Chaz Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 My parents retired to Ajijic and lived there until 2009 (well, that's when my father passed; my mother passed earlier than that). I visited them a few times a year during that time (1989 through 2009) and always thought, even with its warts and all, that I wanted to spend my golden years Lakeside as well. I will be retiring hopefully within the next few years and am starting my due diligence. Can anyone provide information on how things have changed since then, for better or for worse? I am interested in the whole gamut of possible changes, such as traffic, crime level, amenities, restaurants, medical care, etc. Has the demographics of the gringos there changed? I'd be interested in getting the thoughts of any long-time residents. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traderspoc Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 i and may wife retired here in 2008 . something happens all time that just make it better and better to live here Every year i am surprised how wonderful it is here. and say to myself i didn't think it would get better then this. new roads paved, new bicycle path, great kayaking on the lake old friends, new friends are the glue that holds it all together. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainecoons Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 I think you almost have to come visit to get an overall view of the changes since your last visit. We arrived here in 2008. Much, much more development and traffic than at that time. Shopping, finding stuff much improved. Better medical facilities. Scads of restaurants. Much improved movie theaters. It is definitely different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 We arrived in 1998 and I can tell you Mainecoons is right. Almost NOTHING is the same! Of course, a lot depends on your personal needs, wants, preferences, etc. But you really have to spend some time here, and more than once, to see how today fits with your memories of that many years ago, and your present expectations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted August 14, 2020 Report Share Posted August 14, 2020 I think that the biggest shock is the amount of vehicles on the road since 2009 and it's surely not just Gringos. Traffic is a nightmare in 'the season' and on any weekend due to visits from Tapatíos (Guadalajarians) since there is only one reasonable way to get from east to west. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakeside7 Posted August 14, 2020 Report Share Posted August 14, 2020 Ajijic is no longer a "village". Much has "improved" and much has changed for the worst, but the climate is great 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainecoons Posted August 14, 2020 Report Share Posted August 14, 2020 9 hours ago, RickS said: I think that the biggest shock is the amount of vehicles on the road since 2009 and it's surely not just Gringos. Traffic is a nightmare in 'the season' and on any weekend due to visits from Tapatíos (Guadalajarians) since there is only one reasonable way to get from east to west. There has been a massive increase in the number of cars in Jalisco. That is what you are seeing. Has little to do with the expat population. Look at the license plates. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyjillin Posted August 14, 2020 Report Share Posted August 14, 2020 1 hour ago, Mainecoons said: There has been a massive increase in the number of cars in Jalisco. That is what you are seeing. Has little to do with the expat population. Look at the license plates. Yes Jalisco Mexicans and really in all of Mexico for that matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pappysmarket Posted August 14, 2020 Report Share Posted August 14, 2020 The availability of financing of used cars some time ago fueled much of the increase in vehicles. Previously, it was cash or use the bus. It was great to see more "average" Mexicans be able to afford cars but the infrastructure was never meant to handle them, thus the congestion. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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