Safest Place for Americans in Mexico, Lake Chapala, World's Best Climate, Moving to Lake Chapala
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Safest Place for Americans in Mexico | Lake Chapala | World´s Best Climate | Moving to Lake Chapala
Were you searching for the safest place for American in Mexico? Maybe you were thinking about moving to Lake Chapala. Or maybe you were thinking about, ¨Where on the planet is the world´s best climate.
If any of these thoughts were going through you mind then you have come to the right place. I´m Bill the Geek, and I have lived in Mexico for close to 17 years now. When I was thinking about moving to Lake Chapala, I was thinking about the safest place for Americans in Mexico.
I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for ten years, and then I lived in Guadalajara for three years and now I live in Chapala, some would call it Lake Chapala, and I would say that this is one of the safest place for Americans in Mexico.
I like Lake Chapala, because it has the world´s best climate. Like I said, I lived in Puerto Vallarta for ten years and it was great. The thing is, that in the summer time, it was really hot and humid. And it was safe. I had no problems there. But then I moved to Guadalajara. Guadalajara is only a forty five minute drive from Chapala, or Lake Chapala, and I would have to say that this entire area, Chapala, Lake Chapala, or Guadalajara has the world´s best climate.
Well let´s get back to the concept of safest place for Americans in Mexico. In close to seventeen years here in Mexico I have never had a problem. When I first moved to Puerto Vallarta, it would amaze me to see senior citizen, Mexican National women walking down the streets alone at 3:00am. Or to see children, around five years old doing the same. I have never had a problem.
If you are thinking about moving to Lake Chapala, all I can say is come on down and visit. Take a look. I think that you will see why I call this the safest place for Americans in Mexico.
Watch the video, you will see it all.
Best,
Bill the Geek
See my wife's Mexican cooking videos at;
teresadeanda.com
I moved to Gaudalajara, Mexico 2.5 years ago from the US and have no intention of moving back to America. The information in the video is also my experience. The Mexican people are friendly and helpful, the cost of living is inexpensive, and you can't beat the climate. Lake Chapala is a very beautiful pueblo to live/visit and easy to get to from GDL by bus, Uber or an hour drive by car. Looking forward to more videos in this series! :-)
Thank you for your view. Mexico is so great.
Mexico 🇲🇽 se encuentra en el continente americano!!!
Did you buy property in Guadalajara? I thought about settling either there or in Chapala, but it seems like Chapala has a lot more infrastructure for accommodating US citizens making the transition to Mexico.
@ANTONIO MORENO
😂😂😂
One Goin the other way
Bill,
Once again your videos Rock. Full of excellent n super informative valid information. I'm considering retiring to Mexico in the next two years . Looking to make Lake Chapala/Aijjic my home base . Bill please talk about things like are there lots of mosquitos, scorpions, creepy crawlers to be on the look out for ? Maybe talk about necessaries like how do the toilets work etc. I know these Maybe aren't glamorous or popular subjects to speak on but are necessary in life.
Thanks again for keeping it real.
Hi Bill. Love your videos. Husband I just binged watched all your Lake Chapala and Ajijic videos. So happy to find your channel. We have been planning our retirement and Lake Chapala is top of list. We visited there in January 2017 and loved it. We retire in 22 months (counting down). So nice to hear all your tips. You asked for ideas for videos: best way or good contacts to find rentals. We too want to live in Chapala, so our pesos can go further. Another idea is video some good bed and breakfast or hotels that allow extended stay. Our plan is to stay there about a month so that we can have time to find a rental. If you have any other ideas, advice is much appreciated. Would love to see more about fun things to do in the area, possible day trips. Would love to see the Chapala tianges, more on prices ranges of electricity, phone, everyday things such as haircuts, etc. Would love to see Jocotepec & San Juan Cosala hot springs pools. (Can you tell i just love it there?)
We spent 3 days in Guadalajara, but would love to see more..Since you have been in Mexico so long, you have a wealth of knowledge.
Thank you taking the time to share with others!!
Wow Rebecca, What a wish list of videos. But, OK,,,, I'm on it. Thank you so much for your ideas and requests. My next stop for videos is Guadalajara, but it is shut down until the 2nd of January with the Covid. Then I will go. There are many day trips, as you know, close to Chapala, we will cover that. I will review your list closely and move ahead.
Thank you very much, Happy New Year, Bill the Geek.
Binge watching his videos now too
You got me ready to "retire" there already! Now, if I can just get my realtor wife to buy into the idea. We currently live in Northern, CA, just outside Sacramento. And yes, CA is indeed super expensive. Too expensive to retire in, as far as I'm concerned. Which isn't an issue as long as my wife is selling super expensive houses for large commissions, but she wants to retire from that within 10 years. So, I'm thinking this just might be the key. I'm a writer, and can write from there just as well as here. Hmmm....I foresee an exploratory vacation to that area in the near future.
Hi Jeff,
It´s really nice down here and as of today, it´s really cheap. I work on the computer a lot, and, I´ve been writing for about 30 years. Come on down and explore. I´m very happy here, though, I could live any where in Mexico. Mexico is a great place for me, every where you go is a new, wonderful experiance. Just come on down, rent a place, and then leave that place a lot and look around until you find the place that fits your needs.
Of course, make sure the place has good internet.
Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Hey Bill! Great video! Thank you for your super informative content! I've been trying to find a new home for some months now. I've looked at Mexico and almost had my heart set on it until I learned that a lot of American passport holders were having an issue of being robbed or murdered there in various areas. I am not the type to be flashy or anything but I just want to make sure I can leave my home and not worry about coming back to an emptied out place and or being followed. Do you have any thoughts on this? Also any thoughts on safely traveling from the airport with important items since you also work from like myself? Thanks man!
@@eotc7980 Hello EO,
I have lived here for 16 years, and I have never had a problem with violence. But, I always watch my back. I think, that if you just go about life in a normal way and stay away from bad things, like drugs, and being out all night while drunk, then you will be ok.
As far as the airport goes, take the white taxis, they cost more, but they are associated with the airport.
I have lived all over the United States, the only place my car was broken into was, Columbus, Ohio. Twice. Don´t go there.
Best,
Bill
Great videos! I was in Ajijic last year and plan to return. I live in texas and want to summer down there to get out of the heat. Your almost at 1000 subs. Great channel.
Thank you Stan, come on back down. We will be waiting for you. And yes, I am at close to 1000 subs, Right On! Best, Bill The Geek
I have enjoyed each of your videos. Coming to Ajijic for April 2021 for testing the retirement waters there. I missed the names of your immigration attorney? Booked an appointment for a crown and Dental Express. Great recommendation.
Hi Kimberly, Thanks for the message. Come on down. April is a great time to show up. Here is the email of my immigration attorney; nohemi.toscano@hotmail.com .
Her First name is Nohemi. Good luck with that. I have talked to her 30 times and I still can't say her name. Email her and mention me, William Lewis in Chapala. You can get her phone number through email, she talks fluent English. Happy New Year, Bill the Geek.
Hey Bill, Awesome video.. Thank you for sharing
Hey Bill
This is exactly what I was looking for. You’ve answered so many of my questions. I’m really looking into relocating there, so I’ll have a ton more questions on the process.
Hi Tim, Glad to be of service, more information to come soon.
Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis
Love your video. Thank you , watching from California
Bill, loved the video! so much that I plan to visit this summer. Are there any good rentals in walkable neighborhoods? Would love to be by the lake.
Hi Mike, thanks for the message. Summer is a great time to visit. Yes, summer is a great time to rent because that is the time when the Americans leave, so there should be many places available near the lake. Go to this website and see what you can find. lakechapalasociety.com/public/. This place is in Ajijic, but that's only 4 miles away from Chapala. They many know of some rentals.
Happy New Year,
Bill the Geek
Planning on retiring soon and want to live in a Spanish speaking country. Ecuador and Mexico are high on my list. So glad I found your channel. Would love to know more about the positives and negatives from your perspective.Thanks for the awesome content!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for the message. I love Mexico. Friends and family always ask me, "When are you coming back to the States?" I tell them, "Never." I don't even want to visit the United States.
There are millions of wonderful people in the States, but it's those few racist that spoil the party. Down here I have been totally free in mind and body for 16 years. The people are wonderful, the lakes and the ocean beaches are great, it's always warm, the mountains are fabulous, OHHHHHHH, I didn't say that it is really cheap.
My sister lives in California. She is going to retire when she is 70. She works for the government and has for the last 35 years. She has always hated her job each and every day as well as the 90 minute drive one way to go to work. What a way to live, in misery each and every moment and for what?
I love each and every day in Mexico. I sure there are other countries I could live in and be happy, but I found my spot and I am going to stay here.
Hope that helps.
Best,
Bill the Geek
I haven't been to Ecador in a few years but think it's harder to stay. Heard immigration is difficult. Even need to renounce birth nation, sounds silly. Not sure what means can return surely. Wondering why those two nations. Others cheaper Mexico has proximity even drive.
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for the message. I´m going to tell you, I have been here for 16 years and the negatives are really hard to find. Moving to Mexico changed my life. I love life like I could never love life in the US.. I love it here. What more can I say.
Best,
Bill the Geek
Been looking at Lake Chapala (via International Living magazine) since Aug 2015 -- on our way to Greece. Once COVID-19 clears, it is time to relook Mexico. Lake Chapala, Guadalajara, and Mazatla'n our the short list. Please continue sharing your details. Shared video with my brother who lives in Columbus, OH (lol).
Though I have enjoyed all of the cities I have lived in, in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Chapala, I would say Guadalajara was my best place. They have a subberb called Zapopan, that is where I lived for 3 years. Great place.
Thanks for posting this video Bill. As soon as this pandemic situation is resolved, I'm planning on checking out Lake Chapala with the possibility of relocating there. Is it easy to get around without a car?
Hi Payton. Thanks for the comment. It's very easy to get around without a car. If you are going to bring home somethng big, or buy a lot of grocerys, then just get a taxi. Taxis are very inexpensive. If you do check out Chapala, you might also want to take the Bus to Gaudalajara, you might like it there also. It's only an hour on the Bus from Chapala and there are more young people. Good luck, Bill the Geek
17:16 Minutes on their way to the count! Excellent vídeo! 👏👏👏✌
As usual, awesome video Bill!
Hi Joan,
Great to hear from you. Thank you very much. Have a great week.
Best,
Bill
Thank you! This was very helpful. I'm considering Guadalajara and Lake Chapala.
Thank you Terri, I never would have believed that I would have lived in Guadalajara, or Lake Chapala. It all happened by accident. I'm very happy with Lake Chapala, my wife wanted to move here so I said what the heck. Between Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Lake Chapala, I think my first choice would be Guadalajara. The climate is perfect there, way better than Puerto Vallarta, and the city has everything you would ever want. Good luck with all that you do, Bill the Geek
Bill is just great with getting right back with questions, and I would definitely take all his recommendations! Seems like a smart man! Hope to meet him and his wife some day!
come here you are welcome to guadalajara mi casa es tu casa i loved us citizen becaise when i was un california i was lucky living there
@Calvin Hodge Lake Hi Calvin, I sent you an email. Best, Bill
I love your content! Keep it coming. I want to move there. My question is how is the gardening? What do expats grow in their backyard? I love gardening. Can’t wait to watch Teresa’s video’s in Spanish.
Hi Healthy, Teresa is a garden freak! We have a pretty big back yard. She grow all kinds of herbs. Right now she is growing Kale and okra. We have three types of pepper plants. Red hot peppers, green peppers and bell peppers. She has four tomatoe plants. Oh, Monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies are born on a certain type of plant. Once they are born, they return to that same plant every year. We have three of those.
The great thing about living here is that you can plant and grow stuff year round. Unlike Ohio where I am from.
Have a super weekend,
Bill the Geek
Oh forgot to say that she is also growing grape plants on the fence and straw berrys.
I love your videos, they are so informative. Would you do a video kn healthcare and insurance?
Thank you Debbie,. I will doing A health care video in the next couple of months. Stay tuned.
Best
Bill the Geek
Debbie, I have a lot of healthcare insurance knowledge. I am also a financial planner. I just moved here to San Juan Cosalá. Let me know.
I? When is the best time of year to visit
👌 Great video! I’m interested in knowing more about medical care, doctors, and pharmacies. As an older person I need to focus on availabilities of my prescription drugs and if I can continue to acquire them in the area. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos, thanks!
Hi Andy,
I have several people that have the same concerns that you have. I have a video or two in mind to help you and other people out. I don't think the video will be produced until the end of April.
thanks much,
Bill the Geek
I have started investigating moving to Chapala, Mexico after reading an article in AARP. I plan on retiring in about 3 more years, currently an elementary teacher. Do most people own their house or rent? I currently own a townhouse in WI
I am going to say that most people rent. The thing I’m Mexico is that you pay cash for a house. I rented for 12 years down here and the prices were always good. You may pay more when you first come down bur when you meet people that is when you find the good prices
I’m an elementary schoolteacher also. I will be retiring this year June. I’m planning to visit Lake Chápala this coming fall. Planning to teach English as a second language - online. I have a good pension, so working will be optional.
Hi Bill nice video. I will be moving next year to Jocotepec hope to see you and have lunch or dinner. 👍👍👍
Hi Bruce, I have been there many times, I would be interested in your experiance after you have given it some time. Best of Luck to you in your move, Bill the Geek
Hi Bill as when i was young 6yrs old through 17 yrs. Old i lived in ajijic/Chapala/Guadalajara in the years of 1963-1974 long ago but have many friends that i call them family. Maybe if we meet will tell you about all the great times i had. Best wishes to you and wife in your endeavors and congrats in your recent marriage 😀👍👍👍 cheers
Hey there Bill, Theresa here. Your vid is great! You rather remind me of my cousin! I'm 62, retired, and for the second time in 10 years I'm looking at the Lake Chapala area for my next move. Watching you in your yard, the dappled sun through the trees, and WOW...those birds & their orchestra has me already moved there. If you could please suggest rental property assistance that'd be so helpful. I'm not getting far on Craigslist. Very happy to have caught you on YT!
More on Rentals is on the way, I think next month.
Best, Bill the Geek
Good Stuff! We like it here also.
Hello Bill! We have a lot in common. I lived in San Francisco for 27 years. I moved to Washington DC 5 years ago. I'm truly ready to get out of Dodge. I spent a lot of time in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Panama and a few others. I would like to hear what the main attraction is in Lake Chapala?
Howdy George,
Lake Chapala is a quiet, almost sleepy place, but it nice. They main attraction is the weather. No humidity year around the the air quality is perfect. I'm a geek, so I'm on the computer or reading, or creating all of the time. I cannot be a person that sits around and watches TV all day. I create pretty much all of the time, but when I leave the house, things are always wonderful.
Oh, this is Mexico, and this is one of the cheapest places to live in Mexico. I can't afford to live in the US. If I were a Billionaire, I would live in San Francisco, but I'm not. Making the money that I make down here, I would have to live on the street in the US, but here, I live like a king. It's crazy, maybe it was like that in Thailand or some of the places you have lived.
So, the place is really cheap, it really never get hot and humid like DC, and the Mexican people for the most part are very cool. No one has gone into Walmart with an AK 47 here, ever. I'm very happy here, but I have a lovely wife, a Mexican.
Hope that adds some light, Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Hello Bill! Thanks for responding to my comment. I'm seriously thinking about retirement in Mexico As I mentioned earlier to you, I lived in Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Panama. I had the best times in the Philippines and Panama. If I had millions I would have stayed in Singapore. Since I'm not rich Mexico is looking like a better alternative than South East Asia. Thanks again for your time.
@@georgekilgore2572 You are very welcome. I have first cousins and their last name is Kilgore. The Kilgore family was very wealthy in Columbus Ohio, that family was white, they disowned my cousins. Long story.
Best,
Bill
Thank you. This video helps. I've been looking on the internet for houses for sale in Ajijic/Chapala and it's pretty expensive to buy. Most decent homes that require no work are $300k. I'm single and will soon be retiring, but I wouldn't be able to afford those prices.
And who knows, I probably need to go out there and see for myself.
Thanks again for your videos!👍
Hi Dora,
You really need to come down and stay for some time to find a house before you buy. We bought our house for about $120,000, brand new three years ago. Two bathrooms, three bedrooms, great place.
If you decide to build a place that is even better. I'm thinking about buy a lot, then building a big house with no walls. Then, the walls would be wooden partitions on wheels. That would be really cheap. The prices you see on the internet are for suckers.
Come on down for some time. Meet some people, look around and you can find some super deals.
Best,
Bill the Geek
@@BillDallasLewis -
Hi Bill,
Thank you very much for the input. I will definitely be come out, hopefully in February, 2022 to stay for a few months.
@@BillDallasLewis That's reassuring to read, because I was noticing and worrying about the same thing. Thank you so much for the depth and quality of information you provide!
@@tn18977 Hi Dora, Come on down and rent something and meet some people and look around. Thats the best way to do it. You will find your dream house. We found our house totally by accident.
Good luck with all that you do.
Best,
Bill
Hi Bill, I've been a high end painting contractor in Boston ma! 35 years!
Is there a market down there do you think for such a thing down there;
I'm thinking of all the American ex Pat's down there that might want this service?
Thank you for your videos.
Hi Barry,
There is definately a market for your services down here, the challenge is pricing. You are in Boston where I´m sure you charge a pretty penny. I don´t know, but let´s say you charge $50 per hour. Down here, a Mexican would do the work for $15 a day. I´ve been teaching on line for 16 year, I charge $45.00 per hour. I have never had a single client in Mexico. All of my business is in the US, Europe or Austrailia.
So you will have to play with that concept.
Gook luck,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Thanks Bill for your Response! Your right! I shouldn't consider a biz like that there! However I'm going to start making trips to mexico soon, and check it out, maybe wait a few years until retirement and come out there,
Regards.
@@barryoneill1703 Hi Barry, Now maybe you could reach out to some people in Ajijic that have money. People in Ajijic have money and many time locals aren't very reliable. Perhaps you could charge a lot more because you are very good at what you do. It is possible, you would have to give it a try.
Good Luck,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Thanks I will do that, I'm actually in Ireland now, I left Boston, I'm selling my house here so that I can go live somewhere like that away from all this madness.
I enjoy your videos Bill and will keep watching.
Best Regards.
Glad I found your videos, I've have been drawn to San Felipe Baja through a TV show this past year, and thru watching more videos, I'm discovering Lake Chapala, the cost of living and a wonderful lifestyle. I do work from home with the government VA, but I'm also a Notary who can do online Notary work. At 52yrs young, I've been thinking alot about retirement and where I want to be. I feel that I'm being drawn to the area for a reason and I want to travel and visit to see if this is an option for me. I will be watching your inspiring videos and hope to bump into you and your wife one day...Thanks and God Bless!!!
Howdy Lyssette, Thanks much for the comment. Yeap, I´ve been working on line down here for 16 years with all of my business in the US, England and Australia. If you can, don´t wait, come down sooner and you will not regret it. You can do less work and live much better with a lot less stress and be more happy than you have ever been.
Anyway, thanks for the blessing and may the force be with you, Bill
Thinking of relocating enjoying your video
Hi Bill! I hadn't watched your videos for awhile. But I'm excited to get more info on Lake Chapala. Thank you!!
Hi Jeannine, Thanks a lot, more to come soon about Chapala
Bill, I’m coming there in a week and a half . I’d really like to chat with you about some particulars before traveling. How can I contact you?
Hi Russell, Sure, email me at bill.dallas.lewis10@gmail.com.
Best,
Bill
Hi Bill, I'm interested in going to Lake Chapala would like to rent a place for about a month for starters what r rents there in good area near beach for my husband n i?
Hi R, a good time to visit would be from May to October, it is warm during those times. There is no beach here because we are far from the ocean. Hope that helps. Best, Bill the Geek.
Thanks for you info. What is the bug, mainly mosquito situation there year-round? Thanks!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh,,,,,,, They
, The mosquitos are here all year. If you live here screens are a must. They do not like my wife but they think I am a McDonald's drive through. But it is ok. I always wear long pants and long sleeves. My wife always wears shorts and shirt sleeves. She has no problems. Ha!!!!!
@@BillDallasLewis Oh NO! And all year, that’s a nightmare! I’m with you, though mosquitoes sit down and dine at the Golden Arches with me - they stay and feast :/
@@trafalgat And,,,,,,,,,,,,before the vivid there was dienge,,,,, I am sure I spelled that wrong. But it is a problem everywhere I have lived in Mexico. My wife's sister has it now. That can be really bad.
@@BillDallasLewis That’s very worrisome. I hope she recoveries quickly. I wonder if there is any place in Mexico without mosquitoes?
@@trafalgat Chiapas San Cristobal 7000 ft elevation no lake cost of living single around 1200 USD check it out for 3 to 5 and a half months first that's where I'm moving 🇺🇸 veteran 65
Hi Bill! When would be a good time/ season to visit Lake Chapala?
Hi Stephanie, I would say to come when it is not winter time. Sometime between April 15th and October 15th. The reason is that in the evenings it get chilly. In the winter, it might go down to about 44 degrees. I will warm up from there to about 85 in the day time, but I find it annoying to be chilly at night and in the early morning. That´s what I think. Best, Bill
Thanks Bill!
Excellent and informative video, thanks!
Thanks H
Best,
Bill
Thank you for making this video😎
You are very welcome
What about if you want to have a few acres and a small farm? We are looking into Mexico as an alternative to the "American dream" and would really love a farmette. Would this work in the lake chapala area?
Hi Krislyn, sorry for the slow reply. Real Estate is not my business, but I think that you can make that dream come true near Chapala. There is a lot of land for sale around and the prices are very good compared to the US. The thing is that you need an excellent, Mexican, Real Estate Attorney to make sure the deal is legit. But, I truely think you can make your dream come true here with a wonderful price that you will enjoy.
Hi Krislyn! I sent you a FB message, just recognized you from FB while scrolling the comments!
Definitely looking for a rural location in Mexico that’s semi close to a urban area. Where would you say is best?
Hello Adam, you might try San Nicolas de Ibarra. San Nicolas is about a ten minute drive from Chapala, a 20 minute drive from Ajijic, a 30 minute drive from the Guadalajara airport and about a 1.5 hour drive to Guadalajara. San Nicolas will be very cheep. The population is about 2,000 and you can live in the town, or on a farm, or build a house there for cheap. Try that.
Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis sounds great!! Thanks Bill!
I was born and raised in Orange County California. My parents were born in Guadalajara Mexico my career is information technology and I'm seriously thinking of moving to the area of Lake Chapala and opening up my business there. However my concern is the rent in the cost of living there I know it's much more less expensive than Anaheim California where I was born and raised. Can you please provide some rental information rental costs. Great videos great information keep on doing great work out there
Hi Dreamer,
Rentals will be much cheaper here of course. Go to Facebook and search in groups for rentals, you will find it all there and you can talk to people rentling.
Thanks Much,
Bill
very good video. I am from Philippines. hope one day I can visit Mexico.
Thank you Richard, come on down, take a look.
This is great content. 👍🏾. Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on your marriage.
Thank you Kayena, Thanks much.
I would love to visit Lake Chapala as a possible place to snow bird from New Jersey is there rental units available by the month?
Hello Lorenzo,
Yes, it is a great place and yes, you can rent places by the month. Join some Facebook groups for Chapala and Ajijic and just start asking around. The more groups you join the more you will find out. Some hotels have monthly rates also.
Good Luck,
Bill
I would like to visit, where should I stay and to visit sites and homes to purchase?
Hi Stella, I would do a search for an AirBnb in Chapala and Ajijic. Give that a shot and let me know how that goes. If it doesn´t work out, email me directly at bill.dallas.lewis10@gmail.com
Good luck,
Bill
Bill. I love the bass guitar intro to your posts. BTW are their American movies being shown in Ajijic or Chapala
Thanks Kenneth,
All or most of the movies throughout Mexico are in English with Spanish subtitles. Thats changing just a little. Now many movies are in Spanish and or English, all of the time both are available.
@@BillDallasLewis good to know. Lucky I can read
@@kennethflood2849 Very good, being able to read is a gift.
Best,
Bill
Hi Bill, I’m a former state employee with a pension. Plus I have a location independent coaching business. I’m interested in moving to Mexico 🇲🇽 within the next 6-12 months.
Hi Savvy,
Good for you. I´ve been working on line down here for 16 years. I charge $45.00 per our to teach classes and to do web work. That money goes a far, far, way down here. You can do it. I built my business up before I moved down here and made sure that I would have great internet. I moved in one day, and the next day I was working and earning money. Good for you.
Best,
Bill
For you other message about DuoLingo. Learn Spanish as best you can. I would say that for my first 10 years down here my Spanish was just Ok, now that I live with Teresa, we has improved greatly. But, for 10 years it was limited. No problem, you can get by, but the more Spanish you know, the more doors that will open up.
Thanks much,
Bill
While I appreciate your perspective, I wonder if you are downplaying certain aspects of life in Ajijic. I've been researching the town for a while and have read about a significant increase in crimes like home break-ins and burglaries with people getting seriously hurt. An elderly Canadian was even murdered for no apparent reason and the police does nothing about it.
It also appears that Lake Chapala is useless for recreation due to its high level of pollution (mercury, E. coli contamination, trash floating in it, etc.).
I also watched a documentary in which Mexican locals were interviewed and where they spoke of deep-seated resentment of visitors because the high number of expats has led to an 80% increase in rental prices, which locals then cannot afford.
Is life there really as safe and rosy as you say it is?
Thank you.
Hi Victoria,
I love it here. I love New York City also. I love San Francisco. I love Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Shit happens all over the planet. I might walk down the street on my birthday and some one will blow me away. No worries. Life is good.
Be well,
Best,
Bill the Geek
Bill we are comparing pv with chapala could you do a comparison? Or is it just a matter of preference? We are looking at bucerias 20 minutes n of pv....
Hi Pam, thanks for the message and sorry for the slow response time. PV and Chapala are totally different. I loved PV, in the winter, you will not be sorry. I the summer, unless you have great air conditioning you will suffer. In the summer, people just don't go outside because it is hot and humid also, that's the bad part, but, if you have air and can afford to pay the electric cost, then you just stay at home and look out of your window and watch the people outside suffering.
I spent some nights in Bucerias, Great Place. It's away from the hustle and bustle of Vallarta and towards the ocean there are some very nice communities.
I love Chapala also. The great thing here is that it never gets hot, I mean it's going to be 80 everyday, all year, but there is no humidity. ZERO. That's great, but there is no ocean.
You will enjoy all three and the great thing is if you travel light, you can try all three. Or, stay in one place and visit the others.
Hope that helps,
Bill the Geek
Great video..
My hubby was born in Mexico we live in New York.
1) Can I buy a house with no issues?
2) Can I work in Mexico without paying a fee. I have a Masters in Social Work and I'm a Reiki Master in 3 methods. I would love to have a healing center there. Any ideas?
Hi Virginia, thanks for watching. Yes, you can buy a house here with no issues. You want to find a really good real estate attorney to go over the paper work.
Yes you can work here with no issues. I don't do any business in Mexico, but there are lot of Expat that own businesses, you can talk to them about issues and fees.
A healing center should go over big in lots of places.
I have a Masters in Social work also, never used it, but it has helped my social skills greatly.
Best,
Bill the Geek
Bill! Love this video. Made just for me! Coved has afforded me to work from home. All on line. I’m a Single AA Female, no children. I feel now is the time to rent my house and head on OUT of here. In the planning stages and have lots of questions. This video hit all the right notes. New Subscriber and will be watching. Thank You
Hi Terrilyn, Thanks for the message. Tomorrow I will put up a very long video about immigration. It's long and not that exciting, but it will have a lot of information.
Do your research, make your plan and Come On Down. I've been here for 16 years, all working on line. It's been great.
Great that you are with the Blue Book.
Grove on.
May the force be with you.
Bill the Geek
Oh, you are my 1956th subscriber. That is the year I was born.
Whatever, it is what it is.
@@BillDallasLewis Winning! That's a good sign.
Bill, I enjoyed your video, thank you for taking the time to put it together. Can you tell me about the availability of finding good Physicians? How about Veterinarians? Are there many churches in the area? Thanks again, Robert from Texas
Physicians and Veterinarians are very easy to find. Dentist also. And they are very cheap. Churches are everywhere. Especially Catholic churches. Hope that helps. Best, Bill
What about safety in puerto vallarta?
Hi Bill. I am looking to move to Lake Chapela coming from Long Beach,Ca. I’m a single female traveling alone so I am being very careful as to where to stay. My question is where is the best, cost effective place to stay as I check it out? I’m a native Californian but it’s gotten so pricey so I need to relocate. Scary but exciting. Any input would be greatly appreciated....thank you.
Hi Tracy, I've been to Long Beach many, many times, my Ex had two sisters that lived there. Yes, very pricy.
If you are coming down like for a week, check out this hotel,
hotelnuevaposada.com/homepage_english.htm
I think they have good prices and they have a very good resturant with great prices and a nice atmosphere. They are in Ajijic which is very nice for walking around and eating and seeing stuff and there are a ton of Americans and Canadians there. Ajijic is a 10 minute drive from Chapala, 100 pesos one way or $5.00 US, in a taxi. If you stay at the hotel for a few days, that should give you time to find a bed and breakfast, that would be the way to go I think. This is a good time to come because around the 15th of April, lots of people leave the prices for everything goes down, including rent.
Good luck, Bill the Geek
Hi Bill, binging your videos. Does Lake Chapala require a bank trust to purchase property? Is it in the restriction zone? I hear that a lot in videos. thank you
Hi there, I have no idea what a bank trust purchase is. We didn't use that method, no my neighbor. Best to you, Bill the Geek
@@BillDallasLewis Quick response. I Googled my question. 👌
“Yes, Americans and other foreigners may obtain direct ownership of property in the interior of Mexico. However, under Mexican law, foreigners cannot own property outright within the restricted zone.” read more on mexonline..
NOTE: Lake Chapala is located more than 100km away from the cost, which means you can have a direct deed in your name (read more below)
“Yes, Americans and other foreigners may obtain direct ownership of property in the interior of Mexico. However, under Mexican law, foreigners cannot own property outright within the restricted zone.”
NOTE: Lake Chapala is located more than 100km away from the coast, which means you can have a direct deed in your name
we will go there to see are in two weeks. gotta see it with our own eyes. we will shop for a rental or to buy a home. Thanks for who you are and what you do. we are in Denver now but mostly from California. hope t see you in person then if possible, probably stay at a hotel or Air B&B for week or so, Any suggestions? also we want a good realtor
Hello Kenneth,
Thanks for the message and the comment. Below are some contacts for you.
My contact for buying Houses katie@chapalarealtors.com Her name is Katie
We are doing some videos on houses for sale, she is selling our house and helping us find a new one.
My contact for rentals AJIJIC HOMES FOR RENT www.ajijichomes4rent.com Carretera Oriente #34-E, Ajijic Kira Byerly 331-520-1980 Office 376-766-1562 Her name is Kira
My Contact for getting around town, a guide, a helper, a driver Fernandao 331 837 8909 , I think he manages a very good AirBnB. He speaks perfect English.
Hope that helps,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis thanks bill. I am thankful and amazed that you find time to answer every one of my posts and comments. Very Special1
Hi we were looking into info on moving there if you have any info would be great
Hi Ashley, My cousin was living in Guadalajara, and wanted to move to Ajijic.- What she did was she found Facebook groups that had lots of Expats and she posted a discription of exactly what she was looking for and how much she wanted to pay. She found a place in 3 days and she lives there now and she is very happy. Her method was brilliant. Instead of her looking for a place, she had renters coming to her. Try that. Best, Bill
What's cities or states doesn't get hit with hurricanes or earthquakes?
Hi I am moving to Lake Chapala in September any advice?
Hi Lori, I am sure you have done your homework in finding a place to stay etc. Just come on down and be ready to enjoy. Watch lots of videos about the area. Keep an open mind about where you want to live. That´s all I can say for now.
Good Luck,
Bill
You have the best information! I might see you there someday. :)
I hope so!
Hi, Bill
Interested in relocating to Lake Chapala from Playas de Tijuana. Interested in renting a small home. We have dogs. What would a reasonable monthly rent cost? Thanks, Eileen
Hi Eileen, I think somewhere between $400 to $700 per month. You can pay $1,000 per month but that is crazy pricing for down here. that´s my thought.
Best, Bill
Hello Bill, I am a 68-year-old African American thinking about coming down to Stay for a month in either Guadalajara or Lake Chapala. I was to rent a house in San Antonio, Tlyjacapan libremeinto side by Walmart; I may have spelled that wrong, lol Where would you say would be the best place to stay for my first time there? And does the altitude in Chapala bother you?
Hi Danny,
I really like the altitude in Chapala. I really liked Guadalajara, but the air quality is not as good, you can tell a difference when you get close or are in Chapala. San Antonio is a good spot.
My neighbors daughter is a realitor here and she is very honest and hard working and she knows what is for rent and for sale all of the time. Her name is Ana, here is her Mexican Phone number. Keep calling her until she answers the phone. She speaks fluent English and Spanish.......331 862 2820.
Hope this helps, Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Thank you, Bill. I appreciate it!
@@BillDallasLewis Thanks so much, Bill, by the way; I called that real estate agent's number, and they say that it isn't in service.
@@Ocean245 Hi Danny, I see her almost everyday, 331 862 2820, if that doesn't work email her at,,,,,, ana@chaplarealtors.com.
Maybe I gave you a bad phone number
Also they have a website at
chapalarealtors.com
Try all of that.
Best,
Bill
Awesome 👌
Terrific!!
Thank you Ariel. More to come very soon.
Hey thanks so much for the informative video... Im 45yrs old, single and very computer savvy. My parents and I had visited Ajijic/Chapala back in March 2020.
My parents have decided to retire there within the next year. If I may ask, if I were to take some courses. Would you be willing to steer me in the right direction as to train folks online? Heck perhaps you run a business and would be willing to hire me.
You see, considering my parents are moving there I'd love to join them. Well I don't mean living with them, I would stay nearby and want to be self sufficient. What do you say?
Yes, if you are. tech savy, there are many things that you can teach to Americans in the US online. You just need a website and some good SEO. I can teach you that. Come on down.
@@BillDallasLewis wow your a good man... Thx so much for responding... May I ask for your email address or best way to reach you.
@@RainBitcoins Howdy, My email is bill.dallas.lewis10@gmail.com, We will have a live stream Saturday at 10am CST, ask questions and get answers Live.
Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis that's awesome my man... I'll be sure to connect live... So glad to have met you.
Hi Bill,
I am very impressed with your videos, excellent content, well thought out.
I was there last year, I am intending to move back in June. Hope to meet you.
Dick
Hi Dick, Thanks for the comment. Glad you liked it. We're just sitting down here waiting for you to come back. Best, Bill the Geek
Do they have flies, 🦟 mosquitoes or no-see-ums (tiny gnats) there?
Hi Rick, Yes, we have all of that and more. This is the jungle.
Best,
Bill
Is it necessary to have a visa for a 2 week visit?
Hi Russell, here is the deal. When you cross the border, you pay for a 180 day visa. So if you fly on a plane, that price is in your airfare that you paid. That´s just the way it is. Once you have that, you can stay for 180 days.
Hope that helps, Best, Bill
Which one is a better place to live Merida or Lake Chapala ?
Hi Dwaleka, I have never been to Merida, but I have heard great things about it. That place is much bigger than Chapala. The population there is almost 900,000 people while Chapala is only about 20,000. I would think it would be more sophisticated and that there would be more to do. I´ll have to make a trip there.
Best,
Bill
is it hard to get driver license in mexico? is there a paid service/agent to help foreigners with this?
Hi Scorpy,
No, it is not at all hard to get a driver´s license in Mexico. The test is very easy. I was very surprised. You can do it with ease.
Best,
Bill
Hola Bill:) You seem like such a sweet guy, great personality. I have been dreaming of moving to Mexico for 30 years. My only issue is that I do not know if I could possibly afford it. By the way Bill, I was born in and grew up in Hanover N.H. 🌺
Hi Harriette, YaHooooooooooooo!!!!! Hanover New Hampshire. Great Place.
Well Harriette, you only have the money that you have. What you really don't want is to come down here and everything goes wrong and then you are homeless living in Mexico. No, No, we do not want that.
But I think that if you reach out to people living down here, then you might make some friends. There are some great deals down here if you reach out and meet the right people, like everywhere. Or, come on down for a couple of weeks, see how that goes.
Do what ever feels the best for you. That's all that I can say.
Great to hear from you and best of luck, Bill the Geek
YOUR STORY IS IMPRESIVE DR. I WISH I COULD HAVE A UA-cam CHANNEL TO MOVE TO SELL MY HOME AND GO TO MEXICO. I AM GETTING HUNGRY FOR A CHANGE IN MY ENVIRONMENT.
Hi Teresa,
I love it here. Everyday is fantastic. My friends and family ask me , ¨When are you coming back to the US?¨ I tell them, ¨Never!!!!!!!¨
So come on down, and if you are in the Mazatlan area, drop me a line.
Best,
Bill
I’m going to share this.
Hope Cheryl sees it.
I hope Cheryl sees it too.
I love your videos and I am so happy I found your channel. Can you make a video on doctors, hospitals and healthcare?
Hi Mimi, Thank you very much. I've had many request for that video and I'm trying to put it together. It may take another month.
Happy Weekend,
Bill
Hello Bill a from guadalajara i suscribe New when you need something like tour downtown city a can help you i know everything About here i wanna improve my inglish i need practice witt Someone also i m Welder saludos de Tlaquepaque jalisco mucha suerte en tu Channel espero leas mi comentario
Thank you
Excellent! 👍🏽
Hi Danny,
Thank you very much. Glad you could be there. Come on down.
Best, Bill
How do you buy a house in Chapala if you don’t have 100% cash. Financing and how about rates?
Hi Nancy, Great questions. I do not know everything, I will be learning more about real estate over the next few months and will be doing videos about houses for sale and financing. I have never met a person in Mexico that was financing their purschase, all of them paid cash. I asked my wife's brother about financing, they are both Mexicans, he told me that you could do it but he added that the rates are very high. Also I'm wondering if you can get financing through your bank in the United States if that is where you are. I'll have more information soon. Stay in Touch.
Best,
Bill the Geek
very nice video.
Thank you Sir. I try, and I will try harder. You have a great weekend. Best, Bill the Geek.
Why did Teresa prefer to move to Lake Chapala after living in GDL? Seems much more to do and see with the arts and cultural scene in GDL.
She had been there her whole life. There are people that grew up in San Francisco and move to a small quiet place. Who knows.
Thanks for the question.
Bill
you are AMAZING!!!
Thank you Lucina, have a super day,
Bill the Geek
I'm thinking of moving to Lake Chapala. I would like to visit.
Hi Zee Bee, come on down and visit, you might like it.
OK, I’ve already told you that we are supposed to be going to Granada, Nicaragua after it’s safe to travel again. However, we may be changing our itinerary and flying to Guadalajara. You have given some really great compelling reasons in your videos. And there is more infrastructure here and there is in central America. I do have other questions and I cannot inundate you with them here. Do you ever use WhatsApp?
Hi Jack, I am ready to publish a brief, introductory video about Guadalajara in the next 7 days. GD is great. Yes, I use whatsapp daily. Every Mexican uses whatsapp, and me too. You can always email me at bill.dallas.lewis10@gmail.com. Happy Travels, Bill the Geek
@@BillDallasLewis I learned WhatsApp from all my high school buddies in South Texas. It was a boarding school and I was the only gringo. Everyone else from Mexico. I learned Spanish the old fashioned way....washing dishes in the comedor. 😂😂😂
We all use WhatsApp so it’s free for all of us to stay in touch via cell phone.
By the way, my daughter lives in East Gate, Ohio. Going toward Batavia. In law school there.
@@jackwebb437 Law School!!!!!!!! You must be one proud Papa.........
@@BillDallasLewis Claro !
It's not safer then Oaxaca. We lived in lake chapala. Now move to Oaxaca Mexico much better place. Big American community here
Then stay HOME
How much does it cost to buy a house is chapala Mexico
We bought a brand new house with 3 bedrooms for $135,000 US dollars
@@BillDallasLewis wow that’s really a great deal chapala looks like beautiful place to live at
@@jrojas961 prices are good here. You can pay more for more space
Can someone explain to me please, how Americans and Canadians stay permanently in Mexico and are receiving their ss checks, or pensions, when their governments say that u can't live more than 6 months of the year abroad in order to receive it?
Hi Mariana, I am a US citizen and the US government does not have a rule that says you can only live outside of the US for only six months. There are thousands of Americans and Canadians that live here year round for years, and never go back to the US. Best to you, Bill
@@BillDallasLewis I guess my question is to all non-US citizens receiving an ss check over there or to all Canadians. Because I have friends that just retired in Canada 🇨🇦, but Canada doesn't allow them to spend more than 6 months outside the country, in order for them to receive their Canadian pension
Love that place....the Mexican got the best part of north America after the war.....
Hi Steven, yeap, It´s a great place, I´m never leaving.
Best,
Bill
@@BillDallasLewis Great people..
Hi Bill , great videos- but you need to know that OXXO is a publicly traded comp -
not owned byC. SLIM.
I LIVE IN puerto penasco last 7 ys orig from Santa Cruz Ca. Have twice visited the lake and plan to move there after the virus is under control I enjoy your efforts.
Thanks, Valentina Carey 🥰
Could I possibly be a snowbird on Chapala, and rent a house for 6 months?
Hi Regina,
Sure, you can do it. Start looking at Facebook groups for Expats in the Chapala and Ajijic area and just start asking people if they know of a place that would be available for the dates you are interested. Let them know how much you want to pay. Try that.
Best,
Bill
I live in Spring Texas want to get out of Houston OK will need a lawyer of course so do you have anyone that is reputable
Hi Jains, here is a video I did with my immigration attorney. His contact information is at the very end of the video.
ua-cam.com/video/H5-EsVNirRk/v-deo.html
Check it our.
Very realistic presentation! Many only see cheap!
Don’t take American values with you!
Be willing to adapt to their country, speak Spanish, be calm humble, and keep your mouth in check!
M Smith, super good points. Super Good. Thanks, Bill
Really good advice
❤❤❤
Thank you very much
One thing that you’re not telling people is to get Wi-Fi in Mexico you need to be a resident. You can buy property in Mexico without being a resident but to get Wi-Fi you need to be a resident.
That's a new one. I've been here for 17 years and I have signed up and got cable from 4 different companies and my visa status was never an issue. This must be new. Help me, I want to know your expericance and what has changed.
This has never been true.
💕💜💕
can a single person live there on 900/mo SS renting?
and I don't mean using all 900..laugh out loud..
Hi Jill, if you have $900 a month US, then you will have to find a place to rent for about $400.00 per month or 500. $500 US is 10,000 pesos, that is very do able. Go to facebook and look up groups, then Chapala rentals, or Ajijic rentals. Most rentals come with wifi, and maybe electricity. Then you´ll have to pay for your food. Search around for places you can rent for 8,000 pesos per month. That is what I was paying in Puerto Vallarta.
Good Luck, Bill
@@BillDallasLewis thank you you are so amazing for answering me I so so appreciate it and watched about 20 of your videos today too thank you for those
@@Habanero777 You are very welcome, more to come soon.
Can one swim in Lake Chapala?
Hi Poobottle,
I would never swim in the lake. You might jump in a just fizzle to death
How is it in Lake Chapala, for (wanderer's) people who choose to be homeless but loves to work? I like living in a tent
You should do fine living in a tent here, you'll have to find a place to put it, or you can just be mobile. Being right next to the lake, you can bring a fishing pole and eat fish for free. Best, Bill the Geek
Thank you. Sounds wonderful
Hola Teresa
I want to move to MEXICO
Give it a try, come on down.
do you have to make border runs ?
Hi Sam,
No, I never make border runs.
Best,
Bill
All great if you are all about "Me", as in me, me, me. Forget the grandkids and your kids and go be selfish. Great.
Hi Jmichael, I have no kids, and no grand kids. So this works pretty good for me. My parents died 15 years ago.
I´m good.
Best,
Bill
Did you mention the cartel taking over Ajijic more than once and murdering people....6 bodies unearthed near Jerry Browns house! Not to be taken lightly ;)
Howdy Doc, Yeap, stuff like that happens here. What can I say. One must always watch their back. All over the world.
Best, Bill
I'm 53 and have a $2300 monthly guaranteed pension. I am single and wanted to know how reasonable it is to expect to meet a woman there?
Hi Micheal,
thanks for the comment. $2,300 monthly is a good income for down here.
In Ajijic, there are a ton of single women. In all of Mexico there are a ton of women. It all depends on your skills to meet them.
Hope that helps a little,
Best,
Bill