Chapala

Ajijic

Ajijic is the heart of the Lake Chapala shoreline, Mexico's largest natural lake, and home to one of the oldest and most established expat communities in the country. Its cobblestone streets, art galleries, lakeside malecón and near-year-round spring climate have made it a favorite destination for American and Canadian retirees since the 1950s, just 45 minutes from the Guadalajara airport.

The Lake Chapala Society, founded in 1955, remains one of the most active meeting points for expats anywhere in Mexico, with a library, Spanish classes and constant social events. The Wednesday and Sunday markets, downtown art galleries and lakeside restaurants keep a traditional-town feel that coexists with infrastructure built for the international community.

Resident profile: International retirees, couples seeking a slow pace of life, and artists and creatives drawn to the lakeside cultural scene.