My wife and I are US expats and have lived in Ajijic Centro for nearly four years. We love it! Except for the flub on public transportation, I feel it was a fair discussion, full of great information, on the +/-‘s of moving to Mexico and making the decision to move to Ajijic. Also, the same for making the decision that Mexico & Ajijic is no longer the place for you. If I recall, Mexico Mike has always rented. My wife and I bought and I believe that brings a different perspective and level of commitment to a community. I’m a little irked about the discussion and comments on “The Expat problem.” It’s not a problem but an evolution of any community where people seek, for many reasons, a different kind of life. One consistent observation of life in Ajijic Centro is that the expats have not overrun the place. Yes there are many of us about but wander around the square and Malecón during the evenings, weekends, and festivals, the locals and Tapatios (Guadalajaran’s) dominate. Expats certainly have a cut of the housing in Ajijic and surrounding villages but the locals and Tapatios drive the market overall.
I've lived in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico for over six years. It's only a short distance from Ajijic village and Chapala. My house is up in the mountain, so it's quieter, and better temps, with greater views of the mountains and the lake, just on a bumpier road. But it has grown, more people, more cars, more noise, higher prices, and all of that, but I love living here.
As someone who has lived in Ajijic for the past 3 years, I have to tell you that the average daily Mexican wage figure given here is quite wrong. The average (I double checked across multiple websites just now) is $584 pesos, which at the current USD exchange is $32 for an 8 hr day. Minimum wage is a little less than half that. However, employers are also expected to pay a 24% (of total yearly salary) vacation benefit, and a mandatory bonus at Christmas equal to 3 weeks pay. Additionally, if you fire someone (or let them go, almost no matter the reason- and the courts are Very pro worker), they are entitled to a hefty severance that may equal the total salary you have paid for however many months-or years- they have worked for you. Please do not take this responsibility lightly, look into the laws, and make sure you understand. The laws have changed significantly since 2022, and your guest’s information is both outdated and incomplete.
I am choosing Ajijic over both Boquete and Portugal. Some of the information provided in this interview is incorrect. There is bus service not only serving the Lakeside communities but going to Guadalajara as well. And there are many private drivers that provide service in the area, to the airport and destinations such as Costco.
Hi Cindy. That is correct. Mike forgot and has since corrected us like you wrote, but the video was already live. Thanks for watching 😁. And...he was talking about 'city' bus service within Ajijic, as opposed to ones going town to town or community to community.
Did they fix the water problem? Also what neighborhood do you live? Glad to know it’s easy to get from the airport. I can’t wait to see your town. Thanks!
I live in San Miguel de Allende and was considering moving to Ajijic . I rented an AirB&B for 2 months and decided to move back to San Miguel. We dont own an automobile and in my opinion to really enjoy life in the Lake Chapala area you would definitely need a car. Yes, there are private drivers available but they are a lot more expensive than the numerous availability of taxis in San Miguel. I found that part of living in Ajijic inconvenient.
Brings back memories having lived in Guadalajara while in medical school there. I was amazed then about all the American and Canadian expats who populated Chapala. Nice area still. I went back 5 years ago to visit. Guadalajara is beautiful and safe and the Lake area is quite nice.
I have lived in the mountains of Michoacan for the last 11 years. Patzcuaro at 7,000 feet has the best weather, very inexpensive and SAFE! You won't meet a gringo on every street corner!
Finally, a Canadian (GTA) perspective. People that understand the Canadian $ crisis. Thank you for all of the great info. Best I’ve found so far in my research. The research for a Canadian, single, senior lady looking to relocate on pensions only, has been excruciatingly difficult. Have subscribed and look forward to further informative information.
We have lived in Ajijic for 13 years. We have a group of friends numbering more than 100. I know that a least a half-dozen of those are single Canadian women. Some go back and forth to maintain healthcare coverage, but some don't.
The summer in Puerto Vallarta is as hot as Malaga but more humid. The big advantage for Puerto Vallarta comes from November to the middle of June: Is never cold or hot and most probable there is no more than 5 rainy days during those 7 months. September and October are the worst. I hate summers in Puerto Vallarta and Malaga, but I love winters in Puerto Vallarta.
I've lived in Ajijic for 4 years now and have a very affordable studio apartment. But the heat here in the dry season is becoming unbearable for me. So, I travel to cooler climates during April May and June. But I love the funky vibe here in Ajijic and especially appreciate the affordable and accessible healthcare.
@@albertlewis it was pretty consistently 33 degrees Centigrade through April, May and June… it was still lovely at night, but it was quite warm during the day
The same thing is happening in Mexico City tons of expats and digital nomads have moved into Mexico City driving rental prices up that now many locals can't afford,so they are driving locals to have to move out of certain areas of Mexico City.Mexico has many affordable areas I'm talking like $300.00 to $1,000 US Dollars per month for a house.The problem is most Americans/Canadians don't know where to look and not only that but if you are going to stay around areas with many expats/foreigners then you are going to pay more .Just drive over to the next town or so and you will see the rental prices drop significantly .Also as far as moving to Mexico I do believe that many laws are different in Baja California Mexico than in Mainland Mexico.
My father lived in Ajijic for many years and really loved it. As a Canadian it is impossible to get medical insurance when you are over 85. The bill for 4 days in the hospital before he died cost us 50,000 Canadian. The hospitals demand to be paid in cash.
Mexico is the best country to live in Latin America and one of the best worldwide! I lived in Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica they don’t compare to Mexico. This man left Mexico for Spain because ajijic was expensive and too many gringos?! Mexico is a big country with no expats in most parts of Mexico and very affordable. Malaga and Spain in general are full of expats and everything is more expensive in Europe than Mexico?? Mexico has it all Culture, gastronomy, traditions, beaches, magic towns, modern cosmopolitan cities, desert, forest, all kind of climates, etc. now I live in Zacatecas a good life with $1000 dollars monthly.
great conversation... I loved Lake Chapala when I visited... it actually reminded me of an area of Hawaii, where we walked along the shopping area and palm trees Next to the beach! Mexico has great food friendly people, and some very nice Weather depending on where you go... I really enjoyed Guadalajara also. One of my favorite areas in the state of Puebla is the Pueblo Magico Atlixco! It is the Flower Capitol of Mexico where they grow so many amazing flowers and plants. The Volcanic soil is terrific for anything that grows and the climate is really nice!
I was in Ajijic in March of this year to check it out as a place to relocate. I love to walk everywhere and it is not at all walkable. Not only that, it's just alot of old rich white people ( and I'm old and white and Not rich). Not my speed at all. My search continues.
Hi Killer. The walk ability is important as we age. It wasn’t for us either. Check out Panama. 🇵🇦 The most walkable is Costa del Este in Panama City. Look for our video on that and other neighborhoods there.
@@twolford01 not true, at least not from the perspective of US salaries. I'm guessing we are wealthy comparative to some people in MX, which I definitely understand. But as @killerqueen1148 commented, I also don't want to live around alot of old rich white people. One of my retirement concerns is being around too many retirees from the US. I'm from a very diverse US city myself, so I want to have something similar. As my grandmother used to say "everything isn't for everyone".
@@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759 For temporary residence one needs US $4,350 per month, permanent residence is US $7,300 per month. There are also savings criteria of $73,200/$293,000. Not wealthy myself and this seems to be a few $ and goes up every year when they adjust the minimum wages upward here.
Im assuming you ain’t white lol and if you want to move to Mexico for cheap go to Merida that’s where all the the broke blacks and others are moving to save some dinero but even Merida is getting more expensive
The current (September 2024) financial requirement for a Temporal is $4,350 USD/mo, and $7,300 USD/ mo for a permanente. Refer to the official Mexican government website for current and accurate information.
Rents in the popular destinations in Mexico are expensive, but the daily expenses, utilities, property tax, etc. are far cheaper than 🇺🇸 and 🍁. In Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta expats are very welcomed. If you want to go to a place without expats, avoid tourist destinations, is not that difficult.
I’ve lived here three years and each year it keeps getting drier and drier in the summer in many places in Mexico. Certainly central Mexico however, if you choose a place in the Yucatán Quintana Roo or Chiapas, they are still doing well on plenty of rainfall. It is something that I’ve definitely been considering. If you do decide to look for places in Central or South America be sure they do not rely on Hydro power like Ecuador.
@@destinationmax thank you for taking the time to provide a detailed response. Your point about Ecuador’s hydropower issues was another factor I had not considered. The areas of Mexico that receive decent amounts of rain also seem to be hot and humid (not my preferred climate). The high elevation areas north of Mexico City were appealing until I began to learn about water issues. Also do not see much green space in these cities. Buenos Aires is looking more and more appealing. I will need to do an exploratory trip to BA
@@gford9988 take a peek at Pachuca Hidalgo just 1 hour north of Mexico City. That’s where I live as a solo female, and it’s perfect. It’s a safe city as it is the capital city of Hidalgo, great access to Mexico City airports and because we are going into the mountains here we get plenty of rain and green spaces. Google Mineral Del Chico and mineral del Monte. Just 30-40 minutes north of Pachuca. I love your thoughts on Argentina. Honestly, if I were to go anywhere else, I would go there or Brazil.
Talking to the locals in Cancun after Hurricane. They did ok with no severe damage. Our trip was great! But hearing what they are going through because homes and rentals are getting so expensive. The locals can't afford to live in their own town. Even with them working in most of the tourist business. They still are't making what they should be making. Big resorts making the big profits. They are some of the nicest people you'll meet. I'll tip every chance I get!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. While tipping is generous and meant well, it ultimately raises costs for locals as businesses see they can charge more. 🙃
I beg to disagree - we've been living in cancun for almost 2 yrs - we don't live in the tourist places but with locals... ALL restaurants are filled every day and at every hour (during work hours too) - only locals, we don't see any expats ever in the residenctial part of town. During this time here we got scammed and scammed again, by taxi drivers, restaurants, landlords & their "helpers", home repair people big time, etc. We are not stupid, but we didn't know the lay of the land. Now it's harder and harder for them to scam us, but they still try. So don't fall for all this, we've seen enough in Cancun to know they live way better than middle class US. Sure, there are migrants from Central or South America, those are not doing so great, but the actual MX population is doing very well. Lots of jobs, very well paying ones in cancun. p.s. now that the USD became stronger than peso you should see the lines at local banks - ppl going in to exchange the dollar bills from tips like yours into pesos...if they were poor they would have exchanged the usd even at lower exch rates...but they afford to wait...
@@yestohappiness2721 We're a bit confused. Mike...the guy who lived in Mexico for 6 years, was talking specifically about Ajijic it's a very small non-touristy area near Guadalajara that's filled with US & Canadian retirees. I can totally see why Cancun would be different than what he's describing.
@@yestohappiness2721 I didn't put words in their mouth. that is was they said. I have been there 10 years before. It has changed. You don't have to agree. Their happiness matters too
Thanks for the information. Wanting to come for a visit in the spring. Wanting a simpler and peaceful lifestyle. I grew up in South Texas and miss the culture.
There is public transit - I’ve taken the bus several times. And many people ride their electric bikes on the pedestrian path and have trikes or baskets for shopping.
Hi Kirk. Thanks for your question. We have not been to Playa in several years but do know it is smaller and has become overrun with expats and prices have driven north. PV is a bigger spread out area where you can still find authentic local accommodations and shops as well as those geared to expats. Can you see what we see?
Great info....thanks problem for Canadians we have so few direct flights to Guadalajara unless you are in Toronto...and the income requirements are going up and up
So where do middle class Mexicans live? i'm thinking I will need to retire in a larger city; it sounds like these smaller towns are (as someone said) US retirement resorts.
We found Puerto Vallarta to be definitely Mexican in all the good ways...with expats too here and there. We're going to check out Mexico City in the fall. It would seem like it'd be a great place too.
Celtic salt is supposed to be good for high blood pressure and water. The salt helps get the water into the cell so the body doesn’t have to use pressure to get the water into the cell.
I spent a lot of time in México when I was younger and always had planned to retire in México. We even went to the trouble of having our daughter born in México so as a citizen we could buy property in her ñame. However when it camera time to retire the situación with the cartels in México changed my mind. I chose Panama instead. Have been in Panama now for 25 yesrs. A good choice. However I like México. I should go there for a visit now that I am fluent in Spanish..
Cartels are a valid concern. On the other hand we've spent stretches of time in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Cancun a few times. No problems other than panhandlers. We're earmarked for a couple weeks in Mexico City in the fall to see what that's like. You really should visit. Just careful what you do I guess.
I have lived in Mexico for 35years. We have been talking about moving to Arizona It's cheaper much cheaper. And very much safer. And no water problem. This is all the reasons we will move if we do. It's just gotin to expensive here.
Hi Rex, I would love to know where in Mexico you are as well. And where you are considering to move to in Arizona. I'm seriously considering a move to what some would consider a higher cost of living in Mexico since it is a coastal area and it is still much, much less expensive then where I am in Arizona. No judgement here, I'm genuinely curious! :)
If you have lived in Mexico 35 years, I would suggest that you do a research on how much crime has increased in the last 4 years as well as inflation, I don’t believe is cheaper to live in USA than Mexico, but if that is true please let me know because I can’t keep up with the expenses in Texas
Thanks for the praise, Kevin. We hear you, and we did! If you subscribed, you will see when the Spain video goes live. We appreciate you 😁. Spain will come up next.
There absolutely are public buses that run with frequency between Chapala, Ajijic and other lakes towns for about 50 cents USD! The Bus to Guadalajara is three bucks. I did my Permanent Residency by myself ( yes I speak fluent Spanish). There is a wonderful older RUclips channel that doesn't exist anymore called " Why not now" by a couple Lisa and Stephen I followed their video step by step to do the Process/Tramite and had my Green Card in 10 days after landing in Mexico. I believe the Process is even easier now than when I did it. Forgive me but your Guest seems to put a negative swing on both Mexico and Spain, both countries which I started visiting 50 years ago. He appears to be the epitome of all the foreigners/expats that he is complains about.
Hi Tom, Mike did write us a day after the video was up and did explain that there are public busses exactly as you describe. He was thinking of busses up and down the streets etc like you'd see in other larger cities. You know....actually city only busses versus town to town public busses. But thanks writing and explaining that. As for getting the visas, the process is a LOT harder now than back then (we actually inquired a year ago at a consul and were surprised ). Like so many other countries, Mexico is getting stricter and more picky on people retiring there.
@@laptopseniors Getting your Resident Visa is not hard at all. I was able to do both processes in the US and in Mexico by myself with limited Spanish. If you are referring to being hard meaning by strictly the financial qualifications, then yes they have increased making it more difficult for a lot of people.
A lot of this information is old, but a lot is still relevant. I personally would not want to live near chapala lake. Housing there is expensive and it isn't really Mexico
This is a bit sad and includes a number of errors. For example there is and always has been reliable public transportation within Ajijic, to surrounding villages and to Guadalajara. These UTubers seemed to have very little contact with the Mexican community as only restaurants were mentioned. Learning Spanish is a must for living here long-term unless you have a handicap that precludes you from learning another language. How will you get to know those born and raised here or handle any emergency without Spanish? Moving to another country is a great experience but also requires hard work and humility. How would you feel if someone came to your home country, refused to learn your language and did not care to interact with you beyond ordering food in a restaurant?
There was a correction here about the transportation in Ajijic a few weeks back. He was talking about busses 'inside' Ajijic, not the ones that go town to town along Lake Chapala. Mike also is fairly proficient in Spanish, his wife is 100% fluent in many languages including Spanish so they were fine for the 6 years they lived in Ajijic. They left because they didn't like what you're mentioning...people coming there who didn't try to blend in and learn the language etc.
There is truth to this. Many Americans live and travel abroad and make little effort to properly learn the language and culture of a given country they are living in and then have expectations of US level of infrastructure, efficiency and living standards but want the cheaper prices of that country. To locals of a country this comes across as the only reason you are living here is you can't afford living back home and btw you are driving the cost of living for us locals. Often, I think this is off-putting for locals of many countries. If immigrants from other countries come to the US and do not make the effort to acquire the language proficiency and integrate, Americans often complain.
I think Mike obviously tried to live up to his introduction as an expert and so guessed a few times rather than admitted idk. I have seen so many move to Mexico you tubers - it's quite the cottage industry as boomers trade in their snow plows. But very little discussion of the growing problems of excessive heat, drought forest fires and land slides. Many locations in Greece and Italy have become unlivable. I would say if you have a time horizon over 10 years then don't assume the climate will be the same. I would also be cautious about buying "right on the beach" and find out your house or condo is swept away from rising sea levels. Until then, party like it's 2029!!!
Hi Chris. Thanks for watching. Yeah Mike tried hard to answer all her questions and slipped up a bit. The income requirement in Mexico has gone up as he mentioned, and the weather does depend on the place in Mexico that you go to, especially as you said waterfront areas will be hotter, and the higher elevations are cooler. There is no doubt that climate and water levels are changing all over the world so yes it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
This inflation issue is a real problem for many - formerly - desirable areas. People have been migrating to them and automatically that influx has destroyed the desirability ! Same has been happening in the US from State to State. > From what I can tell the path to costing near the same as in the US - will soon be the norm in more and more of Mexico ! Any savings is going to be less and less over time. Inflation will continue. Likely won't be that much longer - before prices wont be much different ? - - - S E Asia - such as the Philippines remains a less expensive destination - in some areas ! Many areas there are nearly as expensive as in the US - and some items are as expensive if not more so - especially for imported goods ! --- The world is changing as people seek a better life - a worse life seems to eventually follow ? 😢
Pretty astute observation. Thanks. Seems the world is catching on both in prosperous and unprosperous countries that you can only have so many immigrants show up before things start to get worse. Right now, for sheer cheap standard of living, southeast asia is still where to go.
I had a colleague who retired with gazillions after becoming #3 in a global financial markets firm. Worked his ass off. Retired, at 64, went on a trip to Mexico, caught meningitis and died.
Sorry about that outcome ... but others happen. I retired at 61, then we traveled the world (by boat) for ten years, now have enjoyed living in Ajijic (Mexico) for the past 13 years.
July 2024...medical care. From experience I prefer living in US for my US Medicare for potential serious issues. I lived in Ajijic for years ... Stroke or heart attack requires a trip to Guadalajara hospital. Ajijic not prepared for that kind of emergency situation. Otherwise I enjoyed my years in Ajijic. Im 82 now and live in US and visit Mexico and Ajijic.
That is no longer the case. Ajijic residents, we have THREE brand new hospitals within five miles of where we live. Being sent to Guad for medical care is rare these days except for very unusual situations. Also, our Medicare Advantage program is accepted at local hospitals for all emergency situations.
Sorry Al, I disagree with you. Great 3 hospitals ... Good for a broken something in a fall on the cobblestones but a life threatening emergency, I don't think so. Medicare coverage in Mexico... travel emergencies maybe but expat residents, I doubt it. You will hear all kinds of stories ... I prefer USA for my healthcare. Mexican hospital may say they accept Medicare but you pay upfront and then ask Medicare to reimburse YOU...will they?
I have lived in Ajijic for 6 years. Regarding what Mike said about the average daily pay of the average Mexican is incorrect. AMLO raised the minimum wage to approximately 12.50 per day which applies mainly to unskilled labor. Here in Ajijic many gardeners/cleaning people/service workers are paid $5-6 US per hour, which is still very low. Even college educated people consider a monthly salary of $!500 US as "good". Many doctors only make in the vicinity of $30,000 US per year. So, there is a huge economic gap between North Americans from the US and Canada and the Mexican nationals. It has a colonialist dynamic with this an economic invasion from the north that only leads to further segregation of the two cultures. Locals have been displaced with the rising cost of homes and rentals. Most of the new building in the Lake Chapala area is more and more cheap American modern, replacing any authentic Mexican charm. It reeks of profit seeking exploitation. This economic divide explains the segregation of locals and "ex-pats" as does the fact that very few who move here from English speaking countries speak much Spanish. There is still an underlying colonialist attitude of superiority and privilege and the expectation that Mexican locals adapt to us, not vice versa. I find these issues quite troubling actually.
Colonial of Mexico City have been overrun by immigrants from Europe and other places to the extent that the Mexican people have been displaced. But hey, I was born an hours drive from San Francisco and prices went through the roof in later years. Migration has been historically present.
No, like they do have minimal pu lic transport and they are fixing some of the roads, and income requirement is now ovet $4000 at most US consulates, so it's pretty outdated. Ajijic has been #1 US expat haven since the 50s, maybe earlier.
I see that some USA Xpats are moving back after 6-7 years. I do not know that you save moving abroad anymore. I have home in San Diego- it is getting more criminal with the severe amount of people crossing the Border. And the Hispanics act like the native whites should get out. I also have a home in Central Florida and I have peace of mind here. I do feel like a house cat staying inside alot because of the weather. But it is affordable and no racial issues. But if WW3 starts it will be hard. I think the new people coming across the Border will not be mellow.
This guy was very annoying to me. He epitomizes everything about Canadians and Americans who think they should have everything for themselves and control what everyone else does. He goes to Mexico and then complains because too many American and Canadian expats are there driving the prices up. Excuse me but what are you and why did you go there? Then he lives there for 6 years and complains the prices are too high whereas if he had made a commitment to the place and bought something he would have been bragging about how much he made living there. Then I have been here 1 week and know there is a very good bus system for 12 pesos will take you anyplace from Jocotepec to Chapalla and for 29 Pesos I went all the way to Guadalajera. I also know that Ajijic is the most expensive of the areas along the lake and you can drop your housing prices substantially by going to any of the more Mexican towns along the lake that speak less English.
My wife and I are US expats and have lived in Ajijic Centro for nearly four years. We love it! Except for the flub on public transportation, I feel it was a fair discussion, full of great information, on the +/-‘s of moving to Mexico and making the decision to move to Ajijic. Also, the same for making the decision that Mexico & Ajijic is no longer the place for you. If I recall, Mexico Mike has always rented. My wife and I bought and I believe that brings a different perspective and level of commitment to a community. I’m a little irked about the discussion and comments on “The Expat problem.” It’s not a problem but an evolution of any community where people seek, for many reasons, a different kind of life. One consistent observation of life in Ajijic Centro is that the expats have not overrun the place. Yes there are many of us about but wander around the square and Malecón during the evenings, weekends, and festivals, the locals and Tapatios (Guadalajaran’s) dominate. Expats certainly have a cut of the housing in Ajijic and surrounding villages but the locals and Tapatios drive the market overall.
I've lived in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico for over six years. It's only a short distance from Ajijic village and Chapala. My house is up in the mountain, so it's quieter, and better temps, with greater views of the mountains and the lake, just on a bumpier road. But it has grown, more people, more cars, more noise, higher prices, and all of that, but I love living here.
Thank you, 😊 for sharing that. We appreciate the views in mountain areas as well, Tom.
As someone who has lived in Ajijic for the past 3 years, I have to tell you that the average daily Mexican wage figure given here is quite wrong. The average (I double checked across multiple websites just now) is $584 pesos, which at the current USD exchange is $32 for an 8 hr day. Minimum wage is a little less than half that. However, employers are also expected to pay a 24% (of total yearly salary) vacation benefit, and a mandatory bonus at Christmas equal to 3 weeks pay. Additionally, if you fire someone (or let them go, almost no matter the reason- and the courts are Very pro worker), they are entitled to a hefty severance that may equal the total salary you have paid for however many months-or years- they have worked for you. Please do not take this responsibility lightly, look into the laws, and make sure you understand. The laws have changed significantly since 2022, and your guest’s information is both outdated and incomplete.
Great info. THANKS!
I am choosing Ajijic over both Boquete and Portugal. Some of the information provided in this interview is incorrect. There is bus service not only serving the Lakeside communities but going to Guadalajara as well. And there are many private drivers that provide service in the area, to the airport and destinations such as Costco.
Hi Cindy. That is correct. Mike forgot and has since corrected us like you wrote, but the video was already live. Thanks for watching 😁. And...he was talking about 'city' bus service within Ajijic, as opposed to ones going town to town or community to community.
Did they fix the water problem? Also what neighborhood do you live? Glad to know it’s easy to get from the airport. I can’t wait to see your town. Thanks!
I live in San Miguel de Allende and was considering moving to Ajijic . I rented an AirB&B for 2 months and decided to move back to San Miguel. We dont own an automobile and in my opinion to really enjoy life in the Lake Chapala area you would definitely need a car. Yes, there are private drivers available but they are a lot more expensive than the numerous availability of taxis in San Miguel. I found that part of living in Ajijic inconvenient.
Brings back memories having lived in Guadalajara while in medical school there. I was amazed then about all the American and Canadian expats who populated Chapala. Nice area still. I went back 5 years ago to visit. Guadalajara is beautiful and safe and the Lake area is quite nice.
I have lived in the mountains of Michoacan for the last 11 years. Patzcuaro at 7,000 feet has the best weather, very inexpensive and SAFE! You won't meet a gringo on every street corner!
Finally, a Canadian (GTA) perspective. People that understand the Canadian $ crisis. Thank you for all of the great info. Best I’ve found so far in my research. The research for a Canadian, single, senior lady looking to relocate on pensions only, has been excruciatingly difficult. Have subscribed and look forward to further informative information.
We have lived in Ajijic for 13 years. We have a group of friends numbering more than 100. I know that a least a half-dozen of those are single Canadian women. Some go back and forth to maintain healthcare coverage, but some don't.
The summer in Puerto Vallarta is as hot as Malaga but more humid. The big advantage for Puerto Vallarta comes from November to the middle of June: Is never cold or hot and most probable there is no more than 5 rainy days during those 7 months. September and October are the worst. I hate summers in Puerto Vallarta and Malaga, but I love winters in Puerto Vallarta.
Even with the heat in those months, PVR is a wonderful place.
I've lived in Ajijic for 4 years now and have a very affordable studio apartment. But the heat here in the dry season is becoming unbearable for me. So, I travel to cooler climates during April May and June. But I love the funky vibe here in Ajijic and especially appreciate the affordable and accessible healthcare.
Buy a mini split
What is “unbearable” to you?
@@albertlewis highs above 30°. At this High elevation, the sunshine is really intense
@@Mad-Angel-c6g I wish I could, but my apartment won't accommodate it
@@albertlewis it was pretty consistently 33 degrees Centigrade through April, May and June… it was still lovely at night, but it was quite warm during the day
The same thing is happening in Mexico City tons of expats and digital nomads have moved into Mexico City driving rental prices up that now many locals can't afford,so they are driving locals to have to move out of certain areas of Mexico City.Mexico has many affordable areas I'm talking like $300.00 to $1,000 US Dollars per month for a house.The problem is most Americans/Canadians don't know where to look and not only that but if you are going to stay around areas with many expats/foreigners then you are going to pay more .Just drive over to the next town or so and you will see the rental prices drop significantly .Also as far as moving to Mexico I do believe that many laws are different in Baja California Mexico than in Mainland Mexico.
We'll be in Mexico City this fall for a few week, so I guess we'll see this first hand while filming.
We have lived in Ajijic for 3 years and the bus runs every 20 mins up and down the lake so, no need for a car. Too much traffic anyway.
Thanks Timmy.
My father lived in Ajijic for many years and really loved it. As a Canadian it is impossible to get medical insurance when you are over 85. The bill for 4 days in the hospital before he died cost us 50,000 Canadian. The hospitals demand to be paid in cash.
Mexico is the best country to live in Latin America and one of the best worldwide! I lived in Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica they don’t compare to Mexico.
This man left Mexico for Spain because ajijic was expensive and too many gringos?! Mexico is a big country with no expats in most parts of Mexico and very affordable. Malaga and Spain in general are full of expats and everything is more expensive in Europe than Mexico??
Mexico has it all Culture, gastronomy, traditions, beaches, magic towns, modern cosmopolitan cities, desert, forest, all kind of climates, etc.
now I live in Zacatecas a good life with $1000 dollars monthly.
There is a bus system between jojotepec and chapala
great conversation... I loved Lake Chapala when I visited... it actually reminded me of an area of Hawaii, where we walked along the shopping area and palm trees Next to the beach! Mexico has great food friendly people, and some very nice Weather depending on where you go... I really enjoyed Guadalajara also. One of my favorite areas in the state of Puebla is the Pueblo Magico Atlixco! It is the Flower Capitol of Mexico where they grow so many amazing flowers and plants. The Volcanic soil is terrific for anything that grows and the climate is really nice!
Hi Diana. Sounds lovely! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.
I was in Ajijic in March of this year to check it out as a place to relocate. I love to walk everywhere and it is not at all walkable. Not only that, it's just alot of old rich white people ( and I'm old and white and Not rich). Not my speed at all. My search continues.
Hi Killer. The walk ability is important as we age. It wasn’t for us either. Check out Panama. 🇵🇦 The most walkable is Costa del Este in Panama City. Look for our video on that and other neighborhoods there.
In order to obtain a permanent or temporary visa you almost need to be wealthy.
@@twolford01 not true, at least not from the perspective of US salaries. I'm guessing we are wealthy comparative to some people in MX, which I definitely understand. But as @killerqueen1148 commented, I also don't want to live around alot of old rich white people. One of my retirement concerns is being around too many retirees from the US. I'm from a very diverse US city myself, so I want to have something similar. As my grandmother used to say "everything isn't for everyone".
@@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759 For temporary residence one needs US $4,350 per month, permanent residence is US $7,300 per month. There are also savings criteria of $73,200/$293,000. Not wealthy myself and this seems to be a few $ and goes up every year when they adjust the minimum wages upward here.
Im assuming you ain’t white lol and if you want to move to Mexico for cheap go to Merida that’s where all the the broke blacks and others are moving to save some dinero but even Merida is getting more expensive
Taxco or Guanajuato have beautiful weather and are so southern Europe in appearance and the Mexican people are extremely friendly.
The current (September 2024) financial requirement for a Temporal is $4,350 USD/mo, and $7,300 USD/ mo for a permanente. Refer to the official Mexican government website for current and accurate information.
Hi Sally, thanks for watching and leaving that update
Great interview/information. Thank you. 😊
Rents in the popular destinations in Mexico are expensive, but the daily expenses, utilities, property tax, etc. are far cheaper than 🇺🇸 and 🍁. In Ajijic and Puerto Vallarta expats are very welcomed. If you want to go to a place without expats, avoid tourist destinations, is not that difficult.
Hi. Thanks for watching. 😊 that’s good common sense.
I am concerned about water shortages in Mexico. How bad is the water situation?
I’ve lived here three years and each year it keeps getting drier and drier in the summer in many places in Mexico. Certainly central Mexico however, if you choose a place in the Yucatán Quintana Roo or Chiapas, they are still doing well on plenty of rainfall. It is something that I’ve definitely been considering. If you do decide to look for places in Central or South America be sure they do not rely on Hydro power like Ecuador.
Ty Max.
Panama is also experiencing low water levels. We should all live near a natural spring. 🤣
@@destinationmax thank you for taking the time to provide a detailed response. Your point about Ecuador’s hydropower issues was another factor I had not considered. The areas of Mexico that receive decent amounts of rain also seem to be hot and humid (not my preferred climate). The high elevation areas north of Mexico City were appealing until I began to learn about water issues. Also do not see much green space in these cities. Buenos Aires is looking more and more appealing. I will need to do an exploratory trip to BA
@@gford9988 take a peek at Pachuca Hidalgo just 1 hour north of Mexico City. That’s where I live as a solo female, and it’s perfect. It’s a safe city as it is the capital city of Hidalgo, great access to Mexico City airports and because we are going into the mountains here we get plenty of rain and green spaces. Google Mineral Del Chico and mineral del Monte. Just 30-40 minutes north of Pachuca. I love your thoughts on Argentina. Honestly, if I were to go anywhere else, I would go there or Brazil.
There are buses every 15 minutes back and forth from Joco to Chapala... but yeah it's like a senior citizen expat enclave.
I could see choosing Mexico over Canadian winters. I hate the cold.
Yes sir! We are right with you. 😆 Thanks for watching, David.
Talking to the locals in Cancun after Hurricane. They did ok with no severe damage. Our trip was great! But hearing what they are going through because homes and rentals are getting so expensive. The locals can't afford to live in their own town. Even with them working in most of the tourist business. They still are't making what they should be making. Big resorts making the big profits. They are some of the nicest people you'll meet. I'll tip every chance I get!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. While tipping is generous and meant well, it ultimately raises costs for locals as businesses see they can charge more. 🙃
I beg to disagree - we've been living in cancun for almost 2 yrs - we don't live in the tourist places but with locals... ALL restaurants are filled every day and at every hour (during work hours too) - only locals, we don't see any expats ever in the residenctial part of town. During this time here we got scammed and scammed again, by taxi drivers, restaurants, landlords & their "helpers", home repair people big time, etc. We are not stupid, but we didn't know the lay of the land. Now it's harder and harder for them to scam us, but they still try. So don't fall for all this, we've seen enough in Cancun to know they live way better than middle class US. Sure, there are migrants from Central or South America, those are not doing so great, but the actual MX population is doing very well. Lots of jobs, very well paying ones in cancun.
p.s. now that the USD became stronger than peso you should see the lines at local banks - ppl going in to exchange the dollar bills from tips like yours into pesos...if they were poor they would have exchanged the usd even at lower exch rates...but they afford to wait...
@@yestohappiness2721 We're a bit confused. Mike...the guy who lived in Mexico for 6 years, was talking specifically about Ajijic it's a very small non-touristy area near Guadalajara that's filled with US & Canadian retirees. I can totally see why Cancun would be different than what he's describing.
@@yestohappiness2721 I didn't put words in their mouth. that is was they said. I have been there 10 years before. It has changed. You don't have to agree. Their happiness matters too
@@laptopseniors sorry, I meant I was disagreeing with the initial comment of "texling93" that mentioned the locals in Cancun can't afford to live...
Thanks for the information.
Wanting to come for a visit in the spring. Wanting a simpler and peaceful lifestyle. I grew up in South Texas and miss the culture.
Hi Janice. You’re welcome. ☺️ This could be the place for you. Hope our other videos help you decide.
Very informative guys. Well done.❤
Thanks, Georgia! ☺️ we appreciate you following us.
There is public transit - I’ve taken the bus several times. And many people ride their electric bikes on the pedestrian path and have trikes or baskets for shopping.
Yes he made a mistake. Thanks for watching. 😃
If you know or have an opinion. Is there a significant cost difference between Playa del Carmen or PV to permanently live in???
Hi Kirk. Thanks for your question. We have not been to Playa in several years but do know it is smaller and has become overrun with expats and prices have driven north. PV is a bigger spread out area where you can still find authentic local accommodations and shops as well as those geared to expats. Can you see what we see?
Great info....thanks problem for Canadians we have so few direct flights to Guadalajara unless you are in Toronto...and the income requirements are going up and up
Hi Mary. Yes up since they qualified for sure. Thanks for watching. 😃
There is public transit. Also, riding a bike is a good way of getting around and is good exercise.
Quite right. Thanks 😊
So where do middle class Mexicans live? i'm thinking I will need to retire in a larger city; it sounds like these smaller towns are (as someone said) US retirement resorts.
We found Puerto Vallarta to be definitely Mexican in all the good ways...with expats too here and there. We're going to check out Mexico City in the fall. It would seem like it'd be a great place too.
Celtic salt is supposed to be good for high blood pressure and water. The salt helps get the water into the cell so the body doesn’t have to use pressure to get the water into the cell.
Why?
@@laptopseniors ruclips.net/video/cBuK73K7t_0/видео.html at 15:47 in the video. Celtic salt has most minerals.
I don't want to go any place that I'll be perceived as ''an expat problem".
R U Guys from the Chicago Burbs?
Hi Tom & Amy. Interesting guess, but no we’re not.
I spent a lot of time in México when I was younger and always had planned to retire in México. We even went to the trouble of having our daughter born in México so as a citizen we could buy property in her ñame. However when it camera time to retire the situación with the cartels in México changed my mind. I chose Panama instead. Have been in Panama now for 25 yesrs. A good choice. However I like México. I should go there for a visit now that I am fluent in Spanish..
Cartels are a valid concern. On the other hand we've spent stretches of time in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Cancun a few times. No problems other than panhandlers. We're earmarked for a couple weeks in Mexico City in the fall to see what that's like. You really should visit. Just careful what you do I guess.
I have lived in Mexico for 35years. We have been talking about moving to Arizona
It's cheaper much cheaper. And very much safer. And no water problem. This is all the reasons we will move if we do. It's just gotin to expensive here.
Hey Rex, thanks for watching. 😃 Wow interesting that you think Arizona has a lower cost of living. Where in Mexico are you?
Hi Rex, I would love to know where in Mexico you are as well. And where you are considering to move to in Arizona. I'm seriously considering a move to what some would consider a higher cost of living in Mexico since it is a coastal area and it is still much, much less expensive then where I am in Arizona. No judgement here, I'm genuinely curious! :)
Agree!! America is very cheap to live. No crime or gangs. No drugs! Great decision. N O T
If you have lived in Mexico 35 years, I would suggest that you do a research on how much crime has increased in the last 4 years as well as inflation, I don’t believe is cheaper to live in USA than Mexico, but if that is true please let me know because I can’t keep up with the expenses in Texas
@@happyinparadise7812where exactly because I am struggling in the Austin area
Great work, please bring him back for a hard core review on Spain!
Thanks for the praise, Kevin. We hear you, and we did! If you subscribed, you will see when the Spain video goes live. We appreciate you 😁. Spain will come up next.
@@laptopseniors great! I have been following you for about 6 months.
There absolutely are public buses that run with frequency between Chapala, Ajijic and other lakes towns for about 50 cents USD! The Bus to Guadalajara is three bucks. I did my Permanent Residency by myself ( yes I speak fluent Spanish). There is a wonderful older RUclips channel that doesn't exist anymore called " Why not now" by a couple Lisa and Stephen I followed their video step by step to do the Process/Tramite and had my Green Card in 10 days after landing in Mexico. I believe the Process is even easier now than when I did it. Forgive me but your Guest seems to put a negative swing on both Mexico and Spain, both countries which I started visiting 50 years ago. He appears to be the epitome of all the foreigners/expats that he is complains about.
Hi Tom, Mike did write us a day after the video was up and did explain that there are public busses exactly as you describe. He was thinking of busses up and down the streets etc like you'd see in other larger cities. You know....actually city only busses versus town to town public busses. But thanks writing and explaining that. As for getting the visas, the process is a LOT harder now than back then (we actually inquired a year ago at a consul and were surprised ). Like so many other countries, Mexico is getting stricter and more picky on people retiring there.
@@laptopseniors Getting your Resident Visa is not hard at all. I was able to do both processes in the US and in Mexico by myself with limited Spanish. If you are referring to being hard meaning by strictly the financial qualifications, then yes they have increased making it more difficult for a lot of people.
A lot of this information is old, but a lot is still relevant. I personally would not want to live near chapala lake. Housing there is expensive and it isn't really Mexico
This is a bit sad and includes a number of errors. For example there is and always has been reliable public transportation within Ajijic, to surrounding villages and to Guadalajara.
These UTubers seemed to have very little contact with the Mexican community as only restaurants were mentioned. Learning Spanish is a must for living here long-term unless you have a handicap that precludes you from learning another language. How will you get to know those born and raised here or handle any emergency without Spanish? Moving to another country is a great experience but also requires hard work and humility. How would you feel if someone came to your home country, refused to learn your language and did not care to interact with you beyond ordering food in a restaurant?
There was a correction here about the transportation in Ajijic a few weeks back. He was talking about busses 'inside' Ajijic, not the ones that go town to town along Lake Chapala. Mike also is fairly proficient in Spanish, his wife is 100% fluent in many languages including Spanish so they were fine for the 6 years they lived in Ajijic. They left because they didn't like what you're mentioning...people coming there who didn't try to blend in and learn the language etc.
There is truth to this. Many Americans live and travel abroad and make little effort to properly learn the language and culture of a given country they are living in and then have expectations of US level of infrastructure, efficiency and living standards but want the cheaper prices of that country. To locals of a country this comes across as the only reason you are living here is you can't afford living back home and btw you are driving the cost of living for us locals. Often, I think this is off-putting for locals of many countries. If immigrants from other countries come to the US and do not make the effort to acquire the language proficiency and integrate, Americans often complain.
I think Mike obviously tried to live up to his introduction as an expert and so guessed a few times rather than admitted idk.
I have seen so many move to Mexico you tubers - it's quite the cottage industry as boomers trade in their snow plows.
But very little discussion of the growing problems of excessive heat, drought forest fires and land slides. Many locations in Greece and Italy have become unlivable. I would say if you have a time horizon over 10 years then don't assume the climate will be the same. I would also be cautious about buying "right on the beach" and find out your house or condo is swept away from rising sea levels. Until then, party like it's 2029!!!
Hi Chris. Thanks for watching. Yeah Mike tried hard to answer all her questions and slipped up a bit. The income requirement in Mexico has gone up as he mentioned, and the weather does depend on the place in Mexico that you go to, especially as you said waterfront areas will be hotter, and the higher elevations are cooler. There is no doubt that climate and water levels are changing all over the world so yes it’s definitely something to keep in mind.
This inflation issue is a real problem for many - formerly - desirable areas. People have been migrating to them and automatically that influx has destroyed the desirability ! Same has been happening in the US from State to State. > From what I can tell the path to costing near the same as in the US - will soon be the norm in more and more of Mexico ! Any savings is going to be less and less over time. Inflation will continue. Likely won't be that much longer - before prices wont be much different ? - - - S E Asia - such as the Philippines remains a less expensive destination - in some areas ! Many areas there are nearly as expensive as in the US - and some items are as expensive if not more so - especially for imported goods ! --- The world is changing as people seek a better life - a worse life seems to eventually follow ? 😢
Pretty astute observation. Thanks. Seems the world is catching on both in prosperous and unprosperous countries that you can only have so many immigrants show up before things start to get worse. Right now, for sheer cheap standard of living, southeast asia is still where to go.
I had a colleague who retired with gazillions after becoming #3 in a global financial markets firm. Worked his ass off. Retired, at 64, went on a trip to Mexico, caught meningitis and died.
Omg! That’s horrible! This is why we retired early, to get some good years at the end.
Are you saying his illness occurred in Mexico?
Sorry about that outcome ... but others happen. I retired at 61, then we traveled the world (by boat) for ten years, now have enjoyed living in Ajijic (Mexico) for the past 13 years.
July 2024...medical care. From experience I prefer living in US for my US Medicare for potential serious issues. I lived in Ajijic for years ... Stroke or heart attack requires a trip to Guadalajara hospital. Ajijic not prepared for that kind of emergency situation. Otherwise I enjoyed my years in Ajijic. Im 82 now and live in US and visit Mexico and Ajijic.
That is no longer the case. Ajijic residents, we have THREE brand new hospitals within five miles of where we live. Being sent to Guad for medical care is rare these days except for very unusual situations. Also, our Medicare Advantage program is accepted at local hospitals for all emergency situations.
Wow 😮 that’s new information! Thanks Al
Sorry Al, I disagree with you. Great 3 hospitals ... Good for a broken something in a fall on the cobblestones but a life threatening emergency, I don't think so. Medicare coverage in Mexico... travel emergencies maybe but expat residents, I doubt it. You will hear all kinds of stories ... I prefer USA for my healthcare. Mexican hospital may say they accept Medicare but you pay upfront and then ask Medicare to reimburse YOU...will they?
I have lived in Ajijic for 6 years. Regarding what Mike said about the average daily pay of the average Mexican is incorrect. AMLO raised the minimum wage to approximately 12.50 per day which applies mainly to unskilled labor. Here in Ajijic many gardeners/cleaning people/service workers are paid $5-6 US per hour, which is still very low. Even college educated people consider a monthly salary of $!500 US as "good". Many doctors only make in the vicinity of $30,000 US per year. So, there is a huge economic gap between North Americans from the US and Canada and the Mexican nationals. It has a colonialist dynamic with this an economic invasion from the north that only leads to further segregation of the two cultures. Locals have been displaced with the rising cost of homes and rentals. Most of the new building in the Lake Chapala area is more and more cheap American modern, replacing any authentic Mexican charm. It reeks of profit seeking exploitation. This economic divide explains the segregation of locals and "ex-pats" as does the fact that very few who move here from English speaking countries speak much Spanish. There is still an underlying colonialist attitude of superiority and privilege and the expectation that Mexican locals adapt to us, not vice versa. I find these issues quite troubling actually.
Colonial of Mexico City have been overrun by immigrants from Europe and other places to the extent that the Mexican people have been displaced. But hey, I was born an hours drive from San Francisco and prices went through the roof in later years. Migration has been historically present.
Facts I love Ajijic but all the realtors are Americans and it's such a false market that it bothered me. I'd love to see it different
Yeah....this happens in a LOT of countries where ExPats retire to.
No one tells you how expensive it is now about the same as the USA
Hi, thanks for commenting and watching our video. You’re not the first person to say that interestingly enough.
Information nice but too old to help anyone today
Not really, essentially all still true. Thanks for watching. 😃
No, like they do have minimal pu lic transport and they are fixing some of the roads, and income requirement is now ovet $4000 at most US consulates, so it's pretty outdated.
Ajijic has been #1 US expat haven since the 50s, maybe earlier.
I see that some USA Xpats are moving back after 6-7 years. I do not know that you save moving abroad anymore. I have home in San Diego- it is getting more criminal with the severe amount of people crossing the Border. And the Hispanics act like the native whites should get out. I also have a home in Central Florida and I have peace of mind here. I do feel like a house cat staying inside alot because of the weather. But it is affordable and no racial issues. But if WW3 starts it will be hard. I think the
new people coming across the Border will not be mellow.
This guy was very annoying to me. He epitomizes everything about Canadians and Americans who think they should have everything for themselves and control what everyone else does. He goes to Mexico and then complains because too many American and Canadian expats are there driving the prices up. Excuse me but what are you and why did you go there? Then he lives there for 6 years and complains the prices are too high whereas if he had made a commitment to the place and bought something he would have been bragging about how much he made living there. Then I have been here 1 week and know there is a very good bus system for 12 pesos will take you anyplace from Jocotepec to Chapalla and for 29 Pesos I went all the way to Guadalajera. I also know that Ajijic is the most expensive of the areas along the lake and you can drop your housing prices substantially by going to any of the more Mexican towns along the lake that speak less English.
Ajijic is WAY too Gringo.
This amigo was giving lots of missing information next time you want to interview anyone from here make sure they know their facts
Hi there, thanks for watching and leaving your comment. Things can change quickly when you’re not watching.
US health conscious don't swig down the booze anymore.😅😅
Congratulations, that’s a smart move. Thanks for watching.😁
This guy sounds like a chronic complainer.
Thanks for watching.