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!
Question I am thinking of retireing in that part of mexico and would like some info thank you
Answer Hi Jim,
Rentals are getting scarce, there is tremendous growth in this area. There are ads on the bulletin boards from $350 to $1,500/month. Usually by January there is nothing available.
Cost of Living: depends on your style of living. We live comfortably on $600 USD/month, but we own our own home. We have friends, American, Canadian and Mexican who live on LESS.
Other people say that amount is impossible to live on because it costs them over $1,000/month, some $2,000.
What's the difference? We do NOT shop the gringo markets, only the Mexican tianguis and small family Mexican shops. Every 3-4 months we hit the big markets, plus Costco and WalMart in Guadalajara for bulk items. We do a
lot of walking and take the bus.
You might like to read HEAD FOR MEXICO, THE RENEGADE GUIDE BY DON ADAMS, available from Amazon and Powells.
Check out these websites for more info on cost of living
www.ajijicvillagehomes.com/costs.htm
www.chapala.com,
mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/blue/askblue.html
www.mexconnect.com/amex/canclub/ This is the Canadian Club website, with lots of good information.
