Welcome to Lake Chapala Retirement Area
We want to congratulate you for looking into Mexico's largest
North American retirement community.
As pioneers in real estate (1st one lakeside) and the publishing business, we have introduced many to our local idyllic scene. We feel this is what we do best, showing you what graceful and carefree retirement is all about.
Let us share with you our excitement and knowledge on the Lake Chapala area. Be among the many that have already begun a new and enjoyable life.
Lake Chapala, the Area Known as “Lakeside”
Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, with 1112 km².
This area is known as “Lakeside” to residents from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain and Europe, among other places, and “la ribera” to Mexicans. Due partly to the eclectic mixture, it has developed a continental Old World charm which blends smoothly with a distinctly Mexican ambiance.
Cobblestone streets, tile-roofed homes, riotously colorful gardens blooming year around, and incredible open-air markets and restaurants are common sights, backdropped by lush green mountains surrounding the lake. The hills are laced with flowering trees and plants, and accented by waterfalls, caves, petroglyphs, indigenous sacred sites, and a variety of hiking trails and places to explore.
Over 10,000 retirees call lakeside their home, call us, we can show you around!
Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, and its international airport are less than an hour away, so Lake Chapala area residents can have anything at their disposal. If for some reason it can’t be found in Chapala or Ajijic, it can be found in Guadalajara. With the airport so close, it is easy to travel to the United States or anywhere in the world.
Climate and Weather in the Lake Chapala Area
Other prime retirement locations cannot come close to matching the climate in the Lake Chapala area. High humidity, searing summer heat, hurricane and tornado threats and miserable winters are all foreign to the Lake Chapala area. Temperatures are consistent year round. The sun shines all day almost every day. Consistently low humidity adds to the comfort level. The wind is very gentle or non-existent. Sunrises and sunsets vary only about an hour from winter to summer.
A combination of tropical location, high altitude and a large body of water produce a climate in the Chapala area that is second to none in the world. Although National Geographic magazine has done the full analysis and declared Lake Chapala to have the second best climate, those who live here are quite content to be that close to the ideal.
Enjoy this video of Lake Chapala area
Cost of living in Lake Chapala
Other than excellent climate, the reason many North Americans have for moving to Mexico is the cost of living. Most prices are lower compared to those “back home”. It is hard to understand why so many people on small pensions or Social Security will struggle with miserable climates, high utility and medical bills, and other services, when they could live better in Mexico.
Lake Chapala is known for being one of the most affordable places for retirees in the United States looking for a warm and friendly place to live. As for daily expenses, the cost is also very low. Fresh, high-quality food is very cheap in the local markets, and there are a wide variety of restaurant options at reasonable prices. In addition, basic services such as electricity, water and gas are much cheaper than in the United States.
Compared to cities in the United States, housing prices in Chapala are much more affordable. You can find spacious and comfortable houses and apartments for a fraction of the price you would pay in the United States. Additionally, many of these homes come with stunning lake views, for you to enjoy every day.
Finally, medical care lakeside is excellent and very affordable. Hospitals and clinics are modern and well equipped, and medical care is of high quality also. Treatment and medication costs are much lower than in the United States, which means you can get the care you need without worrying about cost.
Reasons why you should retire in Lake Chapala
Lake Chapala is magical, full of culture, history and life. This beautiful region is home to a large community of retirees from all over the world, who have found here a place to relax, enjoy and discover new experiences. Is one of the best places in the world to retire.
Here I present the reasons why you should consider this wonderful destination to start a new phase of your life.
- One of the most important factors to consider when retiring is the cost of living.
- Enjoy the perfect climate all year round in Lake Chapala!
- If you are looking for a place to live that allows you to enjoy life without spending a fortune, Lake Chapala is the place for you!
- The impressive beauty of Lake Chapala.
- Lake Chapala is only 30 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport. And if you prefer to drive, it’s only a 12 hour drive to the Mexico-United States border.
- Discover the surprising quality and affordability of medical care in Lake Chapala and Guadalajara!
- Living in Lake Chapala offers a new opportunity in life!
- Discover the richness of Mexican culture: friendly and full of traditions
- No, it is not necessary to speak Spanish in Chapala!
- Security
The Ribera de Chapala is a wonderful destination for retirees looking for a place to relax, enjoy life and discover new experiences. With its spring-like weather, welcoming community, vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and affordability, there’s no question that this place is one of the best retirement destinations in the world!
Real Estate in Chapala. Everything You Need to Know!
Chapala is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to invest in real estate. From culture and community to natural beauty and affordability, there are many reasons to consider Chapala for your next investment.
The real estate market in Chapala is currently thriving, with a wide range of properties available for sale or rent. From cozy apartments to luxurious villas, there is something for every taste and budget. Prices vary based on location, size, and property amenities, but overall, real estate properties in Chapala are quite affordable compared to other popular expatriate destinations.
Read more about Real Estate in Chapala…..
Where is Chapala?
Chapala is located in the central area of the state of Jalisco, Mexico, at the north shore of Lake Chapala, 26 km. (16 mi.) east of the Lake’s western end, and 42 km. (25 mi.) south of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Chapala is the largest city on the shores of Lake Chapala, it is a traditional Mexican city, where you can take walks along the shore of the lake and contemplate the beautiful boardwalk. The climate in the Chapala area is temperate, with rains in summer. The rains occur between the months of June and October. The coldest periods are from December to February. Its average temperature is 72°F / 22°C. The temperature ranges from a low of about 50°F / 10°C in the winter months, to a high of about 90°F / 32°C in summer.
15 Activities to Enjoy in Lake Chapala
Retirees find that keeping occupied is not a problem; the only dilemma is finding the time to do all the available activities. With over 200 existing organizations in the area, there is a variable of “things to do” year round. There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of activities in the towns of La Ribera de Chapala to keep you entertained and participating in this beautiful community.
This is a brief list of some of the activities, places and organizations, which are not numbered in any particular order. Hope this is of great help for you.
Let’s start and have some fun!
Are you ready for an amazing adventure?
Check out this incredible video that showcases some of the best activities and sights to see in Lake Chapala!
Spring in Ajijic!
In Ajijic, spring brings forth new leaves on the trees, while flowers fill the streets with their vibrant beauty.
One of the most distinctive aspects of spring in Ajijic is the blooming of jacaranda trees.
These majestic trees, with their intense purple flowers, paint the landscape with a romantic and magical hue.
Home of the Week
“Villa Pilar is an authentic and exquisite San Miguel Hacienda style home in Ribera de Pilar. Filled with beautiful Mexican furniture and art this is a turnkey sale”
Behind the unassuming front door, lies a colorful front terrace filled with plants, flowers and a detailed cantera wall fountain. Next to the terrace is a generously sized single car garage with electric gate.
Rising above the terrace staircase, is the entrance to the house. As you pass through the archway, your attention is drawn to the high Colima style ceilings made of palm wood beams and terra-cotta tiles. Intricate custom carved rose wood doors and windows run throughout the house, with the exception of the gorgeous 150-year-old hand carved cedar door imported from San Miguel Allende. This door is accented on both sides with stain leaded glass.
Home For Sale in Lake Chapala
Let us help you find the house of your dreams!
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Read MoreLake Chapala Towns
For more than 10,000 expatriates, mostly Canadian and American, attracted by a climate described as “eternal spring,” the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake, have become a permanent home.
Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico
This charming town of Chapala is located on the north shore of Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, 26 km. (16 mi.) east of the western end of the lake, and 42 km. (25 miles) southeast of Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. It is the oldest town, the most populated, and is part of a series of towns on the shores of Lake Chapala: Chapala, San Antonio Tlayacapan, Ajijic, San Juan Cosalá, and Jocopetec, known locally as Lakeside.
Chapala is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the country. Its privileged location on the shores of the largest lake in Mexico makes it a unique natural destination.
Founded in 1538, the town probably took its name from Chapalac, one of its earliest Indian chiefs. Or perhaps it came from the Mexican “Chapatla,” the “place where pots abound,” referring to the primitive Indian practice of appeasing the gods by throwing pots, spotted with blood from earlobes, into Lake Chapala. “Grasshoppers Over the Water” – Nahuatl “Very Wet Place” – Coca “Place Where the Pots Abound”- Nahuatl
Chapala is a center of art and culture, with a rich history and traditions that are celebrated in local festivities.
If you are looking for a place to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Mexico, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Chapala and experience all it has to offer.
Read more: Location, Meaning, History, Flora, Fauna, Art, Festivities….
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Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
Ajijic is located on the shores of Lake Chapala and offers an unforgettable experience for visitors, with its impressive flora and fauna, rich history and culture, and unique festivities and traditions.
“In pre-conquest times, Ajijic (Ah-ee-heec) was spelled Axixique or Axixic (pronounced “Ah-she-sheek.”) The final “c” was pronounced by Spanish rules, but whenever anyone pronounces it, people in these parts know he is a stranger. Ajijic means “The Place Where the Water Springs Forth” in Nahuatl.”
One of Ajijic’s main attractions is its location and its climate (some say the best climate in the world). Situated on the shores of Lake Chapala, the town offers breathtaking views and exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. There are also companies that offer boat tours on the lake to explore the natural beauty around Ajijic.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ajijic has a rich history and culture that can be experienced in its unique festivals and traditions. From November 21 to 30, the town celebrates its own Fiesta Patronal, in honor of San Andrés, with nine days of fireworks, processions, games, music, dancing, food and drink. Carnival, which is celebrated just before Lent, is another important festivity in which parades are held with the participation of sayacas (they are masked characters dressed as women “somewhat exaggerated in their attributes”).
Food is also a major draw in Ajijic. Visitors can enjoy a variety of options, from traditional Mexican food restaurants to cafeterias and international food restaurants.
Since Tuesday, December 1, 2020, the town of Ajijic, located on Lake Chapala, has been declared the ninth Magic Town of Jalisco (Pueblo Magico), delivered by the federal tourism government.
Ajijic is a vibrant and exciting tourist destination in Jalisco, Mexico. With its privileged location on Lake Chapala, its rich history and culture, its impressive flora and fauna, and its unique festivities and traditions, Ajijic offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Whether you are looking to relax in a natural setting, explore the culture and history of Mexico, or enjoy exciting outdoor activities, Ajijic is the perfect place for you. Don’t wait any longer to plan your trip to this beautiful town in Mexico!
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THE LAKE CHAPALA FINE ARTISTS GUILD ART SHOW
The Guild is proud to be showing its art at The Bravo! Theatre (Hidalgo 441, Riberas del Pilar, Ajijic). Not only does it give patrons something nice to look at before the show, but should they be taken with a piece, they can purchase it and enjoy it at home. We will be changing the art every couple of months to enhance your enjoyment. Enjoy a glass of wine, some exquisite art and an amazing production in one evening. The current show will be up until the middle of May. Stephany Andrews, President of Lake Chapala Fine Arts Guild.
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Lets uncover the best places to eat, drink, and shop in Lake Chapala.
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