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I began searching the internet to see what other information I could dig up. I was stunned to find that 400,000 Americans and Canadians were living in Mexico on a long term basis. The largest community was in Lake Chapala with a total of 40,000 expatriates. I contacted several expatriates through various message boards and newsgroups. While many of them are in their later years and move to mexico for nothing more than a relaxing retirement in a warm climate, others are younger and go looking for employment and business opportunities. John O'Halloran and his wife moved to Mexico two years ago. They were living overseas and looking for an early retirement locale. After performing a systematic world wide search for the ideal place they decided on Lake Chapala, Mexico. They based their decision on the fact that Lake Chapala offered a large english speaking expatriate community, a great climate, and a charming village life near a big city(Guadalajara). The immigration process, which can be a big headache for many, went very smoothly for the couple. John says, "We obtained FM-3 residency visas with work permits within the first month. Duty free import of a large furniture shipment from overseas was very quickly cleared and delivered intact. All this was possible only because we had professional Mexican assistance to expedite the formalities; these services were well worth the modest expense." John also took advantage of employment opportunities by working in a real estate office for 5 months. According to John, small towns in Mexico have a shortage of personnel who are skilled in the use of personal computers and fluent in english. Although he warns this may not be the case in all areas of Mexico. The couple now spend their days on hobbies, reading, the internet, exploring local communities, and informal socializing. Both are very happy with their choice of retirement location. John says, "For reasons of weather, affordability, goods and services, the Guadalajara area is the best in Mexico for year round expatriate living." Butch Harbin is another expatriate I met over the internet. He and his wife decided to try out Lake Chapala on a more permanent basis after making many trips there over the years. The couple was able too find a great deal on a rental. Butch says, "We had intentions of buying a home when we came down. We found a rental from an individual. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It has excellent mountain and lake views, a nice pool and is furnished. For the first year we paid $350 US plus the gardener, maid, electricity, propane, phone, and satellite subscription." Butch makes his living from investments and his job as a real estate agent. When he isn't working, the couple are very active in the American Legion in Chapala. Butch has told me that they also like to travel, taking a weekend trip at least once a month. It sounds like a very exciting life to me. Over the past several months of talking to expatriates and finding information on the internet I have been gradually putting together my own website. The Living In Mexico Website began with links to Mexican real estate companies and information on immigration. Over time I added books, maps, and an electronic newsletter which is emailed every two weeks. It contains real estate & long term rental listings, website updates, and other information of interest to the aspiring expatriate. I hope my website will spark the same excitement in others that I felt when I first started pondering the option of life in Mexico. I don't know when I will take the leap and move to Mexico myself. I do know that talking to some of the people who have, has been an interesting journey of it's own. These men and women chose Mexico for reasons ranging from a warmer climate to a more affordable retirement. Whatever their reasons, they will all tell you that you can have a fulfilling and affordable lifestyle south of the border. |
