10 Reasons NOT to Visit Lake Chapala

There are a lot of reasons to travel to Ajijic and Lake Chapala for your vacation and possible retirement in Ajijic, Mexico. 

Many sources including guide books; Frommer’s, Fodor’s, Let's Go, Lonely Planet, and Moon Handbooks, tout the many benefits of traveling to and visiting this part of Mexico.

Revelations on retirement abroad in Lake Chapala, have appeared in top magazines: Time Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Kiplinger’s, AARP, and Architectural Digest discussing the advantages of living the Lake Chapala Lifestyle.

Feature articles have appeared in major US newspapers showing life in Mexico including: The Wall Street Journal, San Antonio Express News, Arizona Republic News, Los Angeles Times, and Dallas Morning News about moving to Lake Chapala.

Some of the reasons for Lake Chapala’s popularity with English speaking expatriates are:

• Close proximity to USA
• Low Cost of Living
• Better Value For Your Retirement Dollar
• Warm Sunny Climate for Retirement That is Comfortable All Year
• Largest English Speaking Expat Community in the Western Hemisphere
• Easy Access to the USA, a One Day Drive to Texas
• Excellent and Affordable Medical Care
• Direct Plane Flights From Guadalajara, Mexico
• L.A. is 3 hours away, Dallas 2 hours, Chicago, 3.5 hours
• Central Time Zone

Even with all these accolades and advantages of living in Lake Chapala, there are people that don’t like it here and shouldn’t consider it in their retirement planning.

Here is a list that some may consider
Lake Chapala visitor & retiree deal breakers

1. No All Inclusive Resorts

2. No Large Hotel Chains Such as Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons

3. Credit Cards Rarely Accepted Here

4. No Time Shares

5. Narrow Cobblestone Streets

6. No Wild Night Life

7. Uneven Side Walks

8 No Snow, No Snow Skiing or Snow Sports

9. Not A Spring Break Destination

10. No Barnes & Noble (or other large book store)

11. Not a Cruise Line Port-o-Call

12. Everybody does NOT Speak English

13. Your Favorite Franchise is Probably Not Here

14. Church Bells

15. No Beach or Ocean

16. Roosters

17. No Four Seasons (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring) Just ‘Eternal Spring’

18. Lake Chapala has a Walmart

19. We Live in Mexico With Mexicans