AboutRon Russell Expertise I lived full time in the Chapala-Ajijic area for 7 years, and now Manzanillo area 4 years. During that time I provided information (health care, working papers, immigration, driving, cost of living, insurance, culture, divorce in Mexico, trusts vs direct deed,etc) to help people make the decision about whether the area was right for them, either full or part-time.
Now living north of Manzanillo on the Pacific Coast. I live legally in Mexico.
Experience Founding partner of a facilitation company for people thinking about relocating to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. I am no longer involved in this company's activities.
Have driven extensively in the area, to the coast (Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Colima),to Patzcuaro, etc. Bused to Mexico City, flew to Chiapas. Also driven in Honduras, from Ontario Canada through border crossings at Laredo and Reynosa Texas to Lakeside. Can provide instructions and border crossing info. Publications: DISCOVER MEXICO, HEAD FOR MEXICO-THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS. Video and MM production specialist. I do NOT sell real estate!
Thanks for the very quick reply and great answers to my questions. My wife and I are also concerned about the price of renting a home in the area. We are looking for two bedrooms. We have 3 cats that are family more than pets. We have so many things to consider about moving to Mexico that it gets overwhelming at times. Its a big decision to sell virtually everything and move to the unknown. The cost of living is much to high in the St. Augustine, FL area where we live. The city receives around 7 million visitors a year which drives prices higher all the time. Another problem is I am service connected for injuries in the military. This requires visits atleast twice a year to a military facility for physicals and refills of medicines. From what I have found on the internet its about a 12 hour drive to the USA from the Lake Chapala area. I have tried to find retired law enforcement persons living in your are without any luck at all. I am a member of the IPA (International Police Assn.) which has members in Mexico but finding them is the problem. Any additional guidance or information would be appreciated. If you would like to email me direct instead of using this service my email address is:
flangford@se.rr.com
Thanks for the help - its appreciated - Floyd
My name is Floyd. My wife Sandy and I are planning a trip to your area if all goes right in May. I work for the sheriff's department in St. Augustine, FL. Working out a schedule for time off for the trip will take sometime. We are intrested in moving to the Lake Chapala area when I retire. I will be 62 in about 4 months. Haven't decided exactly when I will retire yet. I am in desperate need of some dental work that I can't afford here and would like to have done during our visit. I really need information about dentist in your area and cost for services. I have not been able to find anything by searching the internet about dentists. My wife and I are both excited about the possibilty of moving to your area. From the research I have done so far it seems like the perfect place with the perfect climate. Mexican food if my favorite and my wife does like it but her favorite is Chinese. I will be working today at the sheriff's department from 1400-0200 hours. Will check my email when I get up in the morning and before going to work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If I can do anything for you on my end just let me know.
Thanks - Floyd
Answer -
Hi Floyd and Sandy, Dentistry is probably more expensive here than in Guadalajara and the rest of Mexico because of the large gringo population.
We have gone through 3 dentists in Ajijic over the 6 years we have lived here but now are VERY happy with Dra. Rocio Vidrio Galvez. Her office is on the second floor of the San Andres plaza opposite the Telmex offices on the carretera in Ajijic. Ultrasonic cleaning is 300 pesos, fillings 350 pesos. Not sure of the rest of her charges, but not expensive. She speaks perfect English. Phone 376-766-3682
One warning Sandy (don't read this Floyd)... Rocio is gorgeous!
May is our hottest, driest, dustiest time of the year, the only month I wish I was somewhere else. But when the rains come in June the area is at its best. The summer here is our favourite time of the year and a better time to look at real estate because there are fewer sharks (agents) to bug you.
Lots of great restaurants on the Lakeside...from Chinese to Greek, Italian, and of course Mexican. Best Mexican is SuperBurito, a little hard to find but they also deliver. Problem with them is they always deliver TOO MUCH. Tony's or Brunos for great steaks and ribs. Senor Blue for music.
Best regards,
Ron
Answer Hi again Floyd, boy do I know what a big decision this is. We did it 6 years ago but it is not easy. We still live on about $800USD/year, but we own our own home. House prices have risen dramatically in this area in the past year because of the revival of the Lake. This area is growing by leaps and bounds too. Our little fishing village probably has no fishermen anymore because they can make much more money in construction and service jobs.
Rentals long term run from about $450USD to the sky. A place that you would find comfortable to standards that you are used to would probably start at about $600 plus utilities. There are NO good rentals available this time of the year, best to look before October.
I can't find a website for the American Legion in Chapala but there is one for the Ladies Auxiliary
www.ccchapala.com/other_links/americanlegion.htm
Perhaps an email to one of the board members would solicit a response.
American Legion Of Chapala, Post # 7 is located at
Morelos # 114, corner of Guerrero, Chapala. Executive Committee meets 2nd Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. General Membership meets at I p.m. 2nd Thursday, Aux. Exec. Committee meets at II a.m. 1st Tuesday, Aux. Gen. meets at 12 noon 2nd Tuesday. 765-2259
When you are here you might also post a notice at the Lake Chapala Society looking for others that could help with your concerns.
Yes you can drive from Laredo in about 12hours on the Toll Roads with a lead foot. But there is also an international airport just 30 minutes from here on the outskirts of Guadalajara.
A couple other websites to look at include the Canadian Club with lots of immigration info www.canadianclubmx.com/
The Lake Chapala Society www.lakechapalasociety.org/
I don't like to give out my personal email, but send another question when you arrive and we can meet for lunch.
Hope that helps, please respond again at any time, although I may not reply quite as quickly, a busy week coming up with the Mexican National Chili championships.
