.. Regards, Bette, Are there many single retirees lakeside ? On Monday, three men were shot and killed in Chapala, leaving a woman and a minor injured. Weve been here ten years, will answer any questions you have, boswelltb@yahoo.com terry and Barb Also you can go to chapala.com it is a webboard to people here, Your email address will not be published. width: 100%; Overall, it is a safe place to visit. You may fit that category here snowbirding and checking out the Lake Chapala area. Allow law abiding citizens to arm themselves legally. Just got back from my first visit to the area. Click here. 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. This new strategy must produce verifiable results regarding apprehension and conviction of those looting, robbing, carjacking, burglarizing, murdering and maiming the local population. This process merits special attention because illusions play so vital a role in our lives throughout the life cycle.. Take off your rose-colored glasses and read what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. A male friend was pick-pocketed last month on a bus in Chapala in the daytime and had all his cards stolen along with his drivers license and passport. 12:34 you have solved the case, you've been promoted to lead detective. Over the weekend, an armed commando arrived at a restaurant next to Lake Chapala and opened fire on a group of diners. Wonder if 2 of those were the boy's missing from northern cali? If you want to live in a warm climate, low-cost housing, and plenty of amenities, this is the place for you. Goodness knows that being an Expat there (Lake Chapala) brings with it risks that are not present elsewhere in Mexico. You havent figured out yet that you need to down-size your lifestyle to survive retirement. According to the United Nations, a water quality index of 0-44 is considered poor, while a water quality index of 95-100 is considered excellent. Countless home robberies including from in-home staff. There is no doubt that the lake will continue to dry up, but misinformation about this is not uncommon. I still feel safer in Mexico than I ever would in the USAschool shootings? Lake Chapala, Mexicos largest lake, is also the worlds largest lake, and it is home to the countrys largest concentration of U.S. expats. Enjoy and don't get shot Johnny C..the area is not for everyone that is for sure. Utilities, including water, electricity, and internet, can cost an additional $100-200 per month. Interested in finding out more about our Online Program? Maids and gardeners earn an average of $3 to $6 per hour, according to Payscale. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. If you want clear water, you can use local pools or drive to small lakes like Lago de Maria, which have presas and creeks. Composer Inna Zhvanetskaya has reportedly gone into hiding to prevent authorities from forcibly imprisoning and vaccinating her. Unless you engage in illegal activities, the Cartel will not cause you any harm. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies. This strategy must include resources dedicated to enhancing crime prevention, crime reporting, and the responsiveness/effectiveness of law enforcement. 41.67. Lake Chapala is located in western Mexico about an hour south of Guadalajara, and it is home to approximately 20,000 expats. Besides, being Spanish my first language I was able to understand Mexico a lot better than those who do not know Spanish. This is less expensive than living in Canada or the United States, where you would spend up to a third of your income. The Jalisco travel warning remains at Level 2 exercise increased caution due to crime Some areas have increased risk. The study also reveals that insecurity, unemployment, impunity and corruption remain the top concerns of Mexican citizens. Their unequivocal preference is to avoid risk, inconvenience, and potential threats to personal safety. Perhaps the residents in the apparently dirty upscale part of Ajijic) are all expats. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. Glad you liked it. Like it better in Ajijic. @6:54 Exactly, CJNG turned the area into a fucked up zone. Adapted from his blog:retirednsingleblog.wordpress.com. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98179744', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico. The article on living on lakeside appears to be accurate. Serious crime is rare in the Lake Chapala area; and it's much safer to live here than many places north of the border. Its not fair though to lure more and more people into, what looks like a good deal, but in reality isnt. . If youre looking for a place to escape the cold, you might want to think about visiting Chapala. You are right on. Michael Sapp, a man who lived in Panajachel, Guatemala on Lake Atitlan for maybe 5 years. Lake Chapala is also a very affordable place to get healthcare. The Mexican people are generous and helpful with us who are just learning their language, assisting us with pronunciation and finding what we are looking for. Chapala's malecon (a walkway, or boardwalk) lies just forty-five minutes south of Guadalajara. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. Crime in Mexico varies widely by location with the worst crime reported in the states that border the United States and the south of Mexico, mostly because of drug cartel activity, according to the U.S. Department of State. It has come out that the Chapala police have not been reporting crime properly to the State police to keep them from coming into to Chapala to assist the local police. When the day finally arrived and we moved into our long-term rental (which we absolutely love), it was like a dream come true. Dirty See 3 above. Truth be told, selling the dream in the Lake Chapala area has been an illusion for quite some time. The dust of Mexico settles slowly. Investigators believe that the attack could be due to a "settling of scores" (ajuste de cuentas) between organized crime groups in the area, particularly the criminal cells based in Jocotepec and Chapala municipalities. Most of these are located in the town of Ajijic. Your email address will not be published. But you can also find rentals as low as $500/mo or $2,000/month too. This new coverage, may be saving people from truly difficult experiences, and may be saving life and limb for people who may not otherwise know about this area, or these occurrences. As the saying goes, Life is Good in the U.S. and Canada. We feel safer here in the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area during COVID than we did in the States. Unfortunately, the age of the majority of the expats make it easy pickings for the punk gang guys. Thanks for the reply. There have been seven murders in the Chapala area over the past six months and no convictions. U.S. State Departments Mexico Travel Warnings, Mexico - A Growing Global Crisis of Confidence - Bill Dahl, Lake Chapala: State of the Lake 2019 - Bill Dahl, Americanaries Observing Canaries from their Nest in the West, The Americonundrum Democracy in Decline, La Vista de Queretaro Our Bed and Breakfast Your Accommodations to Explore Gorgeous Colonial Central Mexico, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Lake Chapala Crime Reports 03-12-2011, 09:20 . Only blindness could account for it. Carol has taught English to Mexican adults for ten years as part of a volunteer program run by expatriates. The land is on the Mexican Plateau, at 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) above sea level, in Jalisco and Michoacn states. The corpse was discovered lying face down in bed, with hands bound together behind the back. Creative Commons Non-derivative license is registered. So buyer beware, if you are considering moving to Mexico, you should try to make several trips as long as possible to get your own sense of the pros and cons and how they will affect your lifestyle. It is safe to swim in the water, but you must go to designated beaches to swim or boat. But 87 years and and and. On Wednesday February 13th, one man was shot in Chapala and two in Ajijic. According to Dr. Stong, local governments should test on a regular basis and publish their results on a monthly basis. Worldwide Delivery. Mexicos healthcare and medical services are comparable to or better than those in the United States. Gardeners, maids, medical care providers, and contractors are among the people who work for North Americans who transplants from other countries. You are exactly right on all accounts. However, for those of us who can adapt to being here, it has a great deal to offer. Expats flock to Lake Chapala, particularly when visiting Mexico, which is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Villagers in the Cajititl*n lagoon, near Chapala, claim that fishermen cant find the white fish characteristic of that area of water. We lived in Ajijic for 7 years ..owned a home thereand loved almost every minute of it. 21 years no problems, one petty crime. It seems that most retirees there are married.. Do I expect to have adjustments and unpleasant issues? Interesting: A friend of mine who has lived in Mexico for the past several years, and has lived all over the world, regrets that he didnt settle down in southeast Asia; Cambodia or Thailand, I think. In addition to golf courses, there are numerous other activities nearby. The average wage in Ajijic for a Mexican is much higher than in other parts of Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. How are they treated ? 4. On Monday, three men were shot and killed in Chapala, leaving a woman and a minor injured. Expats, Retirees and Digital Nomads talk about the pros and cons of living in Lake Chapala. We are on our fifth and final trip to Ajijic because we are in the process of become permanent residents of Mexico. } Over 40 million tourists visited Mexico during 2018, spending over U.S. $20 billion. Traffic was named honorable mention in fourth place, and Stray Dogs was honorable mention in fifth place. There are some good Mexicans there but as always, there are a lot of bad ones too. Thats OK with us. Lake Chapala is an ideal location for a vacation or to retire. The end result for us might have been better if wed done it in our 60s instead of in our 70s. Medical services are a joke and heaven help you if you get hurt. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98137350', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico, but I will scratch this area off my lists. After eating my last meal of the day, I walk to the lake to sit and watch the water lap on the shore, as birds fly low overhead. Where will the financial resources come from? He was over 65 years of age, retired, and living in the Chapala part of Lake Atitlan near the park. Another man was murdered in Chapala in November. A Mexican earns 700 to 800 pesos per week, which works out to about four hours per day for five days. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! That is just the start. Reports of a Canadian murdered in San Antonio Tlayacapan "Lake Chapala" February 3, 2019 3384 Canadian Global Affairs confirms death of Canadian citizen in Mexico. We specialize in educational programs and services to make your next chapter in life the most rewarding ever! Love to visit all of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The lake is also a popular destination for bird watching. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98182045', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico 65 miles long yet not usable. Many writers come here to find Lawrences ghost stirring among the trees. 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. 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. Read More. The events occurred on October 7, at approximately 8:30 p.m., when said individual was in the company of another male, inside a house located on lvaro Obregn street, in Ajijic. It is boring..I admit lol, I do not hike. You paint rather a bleak picture as far as crime and sanitation in Mexico go. Your email address will not be published. No one was arrested for the crimes. William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. It is a great place to live because it has close proximity to perfect weather, low costs, and a great lifestyle. Several groups are working diligently to improve Lakeside trash pick-up, recyiclying and add garbage trucks, but the quality of trash removal varies widely throughout Mexico from somewhat satisfactory to poor. The only source of fresh water for Guadalajaras 3 million residents is Lake Chapala. Good and bad everywhere! We had lived in Mexico in both Ajijic and Mazatlan for five years mostly in Mexican areas and with Mexcian neighbors. Also, kudos to Focus on Mexico. Your email address will not be published. Several clashes were reported across Jalisco over the weekend. Dangerous In addition to the lawlessness covered in point 1 above, the roads are generally full of potholes and topes (speed bumps) which are usually unmarked and often in the most unlikely of places. Safety not so sure, crepy people and dark streets at night Data released this week on criminal complaints lodged during July put Chapala and Jocotepec near the top of the list for ten municipalities located outside the Guadalajara metro area, surpassed only by Puerto Vallarta. There are many restaurants, but few that I would regard as excellent. The forum is full of helpful information and is a great resource for anyone considering a move to Mexico. Did we learn to speak. Just on Sunday, a total of 14 murders were committed in the municipalities of San Cristobal de la Barranca, Jocotepec, and Ojuelos. The sidewalks are uneven, crumbling on many corners where the local buses repeatedly miss the turn, and the cobblestones are rough, making every walk through the village feel like a journey through uncharted territory. My brother far prefers China and Asian countries over Latin America an I feel more comfortable south of the border. We saw some of the bad sides of Mexico, but we were fortunate enough to experience the people and culture. Lake Chapala has been shrinking for quite some time. Many international visitors, including American and Canadian expats, have relocated to the Lake Chapala area because of the gentle arches and hand-painted tiles in the homes, as well as the variety of gardens that bloom throughout the year. The Jalisco Attorney General's Office is investigating a mass killing in Jocotepec Municipality, Jalisco. Mexico is a wonderful country with a lot of great. Mexicos water is not always safe for swimming. Expat senior murdered in Chapala. We have been here 8 yrs-on and offbut live here full timelast 4 yrs.Yesstreets are messypower goes out frequently in rainy seasoncrime is concerningbut it is anywhere. No children ripped from their parents and then lost in spite of the numbers on their arms! Traffic cops may still question you and demand mordida (a bribe). Many countries are in the process of building new assisted living facilities in order to meet the needs of the elderly expat population. The international living magazines and blogs tout the climate and cost of living as two of the prime reasons to move to Mexico, but warm weather and low cost of living are not enough on which to base a life. Used to ride horses. A relative of a Canadian couple who were killed at a popular Mexican retirement destination says the family is "in shock" over the loss. Seven men were shot to death as part of a gangland war. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. 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. The decline of Lake Chapala has serious consequences for the people who live near it as well as the area. As a result, other months would see a much lower number. Restaurants are affordable, although somewhat limited in scope -- but that's getting better. I use Amazons Blink mini cameras to send an instant text alert to my cell phone when someone walks outside my gate. Comments are moderated, refer to policy for more information.Enva fotos, vdeos, notas, enlaces o informacin Todo 100% Annimo;borderlandbeat@gmail.com, Investigators believe that the attack could be due to a "settling of scores" (. I tried picking up all the trash in the streets in front of my house, but in a day it was back to normal. You dont like kayaking, golf, hiking, tennis, bridge, the arts or culture, or doing whatever pleases you, outdoors or indoors365 days a year. I dont believe any place devoid of crime so it is always a matter of better/worse vs none/a lot There are so many reasons to move to Lake Chapala and Mexico, here's a top 10 list for you. One of the pros is that the climate is very mild and it rarely gets above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On my way to Los Cabos very soon, first time. A cobblestone is the cause of any number of accidents. Home being Mexico. This is impunity at its worst. What the hell do we do now? The U.S. government has advised its personnel to use the Federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City, but stops in La Barca or Ocotlan are not permitted. Sometimes there even is crime or a shooting that is pretty much everywhere. It is possible for foreigners to swim in some locations. Very welcoming community. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and sailing. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=garbage+in+streets+saigon&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images. According to official studies, Guadalajara receives water with levels of aluminum ten thousand times higher than normal, he explained. Expats living in the lakeside area are quite safe. Yes, because of health reason my wife and I moved back to the States (Texas). I would never live in a gated community in the US. Mexico is not like the USA or Canada I agree, its a lot better in most ways and certainly far better than Asian countries I have been in. Im fortunate to have lived in Latin America for 20 years as a young adult into middle age, so I had some idea of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised to find Mexico to be more open and joyous than some other Latin cultures Ive lived in. The crime occurred at a downtown address on Calle Jurez. On your Journey of Discovery to retire in this land of enchantment, we cover topics that will be important to youimmigration, health options available in Mexico, legal and financial topics, and information that will guide you through the decision-making process of buying or renting a house, options for moving, bringing your pets, and a myriad of other details that we have collected during Focus on Mexicos 20 years of experience guiding our participants through the Lake Chapala area. We expats here today like it that way. The place isnt idyllic, but its also home to me. Mexicans themselves are fastidiously clean and except among the very poor, adults and children are generally dressed with great care because dress is considered a reflection of ones status in society. It has become more like Miami Beach and we are selling our home there because of it. At one point, Joseph Angelo A. pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who was fatally wounded. Algae, lilies, and weeds in the water contribute to the formation of high oxygen levels and the death of fish. Her family believed she had become obsessed with the situation as well. said another expat in living in Lake Chapala, Mexico. For starters, they must believe what they read and hear in the U.S. media. Chaotic Mexicans are not obsessed with having everything in order. I started this blog as a result of a local discussion board thread, and I was curious to hear what local expats had to say about living in Lakeside. While I dont have any hard statistics, the expat retiree population lakeside is a combination of couples, a larger number of single women and a smaller number of single men. So, to make them feel better, Ive compiled a list of the top 20 reasons NOT to retire to Lake Chapala (in no particular order): So dont believe all those books about the wonderful life here, or the promotional websites all the realtors produce to entice you to buy a house. Weather is incredible year-round. Perhaps you would check out the images at garbage in the streets saigon ( https://duckduckgo.com/?q=garbage+in+streets+saigon&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images) . Now, they are sending caution. On Tuesday, an expat storeowner was the victim of an attempted carjacking - and injured. The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. Falling in love with this romantic place and then finding out about the current murders and fabrication of information, really has taken the wind out of our retirement plans. J. Taking part in local events throughout the day for free is an excellent way to enjoy the community. When you walk, you can complete the walk at any time. If too many Gringos and Canadians come down here, they might spoil it for the rest of us. explained one expat living in Ajijic. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Primetime). Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Far more important, speaking Spanish could save your life in a situation where medical attention or emergency services are required. If you can afford it, you can buy a two-bedroom, two-bath, second-floor condo with a swimming pool and garden view for $99,000. The town of Ajijic is so tight, it can be very challenging to walk anywhere in the village. 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. When he lived in this area, D.H Lawrence embraced its setting as the backdrop for Plumed Serpent. Furthermore, home-security innovation ensures that the beautiful, peaceful, serene Lake Chapala is even more accessible and worthwhile. Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico and the second largest in North America. The disconnect of the expat community is appalling. $25 a month electric bills are too high, and youd rather spend hundreds of dollars a month to heat and air-condition your house. There are sports and intellectual programs, Some people feel guilty or others try to make you feel guilty if you simply want to Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. 16.67. Despite the fact that mile-high altitudes provide relief from the heat and humidity of coastal towns, people with heart and respiratory problems may find it difficult. We returned to the US shortly thereafter. My friends in the states: none have suffered from such crimes in decades. No element of this site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Bill Dahl. (We northerners could learn something about what it means to be discreet, which has a slightly different meaning in Spanish, roughly translating into not saying everything thats on your mind, and wrapping every discourse in courtesy regardless of how angry or justified you may think you are.). They are not all retirees, although an estimated one-third of expats living there are no longer working. Its our health and safety we have to be concerned with. R. Canada. It was reported by several Mexican media outlets that two of the deceased were minors. The lake has shrunk, resulting in a decrease in water content and an increase in salt. Thank you for publishing a most honest narrative of what some view as living in Chapala. Expats flock to the Lake Chapala Society for a variety of reasons. Come visit Napa sometime! After three years of field research and testing, Stong was able to demonstrate the ability of floating cage aquaculture in Lake Chapala. Not a day passes that I dont reflect back to our many expat and Mexican friends.

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