Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. It is located in Mexico’s western region and in the state of Jalisco. For those who are not familiar with Mexico’s geography, Lake Chapala is 28 miles southeast of Guadalajara and approximately a 5-hour drive east from Puerto Vallarta. Lake Chapala covers over 420 square miles and, at its deepest point, is 34 feet. This incredible water oasis has 3 various sized islands. They are in no specific order:
- Isla de los Alacranes has a scorpion shape and is a ceremonial landmark for the Huichol people – indigenous to the southern Sierra Madre mountain range.
- Isla Mezcala is the largest of the three islands and was part of the War of Independence. There are a historic Spanish Fort and Mexican prison that still resides on the island.
- La Isla Menor is the smallest of the three islands and has no residents.
The lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain blanketed with thickly wooded landscapes and various indigenous plants. Three rivers flow from the upper Sierras that feed Lake Chapala.
Several travel publications promote Lake Chapala as one of Mexico’s most famous escapes. Chapala’s town offers a tranquil lifestyle that encourages quite a few North Americans to establish a part-time or permanent residency. There is no other destination in Mexico with as many expats who have made this area their home in the total count. Hopefully, the following information will explain why people choose Lake Chapala and the area.
6 reasons why Lake Chapala’s unique lifestyle attracts so much attention:
The Charming Atmosphere
There are small villages surrounding Lake Chapala’s picturesque shores and bordering mountains. These laidback communities offer open-air markets, boutique shops, and homegrown eateries that hold on to times past. The neighborhood streets are lined with uniquely-designed and simple-constructed homes. It is not uncommon to see cars, buses, horses, and yes, even donkeys sharing the right-of-way on the narrow roadways. Here is where you can also stroll along the streets and conjure up a friendly conversation with your neighbors.
Chapala has a reasonably moderate population of approximately 51,000 residents. This thriving town holds on tightly to its heritage but, at the same time, provides many of today’s modern conveniences. There are several brand name supermarkets and retail outlets that intertwine with the local shops and markets. Also, there are all kinds of world cuisines throughout Chapala’s various restaurants. There is a tree-lined malecon with groomed gardens, water features, and sculptured artwork. It looks like something you would see in a travel magazine.
Lake Chapala’s Social Life
Another big draw for the many expats and seasonal residents is the area’s active social life. The two most popular clubs are The Lake Chapala Society [LCS] and the American Legion Post. Both of these clubs have nice facilities where people can go and get acquainted with one another. They also provide services that include answering questions about the area and offering Spanish and other miscellaneous classes. There are plenty of restaurants to do people watching, participate in karaoke, or dance to various music. Enjoy several lakeside venues that offer mixed arts and entertainment. The opportunity to meet and socialize is virtually endless.
Lake Chapala’s Healthcare
When relocating internationally, having access to good healthcare is a must. Doctors and various clinics are abundant around the Lake Chapala area. In general, the cost is less than half, if not more, than what it is in the states. If you go to a General Practitioner, an office visit could be as low as 16 USD. Or, if you visit an internist or a more specialized doctor, the cost could be 40 USD, depending on the ailment.
On the other hand, if a higher-level specialist is required, an hour’s drive to Guadalajara is most likely needed. Even so, the office visit is still around 60 USD. These prices are less than most co-pays in America. There are several hospitals in the Chapala and Guadalajara region.
Chapala has Cruz Roja Americana, which is an urgent care facility that also handles immediate emergency services. There are plenty of hospitals in Guadalajara, and two of them get high marks – Hospital Mexico Americano (4 ½ stars) and Hospital Ramon Garibay (5 stars). Prescribed medicines are less than a quarter of the cost compared to America. For example, a generic brand inhaler in the US with no insurance is 45.00. The same generic brand in Chapala is under 4 USD. It is advised to establish a doctor if needed or not.
Lake Chapala Real Estate
There are several towns and villages in and around Chapala to choose from when purchasing a home. For example, in Ajijic’s neighboring village, a modest size 2-bedroom and 2 ½ bath townhouse with a lake and mountain view can be purchased for as low as 125,000 USD. Depending on your wants and needs, that price can be more or less.
When looking at Lake Chapala real estate, there are several options to consider. Choose to either live in one of the many neighborhoods or in a gated community. Most of the homes are built to enjoy the outdoors. This explains why most of the patios make up a third of the total square footage – make sure you understand this when looking at homes. Each home in the Chapala area has its own distinctive design, which creates a certain uniqueness. They come with a fully equipped kitchen, a variety of floor plans, and furnishings. Potential homebuyers can expect to purchase a lovely home for between 200,000 USD to 250,000 USD.
Lake Chapala’s cost of living
Like all of Mexico, the cost of living is the lowest anywhere in North America. To take this a bit further, Mexico ranked number 4 out of 10 as one of the best countries to live and work. Some of the more common reasons that make Mexico’s cost of living exceptional are outlined below.
- Property taxes can be as low as $100 or less a year.
- Housing, which includes rental and ownership, is cheaper.
- Food, entertainment, and public transportation are very affordable.
- The US dollar has a very favorable exchange rate with the peso.
The above bullets are just a few of the advantages that substantiate why many people establish residency in Mexico. Statistics show that the Lake Chapala area has the highest concentration of expats. The reason why? Because the cost of living is much more affordable in comparison to the US.
Lake Chapala’s Family-Friendly Environment
Lake Chapala is a family-friendly destination. There are lots of attractions and community events that provide plenty of family fun. Spend a day enjoying the Ajijic Tobolandia Water Park or the Guadalajara Zoo or Museum. Education is very important when raising a family. There are various public and private schools to choose from. Mexico’s schools are on the British system and are quite advanced. With younger expats making Chapala their new home, it is easy for parents to socialize with one another at various gatherings. There are also several parks around town where parents can take their kids to play. All in all, Lake Chapala graciously welcomes families.
Other Contributing Information
Several other positive factors contribute to Lake Chapala’s unique lifestyle. One of those positive factors is that approximately three-quarters of the locals speak fluent English. However, it is recommended to at least learn some basic Spanish. Another important amenity is having easy access to Guadalajara International Airport. It is a very comfortable 45 to 50-minute drive from the Chapala area. And did we mention the near-perfect year-round weather? The coldest months are November to January (Avg. the high mid-70s), and the hottest months are April through August (Avg. high mid to upper 80’s). When the rain comes to perish the landscape, it happens in June through September and October.
Lake Chapala, with its small villages and the mainstay town of Chapala, has something for everyone. The lifestyle here is as laidback as you want it or as active as you need it. Take the day to kayak on the lake or spend it browsing the shops and local sites. Choose to live in or around the mountains or near the lake and its shoreline. The restaurants serve a variety of freshly prepared cuisines and your favorite beverages. All the towns and small communities bring a delightful ambiance that promotes a stress-free environment. There is nothing like creating a new lifestyle in the Chapala Lake area.