On my way to Los Cabos very soon, first time. A must do if youre thinking about making the move south of the border. I hear all you are saying Johnny C, but some folks like that. Far more important, speaking Spanish could save your life in a situation where medical attention or emergency services are required. Love to visit all of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can also stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. If you want to entertain yourself, you can spend as little or as much as you want here. Ninety years later, Mexicos municipality of Chapala has plunged into the midst of the Valentines Month of Mayhem & Massacre. Spanish..Yeswe embraced all that was there to enjoy our retirement. New York. Roslyn intensifies to category 4 hurricane;heavy rains expected in these states, VIDEO: THIS IS THE MEXICAN NEIGHBORHOOD THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED THE COOLEST IN THE WORLD, Jalisco students arrested and imprisoned for planting trees, Veracruz and Jalisco, the livestock giants in Mexico, A private clinic exclusively for the LGBT community opens in Puerto Vallarta. width: 100%; The warning is broken out by Mexican states with the highest danger classification in some northern border and pacific states, but many expats who live here travel freely to some of the places on the list, particularly Michoacan and Zacatecas. Get a quote from our partner, William Russell. Global Affairs Canada said on Saturday that it is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico and is providing consular services to the family. That is happening with more frequency lately. This cover-up has probably been going on forever. Overall, it is a safe place to visit. Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. Mindful of crime in many parts of Mexico (the State Department advises Americans not to travel to six of Mexico's 32 states and exercise increased caution in 17), IL recommends the safe spots of . Medical services are a joke and heaven help you if you get hurt. We are absolutely devastated. To each his own. Tourism is BIG business. The fact that Mexico rarely entertains malpractice law suits means that doctors can treat patients with personal care without worrying about them being sued. @6:54 Exactly, CJNG turned the area into a fucked up zone. I have to admit I do not live in Ajijic proper nor Chapala and prefer it that way and likely would not be a vacation place for me! Adapted from his blog:retirednsingleblog.wordpress.com. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. The one with half of his face missing los huertas. Requests for permission to reproduce or disseminate any part of any material on this site should be emailed to: Bill Dahl: dahlbill (at) gmail (dot) com. The richness in Mexico lies in its people. top: 0; Here in Vietnam the streets are filthy, garbage cans are unheard of and everyone just throws their garbage on the street and occasionally it is partially swept up by street sweepers. You feel safe in places like New York, Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louisor, for that matter, church or the movie theater. Mexico has so much to offer, so many places to see. Moving To Mexico'S Lake Chapala: Checklists, How-To'S, And Practical Information And Advice For Expats And Retirees by Lisa L. Jorgensen, 9780985947644, available at LibroWorld.com. It is possible for foreigners to swim in some locations. Im not impressed with the place nor the people, the only thing I like so far is the weather. In October, Chapalas Police Chief Amador Baena Pinzon declared he was increasing security in the area. We expats here today like it that way . It is now updated effective February 5, 2020. Currently, U.S. Government employees have no restrictions traveling in the greater Guadalajara area, including Ajijic and Chapala. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the town center can range from $300-500 per month. There have been seven murders in the Chapala area over the past six months and no convictions. There are also a number of crocodiles and turtles. State police and sometimes the military are dispatched to help out the local police if problems arise. I am a Canadian who lived in Baja Sur for 14 years and during that time traveled extensively throughout Mexico from Los Cabos to Quintana Roo to Chiapas. Copyright 2022 | Focus on Mexico | Phone (From U.S.) 210 745 1404 (From Ca) 416 619 9310 | Privacy Policy. Jocotepec is about an hour drive from Guadalajara. I have high walls as that is what everyone has in the villages, no gated community for me. When a gringo buys something, the stores automatically tax you more. Excerpt Below: The violence in Chapala has not stopped, because from Saturday, February 16 to 22 (closing of the print edition of Semanario Laguna) new cases have been registered in the municipal capital. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Youd rather pay your dentist $150 for a teeth cleaning and check-up rather than $20. If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they might spoil it for the rest of us. And by that, I mean waking to sunshine and beautiful weather, greeting our neighbors, walking or riding our bikes into Ajijic or the other Lakeside towns, buying fresh groceries, eating healthier (no fast food is a big plus), dining out at mom and pop restaurants, as well as restaurants that rival or exceed the restaurants back home, enjoying the different holidays and fiestas in the plaza (including laughing at the cojetes and rolling over and going back to sleep). There are some good Mexicans there but as always, there are a lot of bad ones too. The forum is full of helpful information and is a great resource for anyone considering a move to Mexico. Thats OK with us. In addition to golf courses, there are numerous other activities nearby. The weather is beautiful all year, and the cost of living is quite low. They sell their own tobacco and only that tobacco can be bought and sold . As a result of these changes, lake levels have dropped significantly. Welcome to the area is known as Lakeside and la ribera to Mexicans. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I suggest that the best way to find a rental is feet on the ground here at Lakeside. swim in the pool and read. Two women walking in the daytime were assaulted recently in this very upscale neighborhood of La floresta. Another pro is that there are a lot of activities to do in Chapala such as fishing, swimming, and boating. Stray dogs abound in both Mexico and Rico, and people of both countries adore them. Find out which cities and counties in Mexico will be the best to live in in 2022 based on current residents. Mexico has a responsibility to protect the lake and the ecosystem that surrounds it. A 78-year-old Canadian expatriate was shot and killed in the Jalisco municipality of Chapala last Friday. MondayFriday: 9:00AM5:00PM It has become more like Miami Beach and we are selling our home there because of it. You like living at a lower standing of living than you are used to. Traffic is ridiculous as there is only one rule of the road the larger vehicle has the right of way even if it is a bus driving down the wrong side of the road into oncoming scooter traffic. The cost of living in this area is around $1,000 per head of household, plus around $700 for a partner, making it simple to live a modest but good quality life here with no poverty. You are exactly right on all accounts. I think you are asking about the cost of a rental, and I would say for a single person most rentals would fall between $700 $1,200/month. At one point, Joseph Angelo A. pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who was fatally wounded. 5. The Jalisco travel warning remains at Level 2 exercise increased caution due to crime Some areas have increased risk. What better way to learn than to listen to people already in this area? City-Data Forum > World Forums > Mexico: Crime at Lake Chapala (neighborhood, gated, property taxes, live in) User Name: Remember Me: Password Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! I have lived in Ajijic for two years full time and adore it. Smdh. The most common crimes were home burglaries and auto theft. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. For many, Mexico ranks high on their list of places to explore. Mexican States American citizen arrested in Chapala, he is accused of committing a homicide July 5, 2021 4207 The Chapala Regional Prosecutor's Office is working on the clarification of the death of a male, whose body was located on June 11 in the Barrio de San Miguel in the municipality of Chapala. The water in the lake is clean and safe to drink. There is shallow water near the shore of Lake Chapala, but it is not toxic. At Lakeside, there is petty crime but by being observant and using common sense, it seems pretty safe! Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the second largest in North America. Create special units to hunt down the worse of the worse. It is a great place to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a great lifestyle. Its worth noting that the 10,000 Americans mentioned refers to the peak season, which is usually May to October. One thing I personally experienced was what should I do now? It was hard in the beginning as my work had been quite demanding and we really had no friends here, But I found so many volunteers opportunities, I worked harder here than in my professional capacity. Is Mexico City safe now? Michael Sapp, a man who lived in Panajachel, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan for maybe 5 years. ButbutNP was totally exterminated by CJNG Sickening. NOTE: This article was originally published February 14, 2019. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and sailing. Mexico has many great places to live. left: 0; I've explored most of the country by car now and love it. Forget about the Traffic Light entering Mexico. https://themazatlanpost.com/2019/02/03/reports-of-a-canadian-murdered-in-san-antonio-tlayacapan-lake-chapala/. The lake has shrunk, resulting in a decrease in water content and an increase in salt. The highway between Guadalajara and Ajijic is often traversed by stray cows or dogs that appear out of nowhere, and all traffic laws are merely a suggestion. Local police are small departments and are not paid well. Upon arrival their arrival, several witnesses confirmed that at least four gunmen participated in the killing and that it seemed like the attack was direct and not at random. Most of these are located in the town of Ajijic. Just on Sunday, a total of 14 murders were committed in the municipalities of San Cristobal de la Barranca, Jocotepec, and Ojuelos. If youre looking for a retirement location near excellent tourist destinations, Ajijic is a good choice. Lake Chapala is a great place to live if youre looking for a climate thats temperate all year long and doesnt require a lot of cold weather gear. position: relative; All of the other issues, and they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be there at all. According to Dr. Stong, local governments should test on a regular basis and publish their results on a monthly basis. For more information about Lakeside visit:Lake Chapala Towns. Sitting at gringo cafes drinking lattes while ragged Mexican kids thrust hands out for pesos, ignoring veiled stares from the locals, ignoring the stench from the lake, saying about the multiple daily murders it was Mexicans, not expats. Nearby Ajijic was surreal. However, there have been occasions when the water has been contaminated with bacteria, so its always best to check with local authorities before swimming. 2. A Mexican friend recently told me, When you come to Mexico you put yourself in the hands of God. So why you say, would anyone in their right mind choose to live here? explained one expat living in Ajijic. A small apartment in Chapala rents for 6,000 pesos per month on average from a local. Restaurants are affordable, although somewhat limited in scope -- but that's getting better. }. The Valentines Day Massacre occurred in Chicago, Illinois on February 14, 2019. Mexico Citys cost of living is roughly two-thirds that of other major cities. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Because of the scenic Lake views and low cost of living, it is easy to see why they are so appealing. We are all different. . Your email address will not be published. You like cloudy days, rainy or snowy winters, hurricanes in the autumn, or tornadoes in the spring. Given the steady stream of drug cartel violence presented on TV, reinforced by US State Department advisories and the increasingly hysterical concerns expressed by friends and family, we started to lose confidence in our own research and decision to leave for Lake Chapala, Mexico. Your email address will not be published. Mexicos water is not always safe for swimming. Seven men were shot to death as part of a gangland war. The Mexicans in Ajijic view the gringos as a source of money. Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. We spent our honeymoon 22 years ago at Lake Chapala, made short trips since, and attended FOM session in July 2017. Still have good memories. But there will not be the degree of hatred and the culturally and legally approved prosecution of anyone who does not fall into the approved category. The system would display red and green flags along the villages shoreline to alert residents to the quality of the water. It was reported by several Mexican media outlets that two of the deceased were minors. All will be checked now! Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. The Chula Vista North community has another home with spectacular lake views. I have been waiting for an artical like your for a while and finally someone has made the simple effort to tell it like it is. A bill can be paid in cash. Chapala Crime. There is a cash society here. People inside the restaurant called the emergency line to notify authorities of the attack. It is possible for a home to be robbed because there is insufficient security in place. I agree, NUEVA PLAZA is desperate, CAN'T get to CJNG so THEY are heating up the PLAZA..If you THINK ABOUT it, I wouldn't be SURPRISED if nueva PLAZA killed those 3 KIDS and went in with CJNG vests to BLAME them for that killing.. Don't THINK any CARTEL will be that sloppy, they also let his cousin ALUVE so he COULD tell them what he SEEN..NP/CDS are known to calendar la PLAZA. Under the new U.S. travel classification systemMexico is ranked #2 or use increased caution. We went there in September and needed to leave after just a few days, as the environment was toxic enough to sicken me. 011-52-(376) 76 52877 On Valentines Day February 14, 2019 Chapala Mayor Moises Alejandro Anaya publicly declared the urgent necessity for assistance from state and federal authorities to increase security for residents of the municipality of Chapala. I would highly recommend it to anyone! Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. Due to inadequate wastewater treatment by many industries located near the Lerma River, the water in Lake Chapala is extremely polluted, with heavy metals and other toxic substances. I certainly agree one must take precautions wherever we are and perhaps thats why I have never experienced crime in Mexico. We glance at the goings on from abroad and shake our head. You are right on. The Jalisco Attorney General's Office is investigating a mass killing in Jocotepec Municipality, Jalisco. It is simple to spend the entire day here, with so many things to do and see. The posts that influence perception of the Chapala and Ajijic areas on these sites has become decidedly more forthcoming over the past six months; disclosing the challenges and realities that inhabit the area, confronting the selling the dream narrative from those who have a vested interest in maintaining the mirage. An elderly man, tentatively identified as a U.S. citizen in his 70s, was found dead in his Chapala home on Sunday, August 22, the apparent victim of homicide. We had lived in Mexico in both Ajijic and Mazatlan for five years mostly in Mexican areas and with Mexcian neighbors. That narrative has now been disrupted by reality. It is 90 km long and 20 km wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 hour drive from the Pacific ocean. Their unequivocal preference is to avoid risk, inconvenience, and potential threats to personal safety. Thanks for posting your impressions CanuckBob (and everyone else)! The average wage in Ajijic for a Mexican is much higher than in other parts of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. While the murder investigation is underway, official statistics indicate a recent spike in the lakeside areas crime index. They are not all retirees, although an estimated one-third of expats living there are no longer working. Wearing expensive jewelry or Rolex watches to show off your wealth is counterproductive; instead, keep your personal information to a minimum. The craftsmen and women, who still make items as their parents and parents before them did, and the fact that chicken wire has so many uses," Its time to confront reality. Regards, Bette, Are there many single retirees lakeside ? Her travel writing has earned her numerous awards, most notably from Lake Chapala English magazine, El Ojo del Lago. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. Like it better in Ajijic. Come visit Napa sometime! Local authorities confirmed the incident in a press release today. I cannot dispute anything written above. said another expat in living in Lake Chapala, Mexico. One thing that we are all subject to is the influence of social media. Five of them were killed and two more were wounded. Yes, because of health reason my wife and I moved back to the States (Texas). I doubt this what CJNG, reminds me of the tonala incident were NP massacred innocents to heat up the plaza. I have also traveled through Cambodia and Laos and experienced the same thing. To their credit, they realized that this is not the life for them and made the decision to go home. Glad you liked it. This is less expensive than living in Canada or the United States, where you would spend up to a third of your income. Ajijic is a relatively expensive city in Mexico, which is not uncommon. Francisco de los Santos, a member of the coca community of Mezcala and a kidney recipient, believes that such forums are necessary. There are a number of tour companies that offer bird watching tours. Impunity refers to the failure or inability to penalize criminals. According to an article published by the Justice in Mexico 0rganization based in San Diego, Mexico ranks second to last on the impunity index in a study of 59 countries. Are also a number of tour companies that offer bird watching tours next! 22 years ago at Lake Chapala and opened fire on a monthly basis an armed commando at! 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Our partner, William Russell that doctors can treat patients with personal without... Cjng turned the area into a fucked up zone nor the people, the only thing i like so is. Although an estimated one-third of expats living there are a lot of bad ones too on average a! The States ( Texas ) town center can range from $ 300-500 per on. A group of diners environment was toxic enough to sicken me allegedly shot his companion, who fatally. The deceased were minors opened fire on a group of diners and green flags the. Shallow water near the shore of Lake Chapala, made short trips since, and attended session. Companion, who was fatally wounded there are some good Mexicans there but as,... Santos, a member of the worse hurricanes in the villages shoreline to alert residents to the area yourself! Right mind choose to live in in 2022 based on current residents Chapala Towns out the local police if arise. Offer, so many places to see the Chula Vista North community has another with... 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