Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ-Is there a lot of vandalism, crime and graffiti at Lake Chapala?
Vandalism, yes some, graffiti, yes but again, some. In the DVD narration I mentioned there are several very poor and very old neighborhoods along Lake Chapala's 30 mile north shore corridor and some very poor people live in them. They are still some of the happiest most loving people you'd ever want to meet. We have several friends whom we know from those areas and be called their friends and we are very proud to call them our friends. They care about where they live and work to keep their houses and children clean. Where in the U.S. do you see woman outside every morning sweeping the street?
Our biggest concern here is burglary. It's important  to be sure you take precautions to protect your home from that. Once that's done, you'll live a very comfortable life here. Living in a gated community reduces that risk but you can secure your property wherever you choose to live. Are there drugs and some bad guys down here, yes, just like everywhere else you might choose to live. If you do not use drugs, buy drugs or sell drugs nor hang out where drugs might be used, bought and sold, you'll never know there's drugs in the area. We feel as safe living at Lake Chapala, in fact safer than some places we have lived in the states. Re sewage, not a problem or an issue. That being said, lines do sometimes break but are usually very quickly repaired as they are everywhere. Thanks again for your purchase and should you need recommendations on lodging, car rentals, ect if you plan a trip down, let us know and let us know when you're coming. We'd like to say hello. I would strongly suggest if you're looking to retire that you do plan a trip down here and that you do spend at least a week, month if you have time, getting to know the area and meet the people.

FAQ-Is traveling safe in Mexico?
Re travel, All the people we know in Lake Chapala, feel safe traveling to and from the states, to and from the beaches or anywhere else in Mexico they choose to drive. Mexico, like everywhere NOB, does have places that we all avoid. Driving at night is not recommended for several reasons. Driving on the toll roads is also recommended where ever possilbe.
One precaution I would suggest is do not display your wealth. Jewelry, big rolls of cash, big expensive SUV's or big expensive pickups.
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FAQ- How much does it cost to live to live at Lake Chapala? The following information is provided as a general reference only.

FAQ - What does it cost to rent a house at Lake Chapala
House rentals are available from about $350.00 to $2,000 per month. This depends on location, size and amenities. You can find a very comfortable 2br 2 bath home from about $600 to $900 dollars per month, plus utilities. Rentals in today's economy, especially during the winter months are very tight, that is for the more choice rental properties in every price category

FAQ- Are there good Bed and Breakfasts in town?
Yes, accommodations range from $35.00 per night to near $120.00. E-mail us for recommendations if you like. contact We will give you a complete overview without prejudice. The price varies by property amenities but in all that we have viewed they all are normally well maintained and differ with the frills or no frills they offer.

FAQ-What is the average price of a house, utilities, property tax and home maintenance?
The average sales price of homes in 2010 was $180,000 and remained about the same in 2011. Most all homes are cash sales. Mortgages, with very high interest, very high down payments and very short terms, 5 years, are far from attractive alternatives. Taxes on homes of two to three hundred thousand dollars are less than $250.00 per year. Maids work for about $3.50 per hour. Gardeners $3.50 to $5.00 and plumbers about $5.00 to $7.00 per hour. Electric $50-$100 per month and if you choose things like electric ranges and electric dryers, they will run much higher. Big electric users are charged premium rates. Gas $35.00-$55.00 per month. Phone basic $20.00. Internet about $40.00.

FAQ-What is the average entree costs in fine restaurants?.
Entrees average $7.00 to $10.00. Lunch $4.00 to $8.00. Breakfast $3.00. Beverages, soft drinks, $1.40, beer $2.00, margaritas $3.50-$5.00. All U.S. dollars. There are a few high end restaurants with higher entree and beverage prices. My wife and I go out to the best steak house in town and by one of the best steaks we're ever tasted, that is called a flap meat steak. It's a boneless 14 oz. steak with virtually no fat and the cost is less than 8.50 U.S. It comes with steamed veggies, or FF and includes petite rolls with a choice of dipping sauces believe it or not, we can't eat 14 oz by ourselves so we split the meal. Wonderful!

FAQ- What does it cost to rent a car?
The average is about $40.00 per day, monthly rentals are available at a much lower cost.

FAQ- What about medical care at Lake Chapala?
Medical care at Lake Chapala is excellent. 0ffice charge $17.00 Specialist $42 to $50. Here is a look at a few of my own expenses. Gall bladder surgery including all hospital and miscellaneous charges $4.000. Cataract surgery including lens in plant, $1200.00. Angiogram, all charges except stints if they had have been necessary, $5,500, .
A couple can live very well at Lake Chapala, have satellite TV, Internet, once a week maid, 4 or 5, three day travel escapes a year, normal dental and medical expenses, dine out 2 to 3 times a week, for as little as $2,000 to $2,500. I will add you can certainly spend a lot more if you want.

FAQ-What communications services are available at Lake Chapala?
Skype, Vonage and Happy Jack phone services are available along with high speed internet, even though much slower high speed than NOB.
Television, Mexican cable and satellite, Dish, Direct and Shaw satellite are all available.

FAQ- What do groceries cost?
Groceries depend to much on your are a personal choices, so here I will only say buying imported U.S. products is much higher than buying similar products made in Mexico. U.S. Choice, imported beef is available but far more expensive than buying Mexican cuts. It will take you a while to learn about several Mexican meant products though, that are excellent, such as marinated arrechera or marinated Vacio steak. Your big advantage living here is the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, all of which are much cheaper, much fresher and available all year long.

FAQ-Can I get prints of your Lake Chapala Pictures?
Yes, Please specify the category you are interested in having and we will send you jpeg images of our most popular pictures. Examples, 1. Lake Views, 2. The hot air balloon regatta, 3. Ajijic or.... Contact us by clicking the link below
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