Lake Chapala Mexico | Crime and Saftey | Retirement

by KristinaMorgan

For many years, my husband and I have lived in Lake Chapala Mexico, located 45 min from Guadalajara and 4 hours inland from Puerto Vallarta. One of the most important reasons we chose to move here was our children. We wanted to raise them in a safe environment. If you question our motivation I have facts that back the latter statement. The NationMaster's Crime per Capita report lists the U.S. as #8 and Mexico way down at #39.

Let's put this in perspective. For example: Miami is the winner of the most violent crime rate in the States, but does this deter you and your family from visiting Disney World?

A new study just published this week by RE/MAX Investment Properties indicates that major tourist zones in Mexico are up to 26 times safer than some tourist zones in the United States.

RE/MAX's report compares specific regions... E.G. Los Cabos, La Paz and Lorerto, all cities in the sate of Baja California Sur, have a murder rate twenty six times less than Orlando, eighteen time less than Miami, seventeen time less than West Pal Beach, twelve time lower then Tampa and six times less than Honolulu.

In addition, the study points out that Mexican tourist zones are even safer when the homicide rates are compared with major cities in the United States and Canada. For example, Baja California Sur has a homicide rate 39 times lower than Washington D.C., 19 times lower than Houston, 17 times lower than Dallas, 7 times lower than the city of New York and 3 times lower than Vancouver.

I used to like in Greeley, Colorado... a city with a population of 90000. You won't see it on the crime rate list anywhere, but murders, rape and armed robberies did occur... I would read about such events in the news weekly. You simply don't hear about theses types of stories in Lake Chapala Mexico. Here, in Lake Chapala, I feel the safest and most secure my whole life.

Focus on Mexico recently sent out a survey to find out what other residents had to say about crime and safety in the Lake Chapala Ajijic area, and these are a few comments that seem to embody the general sentiments of the people who responded:

* Clay McAdam: I would like to share my impressions and feelings from the perspective of a retired Edmonton police officer who has chosen to live permanently in Mexico. We feel perfectly safe walking in the streets of Ajijic at any time of day or night. It never ceases to amaze me when walking down the street and being greeted with an hola or buenos dias, by people whom we do not know. Not since I was child in a small town in southwestern Saskatchewan have I been greeted in this manner. The North American news media has taken a situation that is occurring in the border areas and is blowing it totally out of proportion as far as I am concerned. My advice is to come to Lake Chapala and see what it is like to live in a happy and enjoyable environment.

* Jerry Pounds: My personal feeling is that Lake Chapala Mexico is as safe a place as one will find anywhere. I decided the second day that I was in Mexico (with you wonderful folks at FOCUS on MEXICO) that I would spend as much of the rest of my life in the Lake Chapala area as possible. Two years later I think of myself as Mexican/American and am very happy with my decision. As soon as I can finish business obligations in the states, I will live full time in Ajijic and have absolutely no fear of violence in Mexico. In summary, Lake Chapala is much closer to Andy Griffith's Mayberry, as far as safety goes, than any place I have been in the states, in Europe and the rest of Mexico.

* Lori Truly: I would be happy to comment on the "crime" (or lack there of) in the Lake Chapala area. First of all when my husband and I lived here in 1997, we had no children and I asked my husband if we ever have children, can we raise them here?" He said sure and chuckled, because we never thought the dream would come true. Well, it has, and the children love it! Why did we want to raise our children here? The safety. Is there petty theft? Sure, like anywhere, lock your doors when you leave the house, and don't be careless with your belongings, and you'll be O.K. just like any "nice" neighborhood in the states. I feel so much more secure her, than I do in the States now. When I visit there I am nearly uncomfortable. Always looking over my shoulder, making sure my children are safe, and always holding on to my pocket book. Not here!!!! I just love it here, and have NO desire to go back north at all.

* Sheila Turner: I have always lived in large cities in the U.S., and I am no stranger to crime. Here, I live alone and there has been no time that I have felt insecure or fearful. All I can say is "It's a great life." In summary, I have no idea if the American media is just lazy or if they have an agenda, but I cannot sit idly by and allow all of Mexico to be painted with such a broad brush. Lake Chapala Mexico is, indeed, safe. If you want to learn more about common myths and misconceptions surrounding Mexico, watch my Mexico Mythbusters video.

I wrote this article in the hopes it would fall on open minded ears. The media simply doesn't have all the facts or chooses only to report negative details, but that is not fair representation. Lake Chapala Mexico is safe and secure paradise!

Learn more about why Mexico and Lake Chapala Ajijic is a safe place to live in my Mythbusters video found here... www.focusonmexico.com.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Kristen Morgan is writer for FocusOnMexico.com, a website that educates readers about life in Mexico and specifically Lake Chapala Mexico. A sample of topics covered: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing, Mexican Economy and much more...