Living in Ajijic Mexico Is A Dream Come True For This Expat. Her Advice To Others.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ธ.ค. 2022
- Want to Retire in Mexico? Check Out Our FREE Retire in Mexico Guide bit.ly/3Zg25tg Araceli moved to #ajijic when the pandemic started in 2020 from San Francisco.
And eventhough she had never heard of this charming pueblo in the highlands of Jalisco, she fell in love with the culture, the art scene, the vibe and the charm of this colonial town with great weather year round.
In this video she talks about her experience
Moving to Mexico
How Mexican culture forces you to slow down and be present
What they like or dislike about #livinginmexico
How to get involved in the local community
Wy she recommends hiring an immigration facilitator
Is Spanish necessary to live in Ajijic?
How healthcare in Mexico is far superior compared to the U.S. and other countries
and so much more
Araceli was also able to retire early in Mexico. And she shares her advice for people moving to the #lakechapala area. Particularly around giving back, supporting local vendors, buying real estate, and minimizing the amount of congestion on the main highway.
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I grew up in Ajijic its a beautiful place please if you consider moving there or visiting be respectful to people we’ve had so many tourists getting upset with the culture and being ignorant so be open minded don’t expect things to be fast especially at restaurants it’s a very Relaxed environment
Americans don’t respect our culture. Do not keep telling them to move to our beautiful Mexican traditional towns. They will stop being magical and Mexican. We need to protect Mexican culture at all cost
@@sergiovargas1938my gringo parents retired there in 2002. I absolutely love Ajijic - and I don’t blame you for being tired of us.
@@sergiovargas1938I'm sorry about the rude gringos. I've been coming to MX for 55 yesrs, speak passable Spanish, and understand the importance of courtesy and social graces in MX. It's a big deal.
But I worked for an int'l company for 20 years, and I'm used to interfacing with other cultures. Many Amrricans have never left home and don't know how to adapt.
Hopefully, they will learn. I really think that a bilingual person could make some money giving Mexican Cultural Adaptation classes to gringos. Maybe you?
And for those Mexicans in business who want gringo clients might want to learn how gringos think! I'm actually teaching my Mexican workman how to use a spreadsheet to keep track of clients, and create recurring business with it. He loves it.
Thank you, Araceli, for taking the time to share the reality of moving to and living on the lake. Thank you, Marianna for bringing this video to the public. I am a year into a new chapter in my life and have been lead to consider Mexico in general and Ajijic keeps coming up for me as the specific. A week ago I did not know of this place. This whole move started with a dream a couple of months ago when my recently departed love came to me. He was in the corner repeating words in Spanish. He got up, opened a small book that had pictures of birds, colors, plants, etc. in it and handed it to me. He said 'it is all in here'. I got very clearly that I was to learn Spanish - that it was going to be important to me. And here I am looking at your video. It is all by design. I am a working Nurse Practitioner here in the states learning the tools of energy healing. This work may be the way I can give back to the people and the community that I decide to live in. I am certain that I will be visiting your area in the next few months. I hope to meet you. I am inspired. Blessings from the Most High. - Beverly
Thanks for sharing Beverly - I hope you get to find your place in Ajijic. It’s a very neat town
I met you once a while back. As a local Mexican I appreciate everything you do for us lakeside. Muchísimas gracias
Araceli, es una dama tan elegante. Gracias por su historia.
Gracias por tus comentarios. Que bueno que te gusto el video :)
Ajijic is a wonderful place to live. Except for the traffic, yesterday was really bad lots of Northern folks here. Rental units are tough to find, it's not cheap housing or food, it's not expensive for us expats but really hard for the Mexican people who have to survive in the expat community. Should you move here, you need the truth.
yes the traffic is very unfortunate and heavy- especially during holidays. And yes, it is not the most affordable town in all of Mexico but what you get is the extreme charm and all the things to do in town.
Always will be a fly in the soup. However, I heard her say about how the traffic is bad, especially on weekends! Gracias Araceli!
Thank you. I'm specifically looking for a pedestrian, no car place
@@MexicoRelocationGuide you replied considering only the perspective from and for the expats whilst neglecting how if affects the local residents in such places.
"not expensive for us expats but really hard for the Mexican people who have to survive in the expat community"..it is what gentrification looks like...
Its' so nice to see and hear my friend, Araceli. We met during my last visit to Ajijic and soon afterwards she started her Negocio initiative to help local businesses. She is amazing and inspirational.
Wonderful- she is truly a gem I agree
@@aracelikopiloff1791 thank you so much
You’re a beautiful lady ! Stay safe & blessings and Thx u for supporting the Mexicans community in that region .
I watched this a year ago, before I’d ever visited Ajijic. I couldn’t relate to it completely, not having a clue about the area…or Mexico, for that matter. Fast forward, I have now visited, and my husband and I fell in love with Ajijic and it’s welcoming people. We have gotten our residency stamp and can’t wait to return to complete the second part of that process. Watching this video now with more understanding, I found it to be most excellent, informative, and inspiring! Well done, Araceli and Mariana!
thanks for your comment! Bienvenida a Mexico
ANOTHER KIND SOUL, LIVE LONG, BE HAPPY AND PROSPER.
This is by far, one of the best videos I have seen about moving to Ajijic.
Thank you for getting involved with the community and showing your support and care, you're a blessing💐🌹🌼🌹🌷🌺🍁🌿💐🌹🌻
You are a wonderful inspiration for us to come to help. We have been to Ajijic and would like to move there. Thank you to Mariana as well.
glad you liked the video Hal
Bienvenida, todos son recibidos con los brazos abiertos, nos da gusto que es feliz. 👋
Gracias
So wonderful!!! :D Thank you Araceli and Mariana for this wonderful interview! I have always thought of "if I move to Mexico or other small towns around the world, how would I be able to add value to the community, what would I do" and Araceli just brightens up my range of possibilities. So grateful! :)
She's a great example of a latin american who can speak Spanish, and knows latin culture. But still had to learn some new things about Mexican culture. And now she is thriving beautifully and is a pilar to her community
@@MexicoRelocationGuide Indeed! As you are Mariana with everything you do! I can only imagine the number of hours you put into sharing all this valuable information with all of us. Thank you so much! I love your videos and articles, brilliant! :)
M.Araceli and one more we are so close to the USA so you can get your breakfast here and 3 hours you will in the USA for dinner from Guadalajara to LA 3 hours direct, I don't know if you ever been in Leon Guanajuato and Aguascalientes not far from Ajijic they are nice City's too.
Lovely women and so informative. Thank you for sharing your time.
Thanks for watching!
I visited Ajijic a few years ago and loved it! But my wife, who is a native Mexican, doesn’t care as much for it because it is too quiet (small) and too many foreigners 🫤. Never the less, your video is very informative and well done. 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing!
@@aracelikopiloff1791 Wish I were there!! 😊 I really liked it!! And I agree with you about going to Guadalajara nearby. I think it is kind of the best of both worlds.
I sorry for ask you but what state are Ajijic?
Thank you México Relocation Guide for featuring and sharing this community endeavor.
Thank you for sharing this with us all! Also, we appreciate your efforts in helping out the Struggling Mexican people who seem to be having a difficult time making ends meet! You Han not only a Beautiful face but a caring, Compassionate and lovely personality! Bienvenidos siempre.
I love how you workout the organization ❤
It's a wonderful organization
Thank you for bringing this to us, Mariana! Araceli is informative and it is so nice to hear that there are organizations headed by immigrants that help the locals, such a wonderful thing. It makes me want to take another look at Ajicjic as a place to live.
glad you liked the video Cindy
Housing is very expensive in Ajijic if you want a modern home! Cost of living is reasonable! Some things to remember: it’s a retirement community-- people are older! Places of business typical close early, streets are cobblestone making it difficult to walk in addition to uneven sidewalks! Views of mountain and lake are breathtaking!
It's all relative though. Some people find that a $20,000 peso rental is a bargain while others find it to be expensive. However, you can absolutely find more affordable rentals in Ajijic you just have to know where to look. Thanks for watching :)
God's waiting room! 😁
Beautiful lady. Excellent information.
Glad you think so!
It is refreshing to see someone with similar interests: cycling, walking, enjoying the culture and music, crafts, street markets, etc. I am not like those who spend their time drinking at the beach close to fancy resorts. I am very simple. I would also like to help my community and make a difference. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I learned some new things😀. I’m in Sacramento and hoping I can afford Ajijic in a couple years😢
You can do it! Glad you enjoyed the video. Check out some of our private relocation tours mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/private-relocation-tours/
Just be aware...Mexico is so much more than Ajijic. Many other great places, but you should learn Spanish.
I'm so envious of you. I really want to retire in Mexico next year, and Ajijic is one of my 4 destinations I'm looking into. Thank you so much for this video, it's very helpful. 🌷
You can do it!
Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Hope to come and visit you in Ajijic💜💙💚
Thank you for watching Nina
people dont live in countries, they live in communities....so Mexico, on a better day, is just a backdrop to life here....
This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing this with us.
I really enjoyed watching this video. Very informative, gave a realistic perspective and great tips. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it
great testimonial, cant wait to meet you!
Terrific video by lovely lady. Covers all the points very well. Ajijic is very lucky that she moved there. I've visited several times and really enjoyed it,but it does seem to be suffering from its success. Traffic has become a lot worse,prices have risen and some of the gringos seem to have a "raj" mentality. Complain about Mexican ways! Why go there and not fit in? No comprendo!
@@aracelikopiloff1791Thanks for such a personal reply. I know that cycle/jogging path. We also used to hike in the mountains above Ajijic. Tepalo Falls,or something like that. Very nice when the water is running. Fall,I guess. And there is a cute little shrine up there, with Steps of the Cross,or something,which overlooks the town. We also liked meeting indigenous folks in the upper part of town,plus the burros in the upper fields and at the lakeside beyond the fancy,new walkway. Enjoy.
Bob Scott
"Raj"?
I had a pleasant time listening to you described Ajijic and loved knowing about what you are working on, i got inspired and want to help!
Boston Terriers rock!
I’m visiting Ajijic for the season, invited by old friends from Canada who now live here. You are rather unique that you are fluent in Spanish which sadly most gringos refuse to learn. This to me is the biggest drawback to Ajijic - the deluge of Americans who have swamped this small town with their attitude shorts and sun hats. There is one street and it is usually blocked with heavy traffic. Real estate is distorted bc so many people like you are selling multimillion $$ homes in California and coming here. Ajijic is actually very expensive because of that. This is an expat bubble not Mexico.
Yeah I don't want to live in a gringo enclave like Ajijic or San Miguel. Good thing since the rental prices she quoted are way too high for me.
@@bmyra San Miguel isn't struggling as much under the huge gringo migration. It's a much larger city tho most expats only think of the centro area. There is a lot of new development aimed at affluent Mexican buyers from CDMX as well. Winters can be chilly there too.
Depends who you ask 😆 some people think San Miguel is only foreigners but I also think SMA is very much a Mexican town
ALL OF YOU are living in Mexico iligalli!!
@@lindakazsals8858 go away you fool. I am legal Residente.
Aracely, nos das un vídeo muy informativo, inspirador, y lo que más me gusta es que al llegar a tu nuevo destino estas creando cambios apoyando a los locales!
Very nice and informative video! Thank you. 🙂
Glad it was helpful! make sure you check out the free living in Mexico guide in the comments
Thank you Mariana! Great content. ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was an amazing video. Looove the philanthropic part
Yes- she's doing some awesome things for the community
Thank s for very important information that makes me move after retirement I love Mexico and the variety of Mexican foods and cultures the Artwork 🙏🏼👍🏼💕
Our pleasure!
Thoroughly enjoyed your video post. Going to San Miguel next week for the second time. Looking forward to exploring more of Mexico. Thanks.
Thanks Daniel. Learn more here about various areas in Mexico
Mexicorelocationguide.com
This is such an informative monologue. Really interesting and useful. Thank you.
Araceli what a great video and sharing session would love to meet you coming there soon .
I have a quick question how far is the closest pine and oak forest from where you are ?
@@aracelikopiloff1791 you so very much I truly appreciate this I'm trying to find a undeveloped hectare of land I'm a contractor out here so I can build my own home. However I need pines and Oaks for my build need to harvest the land for a timber frame home. If that exists in the area?
Such a great interview!!
Bienvenida guera aqui cabemos todos...
Wow just came across this by chance, hearing more and more people moving to México City, glad you found your happiness, your right SF is getting out of hand. Good luck with your new journey, best of luck , will follow your progress 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed this video
Another phenomenal video! Marianna finds the coolest people to interview! But like Araceli pointed out , there is a certain type (usually) a like minded grounded type that would consider uprooting their known lives to go to Mexico ❤
Maravilloso.... awesome
¡Gracias senorita, muy utíl!
👏🏼👏🏼add, luv your business help idea...
Thank you!
Araceli you did an excellent job on this video. Please do more. You have the IT factor with your beauty, voice and intellect.
Thanks! Araceli was an awesome guest on our channel. I’ll share your kind words with her 😀
Gracias, muy interesante su vida en Mexico. Saludos desde Montreal
Saludos!
Excellent and thorough presentation. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Araceli , well done you !! Sorry for your loss. You could have another business with your fabulous jewellery collection! Mariana - this was a great and informative video. Thank you !
Glad it was helpful
Lots of useful and practical information, great interview.
Glad it was helpful! We have a lot more info on our website mexicorelocationguide.com/blog/
Saludos
Great video
Interesante información ❤
Very informative, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Love it! Really excellent interview. Hola from San Juan Cosala. ;) Araceli, I lived in San Francisco for many years. Glad to see you're loving it & thriving here! It's really a unique place.
Glad you enjoyed it. Araceli is living the dream! Make sure to visit our other content like this one on our site mexicorelocationguide.com/blog
Incredibly informative thank you
Glad it was helpful!
That is great and motivational video .
I love moving out of Toronto , Canada and I was hesitating because I didn’t want to go somewhere with purpose. Now listening your video find purpose to move and live somewhere like Ajijic .
Thank you so much
You can do it! And if you need help check out our site
Mexicorelocationguide.com
A wonderful video. I have volunteered most of my life. Now that I don’t work anymore I volunteer even more. I am starting to plan to snowbird in Mexico and I want to find a place where I can do a lot of volunteering. I can’t wait… Ajijic looks better and better!
Thank you 😊 I loved your video ❤
You are so welcome!
Excellent video, thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Why people from USA 🇺🇸 or Canada 🇨🇦 go to that side of the lake? Usually from Chapala to Jocotepec. Aren't there nice villages on the other side of the lake that are cheaper to explore 🤔?
Yes but people like being around other expats because it's an easier way to integrate since they don't have to be fluent right away
Great video !
Thank you for all you do🥰👍 i think i would love living there, where to start finding small place for myself?
Awesome
AWESOME
Thank you so much is been very helpful your video !im Mexican but I been here at USA for long time 🤦♀️ and from Guadalajara , Jalisco ❤️❤️
Glad it was helpful!
This is awesome. Wonderful human :)
Love it🥰from Puerto Rico🇵🇷
Great info....with the real true to see the all vision of real México 🙏
I appreciate that!
Very informative and enjoyable interview. I love that Araceli is actively giving back to the community with the business she started. I'm wondering, are there pet rescue organizations active in the area? I'd love to be involved if we wend up choosing the Lake Chapala area.
She's a wonderful woman
LOTS of pet rescues. Esp for dogs.
I'm in love with your necklace.. where can I buy one?
Wow! I'd never considered an inland location but being an artist...this might be more my style.
That’s why so many people love Ajijic! 😃
Moving to ajijic!
Hola!
What a delightful video. I hope by the time I retire it’s still as nice as you are experiencing. 😘
I love your necklace.
Is it local art?
thank you for sharing. How was the jazz vibe in Guadalajara?
Jazz is very prevalent in Guadalajara :)
What a nice and smart lady you are👍
She sure is!
What property management company do you use? Nice video. Thank you.
Bonito collar.
Kudos on your self-made prosperity! Your entrepreneurial drive is truly inspiring.
Let's embrace inclusivity while acknowledging the diverse circumstances of individuals, including women expatriates dependent on alimony.
Keep up the great work!
Best regards,
Thank you for your kind words to Araceli
Yo me enamoré con el parque Benito Juárez en San Miguel de Allende. por favor me puedes decir si hay parques como ese tan lindo en Ajijic?????
Otra cosa por favor, es un problema entrar y después regresar a los Estados Unidos cuando visitando México en estos días corriente por la situación con COVID injections????♥️
Tendras que ver lo que te pide estados unidos al regresar cuando viajes a Mexico. Una pagina que te recomiendo es la de la OMS www.who.int/es
Ya no se tiene ningun tipo de restriccion para regresar a Estados Unidos, yo viajo 3 o 4 veces por año a Ajijic y Guadalajara pues tengo familia y amigos, y este año ya no tienen restricciones.
I just was in Mexico Ajijic, and I had no problem with injections, I never received shots ,going or coming back.
She was probably making a very good income in San Francisco. She never mentioned the cost of her home in Ajihic. It appears she relocated with a partner because she mentioned we on several occasions.
@@aracelikopiloff1791 thanks for replying. You seem to be educated and have a good head on your shoulders. I'm assuming your parents must have been instrumental to you since you appear very goal driven and smart with investing. Also is your employer ok with you working from Mexico? I would think employers would prefer you to stay in state for tax purposes and perhaps safety and responsibility on their behalf. I'm glad for you guys new life and considering a similar in 5/6yrs when I am entitled for SS and Union pension. Are you aware of any similar towns to Ajijic somewhat near the lake more economical? I like that many people like the climate in that area as opposed to Beach/coastal resorts where you get sticky humid heat at times.
Man, what a awesome lady!
Smart, attractive, stylish !!!
Wow!!!
Thank you for explaining the great spiritually in this country
Our pleasure!
I dont know of anywhere in Texas where you can rent any studio for $400.00 currently not even a dump or in the ghetto, let alone in any city or major middle class town.....
Love your collar ❤️
! ! Gucci mom!! Definitely
Wonderful video, thank you for the realistic introduction. Araceli, do you offer advice one on one for folks wishing to come for an extended visit to see if the area is a mutual fit?
It sounds wonderful for us - the weather so we are out and about with nature and community, riding bikes, near a lake, food markets each week. And close to a big city!
My daughter is a savant artist with special needs. Would she be welcomed by the local community? I feel a bit embarrassed to ask. She is all heart and sensitive to others reactions to her. She does not require any services and is fully mobile. We are self sufficient, but would appreciate a local OD or holistic MD.
While there, we would also look for opportunities to volunteer where we could be of use.
Thanks very much, Andrea & Florentina
Dr. Gabriel Garcia is a medical doctor, naturopath, and herbalist. His great grandfather moved to Mexico City around the 1900s to bring Chinese medicine to Mex. He also has Japanese ancestry, and Mexican. Fully bilingual. He can take care of your needs.
She is originally from Uruguay. We have the same eyes. It's interesting how mixed Latin America is. Some Latinas have red hair and freckles with very pale skin too.
Great job👍 Wish you Merry Christmas❄🎄🎄 💗💖🤍💚💙❄❄
Happy holidays!
love your necklace
Hola, muy guapa y muy buena informacion...saludos!
I like your necklace.
THANKS for Making Mexico Great again like it was in the 50,6;0 70,s!!!
great video, thank you very much for your perspective. I'm in the process of selling a business and going to move south from san diego to either mexico or ecuador. Have you been to south america and if you have how does it compare?
Best of luck!
Great Video! I am looking to purchase in Ajijic. Could you spell the name of the community that you live in? Couldnt catch it in the interview. TYSM!
She lives in Ajijic