Many folks are surprised to learn that the Lake Chapala region has the highest concentrations of expats in Mexico. Beaches aren’t the best draw after all. My wife and I decided to re-locate from Tulum to Ajijic on Lake Chapala this month for many reasons. The weather was a huge factor in our decision making process. It’s hot and humid in Tulum for 7 months out of the year. It’s a beautiful place and we loved living there but Lake Chapala gives us a more crisp mountain climate that is pleasant year round. Once we arrived, we realized why this is a hot spot for expats. The lake is immense and picturesque. We have settled in nicely and look forward to all this area has to offer as we explore more…
Ajijic
Ajijic sits on Lake Chapala at 5,000 feet on Mexico’s largest lake at over 50 miles long and 25 miles wide surrounded by the green mountains and foothills. National Geographic said it has the 2nd best weather on earth. you really don’t need either AC or heating. It cools down every night and warms up in the daytime and with such a huge lake it reminds me a little of living on the Big island of Hawaii. Ajijic is about 3 1/2 hours away from the Pacific so we can drive over for weekends or vacations easily. Ajijic itself is 400-500 years old with cobblestone streets and plenty of history and culture it’s an all around pleasant place to live. Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city about 45 minutes away with a modern international airport and all of the big box stores and malls you could ever want. There a 2 Costco’s and 5 WalMarts.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is another colonial highland hotspot. One strange complaint you hear about this beautiful city is they speak more English than Spanish and the gringos have driven prices to high? It has plenty of culture and wonderful architecture to see everywhere. It is a must see if your wanting to discover old Mexico and see some truly historic churches, local shops and and artisan selling their work in the markets.
