August 13, 2010
by Johnny Punish
MunKNEE.com
The World of Living in Mexico
According to Johnny Punish
by Johnny Punish
I’ve read many articles about living and retiring in Mexico. A good number of them tell
of the good and focus on a specific market. These are mostly written by local
business people aiming to attract you to a certain project to purchase.
As an artist who is neither a real estate salesperson or travel agent
pushing an agenda, I felt it’s time to have a real discussion and look at the
very best places to retire with real Pro’s and Con’s so the reader can really
make an informed decision on where to go that serves their needs, interests and
ambitions.
First to put this comprehensive report together, I have consulted with
highly experienced Ex-pats who have lived and/or live in the places that I rate
here. For me, through my travels, I have met these amazing people who really
know and walk the talk and it’s been an eye opening experience.
So, without further wait, here’s The Johnny Punish Top 10 Places to
Live and Retire in Mexico
and the reasons why…
- Lake Chapala,
Jalisco
- Ensenada, Baja California
- San Miguel de Allende,
Guanajato
- Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Merida, Yucatan
- Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
- Mazatlan, Sinaloa
- Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit
- La Paz, Baja California
- San
Cristobal de las Casas Chiapas
1. Lake Chapala, Jalisco (Winner)
According to Kristina Morgan of Focus on Mexico, she says “Of all the places in Mexico I have been, none can quite compare with Lake Chapala.
There’s something about this place that just seems…magical. And as corny as it
sounds, that’s the word I hear people use to describe Lake Chapala
time and again. Lake
Chapala gets into your
heart and becomes home. It’s like stepping back 50-70 years here regarding the
simpler lifestyle, culture and values. When I’m here I feel like I can be me,
like I can breathe a little more freely and be the person I want to be and this
is a sentiment expressed by most everyone who has ever been here or lives
here”.
Kristina has lived in the Chapala area for 5 years before returning to Colorado, where she
lived for another four years. She says “There wasn’t anything really wrong with
our lives in Colorado
but we also knew there was much more to life than we were able to experience in
our daily suburban grind. I wanted to live my life on purpose, not by default.
So we made a list of pros and cons and quantified each and returning to Lake Chapala
won by a landslide. In our case, this was a giant leap of faith. We were not
retired, had limited savings and three small children to think about”.
Many people said Kristina and her family were crazy. But yet, those same
people now say they wish they could do what they did. Kristina tells them that
they can and that it just takes a detailed dream with action behind it.
Lake Chapala used to be just a retirement
community but in the last 10 years that’s changed and a lot of younger families
and entrepreneurs are moving there for the obvious business opportunities and
lower cost of living.
The Lake Chapala community is comprised of a
string of villages, mostly on the north shore, with Ajijic being the crown
jewel of the area in terms of artisans, charm and amenities. Horses clopping
down the road, vendors selling fresh fruit, women weaving, live music
everywhere from classical to salsa and teenagers helping their grandmothers are
common sights. There’s a happy hum of activity there.
For us, the most compelling reasons (besides raising our children here) are
listed below.
Pros
The Climate
The weather, of course, is a huge draw. National Geographic touts Lake Chapala
as the 2nd best climate in the world. The Lake is surrounded by the Sierra Madre
Mountains and is a mile high, like Denver, Colorado
so we have very little humidity. The distance inland is still close to the
ocean but far enough away to not have to worry about storms and hurricanes off
the coast. We have all the same flora as Hawaii as well as the same vegetation
in arid states like Colorado—pines and palms—growing equally well, side by
side!
The most-developed expat/English infrastructure in Mexico
You may feel like you’ve stepped back in time, but there’s still a lot to do
here, from golfing, to boating, to organized group activities including a
community theater in English, two American Legion posts, the Lake Chapala
Society, churches in English in every denomination, concerts and events (the
Bolshoi Ballet even came to Ajijic!), live entertainment, world class
restaurants that will impress even the most seasoned palate and much more!
So many people have a love affair with Ajijic and the Lake
Chapala area that it is the largest
expat community anywhere outside the U.S.
and Canada.
I figure 20,000 expats can’t be wrong. But as Latin World says, “Despite being
home to one of the heaviest concentrations of North Americans in Mexico, Lake
Chapala doesn’t feel quite as Americanized as other retirement enclaves in
Mexico.” I believe that is due to the fact that this isn’t a resort area
catering to tourists, but rather a place to adopt a new way of life and be a
part of a community.
There are also many real opportunities to get involved and make a difference
through any of the numerous charities here if you want to volunteer your time.
The rewards are greater than any paycheck.
Affordable, top-notch medical care is available
Though it may sound surprising, the University
of Guadalajara boasts an
excellent medical school. In fact, many U.S. doctors are educated there!
There are excellent facilities, doctors, specialists and medical staff in Mexico and a
major benefit is that they are readily available (no long waiting periods).
Many of the doctors even speak English and often have taken some training in
the United States
or abroad. The doctors here have such a gift for listening carefully to you and
not making you feel as if they don’t have time to spend with you. They even
make house calls! There are two clinics here and there are world-class
hospitals in near-by Guadalajara
that resemble 5 star hotels but at a fraction of the cost.
Proximity/Accessibility: Guadalajara,
airport, coast
One of the reasons we chose Lake Chapala is its easy access to other places of
interest in Mexico.
Ideally located about 40 minutes from Guadalajara (Mexico’s 2nd largest city),
25 minutes from Guadalajara’s international airport, and as close as 3 hours to
the pacific coast and an easy 11 hour drive to back to the U.S. so it is easy
to trade the frigid winters and the wilting heat of summers north of the border
for paradise. We wanted to know that they can get back home quickly if we need
to so being so close to the airport makes being home in a few hours possible.
It is interesting to note that travel is part of the culture in this area, for
Mexicans and retirees alike and the low surcharge at the airport in Guadalajara makes flying
more affordable.
Low cost of living
I didn’t move to Mexico
to spend a lot of money! It has been said that Lake Chapala
is the place to be if you want a bargain and all the amenities you’re used to
from back home.
Home prices are still low here. I know people who have looked into different
retirement destinations all over Mexico and say they have found the
best deals here. We also have an MLS, which almost nowhere else in Mexico has so
it is easier find the right home for you. On the coast, you must purchase
property through a bank trust but because we are inland you are allowed to own
property outright through a direct deed.
We pay our maid about $35 USD a week for 15 hours of work. I never could
have had a maid for 15 hours a week while we lived in Colorado. The average cost for a single
person to live very well is $1800 a month but I know many people doing it on
significantly less than that. We can have a steak dinner for $12.00, with wine
and there are fresh organic foods and a weekly farmers market available as
well. Labor is very inexpensive here, too so if you are interested in custom
work or art, etc it’s easily within reach.
All of this adds up to a lifestyle there is no way I could afford to
duplicate in the U.S.
and that it would be hard to give up.
This is a real community
To me, this is the most compelling reason to come here. People come to Lake Chapala
for the weather and lower cost of living and end up staying because of the
people. Lake Chapala still has a small-town feel to
it. It seems like everyone knows everyone and the people, both Mexican and Expats,
are very friendly and look out for each other. This area also has the largest
singles population owing to the sense of safety and community here. It is said
that people are nicer here than they were back home. The Mexicans are still
very warm and welcoming, largely due to the fact that most of the transplants
are very cognizant that we are guests in their country and we try to be as
gracious and considerate as our Mexican friends are. There is still an
old-world, genteel flavor here. Mexicans embrace family, customs and tradition
and tend to dote on their children and cherish their elderly. The people who
come here are frequently in awe of the close ties in our community and how
quickly they are welcomed and accepted. I haven’t seen anything like this
anywhere else in the world, not even in other places in Mexico.
A safe and secure environment
Despite a rather negative media representation which focuses on drug
related violence, Mexico
is actually a top choice when it comes to safety. The conflicts which make the
headlines are mostly limited to the U.S. border area; the majority of the
country is virtually unaffected, and news of these unfortunate events is as
distant to these areas as it is to the U.S., and in some cases, even more so.
“In Lake Chapala violent crime is almost unheard
of,” points out Shawn Gaffney. “In Lake
Chapala, the citizens
walk the streets at any time of day or night safely and confidently.”
Statistics back this feeling of comfort; in most parts of Mexico, violent crime is significantly lower
than in large U.S.
cities.
Stunning beauty
Lake Chapala
has breathtaking sunsets over the lake, and majestic mountain views. Flowers
are prolific and seem saturated in bold color. There are charming cobbled
streets with stone walls and fuchsia bougainvillea draped like petticoats over
the tops. The best way to give you a picture is that people say it looks like Hawaii. The vivid color
here is whimsical and artistic, with many murals all over the area, including
some that are painted on houses and businesses. There are at least 3 waterfalls
in the area and thermal springs that will transport you with their relaxing and
curative properties. Sun drenched terra cotta tiles, mesmerizing vistas and
tropical foliage make it feel like you’re on permanent vacation—but without the
heat, humidity, tourists, hurricanes or expense.
Solid investment
When you’re considering a place to retire, no one wants to flush their money
into an area where they would have a hard time getting it back out if they ever
needed to. This area is at a steady growth rate with promise of more future
growth, especially with the Pan AM games being held in Guadalajara
in 2011 and some of the water sports competitions being held at Lake Chapala.
You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck now while knowing your money will grow
here.
Slower pace of life:
We can learn so much from the people here about what is truly important in
life. For those who are seeking to simplify their lives, Lake Chapala
should be on your short-list. This isn’t a “time is money” culture. Mexicans
work to live while many of us have lived to work. In general, the people here have
their priorities straight. It’s all about how you treat people and recognizing
that each day is a gift to be lived fully and graciously.
Cons
Altitude
At a mile high, some people who have COPD or other severe respiratory illnesses
may find this is a little too high in altitude for them. However, some people
report feeling far better here and being able to sleep better than they ever
could. The elevation is also a major reason we have such a temperate climate
and why the area isn’t prone to natural disasters.
Language
If you move to Mexico
you’re going to have to learn at least a little of the Spanish language to get
by. Some people find this daunting and intimidating. The good news is that
compared to anywhere else in Mexico,
English is spoken to one degree or another by most people.
Small villages
If you’re looking for a big city feel then Lake Chapala
isn’t for you. Think quaint fishing villages with an old world feel and modern
amenities and you’ll have the idea. However, village life has its benefits in
safety and community and if you need a break from the tranquility and want to
head to the big city then Guadalajara
is just up the road.
Noise levels
This can be said about any area in Mexico but I still think it needs
to be said. Village life is noisy with live music, church bells tolling at all
hours, roosters who crow all day and night, fireworks, parades and processions,
parties and cars driving by announcing everything from their wares to who has a
fresh catch of fish down at the pier. On Mother’s Day, some lucky moms are
woken before dawn with mariachi bands serenading them outside their window. If
this would drive you crazy, then be sure to look for homes on the outskirts of
the villages or in a planned development, or gated community. Thankfully, there
are a lot of places to choose from to escape the noise.
Not a Business Mecca
For those young and aggressive, they will be disappointed because the Lake Chapala
area is NOT a Mecca
for business. Business gets done but for the most part, retiree’s are slower
more set in their ways and thus are not seeking big opportunities so trying to
sell them something using a carrot for the future can be frustrating and will
land you in the “con man” category real quick.
It is not the ocean
Lake Chapala is Mexico’s
largest lake at 77 miles long and 13 miles across but if your heart is set on a
daily routine of drinking a margarita on the beach with endless waves
stretching out to the horizon then this isn’t for you. While this is the
largest lake in Mexico
and the conquistadores thought this was the ocean when they first arrived here,
it is still a lake. But the lake is beautiful and ideal for sailing, swimming
and recreation and the ocean is just three hours away.
In short, Lake
Chapala is a one in a
million place with everything it offers. Of course, one size doesn’t fit all
but if you’re looking for a paradise with a low cost of living, an established
English infrastructure and activities, modern amenities, near-perfect climate
and a friendly and safe community, come visit Lake Chapala and see if this
might be for you. To help you in making a decision, Focus On Mexico offers
8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate
in the World). Join them on a Focus program and learn why thousands of
Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala.
Their programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an
insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics:
Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US
Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside,
Investing in Mexico,
Mexican Economy and much more… You’ll get everything you need to help you
decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus
have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn’t be better.
Watch This Video;
About the Author: Johnny Punish is a musical artist who has lived in Mexico for the past 11 years.
Authors Note:
The "Top 10 Places to Live and Retire in Mexico" can be found at http://www.munknee.com/2010/08/top-10-places-to-live-and-retire-in-mexico/