Living Lakeside: Paradise or Not?

 

A cynical look at this paradise called Lakeside. Retirees flock here for the relatively inexpensive lifestyle and supposedly the second best climate in the world. The web is filled with realtors and bloggers touting the wonderful life that awaits them just over the border. Still, if people get the stars out of their eyes for just a moment, they can join several Facebook groups to read about all of the complaining that goes on here.

Those who come from expensive cities such as San Francisco, LA, Seattle, NYC can live lavish lives ensconced in gated communities that offer pools, gyms, tennis courts, pickleball along with potlucks, etc. They have cooks, housekeepers, pool men, and gardeners. Amazon, Nordstroms, etc.,  will deliver right to their door, and someone is always there to receive the package. These homes offer sweeping views of Lake Chapala and the mountains on the other side. This is the paradise so many dream of living in but is out of reach for most.

On the other end of the spectrum are those living here illegally on expired tourist visas because they cannot meet the income requirements for a Temporary or Permanent Visa which require around $2,000 per month of verifiable income per bank statements. Many of them are scraping by on $800 to #1000 per month. They have no savings or safety nets and are often estranged from their families or have no families. They live in rough housing with no view and free vermin. Many suffer from untreated mental illness, along with the chronic diseases of the elderly. If they have held on to a scrap of sanity, they might have a small circle of friends. When a crisis strikes, GoFundMe’s spring up, which may or may not be successful. Many people isolate themselves and die alone. Often they are discovered days later by maids or gardeners. 

In the middle of this are those of us trying to live on SS and or pensions. Some chose to live out in the villages east of Chapala because it is more Mexican and rural and less expensive. The same is true for Jocotepec on the West end of the lake, which is more Mexican and less costly. But most of the single women I know live in Ajijic or Chapala. Living in the "village" has its own challenges with near-constant noise and never-ending dust. And it is more expensive.

This paradise is a mixture of artists, musicians, lawyers, teachers, doctors, nurses…the whole range of professions. And plenty of con men and women looking for an easy ride with smooth talk. There are a couple truisms that float around. When men cross the border, they all become CEOs; we call it “border promotion.” While they can fool young local women but not old seasoned crones who have excellent shit detectors. A friend and I were having lunch one day, and a man just sat down and started on this fantastic tale of his life. After a while, I started asking pointed questions, and he abruptly left our table. Another phrase that is bantered about is that men here are looking for a nurse and even better if she has a purse. Supposedly, there are four single women to every single man.

Over the past few years, there has been an influx of people from the US because of the rising cost of living, which is a problem here too, and they are disappointed they can’t live like royalty on SS. And then there are the political refugees from both sides of the divide; unfortunately, they bring their politics here and find plenty of others to continue the argument. They continue to stream US news and rant on Facebook about what is happening back “home.” Their idea of paradise evaporates quickly because they are too wrapped up in what they tried to leave behind. Included in this wave of new residents are those who have never traveled or lived in another country. Often, they find themselves unable to adjust to the complexities of life in a foreign land. Many of them return within a year or so but not before haranguing clerks for not speaking English and other horrific rudenesses.

So is living in the Lake Chapala area paradise? I think it depends on who you are. The saying, “Wherever you go, there you are,” comes to mind.