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stina

Jun 14, 2007, 12:29 PM

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neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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Hi-

My husband, daughters (ages 2 & 4) and I plan to move to Mexico, probably to Guadalajara, this fall. We currently live in San Francisco. After many years of high-stress high tech work plus the accompanying San Francisco fog, we are ready to pull up stakes here and head for adventures SOB. We figure now's the time to do it- when our kids are small and such a move will be much less disruptive. Plus- my parents are already living in Mexico! (Albeit in Alamos.) We have traveled extensively all over the world and want to introduce our kids early on to life outside the USA.

I've spent a huge amount of time looking at this site over the past few days, and I'm hoping some of you might be able to give me some advice on neighborhoods to check out in and around Guadalajara. Alas, although we have not been to Guad yet, we have been to lots of other parts of Mexico many times over the years, and generally love the place. We think that Guad will probably be a good spot for us because of its cultural amenities, location, and climate. We're also urban creatures and prefer big cities- traffic, smog and all. I've seen lots of info about Lake Chapala, but that's not appealing to us.

We are going to make 2 trips down to Guad this summer to explore the area and and learn about school and community options. That said, can anyone give us suggestions for neighborhoods to check out?

We are not interested in gringo-only or gated areas or golf courses. We are into pedestrian-friendly, mixed areas that are within walking distance to shopping, coffee shops, etc. Places where we will find other families- Mexican, gringo, whatever.

Finally, if any of you have suggestions for schools to look at, that would be great.

Thanks so much!
kristina

rober3n

Jun 14, 2007, 2:57 PM

Post #2 of 7 (5723 views)

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Re: [stina] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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My wife and I have lived in the Monraz neighborhood of Zapopan on nemerous occasions. It is near the Plaza Mexico shopping mall where you have access to American merchandise if desired. I am attaching a map. We like the area east of the Plaza Mexico near where "Yaquis" is printed on the map. There is a good reasonably priced place to stay on the corner of Lopez Mateos and Avenida Mexico called Suites de Margaritas. They have separate villas and a large gated compound with trees flowers and greenery. I think it now costs about $60 US per night or less. The units are only OK and all have kitchens, dining rooms, patios, etc. Some units are nicer than others, so you may want to check a couple of them out. The location is great, a short drive to the Old City. It is about a forty dollar cab ride to the airport which is located on the far outskirts of town near Tonola. The area has everything you would need from medical and dental services to attornies and accountants. There are many good retaurants, grocery stores, etc. We are now building a house in Cuyutlan on the beach west of Colima, but will still spend time in GDL.

I hope it works out well for you. I would be happy to answer specific questions if I am able.

Beuna suerte!

wayne and barb

esperanza

Jun 14, 2007, 4:22 PM

Post #3 of 7 (5703 views)

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Re: [stina] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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I live full-time in Guadalajara, in the colonia just south of Monraz. It's a wonderful area, green and walking-friendly, with churches, supermarkets and every sort of service available. It's very traditionally Guadalajara and only about 10 minutes by car or taxi from the Centro Histórico. Buses are readily available.

PM me with the dates you'll be in the city. If I'm in town, I'd be delighted to talk with you about la Perla del Occidente.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

roni_smith

Jun 19, 2007, 5:24 AM

Post #4 of 7 (5614 views)

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Re: [rober3n] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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There was no map attached.
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Planning for Mexico Move Blog

Liesl

Jul 8, 2007, 8:53 PM

Post #5 of 7 (5499 views)

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Re: [stina] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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Kristina,
I am also interested in knowing more about neighborhoods in GDL. I am moving there at the end of the month with my 5 year old son. I went in May to look at schools and am opting for a dual-language school. While there are many I found several in near Plaza de Sol which I would be happy with. I am waiting to make a decision once we get there. I thought the neighborhoods surrounding Plaza de Sol were nice but there are many. If anyone has any leads on houses and or apartments for rent they would be appreciated. I will be working in Ciudad de Granja and also with ITESO so I'd like to find something somewhat in between those two areas.

Also any suggestions on buying a car would be appreciated.

So much to learn. I am glad I've found this resource!

Liesl

roni_smith

Jul 27, 2007, 8:42 PM

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Re: [Liesl] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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We are starting to plan our next trip. As part of it we want to spend some days in Guadalajara, specifically exploring some of the neighborhoods mentioned here.

Zapopan, La Chapalita, areas around there. I'll be writing more about the trip - which won't be till 2008
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Planning for Mexico Move Blog

mminnes

Mar 3, 2009, 7:29 PM

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Re: [Liesl] neighborhoods in Guadalajara

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Liesl

My family is moving down in June and we will be looking for school for our 7 and 9 year old children. I would be interested to hear where you ended up?

MM