Living along the shoreline of Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, is an ideal place if you want to live in the countryside with scenic views of the lake while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle, modern amenities, and local Mexican culture at the same time.
In fact, Lake Chapala is another popular retirement destination in Mexico. You can live a comfortable life here in a relaxed community.
Here is everything you need to know about retiring in Lake Chapala, including what kind of lifestyle you are going to have, housing options, how to get around, cost of living, and more.
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Contents
Location
Lake Chapala is around 45 km (28 miles) south-southeast of Guadalajara, Jalisco. It is a large lake, “Lake Chapala,” which is the biggest freshwater lake in Mexico. It is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) in length and 18 kilometers (11 miles) wide.
From east to west, there are three main lakeside communities: Chapala, San Antonio Tlayacapan, and Ajijic. The three areas are connected by 5 km (3 miles) along Highway 23.
Roughly around 50,000 residents and several thousand expats live here.
While there is no airport in the lakeside area, you can easily fly to the international airport in Guadalajara and drive here in only 30 minutes.
Weather
I personally like the weather in Lake Chapala since it has mild weather all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) in summer and 18°C (64°F) in winter.
It also doesn’t rain a lot and isn’t located in a hurricane path.
In my opinion, the weather in Lake Chapala is among the best in Mexico. It isn’t that hot in summer, and in winter, it isn’t that cold. While rain can be heavy during the hurricane season, it’s still better than in many parts of Mexico.
The main problem I can see with the weather is that many places here don’t have air conditioning. It can be too hot to sleep during the summer months. So, I recommend you make sure your place has AC before renting it.
Food
Since Lake Chapala is a popular destination for both tourists and expats, it’s easy to find food here, from Mexican food to international cuisine.
You’ll find American-style fast-food places with combo meals priced around $6.00. Other dining options range from street food to casual and fine dining outlets, with reasonable pricing from US$5 to US$45 per person.
Street vendors boast a wide variety of specialties that range from hamburgers to fish tacos, antojitos, and tamales. You’ll find plenty along the street corners, highways, and the three different Malecons.
When it comes to international cuisine, you can find many options, including American barbecue, Indian, Chinese, and French.
Numerous restaurants in the area boast gorgeous lakeside views, and many offer live music throughout the week. Some favorites of locals and expats include Casita Del Molcajete, Ajijic Tango, Letra CH-Restoran Del Mar, Adelita Bar & Grill, and Pasta Trenta.
Grocery shopping in the lakeside area is easy, with large chain stores like Soriana, Super Lake, and Walmart within an easy drive.
The Chapala Municipal Market is perfect for fresh, locally sourced products, and every Wednesday, there is a farmers market in Ajijic.
For specialty items you’re craving from the U.S., you can visit Pancho’s Deli, Market, and Restaurant, and you’ll find an excellent selection of liquors, beers, and wines at Vinos Americas.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in Lakeside, then take a trip to Guadalajara where you’ll find Costco and Sam’s Club.
The cost of groceries and eating out is quite competitive in the Lakeside area. In general, you’ll find grocery prices 30-40% cheaper than in the U.S.
However, one thing I don’t like about food here is that many shops, especially around the lake area, have gringo prices. So, if you want to get local prices, you need to buy from shops away from the lake.
Housing and Neighborhood
Each of the three communities in Lakeside offers a wide choice of housing.
- Ajijic is the most popular with expats. I personally like it here. There are many neighborhoods that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
- Chapala is ideal for semi-urban living. In my opinion, it’s affordable and good for retirees.
- San Antonio Tlayacapan has the smallest community and gives you a more traditional Mexican feel.
If you need more space, there are numerous gated communities in the outlying areas of each location. But to get around, you need your own transportation.
Let’s take a look at each neighborhood in more detail.
Ajijic
Ajijic, known as the Pueblo Magico town, is the most popular neighborhood with expats due to its mixture of Colonial and Mexican-style architecture.
You can find all types of expats living here, from affluent younger expats to artists and older expats. Married couples and families also live here.
There are three main neighborhoods in Ajijic: Downtown, La Floresta, and Las Silvias.
Downtown
The central area of Ajijic is highly sought after because of its proximity to the Malecon, dining options, public transportation, and entertainment venues.
There is plenty of old-school charm when you walk the streets in the downtown area with mature trees, homes with interior gardens, and, at times, lots of tourists.
One drawback to the downtown area is noise. The bustling streets never stop with foot traffic or vehicles.
You’ll find one-bedroom units ranging from US$700-US$1,100 and two-bedroom apartments costing US$1,200-US$2,300. A two or three-bedroom house costs around US$1,400-US$3,000.
La Floresta
La Floresta is a beautiful area situated between downtown Ajijic and the western portion of San Antonio Tlayacapan. Residents in this neighborhood are upper-class working professionals and well-to-do expats.
The neighborhood was created by renowned architect Samuel Orozco Beltran.
The Spanish Colonial architecture is what really sets this area apart from the other regions in Lakeside. You’ll find beautiful gardens with fountains that remind you of the older days of living inside a Spanish hacienda of the 17th or 18th century.
Another plus for this area is its proximity to everything. While living here, you’ll have access to amenities in San Antonio Tlayacapan and Ajijic right from your doorstep.
You can expect to pay US$1,800–US$2,800 for a two- or three-bedroom home in this area of town.
Las Silvias
Just outside of Ajijic along the main highway, you’ll find the charming neighborhood of Las Silvias. The area winds up and through the adjacent hillsides and boasts plenty of beautiful homes.
You’ll find a mixture of Mexican professionals living alongside many expats in a relaxing area that offers spectacular views of the lake. The cobblestone streets are lined with mature trees and lush hanging gardens on protective stone walls.
You’ll need a car to access grocery shopping, dining, entertainment, and errands.
The houses in this area cost around US$1,400–US$2,100 for two-bedrooms, and you’ll pay US$1,600–US$2,500 for a three-bedroom.
Chapala
Chapala boasts semi-urban living and a working-class feel. The streets are narrow in the central area and wider as you travel up the hill.
La Christiana
La Christiana is a popular neighborhood situated near the Malecon and encompasses most of downtown. It’s popular with younger expats and working-class locals, offering proximity to plenty of amenities such as shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Housing is older but well-maintained, with brightly colored homes dotting the streets. You won’t find much aesthetically pleasing architecture, but the homes are functional.
You’ll have easy access to public transportation, the Malecon, Plaza Principal De Chapala, and Parque La Cristiana for activities like tennis and swimming.
One drawback is the noise of traffic, which never seems to stop.
One-bedroom apartments in this area range from US$400–US$550, and two-bedroom homes range from US$650–US$800.
La Parota
La Parota is north of downtown and La Christiana and is popular with the local working class and expats on a budget. It has similar aesthetics to La Christiana, but the homes offer more garden space and are slightly larger.
The streets are a little wider, and there are more families in the area. You’ll also have an easy walk to grocery shopping and dining options, with downtown and the lake only a 10-minute stroll away.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for US$500–US$650 and a two-bedroom home with a small garden for US$650–US$800.
Chapala Haciendas
Chapala Haciendas is one of the oldest gated communities in the Lakeside area and is popular with expats and more established local families. The area is a 4-minute drive to the downtown area.
In this gated community, you’ll find wide, winding streets lined with mature trees and lots of greenery. The modern houses are larger, offer more privacy, and the area is very peaceful with little to no noise.
Chapala Haciendas will remind you of a suburban area in the U.S., and a two- or three-bedroom home will cost US$1,000–US$1,500.
Brisas de Chapala
Brisas de Chapala is farther up the hillside with beautiful mountain vistas and streets that wind up and down the hillsides. The gated community is very peaceful and quiet, with a tight-knit community of well-to-do local families and expats.
You’ll need a car to take the three-mile trip into the city center for shopping, dining, and activities. However, the views will keep you happy at home.
You’ll also be surprised by the cows and horses that may roam the streets from time to time.
Two- and three-bedroom homes in this area cost around US$1,200–US$2,200.
San Antonio Tlayacapan
In San Antonio Tlayacapan, you’ll find more traditional Mexican-style housing, with homes surrounded by large walls and featuring interior gardens.
You’ll also find aesthetically pleasing modern adobe-style homes with gardens opening to the street in front of the property and large terraces.
Downtown
The Downtown area of San Antonio Tlayacapan is popular with expats and more established Mexican families. Professionals and expats tend to live in this area, which boasts well-maintained homes with gardens facing the street.
You’ll also find numerous homes hidden behind walls that offer interior gardens and plenty of green space.
You’ll have easy walking access to grocery shopping, the Malecon, and excellent dining options in Ajijic.
Housing is affordable for expats, with one-bedrooms renting for US$450–US$750 and two-bedroom homes costing around US$850–US$1,200.
Lower Chula Vista
Chula Vista is a gated complex that’s very popular with expats and upper-class Mexican families. The complex offers a wide range of housing options with pleasing aesthetics and newer, well-maintained Mexican-style adobe properties.
Many of the homes have terrace gardens or front-facing gardens, adding curb appeal and beauty.
Located in the central area of town, it offers superb security and easy walking access to groceries, Ajijic, the lakefront, and dining options. The streets are perfect for a late-night walk, stargazing, and are generally quiet.
You’ll find spacious studios costing US$350–US$400, one- or two-bedroom apartments around US$900–US$1,500, and two- and three-bedroom homes available for US$1,500–US$3,000.
Cielovista Residential
Cielovista is another gated community within San Antonio Tlayacapan but is located further up along the hillside. You’ll find stunning Mexican-style architecture with terraces overlooking the lake and plenty of garden space for flowers.
The area is popular with expats who want to mingle with business leaders and upper-class Mexican families, providing a diverse community.
You’re going to need a car here for grocery shopping, dining, and errands, but you’re only 10 minutes away from anywhere in the Lakeside area.
You’ll find two- or three-bedroom homes renting for US$1,300–US$2,250.
Good to Know
When choosing your housing, keep in mind the additional costs you’ll encounter, such as utilities, gardeners, housekeepers, and high-speed internet. Your electricity bill will run around US$35–85 every two months. High-speed internet costs roughly US$30, and propane will cost around US$15–25 monthly.
A good housekeeper will charge US$10 for a five-hour day, and a gardener is priced similarly.
The Lakeside area is different from other parts of Mexico, where housing is generally cheaper the farther you are from the city center.
Living outside the city center may be more expensive due to the number of gated communities and transportation costs, but you’ll enjoy access to any amenity you wish to have.
Healthcare
Healthcare in the Lakeside area is excellent for retirees. There are two main private hospitals and plenty of clinics and doctors in the area, with many English-speaking healthcare professionals.
The hospitals offer updated equipment with medical specialists ready to address any health issues. Dentists and eye doctors are also competitively priced.
Most medical professionals speak English, helping to minimize the language barrier. However, you may face challenges when scheduling appointments over the telephone or with front desk receptionists.
If you need to visit a large hospital, Guadalajara is just a 30-minute drive away.
Medical services are roughly 35–50% lower in price compared to the U.S.
However, public healthcare in the Lake Chapala area isn’t very good. More details are provided below.
Public Hospital
Unfortunately, there isn’t a public hospital in the Lakeside area. Instead, you’ll find the IMSS Chapala clinic. The facility is not widely used by expats and is quite outdated.
If you’re a registered IMSS patient, you’ll need to travel to an IMSS hospital in Guadalajara, where several specialize in various medical fields.
Another drawback to IMSS for expats is the language barrier, particularly if you don’t speak Spanish. Additionally, wait times for medical procedures can be lengthy.
Private Hospitals
There are two private hospitals in the Lakeside area. Both cater to expats and the local community, offering modern and updated medical services.
The Ribera Medical Center is part of the Lakeside Medical Group, which has 12 hospitals in various Mexican cities, including San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta.
I personally had a great experience at a Lakeside Medical Group hospital after suffering a severe ankle sprain. The staff was professional, and the process was quick, with X-rays completed within 30 minutes. They accepted my insurance without issues, making the experience seamless.
Another hospital in the area is Hospital San Antonio. Although it is a smaller hospital, its services are well-regarded and suitable for most needs.
You’ll also find a Pharmacia Guadalajara and a Quality Care office which offers plenty of doctors, including English speaking, for consultations.
You’ll find medical specialists in all fields of healthcare and most speak English.
Dentists
You’ll find excellent dental services in the Lakeside area, with English-speaking dentists trained in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Prices are typically 40% lower than in the U.S.
Popular facilities include Dr. Hector Haro, Chapala Dental Care, and Dental Express.
Activities
You’ll be happy with the number of activities in the Lakeside area to keep you healthy, smiling, and occupied during your retirement years.
Here’s a quick sample of the activities in the Lakeside area:
- Take a stroll along one of the Malecons: When I lived in Lake Chapala, I enjoyed walking along the Lakeside area. You’ll enjoy a nice lake view with the opportunity to stop for a tasty meal or drink. There are also buskers along the way to keep you entertained and plenty of bird-watching opportunities. As you stroll, you’ll notice brightly colored murals, interesting street art, and some colonial-style architecture still present in the area.
- Golfing: There are a couple of golfing options available in the Lakeside area. The first is the Chula Vista Country Club, featuring a spectacular 9-hole par-3 course embedded into a mountainside. The course is cart-free and costs US$40 (excluding caddie). The Country Club of Chapala offers a 9-hole course along Lake Chapala. By utilizing different tee boxes, you can easily play 18 holes. They offer promotional packages, and a round costs US$45 (excluding caddie and cart).
- Water Sports: There are plenty of rental shops for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to help you enjoy and exercise on Lake Chapala. You can paddle out to Mezcala Island or along the shoreline, admiring the architecture of the Lakeside area. Additional options include boat rentals, a swimming beach in Chapala, or fishing for native chub and catfish.
- Festivals and Celebrations: The Lakeside area hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, making it a vibrant place for cultural experiences. Popular events include Day of the Dead, Three Kings Day, Day of the Virgin, and Mexican Independence Day. Area-specific celebrations include Mexico’s National Chili Cook-Off in February, the Chupinaya Carrera de Montaña in July, and the Regatta de Globos in September, featuring hundreds of colorful unmanned hot air balloons.
- Wellness and Spas: The area offers two fabulous natural thermal spas for relaxation. Monte Coxala features a grotto-style steam room, a Japanese-style soaking pool, and a splendid swimming pool overlooking the lake. San Juan Cosala Balnearios, located by the lake, boasts large hot pools and a natural cave steam bath.
- Hiking: Nature enthusiasts can explore trails in the hills surrounding Lake Chapala. Protected natural areas such as La Chupinaya feature a shrine overlooking the lake. Trails in the Sierra de San Juan Cosala showcase natural beauty, and El Tepalo offers waterfalls and unique rock formations. Explore a detailed list of hiking trails in the area.
Transportation
Getting around the Lakeside area is easy with several options depending on your preferences. Some expats bring their own cars, as it’s only a 12-hour drive to the U.S. border.
However, most expats either walk or take taxis, especially in the evening for dinner or other nighttime activities.
Car
Driving your car in the Lakeside area can make your life easier. Shopping, traveling between areas, and visiting local attractions are more comfortable with a car.
Parking downtown or near the malecons can be expensive. The well-maintained highway between the Lakeside areas helps keep your car in good condition, but cobblestone streets and speed bumps (topes) downtown may impact your vehicle.
Owning a car will increase your monthly budget, with costs for car insurance, maintenance, and gasoline at US$4.50 per gallon.
Bus
The public transit system in the Lakeside area is excellent. Bus routes within the Lakeside towns are reliable and convenient. Drivers provide change, and there are frequent stops for shopping and errands.
A bus ride from Ajijic to Chapala along the highway takes about 20 minutes, with fares costing US$0.60 one-way.
Taxi
Taxis are convenient in the Lakeside area. Prices are reasonable, and drivers are friendly. In Ajijic, taxi fares are slightly higher, around US$3–US$3.50 per mile, due to the larger expat population.
A taxi ride from Ajijic to Chapala costs approximately US$6–US$7, depending on the starting and ending points of your trip.
Airport
One drawback of retiring in Lake Chapala is the lack of an international airport. You’ll need to fly in and out of Guadalajara International Airport (Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Airport).
Transportation to the Lakeside area is available through several local operators or taxis. A 40-minute taxi ride costs around US$25 one-way.
Safety
Feeling safe is a top priority for expats. Fortunately, the overall crime rate in the Lakeside area has remained relatively stable over the years and is considered moderate.
Many areas are frequented by expats and tourists, which ensures a strong police presence in places like downtown, the malecons, and shopping districts.
According to Numbeo, 93% of people feel safe walking at night in the Lakeside area. However, the numbers drop slightly to 79% in Chapala and 60% in Ajijic.
Moderate crimes such as theft, vandalism, home break-ins, and car-related thefts are reported more frequently in Ajijic, likely due to the higher expat population. Bribery and petty theft are also among the most commonly reported incidents.
Despite this, the presence of English-speaking police officers and security personnel helps ease concerns, offering reassurance in case of an incident.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in Lake Chapala?
To live comfortably in the Lakeside area, a monthly income of approximately US$2,100 is recommended. Living in Chapala is about 8% cheaper than Ajijic, primarily due to lower rental costs.
The bulk of your monthly expenses will likely go toward rent and groceries, with costs influenced by the exchange rate at any given time.
Below is a breakdown of estimated living costs across various categories:
Should I Retire in Lake Chapala?
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons to help you decide if Lake Chapala is the right retirement destination for you:
Pros
- A large and welcoming expat community offering a sense of belonging and access to amenities similar to back home.
- A pleasant climate with moderate temperatures year-round.
- Living by Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, with beautiful wildlife and picturesque views.
- Plenty of good hospitals and healthcare options in the Lakeside area.
- Ajijic’s designation as a Pueblo Mágico adds cultural significance and charm to the area.
Cons
- Language barriers may pose challenges if you don’t speak Spanish fluently.
- Owning or renting a car may be necessary for transportation, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
- No direct international airport in the Lakeside area; Guadalajara International Airport is the nearest option.
Ultimately, Lake Chapala offers an excellent balance of affordability, community, and cultural richness, making it an appealing choice for retirees seeking a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle in Mexico.
