Lake Chapala real estate, Ajijic real estate, homes for sale in Chapala, maps cost of living, retirement, retiring in Chapala.

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Lake Chapala, Jalisco      Local Time is Central Time Zone

Lake Chapala is only 40 minutes from Guadalajara and less than 30 minuites from Guadalajara's airport. Three main towns are featured, Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec. There are an estimated 45,000 people living in the Chapala/Ajijic area, and many of them are North Americans. Numerous support organizations exist, and they organize activities, provide assistance in purchasing real estate, legal, cultural, shopping, and financial advice. This support makes the Lake Chapala an excellent starting point if you want to investigate retiring in Mexico. It is just far enough away from the big city to be a comfortable retirement haven. It is only 2.5 hours to the coastal beaches south of Manzanillo, 3 hours to Manzanillo itself, and 4.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta.

The real estate market is one of the best organized in Mexico, and hundreds of homes are listed for sale on the local MLS service. The fabulous colonial cities of Mexico are mostly within 3-4 hours driving too. Of course we can't forget the great city of Guadalajara which is less than one hour away. You can shop till you drop there, eat gourmet meals, check out colonial buildings, and the entertainment is full-range. Prices are fairly low and the selection is unlimited. The cost of living is lower around Lake Chapala compared to the coastal areas. Restaurant prices can much lower, but higher priced tourist restaurants exist too. Utility costs are lower because air conditioning is not required. And of course, they have the world's most perfect climate. Here are some local links for more information Medical Services Golfing in the Area Other Links for Information

The picture to the left shows the Fountain of the Fishermen in the lakeside park in the town of Chapala. In the background is the cathedral. Chapala has a more defined commercial core compared to the village of Ajijic. Behind this fountain toward the lake are located many vendors selling products from arts and crafts to food. Chapala is a great place for a Sunday afternoon stroll along this park, checking out all the Mexican tourists from Guadalajara. People from Guadalajara come to Lake Chapala for the weekend or just for dinner on the lake. Sometimes all the restaurants are very busy on the weekend. Here is the climate data for Chapala: Summary of average monthly temperatures and precipitation. Month: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High Temp. 75 77 80 84 86 83 79 79 78 79 78 76 Low Temp. 46 48 50 54 58 61 60 60 59 55 49 47 Precipitation 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.0 6.3 9.7 7.6 5.8 2.3 0.4 0.5 The above numbers are degrees fahrenheit and inches. The above current temperatures are for Guadalajara. The climate on Lake Chapala is generally a little cooler than Guadalajara in the hotter months, and warmer in the colder months.   REAL ESTATE Lake Chapala MLS Search ACCOMMODATIONS To reserve a hotel room in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or Marina Vallarta, click here. To see a list of B&B's, hotels, and motels in the Ajijic area, click here. Find hotels in most Mexican Cities, more than 900! SHOPPING AND SERVICES Lots of handicrafts, and art works of all kinds can be found in the Lago Chapala area. Virtually unlimited shopping can be found in Guadalajara, a short distance away. Shopping bus tours are run regularly to Guadalajara. DINING There is a good selection of restaurants in the Lake Chapala area. Including seafood, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and American. You won't go hungry! Links to other web sites:

This page covers the towns of Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec, San Juan Cosala, San Antonio, all on the north shore of Lake Chapala near Guadalajara. Real estate is emphasized.