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ziret

Aug 3, 2003, 11:59 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1045 views)

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jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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I am moving to Mexico as soon as my house sells--whenever that is, but I haven't settled on a specific location. I am sure most of you are tired to the point of narcolepsy of this type of question and bless you in advance for even reading the post. My main requirement is that I be within 1-2 hours of Guadalajara, since that airport has frequent, relatively cheap service to and from the US west coast where my kids live.

That said, I have read with interest so many posts. I am from Eastern Washington at the foot of the Blues--close to where Randy is from. Charros are us. Arandas sounds nice, but I don't think my Spanish is up to it. I will be living alone, but I don't want to be without conversation. Guadalajara sounds like it might work, but is probably too expensive. The towns around Lake Chapala sound great for someone as verbally challenged as I will be, but I'm not sure I can afford them. Living here in E. WA is pretty cheap already--I need to find someplace even less expensive.

I don't expect anyone to have the answer for me. I know I need to come down and see for myself. But if anyone would like to make the case for a certain town or area near Guadalajara, I would like to read it. Things that are important to me: low cost of living, somewhat moderate climate--though cold weather doesn't frighten me, nor does hot and dry--check out where I'm from--hot and humid I don't like, access to medical care, someone to talk to in English. I do work in fiber arts and like towns like Patzquaro where weaving, etc., is done--on the other hand I'm a writer and need to be around English speakers.

I can make my way through the tradeoffs that anyplace has to offer and decide what is most important to me. But first I need to know what places have to offer, so if you feel like being opinionated about any particular place, let 'er buck--I mean--rip!

johanson

Aug 4, 2003, 12:37 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1035 views)

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Re: [ziret] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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Just a thought. How about the South side of Lake Chapala? You still have the beauty of the lake, but I'm told the cost of living there is much lower than in Ajijic. That way you could still drive to the west or north side of the lake for heavy duty english contact.

If home-town TV is important to you, you can watch the networks from Spokane or Seattle or listen to some 7 radio stations from Spokane over a Canadian Small dish system popular lakeside. I should point out that the only US radio stations they carry are from Spokane.

Pete

PS I am writing this from Skagit County, WA

ziret

Aug 4, 2003, 1:00 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1031 views)

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Re: [johanson] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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That's a good idea, thanks. Also for the tips on TV and radio. Which reminds me of two other important things--lakes and baseball. I love them both and any town that has both (a lake and a baseball team) would be high high up on my list. Not that they would necessarily want me, of course, unless they needed an ardent fan.

The TV part is important for the Mariners!

Bill_N

Aug 4, 2003, 3:42 AM

Post #4 of 9 (1025 views)

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Re: [ziret] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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I would suggest you look into Jocotepec which is the last town on the North Side of Lake Chapala. I stayed in a great B&B there when we recently visited. The town is fairly large with lots of stores to shop for groceries, pharmacies, etc. You will have the conveniences you need plus it is only about 15 minutes by car to Ajijic. There is a nice gated community out there called Las Fuentes. Homes look very nice. Nice location. I saw many US and Canadian license plates when we drove through. Home prices seem fairly reasonable. We saw one 2 bedroom, 2 bath advertised for $129K (asking price) which means you can probably get it for less. I would recommend Jocotepec before going around to south side of the lake. There is a small gringo community on the south side of the lake in I believe Roco Azul. But it would be much further to drive to Ajijic. Jocotepec will not have that many gringos walking about like Ajijic but I found it to be a nice town. Also, my own opinion, is that anyone moving to Mexico will be missing out on some great conversation and relationships if they don't pick up at least a modicum of Spanish.

Regards

Bill Newell

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ziret

Aug 4, 2003, 3:49 PM

Post #5 of 9 (970 views)

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Re: [Bill_N] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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I agree of course about the Spanish. I have a modicum and will also study when I get there. I was thinking about Jocopetc too.

Anyone know about baseball in/around Guad?

Jean

Aug 4, 2003, 4:47 PM

Post #6 of 9 (959 views)

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Re: [ziret] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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Could you tell us if you want a house or apartment?

Will you have a car?

What is your top $ amount that you will have to work with monthly.

These will enable us to help you a bit better.
Retirement Communities
http://www.retirecommunities.com

ziret

Aug 4, 2003, 11:50 PM

Post #7 of 9 (937 views)

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Re: [Tuatha_de_Danann] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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I have a car, I don't care if it's a house or apartment, I'll have $750/month max for everything. Thanks for your help.

sandykayak

Aug 15, 2003, 1:55 PM

Post #8 of 9 (801 views)

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Re: [ziret] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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from what i saw and have heard $750 in the Ajijic area will be a challenge, but probably could be done IF you aren't including housing.

Will you be able to buy a place "cash" first?
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

ziret

Aug 15, 2003, 2:16 PM

Post #9 of 9 (798 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] jumping in with a slew of idiot's questions

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Thanks, Sandy. I will look for you in 2008!