Local authorities confirmed the incident in a press release today. That is just the start. An elderly man, tentatively identified as a U.S. citizen in his 70s, was found dead in his Chapala home on Sunday, August 22, the apparent victim of homicide. Also, kudos to Focus on Mexico. Around every corner one is greeted by a cacophony of smells; the sweet aroma of baking bread and roasting coffee swirling together with the smell of garbage rotting in the sun and pet detritus. Travel on Highway 80 between Cocula and La Huerta is not permitted for U.S. government personnel. You can incorporate all of the available options into a one-of-a-kind lifestyle that is tailored to your needs. "Narco cartels and the resulting territorial violence is more than challenging--it's scary when it gets close. Tourism is highly influenced by the perceptions acquired from these platforms. Remember, an investment in or by an individual tourist or group is discretionary. Currently, U.S. Government employees have no restrictions traveling in the greater Guadalajara area, including Ajijic and Chapala. A bill can be paid in cash. It is the lifeblood of the Chapala and Ajijic area. When the day finally arrived and we moved into our long-term rental (which we absolutely love), it was like a dream come true. Take off your rose-colored glasses and read what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. Our time in Mexico was the best time in our lives. Its worth noting that the 10,000 Americans mentioned refers to the peak season, which is usually May to October. Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to swim and boat in Lake Chapala. Lake Chapala has been shrinking for quite some time. Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A 78-year-old Canadian expatriate was shot and killed in the Jalisco municipality of Chapala last Friday. The perpetrators were four men disguised as police officers. Of course. Do know they occupy a lot of area here especially gated communities LOL. We specialize in educational programs and services to make your next chapter in life the most rewarding ever! Mansions and top-notch restaurants are available, as are plenty of fine dining options. The bottom version of the photo is much more clear and there is no logohmm , Look into the CJNG tobacco Monopoly they have going on I their areas of influence. Here in Vietnam the streets are filthy, garbage cans are unheard of and everyone just throws their garbage on the street and occasionally it is partially swept up by street sweepers. We are all different. A two-bedroom, two-bath house with a backyard and garden area, a modern kitchen with wood cabinets, modern bathrooms, and a carport with parking for two cars costs $95,000 I discovered that a basic house in Chapala, needing only minor renovations, could be purchased for $45,000. The dust of Mexico settles slowly. Start from scratch. Sign up below to get helpful tips & information on moving to Mexico. As a result of a 226 square kilometers (60,000 acres) decrease in the lakes surface area in just five years, the area is now almost entirely exposed to nature. Nobody has ever been convicted of this crime. What are some ways to learn Spanish while also getting along with the Mexicans? While the murder investigation is underway, official statistics indicate a recent spike in the lakeside areas crime index. Ajijic is a relatively expensive city in Mexico, which is not uncommon. Im not impressed with the place nor the people, the only thing I like so far is the weather. It has made my idea of living in Mexico a bit easier. Moderate. Regards, Bette, Are there many single retirees lakeside ? A male friend was pick-pocketed last month on a bus in Chapala in the daytime and had all his cards stolen along with his drivers license and passport. I know right now we are in our honeymoon stage, and I just hope it lasts forever, because I cant imagine learning our wonderful new home, We believe this is the best decision we have ever made for ourselves. Upon arrival their arrival, several witnesses confirmed that at least four gunmen participated in the killing and that it seemed like the attack was direct and not at random. Food costs are also relatively low, and a meal at a local restaurant can cost around $5-10. The level of medical care and medicine in this city is reasonable. Recently, 3 bodies were found murdered (shot) in San Antonio in the last three weeks, I lived in Chapala Centro for three months. Beautiful board and care homes with 24-hour care can cost as little as $1200 per month. If youre on a tight budget, its also relatively inexpensive. By Bette Brazel, Focus on Mexico Content Manager. The weather is superb, I will admit that. See: Violence persists in Chapala despite arrests and changes of police officers. When you live in Chapala, Mexico, you can expect spring-like temperatures all year. The investigative acts carried out by the Special Regional Prosecutors Office of District V based in Chapala allowed obtaining evidence against Joseph Angelo A. for his probable responsibility in the death of a man that occurred in that municipality, for which he is already facing criminal proceedings. There is a lot to do in this area, and it is also reasonably priced. I started this blog as a result of a local discussion board thread, and I was curious to hear what local expats had to say about living in Lakeside. Truth be told, selling the dream in the Lake Chapala area has been an illusion for quite some time. Perhaps you would check out the images at garbage in the streets saigon ( https://duckduckgo.com/?q=garbage+in+streets+saigon&t=ffab&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images) . Stay tuned. We plan to move Lakeside this year. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98335009', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico because of the influx of cash from foreigners. You dont like making new friends from around the world, and are happy with a shrinking social group that is slowly moving away. Ive only been here for 6 days and yes, I agree with what the Guadalajara people told me To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. They are not all retirees, although an estimated one-third of expats living there are no longer working. The streets are shared with dogs, horses and trash piled up for the eventual trash pick-up. Why dont the government take care of Lake Chapala? Read my NEW Book January 2019 to become aware of ALL the hazards that inhabit the Lake Chapala area: The 2nd Edition of this book is currently being written (February 2020). Allow law abiding citizens to arm themselves legally. Hi Andrew. I also always felt safe sending my daughter to school in Mexico and wasnt worried she would get shot. Those who live here for years without learning Spanish are missing a major component of the benefit to be gained by living here, sort of like watching TV in black and white instead of in color. If you are . Is Mexico City safe now? Traffic cops may still question you and demand mordida (a bribe). That narrative has now been disrupted by reality. When a gringo buys something, the stores automatically tax you more. Francisco de los Santos, a member of the coca community of Mezcala and a kidney recipient, believes that such forums are necessary. Between 1980 and 2002, thousands of farmers built over 500 dams on the Rio Lerma. The shops are tight as are the restaurants. The unbelievably loud firecrackers and rockets set off anywhere for the slightest pretense of a fiesta, and boomboxes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The lake is home to a number of species of fish, including bass, catfish, and tilapia. The weather is perfect and the scenery is beautiful. It is its own place, and those who are not flexible in their demands and expectations (and who have not traveled much) will struggle and should probably make a different choice. Utilities, including water, electricity, and internet, can cost an additional $100-200 per month. We rented a house in Chapala Country Club from August 17 thru February 2018. It took us at least a month to realize this is our life now. At the end of October they were encouraging us to join them. I still feel safer in Mexico than I ever would in the USAschool shootings? It is safe and, in fact, particularly for a retiree or tourist from the United States or Canada. Thanks. Guadalajara is home to some of the best hospitals in the world. Menchas are pure scum. Great article And a lot safer than living in NYC was! You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. }. Level of crime. Also there are only beautiful babies here! On your Journey of Discovery to retire in this land of enchantment, we cover topics that will be important to youimmigration, health options available in Mexico, legal and financial topics, and information that will guide you through the decision-making process of buying or renting a house, options for moving, bringing your pets, and a myriad of other details that we have collected during Focus on Mexicos 20 years of experience guiding our participants through the Lake Chapala area. There is so much variety. I still enjoy parts of Baja also. After two trips to Ajijic, the second one for 3 months, I agree with your vision entirely. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98160901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico, but always remember that it is not my country and I am sometimes an unwelcome guest. Half my life was city, half country ( here) now maybe a mix. The Lirio, as it is known locally, was introduced several years ago to combat pollution and evaporation in Lake Chapala. Carol has taught English to Mexican adults for ten years as part of a volunteer program run by expatriates. What the hell do we do now? Its our health and safety we have to be concerned with. R. Canada. Over. Perhaps the residents in the apparently dirty upscale part of Ajijic) are all expats. Its time to discard the dream and eliminate the illusion. You like waiting months to see a doctor for a routine appointment. Lake Chapala safety is one of the areas attractions for expats. Frankly weather has gotten chilly here for me, and might be time for me to change life. Due to inadequate wastewater treatment by many industries located near the Lerma River, the water in Lake Chapala is extremely polluted, with heavy metals and other toxic substances. Get updates whenever new content gets posted. As prices rise, so do the number of people living there. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. The three victims are hospitalized in stable to serious condition. The U.S. government has advised its personnel to use the Federal toll road 15D for travel to Mexico City, but stops in La Barca or Ocotlan are not permitted. height: 100%; For many, Mexico ranks high on their list of places to explore. If I have one recommendation for all, it is to take the Focus on Mexico course and then spend a couple of weeks living as much in the culture as possible. You paint rather a bleak picture as far as crime and sanitation in Mexico go. It has become more like Miami Beach and we are selling our home there because of it. In areas where the cartels are dominant, they are the government, providing schools, utilities, street maintenance, and ensuring the safety of the people. Agreed. Although the Lake Chapala communities are considered quite safe, the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC) has reported multiple homicides, assaults, robberies and car thefts in Guadalajara, just 45 minutes to the north. Although this is not paradise, life is rich here and you may find that the advantages of Lakeside living far outweigh the disadvantages. Away over rated Several groups are working diligently to improve Lakeside trash pick-up, recyiclying and add garbage trucks, but the quality of trash removal varies widely throughout Mexico from somewhat satisfactory to poor. Far more important, speaking Spanish could save your life in a situation where medical attention or emergency services are required. We have actually heard someone complain that there were a lot of Mexicans on the streets in Ajijc (well, duh) and they didnt like seeing them. Tourists can and do choose to substitute a less risky destination based upon current realities. People who already live in Mexico can find out what are the best places to live in Mexico in 2022 here. How does your wife feel about Asian versus Latin American countries as a whole? Hi all, Ive been planning on going to lake side in 2019 and doing lots of studying on the area, Im a single female 55 planning on retiring hopefully at 62 to lakeside and want to know if its safe for single women, ps; I do speak fluent Spanish. Chapala's malecon (a walkway, or boardwalk) lies just forty-five minutes south of Guadalajara. Excerpt Below: The violence in Chapala has not stopped, because from Saturday, February 16 to 22 (closing of the print edition of Semanario Laguna) new cases have been registered in the municipal capital. Race riots? Just as NOB requires people to clean their nose, stay away from illegal activities, stay within a reasonable distance of them, and get home at a reasonable hour (by 10 p.m.), walk with purpose, and never call the police. At one point, Joseph Angelo A. pulled out a firearm with which he allegedly shot his companion, who was fatally wounded. Is the dirt, garbage..noise (especially with eventos on Saturday nights) the endless government requirements to be legal..the water and some food., all concerns YES.. but it was never viewed as something that would make us leave. If you want to maintain a full active lifestyle, you can expect to pay around $1,500 per month. It's just weird that all the gringo/expats are so paranoid about security and lack of police that can help out The tall walls with razor wire and gated communities say it all. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and sailing. Peoples lives depend upon this new posture. Attracted by one of the best climates in the world, a low cost of living and breathtaking views, expats from the U.S., Canada, Europe and other places around the world have flocked over the years to Lake Chapala. Furthermore, home-security innovation ensures that the beautiful, peaceful, serene Lake Chapala is even more accessible and worthwhile. One of the highlights for me was to sound TAPS for the Memorial Day observance at the American Legion Post in Chapala. Live by the sword and die by the sword. Ajijic has one disadvantage, which is that getting around is difficult. Lake Chapala Crime Reports 03-12-2011, 09:20 . Find out which cities and counties in Mexico will be the best to live in in 2022 based on current residents. The shoreline retreated from the lakeside villages over a mile away. Jalisco: Lake Chapala water pollution a serious problem for residents, In addition, the State Prosecutors Office of Jalisco (FE) announced that on Monday, February 18, in a surprise review of the barracks of the Amphibious Squadron (located in the Cristiania Park of the municipal seat), elements in the possession of illegal substances, so, Chapala Installs New Security Guidance Council, There have been seven murders in the Chapala area over the past six months and no convictions. Guadalajara, Mexicos second largest city, is one of the worlds most beautiful cities. You might say they are more accepting or fatalistic depending on your point of view, but there is a general feeling that things will work out somehow without excessive planning or control. They were going hard for two guys i think the rest got caught on the cross fire, if you watch the video you will see who the sicarios were going after. Create special units to hunt down the worse of the worse. Your email address will not be published. There are some good Mexicans there but as always, there are a lot of bad ones too. They sell their own tobacco and only that tobacco can be bought and sold . The posts that influence perception of the Chapala and Ajijic areas on these sites has become decidedly more forthcoming over the past six months; disclosing the challenges and realities that inhabit the area, confronting the selling the dream narrative from those who have a vested interest in maintaining the mirage. Two were killed. https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-02-23/mexicos-guadalajara-gripped-by-gang-violence-and-impunity.html, Your email address will not be published. There is no doubt that the lake will continue to dry up, but misinformation about this is not uncommon. The richness in Mexico lies in its people. Lake Chapala, Mexico 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. COVID UPDATE: During the uncertainties created by the pandemic, we have suspended our live 6-Day Educational Programs and will be back in late 2021 OR 2022 depending on how conditions evolve. People told me in Guadalajara that people in the ajjijic area are cold, arrogant and are aholes There is an unofficial tax called the Gringo Tax. Following the trail of this violence back a few more months, in late January, two people were shot and killed in Chapala and two were wounded. Alternatively, you may use. Clearly, there are facts to back up my feeling. Composer Inna Zhvanetskaya has reportedly gone into hiding to prevent authorities from forcibly imprisoning and vaccinating her. Mexican States American citizen arrested in Chapala, he is accused of committing a homicide July 5, 2021 4207 The Chapala Regional Prosecutor's Office is working on the clarification of the death of a male, whose body was located on June 11 in the Barrio de San Miguel in the municipality of Chapala. Social events of all kinds are chaotic affairs with loud music, dancing, drinking, mariachis and the ubiquitous rockets that are fired off for every occasion from funerals to church processions and every kind of celebration. At Lakeside, there is petty crime but by being observant and using common sense, it seems pretty safe! I lived in Ajijic for eighteen months. According to the United Nations, a water quality index of 0-44 is considered poor, while a water quality index of 95-100 is considered excellent. For the Chapala area, selling the dream is the mantra that has attracted U.S. and Canadian tourists for decades. It is close to both Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende, two excellent tourist destinations. Lake Chapala, Mexicos largest lake, is also the worlds largest lake, and it is home to the countrys largest concentration of U.S. expats. The purpose of this group is to help people make an informed decision on where to move in Mexico. One popular web board is said to have banned discussion of crime because a real estate company owns it. There are a number of tour companies that offer bird watching tours. Business affairs will be taken care of eventually, but probably not in the time frame expected by a typical U.S. or Canadian citizen. Robert. Pathetic. Its sort of amusing and sort of not amusing to hear expats brag about what a great deal they got on some purchase, blissfully unaware that they paid way more than the usual price. Yes, as everyone stated, there are things that are not like the U.S. For us, that makes every day an adventure as we learn how to navigate our way. The most common crimes were home burglaries and auto theft. It is located in the state of Jalisco, about 60 kilometers south of Guadalajara. In the nearby Jalisco cities of San Juan Cosal and Jocotepec there were several widely reported cases of kidnappings for extortion and drug related murders in 2017, and it is common knowledge that Guadalajara is the money laundering capital of Mexico. I like (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You will find a rich culture, warm and friendly people, and expats who live here happily and integrate with the local culture to one degree or another. You see, the Lake Chapala region is our little secret. https://themazatlanpost.com/2019/02/03/reports-of-a-canadian-murdered-in-san-antonio-tlayacapan-lake-chapala/. The average wage in Ajijic for a Mexican is much higher than in other parts of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? All of the other issues, and they are growing in numbers, make it an incredibly risky journey to be there at all. @6:54 Exactly, CJNG turned the area into a fucked up zone. Its beyond heartbreaking. The weather is beautiful all year, and the cost of living is quite low. However, there have been a number of outbreaks of cholera in the past. We are Mexican American but he looks white maybe a part of the reason as hes been shaken down by police in Mexico and even my mom whose a native Mexican was pick pocketed so he feels safer in Asian countries where nothing bad has ever happened. Only blindness could account for it. Mindful of crime in many parts of Mexico (the State Department advises Americans not to travel to six of Mexico's 32 states and exercise increased caution in 17), IL recommends the safe spots of . If youre looking for a retirement location near excellent tourist destinations, Ajijic is a good choice. The adolescent attitude of the people who are well beyond adolescence in years. I've explored most of the country by car now and love it. Enjoy life in Paradise!! The Regional Special Prosecutors Office took charge of the investigations and managed to prove with evidence the probable responsibility of Joseph Angelo A. in the commission of the crime of aggravated homicide and therefore prosecuted him. So stay there for retirementif you can afford to. You like living at a lower standing of living than you are used to. When in Panajachel, he dated a woman named Ruth, and tried for 2-3 years to marry her . For less than four hundred dollars per year, you can get fully insured Mexican Health Insurance. A variety of community organizations and shelters provide a variety of social and recreational opportunities. On Tuesday, an expat storeowner was the victim of an attempted carjacking and injured. Its not fair though to lure more and more people into, what looks like a good deal, but in reality isnt. The expat community is friendly and knowledgeable and from all over Canada and the U.S. Its important to keep in mind that tourists travel to experience pleasure. The lake is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners. Chapala is a town in Jalisco, Mexico, and is located on the shores of Lake Chapala, the largest freshwater lake in Mexico. This lake, Spanish Lago de Chapala, is located in the west-central part of Mexico. Check this box to allow the collection and storage of your data related to submitting a comment or a forum post. Ninety years later, Mexico's municipality of Chapala has plunged into the midst of the Valentine's Month of Mayhem & Murder. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. According to official studies, Guadalajara receives water with levels of aluminum ten thousand times higher than normal, he explained. You have to like hiking, nature and slow relaxing tranquil life to be here. Well, our disgruntled expats (likely in the grip of culture shock which is real and can cast a pallor over the first months of living in a new country) somehow couldnt see the warmth and generosity of the Mexican people, the sense of community in the village where every Sunday afternoon is a spontaneous gathering with the park benches full and children of all ages playing in the plaza. Our new Move To Mexico Online Program along with live, one-on-one support at Lakeside is the best approach to ensure safety of you and our staff, while providing you with the experience and expertise of the Focus program. A medium-sized upscale apartment can cost up to 13,000 pesos per month in some cases. The towns of Ajijic, San Antonio Tlayacapan, San Juan Cosala, La Floresta, and Jocotepec have been featured. Crime, security, corruption is getting worse," Do I expect to have adjustments and unpleasant issues? Mexicans have a lot of violence against each other, particularly between drug gangs and police, but there is little to no violence against Americans in the Lake Chapala area. Most of these are located in the town of Ajijic. I had an apartment in the Mexican side of town and it was pretty reasonable. The people are friendly and there is always something to do. He was over 65 years of age, retired, and living in the Chapala part of Lake Atitlan near the park. One of them, showing a good sense of self-awareness commented, I guess Im not as flexible as I thought I was. Its certainly true that Mexico is not for everyone and while international living blogs paint it and other Latin countries as a retirement paradise for northern baby boomers, the difficulties of adapting to life in a foreign county, particularly for those who have not traveled extensively outside of their home country, are often underemphasized. This new coverage, may be saving people from truly difficult experiences, and may be saving life and limb for people who may not otherwise know about this area, or these occurrences. If you have carefully investigated the Lake Chapala area and decide to move here, congratulations! 100% Safe Payment. Despite the fact that mile-high altitudes provide relief from the heat and humidity of coastal towns, people with heart and respiratory problems may find it difficult. Required fields are marked *. You are exactly right on all accounts. The cost of liveing there is also higher. Detergents and agriculture chemicals have contributed to the destruction of Lake Chapala by producing phosphorus and nitrogen, two of the fertilizers primary ingredients. However, across the road there was a small store that sold beer, and it was noisy at night. We attended their week long seminar here in Ajijic, and it was so helpful and fun! Comments are moderated, refer to policy for more information.Enva fotos, vdeos, notas, enlaces o informacin Todo 100% Annimo;borderlandbeat@gmail.com, Investigators believe that the attack could be due to a "settling of scores" (. Politics here in Mexico is not perfect but as expats they are very glad we are in their country spending money and creating jobs, laying low and they leave us alone. Mexico is still plagued with the issue of stray dogs. In October, Chapalas Police Chief Amador Baena Pinzon declared he was increasing security in the area. Take off your rose-colored glasses and find out what digital nomads living in Mexico have to say about their biggest challenges and greatest benefits. The sidewalks are uneven, crumbling on many corners where the local buses repeatedly miss the turn, and the cobblestones are rough, making every walk through the village feel like a journey through uncharted territory. Unfortunately, the age of the majority of the expats make it easy pickings for the punk gang guys. Deep wells were drilled many decades ago to provide water for homes. "New things are always here to explore like art, Churches for their age and design, food love the food! Lake Chapala Mexico real estate offers a wide variety of options for those looking for a place to live. A couple living in Chapala can expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The detainee, who is of foreign nationality, will remain for one year in informal preventive detention, as a precautionary measure imposed at the request of the Public Ministry.
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