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!
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.
