LAKE CHAPALA, MEXICO

Lake Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico, and is located one hour from Guadalajara. Tucked in the mountains, the lake is approximately 80 km long and 20 km wide. It boasts (according to National Geographic) the second best climate in the world. The history of Mexico is magnificent, and it’s all here to discover from this central location.
Expats are somewhere in the vicinity of 20,000 who have chosen the area as our home, either part time or full time. The area has maintained its charm and has been a factor in many decisions to move here.
Lake Chapala area lacks for nothing. There are golf courses, tennis courts, volley ball, walking and hiking paths, bridge clubs, theatre, world class events, just to name a few. Shopping is fabulous. The markets and stores carry all the fresh fruits and vegetables you could ever yearn for and anything else your heart desires. Of course the second largest city in Mexico. Guadalajara, is just a short drive away should you need to visit shopping malls or even Costco.
The difference in cost of living will pleasantly surprise new comers.
The Mexican people are welcoming. They are loving and caring with family values that seem to be only a distant memory in other cultures.
There is a claim that living at lakeside will add 10 years to your life. It may be true as the relaxed nature of the area is very calming and tranquil.
The location offers easy travel to and from Canada and the US by air or by land. You want the ocean? It is an easy drive. Should your destination be Puerto Vallarta, it is a very scenic 5 hour drive from Lake Chapala.
It is very easy to envelope yourself into the easy going lifestyle of Lake Chapala.  Following are descriptions of some of the most popular areas on the North Shore of Lake Chapala.

Chapala

Chapala is the largest city on the popular “North Shore” of Lake Chapala. It is the primary municipal seat, and was the first place to become popular as a vacation paradise both for local residents of Guadalajara and expats looking for a better life in Mexico. Chapala is busier than Ajijic, and boasts more commerce as well a larger resident population. With more than 40,000 inhabitants, Chapala stretches from the Riberas del Pilar residential area on the west side to the Chapala Country Club (Vista del Lago) in the east.

San Antonio Tlayacapan

San Antonio is one of the smallest villages on the north shore, but its low population is not representative of its great importance. The quaint downtown and adjoining village has both colonial charm and the reputation of being the calmest and friendliest village at Lake Chapala. Home to one of the busiest commercial sectors along the carretera, San Antonio also boasts some of the most exclusive sub-divisions at Lake Chapala. It has three major commercial centers, including Centro Laguna, Plaza Interlago and the Walmart Shopping Center. Furthermore the Chula Vista Country Club & Golf Course are located here. The central location and plethora of shopping and services make this a sure bet for your relocation!

Ajijic

Ajijic is undeniably the most popular village at Lake Chapala for expats. Unfaltering colonial charm, impressive luxury villas, a thriving artist community, awesome lake views and international cuisine draw people from all over the world to this formerly quiet fishing village. With two major commercial areas, downtown catering to restaurants, galleries and artisan shops, while the highway provides first world services, super markets and gas stations, this will likely be your “landing pad” when you first make the jump to Lake Chapala.

San Juan Cosala

Arguably the most “rustic” of Lake Chapala’s north shore villages, San Juan Cosala finds itself comfortably nestled on top of thermal mineral hotsprings. While the village is still very much how you would have found it decades ago, there are modern subdivisions dotting the hills providing amazing lake views, great spa opportunities and athletic installations un-rivaled at Lakeside. While more authentic Mexican than the international cuisine in Ajijic, there are no shortage of restaurants including lake-front weekend venues with live music and small hole-in-the-wall typical Mexican diners.

Jocotepec

A window to the rest of Mexico, Jocotepec is the second largest city on Lake Chapala’s popular North Shore. It continues to hold an economic importance beyond tourism, and is a popular destination for farmers looking to export high-quality fruit, berries and tomatoes to discerning North-of-the-border markets. With a quaint colonial square, Jocotepec boasts several commercial areas, a few up-scale housing developments, and several important schools and a cutting-edge hospital.