Living in Ajijic Jalisco Mexico
Travel Guide Series
Table of Contents
Are you considering a move to Mexico? Why not consider Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico? Nestled on the shores of Lake Chapala, Ajijic is a picturesque town that offers a unique blend of Mexican culture and ex-pat community vibes. From the stunning natural beauty to the affordable cost of living, history, and charm, there are many reasons to consider a move to Ajijic.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experience living in Ajijic and provide an overview of the location, culture, cost of living, daily life, activities, and quality of life. Whether you’re a retiree looking for paradise, an adventure traveler on vacation, or a digital nomad looking for a change in scenery, Ajijic could be the perfect destination for you. Let’s dive in and explore what life in Ajijic has to offer. Vamos…
Topics: People Ask
Living in Ajijic, Mexico - Expats in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, and Jocotepec - Cost of Living and Safety in Ajijic - What is Life Like in Ajijic - Is Ajijic a Good Place to Live and Retire - Ajijic Ex-Pat Community - Retirement & Cost of Living in Lake Chapala and Ajijic Mexico - The Best, Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Mexico - Travel Resources - Best Hotels and Tours - Guadalajara best places to live - How to get to Ajijic
The History of Ajijic
Ajijic is a small town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, some 5,000+ ft above sea level. It is located on the shores of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. This Pueblo Magico has culture, the art scene, charm, and excellent weather year around. Who and Want is Ajijic?
Ajijic, Jalisco has a long and rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times before the Spanish influence in the early 16th century. Since then, Ajijic began to gain popularity as a tourist destination, particularly among Americans and Canadians. The town’s proximity to Lake Chapala, the warm climate, and the affordable cost of living all contributed to its appeal. In recent years, Ajijic has become known as a thriving ex-pat community (if not the biggest), with many foreigners choosing to retire or work remotely from the town.
Despite its growing popularity, Ajijic has managed to maintain its small-town charm and sense of community. Many small towns are dotted along Lake Chapla, and you are within an hour’s drive from Mexico’s 2nd largest city, Guadalajara.
How to Get to Ajijic and the Weather
There are a few options to get to Ajijic: Fly to Guadalajara and take a taxi or ride-sharing service or fly to Mexico City and take a connecting flight. If you are driving from the United States or Canada, you can take the Mexico-Toluca highway to Ajijic.
Once you arrive in Ajijic, you can easily get around town by walking, biking, or taking a taxi. There are also local buses that run between Ajijic and nearby towns and to GDL.
Weather in Ajijic is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius) throughout the year. Nights can get chilly, and there is no need for an A/C or heater. The wet season runs from June to October, when the weather is typically warm and humid, with short bursts of rain. The rest of the year is dry, with sunny skies and little precipitation.
Some annoying gnat-like bugs come out at night if you live along the lakefront and have your windows open. I don’t know precisely what they are, but you will have to clean up in the mornings.
A Day in the Life of Living in Ajijic
The population of Ajijic is diverse, with a mix of Mexican locals and ex-pats from various countries. The town is known for its thriving ex-pat community, with many foreigners choosing to retire or work remotely from Ajijic. The ex-pat community is diverse and includes people from the United States, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world.
The local culture in Ajijic is a blend of traditional Mexican and modern influences. Ajijic is home to museums, galleries, and cultural centers that showcase the region’s history and art. Ajijic is also known for its vibrant music and arts scene, with local musicians and artists regularly performing and exhibiting their work.
A typical day in Ajijic revolves around the beautiful Lake Chapala. Many residents take a walk or jog around the lake in the morning to start their day. The air is fresh, and people are always out and about enjoying the scenery.
After your morning exercise, you may stop by one of the many local cafes for breakfast. The coffee is delicious, and the food is authentic, fresh, healthy, and homemade. After breakfast, you may shop at the local market or head to one of the nearby towns to explore.
Lunch is usually a light, and you will have numerous street vendors to choose from. You may take a leisurely stroll through town or the Malecon in the afternoon. As the sun sets, heading to one of Ajijic’s many restaurants for dinner is a must for a wide variety of unique, delicious regional dishes in top-notch restaurants.
The nightlife in Ajijic is relatively low-key, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy if you’re looking for a fun night out. No matter how you spend your day, Ajijic is sure to give you a taste of authentic Mexican living.
Resources
Check out the best Travel Tours list that features popular activities, guided packages, and hidden gems you must see at Viator.
I use several different resources when comparing flight and lodging prices. You can save even more by searching using our partner travel links. Use our links and resource section, and save. We may receive a small commission from these sites on bookings that go towards running a blog site, but I have used them personally, with no extra cost to you, and you will love them.
Google Flights – Trip.com – Travelocity – Hotwire – Trivago – Kiwi – TripAdvisor – Wayaway – Verbo – Cheaptickets – Booking.com – Hostelworld – Skyscanner – Expedia – Babbel –
During Your Travel
Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide – We use to book our tours
Insurance: EKTA and Visitors Coverage – Travel Insurance Abroad
Walmart – Amazon –Best Buy – Canva – Skull Shaver –
Things to Do and See in Ajijic
There are many things to do and see in Ajijic, from taking a boat on the lake to exploring the many shops and galleries. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Ajijic: The Complete list HERE
- Walk the Malecon (Malecon de Ajijic): Stroll along the waterfront on a leisurely walk and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Chapala. There are many benches and seating areas along the Malecon where you can sit and relax while taking in the scenery.
- Visit the Ajijic Cultural Center: Located on the Malecon, the Ajijic Cultural Center is a popular destination for tourists and locals. The center hosts various cultural events and exhibitions, including concerts, art shows, and lectures.
- Explore the local shops, galleries, and markets: The Malecon is home to several local shops and markets where you can find souvenirs, crafts, and art and enjoy street food.
- Dine at a local restaurant: Several restaurants and cafes along the Malecon offer authentic local dishes.
- The Ajijic Plaza (Plaza Principal) is an excellent place for people to experience and soak up the atmosphere of this charming town.
- Other areas of interest: San Antonio Church, Ajijic Market, Parroquia de San Andres Apostol, Kiosco de Ajijic, La Plaza Bugambilias, Monte Coxala Spa, Rancho del Oro, Cinemas del Lago, and numerous theaters and festivals.
- Home/Rent: $500-700 USD/month
- Groceries: $80 USD/month
- Electric: $35 USD/month
- Propane Gas: $20 USD/month
- Telephone + Internet: $20 USD/month
- Healthcare: $50 USD/month
- Dining and Entertainment: $100 USD/month
- Misc: $100 USD/month
- More Information
Cost of Living in Ajijic
The cost of living in Ajijic is very reasonable, especially compared to larger cities in Mexico. Still, it does run higher than other small towns due to the large ex-pat community. You can make Ajijic as thrifty and affordable as you want it to be or live a higher standard of living on less.
Many ex-pats in Ajijic choose to rent a home or apartment, which can be found for as little as $350. Generally, a one-two bedroom apartment/house ranges around $500-$700 per month. If you prefer to buy a property, you can find homes for sale starting at around $100,000- $120,000. However, prices can vary depending on the location and size of the property.
Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are also quite affordable in Ajijic. The average monthly cost for utilities is $50. Internet and cable TV service can be had for as little as $30 per month.
Food costs in Ajijic are also quite reasonable. A typical meal at a local restaurant will cost around $5, while a more upscale meal will be about $15. Groceries can be bought for as little as $20 per week. Shop weekly at farmer’s markets to save; if you are missing something from home, there is a Walmart nearby and a Costco closer to Guadalajara.
Reasons to Live in Ajijic
Ajijic Mexico has been a top ex-pat destination for years, and it’s no wonder why. The small lakeside town has everything you could want in a retirement or second-home destination: stunning scenery, great weather, a low cost of living, and a vibrant ex-pat community. Here are a few reasons why Ajijic should be on your radar.
1. The Weather is Perfect
If you’re looking for warm weather and sunny skies, Ajijic is the place for you. Located on the shores of Lake Chapala, the town enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with an average high of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. And even during the winter months (December to February), the temperature rarely dips below 60 degrees.
2. It’s Incredibly Affordable
One of the best things about Ajijic is how affordable it is to live here. Ex-pats can easily find comfortable retirement homes for rent or sale for under $1,000 per month. And everyday expenses like food and transportation are also very reasonable. In fact, it’s not uncommon for retirees to live here for less than $2,000 per month for a family. Is Ajijic more expensive than some other places sure but more in line with San Miguel de Allende.
3. There’s Plenty to Do
Just because Ajijic is a small town doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. Ajijic is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy.
Ajijic is Not Just a Pueblo Magico - It is Magic
Ajijic has the advantage of being on Lake Chapala, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the authentic culture of Mexico blended in with some of the conveniences we enjoy from home.
Ajijic, Jalisco, is a charming and welcoming town that offers a unique blend of Mexican culture and an ex-pat community. The town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, affordable cost of living, and sense of community, making it an appealing destination for many people. Whether you are a retiree seeking a warm and welcoming place to spend your golden years or a young professional ready for a change of scenery, Ajijic could be the perfect destination for you.
English is widely spoken due to the heavily influenced ex-pat community, but learning some Spanish can take you a long way. I talked about in this article that being from El Paso, I heard more English in Ajijic than I did back in my hometown. I highly recommend joining an Ajijic FB Ex-pat group before arriving to understand better what to expect, places to stay, and things to do. And even meet some new friends who could be your new neighbors.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Ajijic!
As always, we appreciate you and Live Con Todo.
Sources
- Trip Advisor
- Wikipedia
- Expedia
- Personal Experiences
Share this Story
Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand