Blog - Focus On Mexico

Living at Lake Chapala

Living at Lake Chapala Absolutely Magical... Living at Lake Chapala- your Dream Retirement in Mexico We "Mexpats" consider it both a pleasure and a privilege to feel so welcome living at Lake Chapala, Mexico. Although there are no confirmed statistics, some 17,000 to 20,000 foreigners have made Lake Chapala their home, either full or part time. The area has grown to be one of the most popular colonies in North America. Unlike the traditional resort locations on the coast where people like to vacation, Lake Chapala is a place where people come to live. Here in Chapala and … [Read more...]

Doctor Visit USA vs Mexico

By Karen McConnaughey This article was written a few years ago, but all this information still applies. However, since the peso to dollar exchange is rate is so good right now (July 2017) , your expenses in Mexico would be even less, while the costs quoted in this article quite likely even higher. I haven’t been to a doctor in the states since 2003 so I would probably have sticker shock if I ever had to go when I go back to visit. This is why I always get Travel Insurance when I go back to visit Kansas City! For instance, as of today’s rate in July 2017, if you withdraw … [Read more...]

Renting a Home in Lake Chapala

Let me start by saying, no worries, there are rental properties in all price ranges in the Lake Chapala area. That being said, ‘you get what you pay for’ is just as true here as in other locations. Rental prices by the month range from $500 USD to $2,500 USD, depending on size, condition, location and time of year, and whether short term or long term. Most of our clients find that they need to pay somewhere between $850 and $1500 to get the amenities they are used to north of the border when they rent for several months at a time, just to give you some ballpark to work with. To get a sense … [Read more...]

Is Mexico Safe

By David Huff Editor's Note: David Huff is an avid reader and contributor to the inFocus newsletter. We are glad he took the time to write some common-sense advice about visiting Mexico in general, and Lake Chapala specifically. Whether you live here or are just visiting, please do not “leave your brains at the border!” The question, “Is Mexico Safe?,” has been raised numerous times over the nearly two years that Catherine and I have been retired and living at Lake Chapala. With frequent and numerous news reports and specials, the question is now foremost in the minds of many Canadians and … [Read more...]

About Life in Lake Chapala

Our Little Pocket of Paradise is a Haven for Mexpats Lake Chapala, nestled in a mountain valley just 50 minutes south of Guadalajara and 25 minutes from the international airport, is the largest inland body of water in Mexico. It is 66 miles(106 kilometres) long and 13 miles (21 kilometres) wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 ½ hour drive from the Pacific ocean. The most popular area for "Mexpats" (Canadians, Americans, Europeans) is located on the northwestern shoreline and is made up of a series of small villages over a 20 … [Read more...]