Lake Chapala

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 fabulous colonial cities of Mexico are mostly within 3-4 hours driving too.

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.

To see a list of B&B's, hotels, and motels in the Ajijic area, click here.