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Ajijic Mexico For Retirees in 2025

Are you dreaming of retiring in a picturesque and vibrant destination that offers an affordable cost of living, pleasant weather year-round, and a welcoming community? Look no further than Ajijic, Mexico. Nestled alongside the stunning Lake Chapala, this charming town has become a haven for retirees seeking a peaceful yet enriching retirement experience. With its tranquil cobblestone streets, colourful colonial architecture, and diverse expat community, Ajijic offers an idyllic setting to enjoy your golden years. In this article, Ajijic Mexico for retirees, we will explore why Ajijic is increasingly becoming the go-to destination for retirees looking to live out their retirement dreams in paradise. Could Ajijic Mexico be the best place for retirees to live?

After spending some time there housesitting for ex-pats, and understanding why it was so popular we would say it is up there as one of the best retirement destinations in Mexico.

Another popular destination that we have loved in our travels is Puerto Escondido for retirees. If you are a lover of the Pacific Coast of Mexico and looking for real estate Puerto Escondido has land and property available to suit all budgets.

Dive into a community of passionate Mexico travellers sharing honest, unfiltered advice and insider secrets! From hidden beaches to authentic local experiences, our private Facebook group is your gateway to discovering the Mexico tourists rarely see. Join us and plan your dream Mexican adventure with those who know and love this vibrant country!

 

 

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Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?

 

 

 

 

If you are considering Ajijic on Lake Chapala Moving to Mexico’s Lake Chapala gives you all the practical advice you need to make an informed decision.

 

 

 

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?
Sundays are the time to enjoy just relaxing on the lake

Where is Ajijic, Mexico

Ajijic (pronounced ah-hee-heek) sits on the northern shore of Mexico’s largest lake – Lake Chapala surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains.  4.8km away is the town of Chapala, and to the west the smaller town of San Juan Cosala, both popular with expat retirees.

Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco and the largest city in the state, is located 55km from Ajijic.

Ajijic Mexico Map

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?
Ajijic Mexico Map

 

Why is Ajijic so popular with retirees

Slow Pace of Life

Ajijic Mexico
A slow pace of life

Life takes on a slow path in Ajijic.  Why hurry when you have no stress in your life? You will see horses and their riders up and down the cobblestoned roads of Ajijic – it is a normal sight in this laid-back Mexican town. There is a steady stream of day-trippers who arrive in Ajijic to enjoy the lake, wander through the galleries and boutiques and enjoy the local Mexican cuisine.

Ajijic Weather

National Geographic has stated that Ajijic has the 2nd best climate in the world. The coolest months are December and January and the hottest is in May.  On average, the temperature sits around 22 degrees, but we felt the chilly mornings in January, during the day, it was very pleasant.

The rainy season is from mid-June to mid-October.

It is one of those destinations where you can organize an outdoor BBQ or party and can guarantee that you will have good weather.

Ajijic Mexico Cost of Living

Cost of Renting an Apartment in Ajijic 

According to Numbeo (a resourceful website on the cost of living in cities around the world) to rent a 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost around  MXN$14416  per month.  Ajijic real estate is affordable for the ex-pat.

A 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost around MXN$28222. A 2-bedroom apartment was not listed.

Ajijic house rental prices drop if you consider outside of the city centre:

MXN11715 for one bedroom apartment

MXN20,540 for 3 bedroom apartment

Cost of Buying an Apartment in Ajijic

The price for an apartment in the city centre will set you back around MXN$32418  per square meter

An apartment outside the city centre will cost you around MXN23,733 per square meter

Monthly Cost of Utilities in Ajijic for 85m2 Apartment

  • Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage MXN1284
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more unlimited data, cable/ADSL) MXN488
  • Mobile phone monthly plans  with calls and 10GB data MXN301

Ajijic Restaurants – Where to eat in Ajijic

We enjoyed some great coffee and excellent cuisine at the various restaurants in Ajijic. Retiring in Lake Chapala has many benefits, including the great restaurants and cuisines available.

Cafe Black & White, Plaza Principal Open Monday to Sunday between 0830 and 2230

It’s Sunday; it Must Be Taco and Beer Time in Ajijic

Ajijic Mexico
Taco and beer time – it must be Sunday

Just beside Cafe Black and White on a Sunday lunchtime, a local stall sells freshly made Tacos and ice-cold beer – what more would a person want?

Pien Thai Restaurant (Now called Basil)  – Calle Hidalgo 17.  The food was very good, and the menu was varied. They cater well for vegetarians. Pien Thai is popular with locals and visitors. It’s such a great setting as well.

Chile Verde – Colon 25

This is a great local Mexican restaurant near Plaza Principal and a popular venue for locals.

For the top ten restaurants in Ajijic click the link below:

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?

Things to do in Ajijic

Visit Markets in Ajijic

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?
Wednesday Market in Ajijic

 

Wednesday Market  Ajijic– a great place to shop for fruit and vegetables and household goods as well as usual market goods

There are a few markets around Ajijic -click here for the latest reviews by travellers and locals of which are the best markets to visit in Ajijic.

Shopping in Ajijic

Ajijic has many art galleries and boutiques in the cobblestoned streets, a great way to spend a few hours.

For reviews of shopping in Ajijic click here.

Architecture To Enjoy As You Wander the Back Streets of Ajijic

Ajijic Mexico
Colourful architecture

The charm of Ajijic is the many colourful colonial buildings in Ajijic scattered around the cobblestoned streets. You could spend a few hours just wandering around and up and down the streets and enjoying the old-world charm.

Walk The Malecon in Ajijic

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?
The Malecon

The Malecon on Lake Chapala in Ajijic is great for enjoying picture-perfect sunrises or sunsets.  The best time for a walk is before the day’s heat sets in.  Weekends are family time, and you will see families setting up areas around the Malecon for parties and get-togethers.

Ajijic Mexico
Kayaking on the Lake

Hiking in Ajijic

There are many hiking trails in the mountains that surround Ajijic.  There are four major trails and many lesser trails.  Ajijic has a Hiking Club that meets weekly. Click here for more details on hiking in and around Ajijic.

Lake Chapala Society

Set in a beautiful garden area, the Lake Chapala Society offers many activities to its over 3,000 members.  There is a library, a cafe, organised bus tours, and assistance for expats who have settled in Ajijic.

Where to stay in Ajijic

Do you need accommodation whilst checking out Ajijic?

Casa de la Abuela, Galeana, 75, Ajijic, Mexico.

 

There are 10 available rooms in this Bed & Breakfast in Ajijic that include an outdoor pool, and some rooms have a partial view of Lake Chapala, which is a 15-minute walk away. Breakfast is included.

Guest review: The room was excellent and very comfortable. A/C was a bonus! The grounds are charming, and there is a very, very tiny lake view. Breakfast was excellent and cooked to order. Note that Ajillic streets are very long so the number of blocks is deceptive. Try doubling them to get a truer, correspondingly normal walking distance. I would stay here again

 

Ajijic Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

La Riberena: Calle del Lago 42, Colonia la Canacinta, Ajijic, Mexico.

This 9-roo,m 3-star hotel on Lake Chapala offers an outdoor pool, sun terrace, sundeck, bar and restaurant.

Guest review: The place is nice and calm, lakefront, and the staff was beyond friendly and helpful

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?

 

 

 

 

Hotel del Pescador: Carretera Chapala Jocotepec # 1008 Col. Centro Ajijic Jal., Ajijic, Mexico. A 26 room hotel that offers a jacuzzi and pool for guests.

Guest review: Quiet, nice pool, breakfast was good

 

Could Ajijic be the best place for retirees to live?

 

 

 

 

 

For more Ajijic hotel options:



Booking.com

How to get to Ajijic

The nearest airport is Guadalajara, 38 km away.

Check out the latest transfers from Guadalajara Airport below (NB) there are a variety of transfers from private to shared

For more information click here

 

 

Flight Deals

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner – our ‘go-to’ when researching and booking flights.

Bus Travel

Bus travel is excellent in Mexico. We travelled all over Mexico using the ADO and Primera Plus bus services.

For bus schedules and ticket prices, click here.

Need a hotel close to Guadalajara Airport

We recommend staying at the La Villa del Ensueno Boutique hotel located close to the airport. You can read our review here.

 

Ajijic Mexico

 

 

 

 

Do You Need an E-Sim?

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Do You Need a Visa for Mexico?


Travel Insurance 

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Tour from Guadalajara to Lake Chapala and Ajijic

There is a 6-hour tour of Lake Chapala and Ajijic from Guadalajara to get you acquainted with this awesome area of Mexico.  Click here for more information.

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Could Ajijic be the best place to live in?
In conclusion, Ajijic, Mexico, offers a vibrant and welcoming community for retirees seeking an affordable and fulfilling retirement. With its pleasant climate, stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and many recreational activities, Ajijic provides the perfect setting for retirees to enjoy their golden years. The town’s close-knit expat community ensures newcomers feel right at home and have ample opportunities for socializing and making new friends. Additionally, the low cost of living allows retirees to stretch their savings further without compromising their quality of life. Whether one is drawn to the charming cobblestone streets, serene lakeside views, or lively local festivals, Ajijic promises a retirement experience like no other.

 

totraveltoo

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to To Travel Too – Australia’s top Baby Boomer lifestyle and travel blog, with an international worldwide audience in mind, run by the married couple, freelance writers and full-time travellers Jane and Duncan Dempster-Smith. Come with us as we explore the world. Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'.

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