This is a follow up to the video I already made about being in Ajijic, and why, for me, it’s not a place I want to settle in.

We’ve spent a total of a just over a month in the area, first in town Ajijic and then a bit out of town. I’ve had a chance to explore some of the other towns around the lake, Like Chapala town, and Jocotepec.  They all have their charms and I’m glad to have been able to experience a little of them.  but these are the seven reasons I’m going to keep looking for a hometown in Mexico.

1. Might not sound like a big deal, but for me the cobblestone roads are an issue. I walk a lot and take my dogs for at least 2 walks per day, so it was really uncomfortable in Ajijic where there seems to be mainly old rough cobblestone roads everywhere. It’s very easy to twist your ankle or take a tumble on these roads, and I kind of already have my hands full with my two canines. Especially when a street dog comes running up, or there is no sidewalk.  It’s hard on the car too.

2. The Weather. I’ve been hearing for years how this area has the best weather in the whole world! And then when I got here I was told that May is the worst month to come because of the heat.  Not only that, it’s been a record hot year for many parts of Mexico.  The sky is hazy with heat, everything is dry and the mountains look scorched and dead.  I know this may change when the rain starts, but to me, and the dogs, this is not perfect weather.

3. The locals don’t seem happy. Of course some are happy and plenty say they are very happy living here. But I’ve found a level of grumpiness online that’s extraordinary, in local groups on facebook. There’s a very unfriendly element here and if you don’t believe me, go ask a few basic questions online in these groups. Also, the first time I was in a market I saw an old American man demanding some product from a young woman employee in English. She looked intimidated and fearful.  I know there may be wonderful people here and I didn’t meet them, I’m sure that’s the case. But overall I didn’t get a good impression.

4. Congestion.  This is the low season and it can be trafficy and congested sometimes. I guess that’s just natural when you have an influx of people into a small town. When thousands of snow birds come in the fall/winter, I have heard the traffic is a mess.

5. It’s Expensive.  When I went to the vet, or I should say, when he made three house calls in La Manzanilla, it was less than half of what the vet charged me here with just one office visit.  Real estate and rentals are more expensive than many other parts of mexico, I’m disappointed when I look online.  and food is pretty crazy at the markets, Walmart, Soriano etc…
6. It’s not beautiful to me. The lake is very low and polluted. The hillsides look like all the trees are dead. The air is hazy and hot, I’m not sure if that is some of Guadalajara’s air pollution floating over here.  Yes, some of the towns are cute and the area have some charming features and beautiful neighborhoods. But I wouldn’t be able to afford living there.  
7. The amount of Americans, Canadians and, I hear, Europeans, has visibly changed the culture in this part of Mexico. I’m not necessarily saying that’s bad, I’m just saying it’s different than other towns that have less foreign immigration. I love Mexico!  I want to learn more about the culture and the language and traditions here. I think that would be harder here in the Lakeside area.

I may get some flack from those who like it here, and I know it’s not the best time of year. There’s also a strange element in some people all across Mexico who refuse to acknowledge that Mexico has any problems. I ask about safety in a certain area and they scoff as if it’s all propaganda. Some people don’t seem to understand just because they have not had a problem, it doesn’t mean there are no problems. And I know there are many who have businesses that depend on people coming here and investing their money and lives in moving to Mexico. They do not want to talk about any of the negatives.  But every place has negatives. 

I’m glad I came to the area, and I’m glad so many people like it here. For me, I’m going to continue exploring!

These are just one woman’s personal opinions based on a very short time here. If I was seriously considering moving here I would investigate things like infrastructure and crime rates. Why is it that sewage in flowing into the lake? How much crime is there here, that no one wants to talk about? How serious is the water deficit and does the electrical grid have enough resources to cover so many people?

This video was made by me, a U.S. citizen. Mexico has given me permission to spend time in their country and check it out. This video is not, in any way, a dis to Mexico or Mexican people.

Just like I prefer a small town in Utah or Oregon over New York City, I have preferences about Mexican towns. These are just my opinions and impressions. You are entitled to your own. I prefer to spend time with dogs instead of cats (I’m allergic to cats). I like sunny weather over constant clouds (too much gray makes me depressed). I love Mexican food more than Italian (I love the flavors and Italian tends to put unnecessary weight on me). I am not bigoted towards cats, clouds or Italian food. I have preferences. That’s what it is to be an individual human. You have your own preferences, that’s why you’re watching videos, to see what you might like and prefer. Please don’t judge me because of my allergies, potential for depression, or propensity for weight gain. Or my decision to not make Ajijic my home. These things do not negate my love for, or the value and quality of, Mexico or Mexican people. My experience in Mexico is vastly positive, thus my obtaining residency and seeking a home here. If you’d like to stir up trouble or create division between people you will be considered a troll. If you have an opinion or preferences you are welcome to share in the comments, or make your own video. We are all different, and that’s the beauty in life. Maybe, if more people understood that, there would be less grumpy people.