mora Margaret
My name is Mora and I'm traveling with my two dogs through Mexico seeking a new home.
Oregon
Nogales, Az
San Carlos, Sonora
Las Mochis, Sonora
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Sayulita, Nayarit
La Manzanilla, Jalisco
Barra de Navidad, Jalisco
Mazamitla, Jalisco
Ajijic, Jalisco
Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
Jocotepec, Jalisco
If you leave a comment I appreciate it! But, youtube is being glitchy and I'm not able to see all comments. They say they are working on the problem. If I don't respond to your comment it's most likely because it has disappeared from my view. Hopefully I will be able to see it soon.
Your perspective is such a breath of fresh air. Other RUclipsrs have a vested interest in making many areas sound perfect. Thank you for sharing your reality, pros and cons!
You are welcome! Thanks for your comment.
While I agree with a lot of what you have said, remember it is the worst possible time for all the heat and dust. We have been here for 2 years and lived in Jocotopec for one of those. It was so noisy and just very dirty in our opinion. Many love it there, and that is okay, but not us. We moved east of Chapala in San Nicolas de Ibarra and love it. It is definitely a more Mexican-feeling area. The people here are so nice to us, especially our landlord. It is also very affordable regarding rent. Buying anywhere in this area is expensive. We have traveled to Morelia, Zacatecas.San Miguel de Allende, Mazamitla, and along the Costa Alegre. The influx of foreigners has caused the price of everything to rise. I would give the area a chance, we love the rainy season, from July through October, but return to the States during the holiday season. We go to Guadalajara for medical care as it is so much more affordable than Lakeside. We also use the vet in Joco we started with, she is amazing and super affordable. Apa Pets across from the CFE. But if you decide to move on I wish all the best. The last point, new president, new ways and things might change considerably. Wait and see. From a friendly gringo, wink wink.
hahaha thanks for your comment! I'm sorry I haven't seen San Nicolas de Ibarra, sounds nice. There are so many beautiful places in Mexico, I can't wait to explore more. I wish I could be like you and live here and back in the states sometimes!
Hey there! We also have a home we're building up in the Lomas del Country neighborhood in San Nicolas. We were there mid April through mid May and yes, it was hot and dusty like I hadn't experienced over there. But overall it is a peaceful place and good to live in.
Thanks for reminding me noise is big consideration there. I will research San Nicolas de Ibarra..
First honest review I've ever seen about Lake Chapala & Ajijic. Thank you for posting your honest feedback! I can relate to many of the observations you have... I feel like I would feel the same way if I was there.
Thank you. It was a negative review so not everybody likes that, but it's not the place for me.
@@MoraMargarethonest and negative are not synonymous.
I really appreciate your perspective and your honesty, As a traveler myself, one of the things that I particularly hate is when you-tubers simply lie, about how great a place is , just for clicks, then when you spend your hard earned money to go to these places you discover that almost everything they said was not true. Thank you for your honesty, continue to make you videos and do well !
Thank you. Some people don't like criticism of their chosen place, so I got a lil flack, but you have to tell the truth as you see it, right? Thanks for the encouragement!
Very interesting perspective, Mora. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope you find a wonderful spot...
I am a 60 year young woman who visited for 10 days in Ajijic Oct 23. Nice vacation however I would not choose to live there due to many of the reasons you mentioned.
I did prefer Chapala over Ajijic but still not the area I would want to retire. Tlaquepaque was charming. Oct 22 visited Guanajuato which was vibrant, lively and interesting and San Miguel de Allende which was stunning and amazing food. Looking forward to going back to Guanajuato in Oct!
Thank you for your honesty ❤
Thanks for your comment. Guanajuato is stunning! I'm looking forward to seeing SMA too.
Check out Morelia, it’s way better than Ajijic or Chapala
I lived in Ajijic for the past 9 years and have no arguement with your views. That said, I still love the place. Just spent the winter in Mazatlan and really love it there. Costs are similar however the streets are flat with wider sidewalks I will still try to spend time there after June each year as the place grows on you. Very fair critique.
Thanks for your comment. There are so many beautiful places in Mexico. Nice you could spend the winter in Mazatlan!
Yes winter in Mazatlan is really great weather, the streets aren’t as bad as Ajijic but in Centro can be just as hazardous. However, it starts getting really humid and hot in May and I have heard Aug/Sept are dreadful.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Your thoughts are similar to my thought after spending many winter months in PVR, Ixtapa, Cabo, and Mazatlan. As a retired Californian snowbird (living at Lake Tahoe) I spent many years going to Mexico to escape Tahoe harsh winters. Now, I no longer go to Mexico. For the roughly the same price, I now spend two winter months in Malaga, Spain (or surrounding area). Spain is much more developed and MUCH nicer! You pay a little more for airfare to get to Spain, but nightly hotel or long term VRBO lodging is less costly than Mexico rentals of the same quality. Mexico has become too overpriced for the relatively low quality of service received.
I love Spain! If I didn't have the two dogs I would be more mobile and go there too. Don't make me jealous! But I love Mexico too and can't wait to see more of it.
@@MoraMargaret I'm traveling to Mazamitla Jalisco to see if it's more like what we're looking for. Wetter, cooler less expensive than San Miguel Allende. I have three big dogs that are part of the equation.
That's exciting! I only spent one night in Mazamitla and it was the first area I could see myself living in longer term. I loved it! It's definitely a contender. Let me know what you decide!
I visited 2 years ago and decided against this location first later retirement. I still live in US. I agree with your comments.
Great video, I'm planning to move to the local side of a Mexican beach town and learn Spanish. I have no interest in changing the culture because that's what I love. Quiero conocer a mis vecinos Mexicanos. It won't be easy but the only way to really grow as a person is to step out of your comfort zone.
You can do it! And I agree :)
I´m mexican, I live in Guadalajara and I confirm she says the truth.
Chapala and its sourrounding towns used to be lovely, but today everything is so crowded, expensive and full of foreigners, but the problem is not the people from other countries, the problem is those who won´t adpt the place and try to force others adapting to them. About the weather, it is ussualy nice, but nowadays the drought is deep. Related to the prices, well you just said it... gentrification.
Is you are looking for cooler weather, try Tapalpa or San Sebastian del Oeste.
Thanks for the tips and I agree.
I have visited 38 cities in Mexico in 17 states including Lake Chapala / Ajijic. I agree with everything you say, especially the cobblestones.
May I suggest that you visit Guanajuato for the summer. Cooler temps and hands down Mexico's most beautiful city. Rain (warm) a few minutes two or three times a week. And culture beyond words.
My favorite and my future home is Mazunte. A small town on the coast of Oaxaca. 85 degrees (air and water) 12 months of the year. No Costco, No Chedauri. A lot of down to earth people. It is a hippie enclave, and you look like you might enjoy the vibe. A lot of well kept dogs and there are many single women who make it their home. You would find a lot of companionship there.
After visiting many places, the coast of Oaxaca is my favorite. DM me if you want a killer place to AirBnb.
Thanks so much for your advice! I'm looking forward to seeing Guanajuato soon, and I'm sure I'll love it! Eventually I'd love to visit Mazunte too, but I don't know about living on the coast. You make it sound really good! Where do you live now?
I have heard it used much hotter than that in the summer on the coast of Oaxaca from friends who have been there. Is Mazunte an exception?
Hola Tim! Hola Mora! I've surfed from Puerto Escondido to the point breaks south of Huatulco to Salina Cruz since the eighties. The surf gets good in the summers and let me tell you it gets unbearably hot and humid. Every time I've been there it's been the mid to upper 90's and it has never gotten close to 85. I've visted Mazute and Zipolite when I'm down there and it would be a jungle hot place to live. Just because clothing is optional in Zipolite you are still not escaping the heat. It was 93 today (May 3rd) today in Puerto Escondido with a "feels like" temp of 102 with the humidity! I live in Ensenada where the cool ocean keeps it very comfortable year round. It hasn't gotten over 71 so far this year and you can always sleep good with nightime temps between the mid 40's in winter to upper 50's into the mid 60's at the warmest. It's going to be around 57 tonight. It very rarely gets up towards 90 and even then it drops down to into the lower 60's at night. No bugs or mosquitoes and because it's always cool you don't need a/c so electric bills run around $8.00us per month. It's also not a big tourist destination or a gringo hotspot. It's mostly a working town so prices for everything are still very affordable. BTW-Mora your dogs would thrive in the climate here! Mucha suerte desde la hermosa Ensenada!
Tim, you are fishing for tenants!
What’s your favorite coast of Oaxaca? Is it Puerto Escondido?
It's still a dry heat and here in Chicago if it's 90 degrees with 95% humidity with dew points in the 70's
I just discovered your videos - wow - great information! I'm looking for a home town in Mexico as well, and I have one small, fluffy dog. I did find a great place in Los Ayala -- perfect in the winter but summers are dreadful. Going to follow your video and hope to find a great, long-term home. Best of luck and thank you!
You are welcome! I haven't been to Los Ayala but I love Nayarit!! I've spent a lot of time in San Pancho. But you're right, the summers are brutal. We spent our first month in April on the coast near Melaque and it felt like we were hiding from the sun the whole time. Poor dogs were HOT! So, the coast is out for full time living. But love to visit in winter :)
Beautiful review on the area around Ajijic. I actually have NOT been attracted to the area, but I have not really stayed there - it just seems a bit boring. I'm loving Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato and Huatulco more than Lake Chapala. I like the. mix of foreigners and locals, but I trend to shop local markets and prefer living more close to the locals. I have two dogs I travel with and I love being in Mexico with my dogs - seem to get respect for the dogs where they go into restaurant patios with me and even bars. My most endearing dog is a Mexican Street Dog that found me and wouldn't let go - she's been a gift!!!!
That's so sweet!
Foreigners have been living in Lake Chapala for a very long time. It’s unfortunate there’s hard feelings towards us now. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue. As for the lake, last time I was there people were fishing 🎣 the lake. Is that not the case now?
I don't know if people fish there. Maybe with this rain the lake will fill again. Thanks for your comment!
We have stayed in Ajijic a couple of times and loved it, but what is disappointing is the poor condition of the lake. Seriously, is it safe to swim in Lake Chapala?
Absolutely not. From what I hear it's a mess of chemicals and sewage. Hopefully they will get some rain and the lake will fill again.
The price of chicken is crazy.
I'm just beginning my research and will be coming down fairly soon to spend about a month there and hopefully find a town I fall in love with. Thanks for your videos. I'm mostly interested in central Mexico, but Puerto Vallarta is tempting!
PV is beautiful and check out Bucerias. Just up the coast.
Best of luck! PV is beautiful. I just couldn't stand the summers there. Central Mexico is where it's at!
@@MoraMargaret Thanks for your reply! I'm doing more research and the rule of law on the roads is a little absent it seems! Corrupt cops, cop impersonators, home made road blocks! I am rethinking driving at all let alone from Dallas to Centro . So you don't worry about that?
Oh I do worry about it. NO ONE can tell you one road or another is safe. I do the best I can to be informed, only drive in daylight, don't stop in cities with violence going on. It's nerve wracking. I've been through 4 blockades now. I'm still not sure who those people were, but everything turned out ok.
@@MoraMargaret 4 blockades! Were your dogs with you? You are lucky it went ok,. It's looking more like I might end up in Morellia. I'm on a FB group with a RUclipsr who is a pretty nice guy...Bill the Geek something..you might want to check him out. I was thinking of San Migue. who knows...Buena Surety:)
Thanks for sharing your experience that way we could work on making a better Mexico about the heat is all over the world ❤
Having lived in Ajijic for 20 years, I agree with most of your reasons for looking elsewhere to retire. 20 years ago it was different when we arrived and bought a home. The cobble stone streets were charming. Not so much anymore. The traffic was minimal. There was one traffic light at Colon. Walmart and Soriana had not been built, yet. We shopped at small local places. The cost of living was compared to Oregon was unbelievably lower. Of course, things change … some for the better, many for the annoying. However, you visited in May. We HATE May. We ALL HATE May. It’s hot, dusty, dry, brown and ugly. It’s even uglier to we who live here because we know the beauty of the cool temps and green mountains when it’s not May. I hope you find your happy place in Mexico. Best of luck with your RUclips channel. Love your editing style. JC Travel Stories. :)
Hey thank you! I will check out your channel. I know May was the worst, but I had to be somewhere. I'm glad to hear it's better the rest of the year. I can only imagine the changes in the last 20 years. Sometimes it makes me sad, but that's the nature of life. Thanks for watching :)
I just watched your most popular video! Well done, I hate the whole insurance system. What's it feel like to have almost 1 million views?! I'd leave this comment there, but do you even read them after 5 thousand of them?? Well, I'll leave one there anyway. I look forward to seeing some more :)
Great video how did you get your dogs to Mexico thank you
Thanks! please see my latest video all about dogs in Mexico. It was easy 🙂
I've lived in Ajijic for 24 years fulltime and wouldn't live anywhere else! I walk everywhere on the cobblestones and buy locally. I am never bored and the Mexican people are lovely and gracious. Yes, May is hot and dry, but now that it's June the hills are verdant green and the rain is mostly at night and the weather is beautiful. Hope you find what you are looking for.
Thank you and I'm glad you love where you live. Different strokes, as they say. I did hear from some long time residents there that the place has changed a lot, but I guess every town does. Thanks for your comment!
I was really interested in checking out the current costs of food you posted at the end but it was impossible to read, it went by in the blink of an eye and then was obstructed by an ad for another video! 🙄😒
oh no! I'm sorry, I'm teaching myself to make these videos and clearly I don't know what I'm doing. If you want to send me your email I can send you the last screen.
Hit pause as soon as the list comes up.
Many of your points are not specific to the Ajijic area and are things you will find all across Mexico.
You have a point there, but taken all together it's just not for me. It's not a condemnation of the whole area, it's just not my choice.
Your observations are valid and accurate. This area is not the fairytale nirvana it’s been characterized as being. No place is. But people tend to ignore the negatives and that’s a disservice to those thinking of moving here. Ajijic has a particular problem with snowbirds who flock in for six months, then leave until the next season. So many problems are related to the huge change in population that happens twice a year. The citizens have a right to be grumpy because they can’t afford to live here anymore. But the only angry, rude people I’ve seen have been expats and the abuse they can choose dish out is ghastly. This is not my spot in which to settle permanently either, for my own set of reasons. But I am glad to have come and lived here for a year. The locals I’ve met have always been kind, generous, polite and offer to help when they see me fumbling their language but trying to learn.
I agree, but didn't realize the six month fluctuation was such an issue. Where are you off to then?
@@MoraMargaret Undecided! Mexico is a big country, incredibly diverse and beautiful. I can’t pin down a single place yet, too many temptations.
Agreed!
Hi, thank you for your very sincere review. I live 45 miles NE of S.F and the weather here is uncomfortable for my taste and I have been tracking the weather around Lake Chapala and it is running parallel with my local weather. And yes, my family migrated to central Cal. In the 40s from Guadalajara-Chapala area and my desire was to settle there in my older age but no longer. Because I am bilingual I would rather settle in a more traditional area.
I can understand that. Where are you now? I lived for a long time in Sonoma County, Ca
I am in Tracy area.
Any suggestions on other lakeside communities? Not a beach person, more into kayaking. Also not particularly looking for an expat community, I'm fairly fluent in Spanish, and would be more interested in mingling with the locals, and learn about their culture.
I only really saw Jocotepec around the lake. It was nice and not as gringofied. My favorite town in the area was one a bit further from the lake: Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos. Only 8 miles from the lake, it was clean and cute and friendly people.
there is a city called Cuernavaca in the State of Morelos, they call it the eternal spring because of the weather.
Puebla City is another option, there is small town close the city of Puebla called Chipilo, they are Italian descendant or you can go to Zacatlan, is not as hot.
Queretaro is another option.
San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato has nice weather, but is expensive for the locals, they have a 95 % population of foreigners.
I’m really looking forward to seeing Puebla, state and city! Thanks for the tips. I hadn’t heard of Chipilo and I will check it out. Going to SMA but don’t expect it’s a place I would like to stay long term.
I’ve always wanted to visit Cuernavaca. I’ve always it’s climate is the best year round. Is it a big expat location?
Not that I know of. I've heard some people complaining about crime there, but I don't know the stats. Eternal springtime sounds nice!
I have been to Cuernavaca in April 23 and it was hot. Never felt any internal spring weather. I was told other months are cooler. It was a Nice City.
Please have someone check your math and your factbase. SMA has roughly a 10% expat population, not 95%.
No place is perfect. Good luck in finding what you want. (How long did you spend hanging out at the Ajijic plaza coffee shop? Friendly people are to be found there.) I've learned that many expats haven't lived on a lake. The haze you see is merely condensation - the water and air temps aren't the same.
No, I think not. I know the difference between hazy, dusty pollution and fresh condensation. I hope the lake survives and recuperates. I know no place is perfect, but it's fun to explore so many beautiful areas in Mexico, and I am lucky to be able to do so.
Consider Patzquaro (Lake), Morelia, Guanajuato as these are higher altitude cities with a pleasant climate. San Miguel de Allende is also great but lots of Gringos and more expensive to find reasonable rentals. They still talk about the last freeze in '37.
For sure I am looking forward to seeing all of those places, but though I love to visit big cities, I think I'd rather live in a smaller town, so Morelia and Guanajuato might be too big. But I've never been so we'll see! Thanks for your suggestion.
Why would you consider Morelia? It’s in the state of Michocacian and it’s on do not travel list
That's why it's not currently on my travel plan. But I'm sure there are many great qualities: beautiful city, weather, etc..
I agree with you 100%. Have visited many times over the years.
Not that it's horrible, just that there are many other places in Mexico that I like better. Thanks for your comment!
@@MoraMargaret again, I agree with you. I live part-time in Zapopan (GDL) but Queretao is in a place I visited briefly and was like Wow! I love this place. Where do you plan to adventure within Mexico next?
Well I'd thought I'd go into Hidalgo, but I took advantage of a good deal for a few weeks in the state of Mexico instead. So my plan is fluid. Thanks for your comment!
Any small town in Mexico will have cobblestone streets so if you like to walk and want a small town in Latin America, you'll have to put up with it
This is true. But in combination with the other things I mentioned... it's not for me.
As a 24-year resident of central Mexico I can tell you that May is the most God-awful month for weather. When the rain starts it's a whole different ball of wax. As for your other gripes, you are 100 percent correct. No way I'd live in that area.
Thanks. I'm looking forward to more rain soon.
You should look at other areas around the lake that are not heavy with expats you can find much better deals.
Thank you, I'm sure you're right. I really liked Mazamitla! I'm looking forward to exploring Hidalgo, Puebla etc..
I watched a few of your other vids and I see you love the Sea. Mazunte is waiting for you. Huatulco is an hour away (for big city stuff), but Zipolite is closeby and San Jose Del Pacifico is not far. If that kind of experience is your thing. Check out some YT vids and come and see.
On the downside, a pretty severe hurracane visited a couple of years ago, but everything has been rebuilt and improved.
If you bring your dogs, beware they will hate you if you ever decide to leave.
Very safe. No crime. Lot's of hippy culture.
Sounds wonderful. I'm going to put it on my list to visit.
Other places have very well maintained sidewalks eg Queretaro San Mig etc. Milder weather too..
I'll be very interested to see these towns!
Guess I missed it, why did You quit trailer life?
It was a great experience, especially being part of a caravan, but it wasn't for me long term. I like exploring from a sticks and bricks house instead :)
I have lived in Ajijic and Chapels for 12 plus years. The first year was in Ajijic and I hated the hills and cobblestone streets but then I moved to Chapel Centro and what a difference. I do have some fellow foreign friends but the first thing I did was make Mexican friends--many younger than myself. I volunteered to teach at the Lake Chapela Society and made friends with lots of Mexican students. I took the bus to and from Guadalajara and worked (volunteered really because the salary did not even cover my transportation to and from the school in Guadalajara) teaching English conversation. I met lots of interesting Mexicans from all social strata. May is hot. Trees do turn brown as do the hills before the rainy season. This happens almost everywhere in the US and certainly Canada. I look at food prices in my Pennsylvania hometown newspaper ads and restaurant/food prices are still lower here. I shop at little corner stores and Mexican businesses. I have never had any Mexican be mean to me but I have to admit I have experienced entitled and stupid foreigners. Since I seldom deal with fellow foreigners any more--I live in a Mexican neighborhood--I do not interact with many grumpy foreigners except the few times I am on the webboard. I do run across a lot of friendly foreigners as well. Before you make a decision on any Mexican town stay there for at least 6-months to a year. You never know what you miss if you just taste life somewhere for a few months. By the way the lake happens to be really low this time of year--especially with the drought It won't stay that way.
No matter how often I correct and recorrect Chapala's spelling my auto correct over rules me. I guess I am not in charge of the machine!
Thanks for your comment! Unfortunately it's impossible to stay in every place I consider for six months to a year. But I hear what you're saying. I visited at the worst time, and I'm sure the area is refreshed with rain now (I hope). Sounds like you really incorporated yourself into Mexican society and I hope to be like you!
So where to next?
We will probably be in Guadalajara for a while. Looking forward to states like Puebla and Hidalgo!
@@MoraMargaret I’m very interested in your progress. I moved to Mazatlan last Nov but I don’t think it is for me. I was headed to Ajijic first the summer although your video and some other things I’ve heard have made me question it as well. I’m kinda lost and looking for ideas.
I'm pretty choosy about where I live, in some regards. What don't you like about Mazatlan? It's too big of a city for me, but we spend a little time in Centro and it was lovely. Mexico is big and there are so many places to explore. Thanks for your comment.
@@MoraMargaret I feel like it is too big a city and mostly concrete - no green spaces or trails that are nice to walk on. You have El Faro and that is it.
Beautiful coastline but the swimmable, clean beaches are crowded and touristy or far away if you don’t drive. Also It can be quite a party town which isn’t my thing.
The Malecon is great for walking but you are right next to the main road through the city so there is always car fumes and lots of traffic/noise right next to it.
Centro IS incredibly charming and lovely. The cultural events and music are really plentiful and what drew me here first. I really did like it here until I realized sewage is flowing directly into the Olas Altas beach here in Centro - and if I don’t want to be in the ocean, it loses the appeal.
And lastly, It is already so hot and humid with many more months to come. I really love the ocean but you have to deal with incredibly hot 5 months of summer anywhere on the coast of Mexico.
So that is the conundrum. After watching so many RUclips videos that said how perfect the Lake Chapala area is, I now have found quite a few that tell the real real story of incredibly hot, dry, dusty months, mosquitos galore that nice it dies cool down, bobos that swarm for months and just tons of traffic and over crowding in Ajijic. I was really looking forward to checking it out but now I’m not sure.
every place has some negatives. I’m sorry to hear that about Mazatlan. Especially the sewage 😢 I couldn’t stand the heat on the coast in April when we first came to Mexico, so I knew I didn’t want to live there full time (but I’ll love to visit in winter!) so we are going to explore more of the central highlands. love the culture and architecture! I will definitely make some more videos of pueblos coming up. I’ve got a whole list of interesting places!
yikes those prices at the end are overly pricey. Just came back from 5 weeks in Algarve and Lisbon and found groceries and public transit very reasonable even subsidized if you are a senior visitor. Dining out in tourist areas not so much. THis of course will all end for tourists as daily head taxes will be imposed. Many european cities Barcelona Amsterdam, Paris and others charge up to 8 euros a night. I was fortunate as I stayed under guise of "cash"...I could see Mexico doing this also.
Oh wow, yes things are getting expensive everywhere. If I didn't have the two dogs I would like to explore where you went!
I live in central México and have only visited Ajijic once. The air was hazy and the lake smelled bad! I am a couple of hours from another gringoland: San Miguel de Allende. My limit there is a few hours and I don't think I could live where there are so many US Americans!
I hear your complaints. Some of your comments [road quality and groups of grumpy gringos, for example] apply to many places in México. With time, your ankles adjust to swiveling over the uneven surfaces to avoid twisting. If you recorded this a month or so ago, it is likely the driest time of year. The rain has just started here at the end of June and everything is green again!
Thanks for the video. I hope you find a place that suits you better!
Muchas gracias! The rain is wonderful and I’m sure the Lake Chapala area is refreshed. I’d be interested to know where you live…? Thanks for the comment.
@@MoraMargaret I’m about 2 hours south of San Miguel de Allende, between Salvatierra and Yuriria.
I"'m not sure if this would help your dog? I make my dogs food mainly organ meat and vegetables dog food has alot of ingredients just that I would mention the food! Thank you for your videos and hope your dog heals soon!
Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate your comment.
Very well said, Mora. Hope you find the ideal Mexican community for you and your dogs...I know it's out there.
Thank you. So kind of you!
We have enjoyed your travels and comments on Ajijic. We love Mexico and have explored as much as possible for business and pleasure in over one hundred trips. You bring up many important issues about living long term in Ajijic. While this incredible heat will be gone as soon as the Monsoon starts, there are many other issues that make a commitment difficult. A large number of Gringos make it inevitable that you will run into rude people like the man in the mrket as many want to "Americanize" their new town. The locals depend on the income from the tourists but at the same time, they have to live further and further from town as the cost of housing makes it almost impossible to live in town. As the United States continues it's decline, there will be more and more escapees heading across the border. Mexico has no exclusivity on crime as all you have to do is look in the police blotter here in the States to see how much crime we live with in our home towns. There are many nice cities in the high central plateau in Mexico that have pleasant weather much of the time. With global warming and the resulting climate change, weather is much more unpredictable and the heat dome over Mexico and the U.S. southern states is just one of those examples. For the cost of housing, food, transportation, etc., try www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/ One you get the hang of this site, it's great for comparing one Mexican city with another. For your dogs, I would try a different dog food. We had the same skin problem with one of our dogs and had great success with the highly rated Costco dog foods. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. They have been on the costco food without interruption since he was little, so I don't think it's that. I will check out numbeo! I said in the video that if I chose this town to live in I would look more deeply at things like crime rates here. That doesn't mean I think there's a lot of crime here. I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the towns in the high central plateau soon! Thanks for your feedback!
I would like to add that I want to retire to Mexico and my wife has family in Guanajuato, and she said it was hot and uncomfortable there last November. Also, they were running out of water where she was staying near Leon and they had no air conditioning, they never needed it before. I, too, believe in Climate Change and it is affecting greater areas of Mexico. They had to have clean water trucked-in which made things more difficult. I can see why people may become grumpy. I have been watching a lot of U-Tube videos about Mexico, I am not sure where I would want live there, but we are still looking.
Water is a huge concern, for sure. Just like in California.
I checked out numbeo, but they get their info on surveys, not from actual statistics.
She is very picky...
true, but only about where I call home :)
Visited gringo over-run Ajijic 8 years ago for 10 days and did not consider it as a viable full time destination. Trip hazards everywhere as observed with numerous seniors wearing arm and/or leg casts, horrible traffic, very polluted stinky slough, lots of snotty high brow gringos, every thing is over priced, and I could go on… Moved to La Paz, BCS where we enjoy a truly traditional Mexican city and culture. Our neighbors are down to earth and very welcoming. All the best on your search, remember everyday in Mexico is an adventure, so go with the flow 😀
Thanks for the wonderful reminder! I hope to check out La Paz someday.
We were there last December. The weather was lovely and it did rain snd we loved it. Yes the streets can be troublesome but they are putting in new streets all the time. You don’t need to speak Spanish here. They have many shops here in town center for browsing and trinkets and bobbles for gifts back home. Yes it’s expensive but the weather is lovely most months of the year. Good luck to you on your travels.
How is the crime level in La Paz? Hopefully it’s very low
You should go live on the moon then .😁👍
It's Ajijic or the moon? I think that's kind of extreme when there are so many beautiful places in Mexico!
The mexican actress she died years ago and she made the movie i don't remember the name of the movie but i remember she arrived to acapulco and she said i my god where i im thiis mexico or this is US because everything is in English she try to tell the mexican people something happening in .mmexico the F...government was responsible for this sorry my English t...
Lol, I live in California in the US and everything is in Spanish and I think “is this still the US or is it Mexico?”
Todas estas zonas se volvieron caras por la afluencia de extranjeros, los precios son altos en el costo de las viviendas , con lo que cuesta una casa en ajijic o en Chapala, en Guadalajara puedes comprar una mucho más grande , pero el turismo a hecho de Chapala y sus alrededores una sona muy cara para vivir 😮
Estoy de acuerdo, pero creo que es el aumento de gente muy adinerada en la zona lo que hace que los precios suban. ¡Gracias por tu comentario!
That is why I live quietly in Toluca, Mexico
Sounds pretty good!
I think you need to stay longer! This is a "tropical dry" climate meaning it is Always very dry from November to June. The plants here are not the deciduous trees you are used to in USA. They naturally sort of turn off in the dry season. They miraculously '"turn on" just before the rains begin. The hottest time of the year is April and May and into June, but almost suddenly become so great, highs in 70's through 80's with most of the rain at night.. The mountain sides become lush with flowering trees and shrubbery everywhere in the towns. As for the cobblestones, that is endemic to all of Mexico. If you encounter a town with concrete street throughout, you will find little of the other local charm either that one associates with Mexico. I would recommend you give it a couple more months or move to an area that is more populated by local Mexicans, shop at more local markets. Try, maybe, Chapala as opposed to Ajijic. Just a suggestion!
I appreciate that! There are so many beautiful places in Mexico, I know I visited that area at the worst time. Thanks for your comment!
You didn’t give it time … lived here 20 years
I here huatulco in Oaxaca, is more or less paradise.
I have heard that too, just don't want to be there in summer!
Guanajuato Guanajuato MX
I can't wait to see it! I've never been but I bet I will LOVE it.
@@MoraMargaret Be sure to take the evening stroll with the Minstrels. An incredible experience. Also, there is a weekly "intercambio" held in a local eatery/tavern. Meet people from all over the world who are learning Spanish and improve your Spanish.
First world problems and mentality looking for paradise in the third world. Go to Europe but be aware of the high cost of living and awful climate, no where in Europe, Canda or the USA (Execept for San Diego or Hawaii) they have the Climate you have in certain regions of Mexico like lake Chapala. Do not take my word look for data in reputable sources on the net.
You think Mexico is a third world country?
San Diego...??? We've had at least 6 months of cloudiness and temperatures in the low 60's. Hardly the ideal climate. It's just during the last week that we've had a bit of sunshine in the late afternoons. 😩
@@sylviafitch-brewster799 I know, but if you look at San Diego from my pespective San Diego looks perfect..I live in the Sauthern Ca. desert,. We spend the summer at 120-25 degrees, it does not go down until Oct/Nov, then in the winter we are freezing .....greetings
@@MoraMargaret definitely, the way they treat the sewage in most places, well I shoud say they do not even treat the sewage, the infrastructure, patholes everywhere even in the best highways, corrupt police is the norm, pollutants discarded without any concern for the environment...AND THE LIST continues...
Yes you are right
I think you might like Ensenada. The best weather in the world and you still get the Mexican culture and nice people
I've heard it's really nice there!
What is great weather is very subjective. Canadians favor the beach. I'd rather have my fingernails yanked out. Give me Mexico's central plateau.
Lol I'm finding the weather, and the charms, of central Mexico to be wonderful.
Isn’t Ensenada became a high crime because of the incident of 3 surfers?
Heaven is the perfect place for you the world is not a good place to be in this time
I know what you mean.
Try Patzcuaro where I live. More natives than old gringos, can walk the streets all day without running into a gringo! Very cheap! Perfect climate at 7,000 feet! Pueblo Majico! 35 miles from Morelia, the Capitoi for all the gringo amenities. I didn't like Ajijic either.
I’m headed that way next!
6:00 seems like it’s the beginning of colonization smh😢
Easy fix ..just move to a bigger city ...with all comodities ...
You went to ajijic .....a little town ..... .........ajijic is a PUEBLO...
OR A RANCHO I DON'T KNOW ...
and you expect to fibd all comodities? .....
The definition of Commodity is something that can be bought or sold. I did not expect to find anything special in that regard in the Lakeside area. I'm sure there is a lot of pretty jewelry, or pottery, or whatever in the area. That does not interest me.
@MoraMargaret-yx1uz you complain about the weather, the traffic, the locals, the sidewalks ....
A city will be better for you
We will see. I really loved Mazamitla.
@@MoraMargaret mazamitla ...rain ...sierra ..cold .........good luck ....you should visit more places in jalisco .....
@@MoraMargaret visit tapalpa .
Lake Chapala and Ajijic are surely not for me ... I'm not rich.
I'm afraid it's become more expensive than most of Mexico. But some people get by on very little there, I hear. Thanks for your comment!
Try El Salvador it’s the safest country in Latin America and much affordable than Mexico
Yes, I've heard El Salvador has really turned into a nice country to live in.
Well you did pick the worst time of year to come. It was so hot I took a trip to Lake Atitilan in Guatemala because of the cooler weather. Allow me to comment on a couple of items.
Are there rude Americans here?
Yep, but no where near the number of nutjobs like in the US.
Lake pollution.? That rumor is mostly a remnant from a study done a few decades ago. There is some runoff but nothing like Guatemala where it is standard practice.
Expensive? Yes. Not as bad as the US but still bad.
Cobblestones? Yep. If you have mobility issues it will be harder for you but I know many who have found workarounds like golf carts.
Traffic? You bet. Not as bad as my daily commute in Atlanta but many people do not own cars here.
English speakers? Just because a sign is in English it's not a guarantee that English is spoken. Most gringos do try to learn some Spanish.
I keep looking for a better place to live but I have not found it so here I am. If you know of a better place, I'd love to hear about it. The thing is everywhere you live has trade-offs and everybody is different and has different priorities.
Exactly. So it didn't float my boat, but you like it. Cool. There is such a variety of locations and pueblos in Mexico, even different weather and terrain, I'm having a good time exploring. Thanks for your comment, I hope you continue to like it there.
3:05 I want to marry her and I love her dogs
Gentrification sucks.
Agreed.
Thank you Mora, it does look nasty, and the roads are a mess. It reminds me of Tiajuana...Lol...
Veeery goood!
Thanks for your visit!
Thank you too!