“Where should I live at Lake Chapala?”
This question comes up so many times from first and even third time visitors. The fact is that there are many areas and developments along the lake that appeal to different kinds of people, based on their desired lifestyle and personal preference. This is why it is so important to take a communities tour with an experienced Realtor who will highlight the particulars of each area so you can determine which best fits your needs. There is more to Lake Chapala then just Ajijic. Explore and experience the different villages and communities that collectively make up what we call Lakeside.
Do you want to live near the shops, restaurants, conveniences and services in Ajijic and still be close to Guadalajara and the International Airport? Then the Libramiento (the bypass around the town of Chapala) might be the right location for you. This road intersects San Antonio and La Floresta and enters the East/West Carretera at the Walmart center. Starting at Walmart going towards Guadalajara, let’s look at the existing communities individually to see if one is right for you.
Cielo Vista
Prized for its excellent location, Cielo Vista Phase I is a 38-home Gated Community of mostly 2-bedroom, smaller size Contemporary Mexican Style homes. Some features of these homes are: Cupolas (domes), boveda (domed) ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, first class carpentry and garden irrigation systems. Cielo Vista is gated with 24 hour manned security and common areas that include a Tennis Court, Club House, Pool, and Gym.
Cielo Vista is currently expanding into Phase II with some remaining empty lots and newly built homes. There is still time to choose your colors if you buy in soon! There are 7 models to choose from and each model can be adapted to fit your needs. The builder works with you to customize your home.
Vista Alegre
Vista Alegre is a gated community subdivided into 100 lots and is one of the few developments where you have the option to buy a lot and build your dream home with an Architect or Contractor of your choice. You also have the option to choose from several of their model homes. Finishes in the model home include granite countertops, domed ceilings, marble finishes in bathrooms and top of the line appliances. Common area facilities within Vista Alegre include two Tennis Courts, a Clubhouse and Heated Pool.
Las Terrazas
The gated community known as Las Terrazas has only 15 properties, built in 2001. The houses come with special features that you don’t get even in the most exclusive neighborhoods, like central purified water pumped directly into your kitchen & bathrooms. The grounds are beautifully maintained and it has 24-hour code security access. Las Terrazas HOA is one of the best run Home Owners Associations with assets of more than $500,000 pesos, including equipment & investments. It’s not often that one of these homes is offered for sale.
El Dorado
Another upscale development featuring condo units in the only, 5-story high rise tower in Ajijic, as well as beautiful independent villas with manicured private gardens.
Considered to be the most luxurious condominium development in the area, El Dorado is within walking distance to San Antonio shopping and restaurants, to the Centro Laguna shopping center, Wal-Mart, Lakeside Little Theater, Drishti Yoga Center and several great cafes and lunch spots along the Carretera. Amenities include a well-equipped Gym, Owners Movie Theater, Infinity Pool, Tennis Courts and a Clubhouse with a large kitchen, pool and ping-pong tables.
Birds of Paradise
Developed by a Canadian company some 20 years ago, this gated community of 62 condominiums is a combination of condos and a few bungalow-style townhouses. Each unit has an efficiently designed and partitioned floor plan with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths and measures slightly less than 1,000 sq. ft. If you want total “care-free living” this is the place to be! The gardens are beautiful and well maintained and their 24-hour manned security is the best in the area. There are washers and dryers for common use, a large activities center, spotless salt water pool, Jacuzzi, seating around the pool, and a café/bar where owners and renters get together for morning coffee and Happy Hour margaritas. Some units have lovely lake and mountain views, others have garden views. If you like to walk, you can pass by the side of El Dorado and down the arroyo path to the Carretera in San Antonio for shopping and dining.
Chula Vista Norte
This is a unique development of mixed, very upscale and smaller homes most of them with stunning vistas of the lake and mountains. The home owners’ association fees cover private road development and maintenance, gated security, garbage removal and street lighting. Hilly and beautifully paved, it’s the perfect place for a hiker to get their daily cardio workout while looking at pretty gardens and scenery. If you are buying a home in Chula Vista Norte, make sure that your Notario’s office does their due diligence checking the Deed for the house and/or the land as there have been legal disputes on land ownership in the past.
Mision Chula Vista
This is an upscale development with only 15 homes in mostly "Mexican contemporary" style. Some have mountain and lake views. The community is gated and features a pool and club house but no other facilities. This is a great location if you are looking for tranquility on the outskirts of Ajijic and closer to the airport and Guadalajara.
For an overview of all the communities along Lake Chapala, read my previous blog on Lake Chapala Communities – and Subscribe to RetireInLakeChapala.net so you won't miss out on the next 4 blogs featuring in-depth information on the communities of Ajijic, Ajijic West and East, and West of San Juan Cosala.
For more information on any of the blogs please contact me through this website or my Facebook Page. I am here to help! Thanks for reading!
Michaela & Ricardo are your FULL SERVICE Real Estate Agents. Along with our Retirement Seminars, our over 20 years of combined experience Lakeside, and our network of area Professionals, we help guide you to from beginning to forever in your Retirement Journey to Lake Chapala, Mexico.
