Living in Lake Chapala- This Couple Is Living The Mexican Dream With Their Large Service Dog
FREE LIVING IN MEXICO GUIDE FOR EXPATS bit.ly/44cWxnp
Welcome amig@s-Today's guests are Sharrell and Andy (and their dog Sebastian!) who moved to Mexico from the U.S.
Sharrell and Andy (from Portland) first moved to Albania after reading about it on International Living. But after spending 2 years there and not feeling like they ever built a community, they started to feel isolated and lonely. That's when they looked into other options and decided to explore the Lake Chapala region of Mexico.
Now, they are living the Mexican dream! And they can do it on their $2200 USD/Month Budget
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Thank you all for watching- small correction At 9:10 into the video the captions re Dry vs Wet seasons are reversed. Rainy season is June to September/October, Dry season is October to June. Get our FREE LIVING IN MEXICO GUIDE FOR EXPATS bit.ly/44cWxnp Ready to explore Lake Chapala? Consider a private relocation tour bit.ly/3Ur9fvG Ready to Move to Mexico? We can help you make the process a lot easier. Check out our online guide bit.ly/3UdoqHy
Hi Andy and Sharrell, we also moved to the Lake Chapala area in May 2022, and started renting in Jocotopec where everything was included. Last August we moved out to San Nicolas east of Chapala paying considerably less, but we pay all our utilities but water. We visited Morelia last year during the butterfly migration and found the city quite hot and that was in March. In January we took a trip to Zacatecas and the city was amazing and beautiful. This May we are going to San Miguel de Allende with stops in Leon and Guanajuato city. We are lucky as we have a truck from the States and a car we bought here. Your story is very similar to ours, moving from Washington State, where my kids still are. Having lived in Oregon for 12 years also. We love Mexico. I volunteer with kids for the Foodbank here, and it is so rewarding. I say pour yourself into the place and community and you will learn so much Spanish. I already had a pretty good command of the language, so that helped. Hubby is still learning. Maybe we will bump into you someday. Loved the video, so honest and interesting. Pam and Steve
Hola Pam and Steve. Thanks for the positive feedback. As it's been toasty here this month -- almost 90 -- I've been watching the temps in Morelia. Much to my dismay it's been 10 degrees hotter there! If you find on your journey a place you like that runs in the low 80s or cooler -- unicorn temps for us -- in the hot season, if you can please shoot us a reply here and we can rent a car or catch a cross country bus this time next year and visit it. I hope our paths do cross.
We are excited to see the video premier and hope people get some useful information from it. We'll be checking the comments in case anyone has questions we can answer. -- Sharrell and Andy
You're the best! Thanks for being a guest on the channel. You have a great story and a lot of good info to share
@@MexicoRelocationGuide 💝You have the best crew! We liked them so much and spending 8 hours together offered a chance to have really good conversations! It was one of the most enjoyable days we've experienced in our retirement, even with being nervous during the interview!
We have lived in Mexico for 8 years. We agree with Sharrell and Andy about their feelings of Mexico. We love it here.Great interview, good series!!
You two are the sweetest! This was such a helpful explanation of your experience in Mexico. Thank you so much!
@@jlharon 💖
I like this format of interview where you are showing the area they live and not just a couple people in a room.
Thanks! We've been doing that a lot on recent interviews so glad you like them
This video provided authentic and exceptional information. This couple is very inspiring!
💝Thank you so much!
Welcome to the area. I am in Las Agulillas, Ixtlahucan de los Mebrillos, just 13 minutes on the Chapala bus to Chapala bus station.
Hi Amy! Thanks for the welcome.
Amy, how safe is Ixtlahuacan de los membrillos? I heard some horrible stories about that area in the past. Thanks
Aqui viven solo nacionales. Si no eres Nacional no eres vienvenido.
@@amercofab6771 I feel very safe walking around here in this Mexican neighborhood. Neighbors on my street are friendly. Many worked for years in the US, then retired back to Mexico, so they speak English. I can walk in 1 to 5 minutes to all shops and services. Chapala bus stops at the corner and takes only 13 minutes to Chapala bus station for 12 pesos.
That was so interesting thank you so much for sharing that information. We visited Mexico in 2021 and I fell in love with the country. My son has autism and he’s so unhappy in school here in the uk. I would love to take him out and move somewhere he was happy. He loves to be outdoors and with animals. Maybe one day we can get there. Blessings to you both.
Thanks so much! I wasn't diagnosed until I was 50 and it explained so much about the challenges in my life. I wanted to be brave and share what we've learned and show that it can be done. Invisible disabilities are tough, and it's been eye-opening to see that I've had an easier time navigating the world with my service dog Sebastian outside of the US. I wish your entire family nothing but love and light. 💝
@@lisaann6965 🦮💝
Thank you for the great interview. My husband and I are hanging in there at our foodservice jobs in the midwest, 4.5 years from retirement to the lakeside area. We won't have a car either. Your video really shows that this is possible in a really reassuring way. Thanks again
We're so glad you found it useful. This is such a great place to land and with so much help available. I am serious when I suggest setting up a tour through MRG because there are multiple communities along and near the lake and they all are different in personality and price. Too many people just come and think it's all the same and really miss out on finding the perfect fit. Mariana's company has people who will help you learn so much in just a couple of days. And if you're in the area reach out and say hello.
This is one of the most helpful relocation videos I have seen and I’ve watched a LOT of them! Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😊!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I thought I wrote a reply to you earlier, but I don't see it now, so if I'm repeating myself, I apologize. But I just want you to know how much I appreciate your comment.
Mariana, thank you so much for this share on this beautiful couple and there experience relocation to Lake Chapala. All of your videos are first class in providing a wealth of information especially on real time. I've been enriched with much guidance and resources via your posted ongoing video shares. Truly I am looking forward to my relocation to Huatulco at the end of 2024 or as early as January 2025. I will be traveling there next month for May at least 3.5 weeks to organize my relocation process and have some amazing contacts there that will be lending their help with this new life journey. I will be in touch with you for when I'll be obtaining your "Mexico Relocation Guide" as an extra layer of resource for ensuring a positive transition to Mexico... Wishing this loving couple all the best and you and all the amazing expats and the Mexican people for sharing their culture and beautiful country with us all... 🦋🥰🦋
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Thank you so much. And happy to help you whenever you feel the time is right for you to buy the guide. Saludos
How beautiful and clear description of how they ended up chosing the Lake Chapala area and Mexico, specially concerning culture, people, food and climate.. Wish them a long and happy stay in Mexico.. being from the Ajijic area and living in the desert, I feel i did my time in the desert, planing to move back next year...gretings from Southern Ca. to both.
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That's very nice, Andy. Volunteering your help in your expertise.
The wet and dry seasons are described in the sub-titles incorrectly. They are actually just the oposite of what is described there. The dry season is from Sept. to about June and the June thru Sept. it rains a bit.
I have since watched a lot more videos but your experience sounds very positive and different because of being interverted . You sound more interested now living there I’m sure. I hope you both enjoy your retirement. Thanks for sharing.
Sharrell, kudos for hosting and talking about the Chapala area. I know it may have been a challenge for you...and I applaud you for doing a super job! ;-) Greetings from South Texas.
Thanks so much for your understanding. Invisible disabilities are challenging but I wanted to share what we've learned and hopefully show others that adventure is possible even if it takes a bit of courage. 💝
Thank you for your transparency. You both made so many excellent points. Especially renting a house instead of a hotel. I’m a single woman and staying in the US when I retire is not an appealing option. Love and appreciate this video❤
Thanks so much! That means a lot. 💝
This is a great video with very helpful information. You didn't seem nervous during your interview at all! Thank you for sharing your story.
That means so much! I was so nervous I didn't sleep the night before and I was almost rubbing the skin off Andy's hand during the interview! But I so wanted to share information that might help people that I did my best to get past the nerves. 💕
Awww Sharrell... sorry to have made you lose sleep. But you didn't seem nervous at all so I hope we were able to help you feel at ease through it all.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It has given me so much to think about.
You are so welcome! It was exciting and scary, but we really want to share what we've learned because the more you know the better decisions you can make.
What a fabulous couple! They are coming to add a lot more to the community and to themselves. That is the right attitude.Congrats and thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words. 💖
Yes they are!
Thank you for this video. It was very informative. I plan to do my scouting trip this coming July and August, then find my place to live to return to.
Best of luck. Like I said, the more you know what you want the easier it will be to find it. Mexico seems to have a bit of everything.
Thanks for watching! If you’d like to go on a scouting trip, we can help connect you with a local relocation tour guide See more about our relocation tours mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/
Thanks for sharing your video. I think this place is on my radar in the future.
Great video! We’ll be in the Lake Chapala area in September to check it out. Perfect timing on the video! 🤗🤗👍🇲🇽
Nice! Thanks for watching If you’d like to take a relocation tour of the area with a local, we have some great recommendations See more on the relocation tours Mexicorelocationguide.com/tours/
Reach out if you'd like to get together for a meal and don't hesitate to get a local tour guide/ facilitator through MRG because they can really help you with the different towns and their personalities and price differences. Well worth the money.
Great interview with a lovely couple. I love the Ajijic and Lake Chapala areas 😅so much. The weather is Devine! I visited about 9 years ago. This video makes me start to plan my return visit. The Mariachi along the malacon in Chapala is fabulous. There are so many little gems in that area❤❤
Thanks so much! 💝🦮
Can't wait to leave Nova Scotia and move to Lake Chapala.
Look us up when you visit or move here! Seriously.
Great video and yes this is a great deal. Thanks for sharing 🌹
Thank you so much. Saludos from Tesistán, Jalisco
Saludos!
Excellent interview! So informative. They are a lovely couple and have very valuable insights. Thank you!
💝Thanks so much for your kind words! It was exciting and scary, and we so wanted to offer good advice! Especially because I'd never really found a good resource for having a large medical service dog.
@@SharrellKline Well thank you for taking the time to share your beautiful story. It is much appreciated!
@@aqua6178 💖
Agree! They were lovely and packed with great info
so jealous of them 🤪 I’m from Acatic, Jalisco and here I am living in Oklahoma 🤷🏿♂️🤠
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Very inspirational, thanks for being so open, Sharrell and Andy! And wow, did you say 70 lbs each?!
Yes 70 pounds since arriving in Mexico in December 2022!
Hola! Saludos a todos desde Arlington, TX!🫶👋👋👋
Hola!
My husband and I are coming for a visit in September around Independence Day. We also have been interested in the Interior of Mexico and plan to Snowbird to start. We live in the Interior of British Columbia Canada. My questions are....how are the mosquitoes? Comparable to Oregon forests? Are you eating high proteins low carb? And has it helped with overall health and well-being? ( we are looking forward to fresh fruits/veggies) Has your dog had any problems with roaming dogs? Thank you for sharing your experiences so far.....the more people that share....the more confident in our plans to spend the last 1/3 of our life immersed in a new counrty, culture and climate😊
Hello! There are so many Canadians here in my gated community that snowbird and have been coming for 15 years. There are mosquitoes, especially close to the lake. We have screens including a screened porch. My husband gets them worse than me. But they're not as bad as other places I've lived like Seoul and Washington DC. Lots of bats! Love them. We are eating very low carb. It's good for my Asperger's and has eliminated depression, aches and pains and helps my lipedema. We have had problems with aggressive roaming dogs everywhere outside of the US especially Rome where he was bitten multiple times. When we leave the gated community, I now carry a walking stick so I can hit them. But this isn't just in Mexico as I said, so I don't blame the country, it's just something to prepare to address. It's an adventure to retire overseas and can be challenging. That's why we recommend getting help from places like the Mexico Relocation Guide and their crew because you will learn from experts. For example, around the lake there are multiple towns with different personalities within the town and then within the neighborhoods. They have different price points for the same goods and housing. One may be perfect and the rest a terrible fit. With a paid guide you can learn whether one place will be better than another. And expats tend to stay in their bubbles and are biased based on their own experiences. So just asking in FB groups isn't really enough. Even if you come on your own and hit the ground you still aren't getting the same scoop an expert can give you. I am not financially invested in this; I just know that we will use an expert in every town we check out because it's the only way to really know if it will be a great fit before we pick up and move again.
Thank you for your reply 😊 we will definitely be buying the Relocation Guide from Marianna... closer to when we decide to make Mexico more permanent in our lives. I love seeing all her videos to see others perspectives and I find most persons motives for the move are very similar to ours and this is comforting knowing that it will be for all the right reasons when we do😊
Spanish it's of matter of time guys......y wish you the best.and enjoy live.....in Mexico.......
Thanks 💖
These are great people!
Yes they are - thanks for watching
Thanks so much Laurie! I really appreciate you watching. 💝
Lovely couple. Enjoy your retirement in Mexico!
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Yes🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
Sharrell and Andy have a really nice story to tell and seem so nice! Sebastian is so cute, I had forgotten how large a standard Poodle can be. It is great that they have found the country that they want to remain in having had a not so pleasant experience in the Balkans. We visited Morelia for 8 days staying in Centro and really loved it, maybe it will be the right fit for them.
Thanks so much for your kind words. Sebastian is a double doodle (one parent a goldendoodle -- with standard poodle and one parent a labradoodle again with standard poodle). He's huge and if I could change one thing it would be his size, especially here in Mexico where there aren't legal protections for service dogs (other than guide dogs for the blind) and his size creates issues with travel, unlike in Europe, the US and Canada where I could take him everywhere with ease. But he's amazing and has improved my live immensely.
Perfect timing! I have been thinking about Ajijic and the Lake Chapala area recently. Your interview was a great help. Thank you!
Thanks! I encourage you to learn more about living Lakeside through all of our blogs and videos on our site. Go here mexicorelocationguide.com/?s=lake+chapala
My wife is from paracuaro gto. About 1 hour from morelia. A lot of small towns. Welcome
Thanks so much! 💖
Awesome video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Very interesting. Welcome.
In case You need I have an american accountant who lives in Ajijic.
Awesome video. I would like an update and hear about the dog experiences and vets. Also you should get your service dog lettering in spanish.
Mexico Relocation Guide/Mariana is going to look into having her producer use some of the information I shared in the interview about service dogs, especially having a medical service dog outside the United States. We've been outside of the U.S. for three years now, since he was 14 months old, and we've had a lot of learning experiences. It's very different than what you learn in training, even though we were in training for a year before we received our U.S. and international certifications. The vet care both here in Mexico and Greece/Albania has been far superior and more affordable than in the U.S. Overall, it's a fraction of the cost and we've seen outstanding offices and equipment. Except high quality dog food here in Mexico is noticeably more expensive than in both the U.S. and Europe. So far, I have not found service dog lettering in Spanish. I probably could have gotten it while in Europe but not here in Mexico it seems, at least so far. Unlike the U.S. and Europe, service dog protection is hit or miss here in Mexico. We've talked to two different attorneys and not received satisfactory information. As a result, finding housing has been a challenge because they're considered a pet. As for travel, domestic flights have been accommodating and I was told cross country buses are as well. I have the necessary documents. However, the local buses are big outside but packed with seats that are very close together and a tiny aisle, so he won't fit. And not all taxi drivers or private drivers will take him. It's not a problem with the taxis at the airports but the local taxis and drivers here are hit or miss. Europe was much, much easier with a large service dog. I only encountered one instance of problems while traveling Europe for two years and that was with taxi drivers at the ferry on Corfu where most wouldn't take him and the ones that would charged us double even though it's illegal in the EU. But otherwise, it was smooth sailing across Europe and the Balkans on all types of transportation from ferries in the Greek islands, tour busses, taxis, trains, planes and vans.
Great video. 👍🏽
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Really informative video! Your $2,200 budget is for all living expenses (rent, food, utilities, etc), or just rent? I rewatched that section and wasn't sure. You're so right that it's less expensive to live there than to qualify to live there. I'm very glad I got my residency when I did (2022). I've stayed in Ajijic Centro and San Antonio and really liked San Antonio's proximity to Walmart and the mall.
Total budget. Our rent is MX$18,000 plus gas, electric, and internet. But that's at the top end of prices since it's a gated community and a 2-bedroom/2-bath.
Thank you. What nice people!
Thanks so much! 💕
Excellent!😎
Thanks so much! Very exciting and scary at the same time! 😁
I live in California half the time and Cozumel the other half. We are clearly much safer on Cozumel than in California.
I am sad that the media in the US so distorts Mexico and I'm embarrassed to admit how little I knew about all there is to experience here. But I hope I've done a little to contribute to overcoming that ignorance.
Good video ♥️
Glad you enjoyed!
Wow Healthy living and walking .....the food in the USA is killing us....Great information ....hope to join you soon!!!!!
Love this video, I plan to move to the Lakeside area very soon. Looking for friends, learning about life in Mexico. I’ve always lived in Texas, and as a single male, this move will be a huge change for me. Hope to meet you guys..
We’re happy to help you discover more about life in the Lake Chapala area and other parts of Mexico. Check out our site mexicorelocationguide.com Thanks so much for watching ❤
Don't hesitate to get in touch when you move to the area. We're certainly open to new friends here, especially people new to the area like us.
One of the things this area has to offer is a multitude of activities with other folks much like your self. Huge live theater community with several small theaters, great arts and crafts classes, studios, and galleries', and clubs of every kind.
I just moved lakeside a few months ago and it's wonderful!❤🌻
Absolutely LOVE that you said you eat predominantly meat!!! I am carnivore and wondered how this would work!!!
Yes, we are carnivore -- 14 months -- and buy meat locally very easily and affordably. We've each lost 80 pounds.
@@SharrellKline LOVE THIS!!!
Phenomenal video and wonderful folks! Thank you for mentioning the immigrant vs expat label. We are all immigrants when we go to another country. What gives us (Americans) the right to think we are to be called something other than an immigrant in another country? Entitlement mentality…!! I am hoping to live in Mexico in the near future. Just began planning and researching on how to move abroad. I become eligible for retirement in 11 months. When the time is right, I will pull the plug and leave the US. Thank you for sharing and God bless
Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video. What's important is that we are all trying to integrate into the wonderful country that Mexico is. Afterall, we are all people :) regardless of labels. If you want more info on moving to Mexico, we encourage you to check out our site and join the free newsletter bit.ly/44cWxnp
A question: where exactly are you hoping to live in MX? At first, I thought you said Merida, but it's not that. And congrats to you both for chasing and finding your dream.
Thanks so much! We had planned on Morelia when we were living in Albania. But it now seems like it may be too hot there as it's been running 10 degrees hotter than here at Lake Chapala. So, we're going to be scoping out areas at higher elevations with a smaller expat bubble so we can find cooler temperatures and lower housing and grocery prices. This is the perfect landing spot but it's not a good long term fit for our budget.
At 9:10 into the video the captions re Dry vs Wet seasons are reversed. Rainy season is June to September/October, Dry season is October to June.
Yes apologize! We got that title wrong
What timing. Seems like a great place to get started, especially since reasonable weather (can't handle too hot and humid). Is the area prone to earthquakes, volcanos or serious rainy season. I've been hearing that Mexico is having a problem with water, there ?
We've experienced fewer earthquakes than I've expected. But then I was in the Northridge quake in LA, the big Olympia quake, mild and moderate quakes in Albania, and a quake in Richmond, Virginia! There is an active volcano somewhere south but the country is HUGE and so you'll be able to find a microclimate to suit your needs for sure. The rainy season is supposed to be wonderful here in Lake Chapala (rain at night with cool temps, lush green and blooming, with mild sunny days) but last summer was an El Nino so we didn't get a rainy season. We're hoping to experience it this summer.
As for water, Guadalajara gets its water from the lake and there is long-term concern about that. And we didn't have a rainy season last summer because of El Nino so the lake is lower than normal right now.
Welcome to Mexico. What's a cool ass dog
Thanks! He is the coolest dog possible for me. If I could change one thing, I wish he were smaller, because it's tough here with his size and the fact that there aren't really any enforceable laws to protect us against property owners or business owners who won't accommodate us. But he is a wonder. He was the youngest dog to ever graduate from the autism program at 14 months and he's been a trooper. He's been on ferries through the Greek islands, trains, planes, tour buses, and tour vans. He's been mobbed by college girls and others across Europe. He's had more photos taken than you'd ever believe. He was known across the entire city where we lived in Albania. His vet in Albania sobbed and hugged him when we were leaving. They had never experienced a dog who looked or acted like Sebastian.
@@SharrellKline he's going to be a star in Mexico. Good luck 👍
@@ambrosemolina3457 🦮📸💝
🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
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I’ve lived in Mexico over 7 years- never will move back to the states!
We fully understand!
Hi Mariana, Do you have videos of cities closer to California like San Felipe and Ensenada?
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How clean is the lake, for swimming and what about fishing, is it any good catching and safe eating ?
There are fishermen who fish daily and sell the fish. Local dogs, horses and cows drink from it. It supplies water to Guadalajara. It doesn't look clear, and no one seems to swim in it. There are expats who state it's "horribly polluted", but it seems to me if that were the case, we'd see dead fish. That's all I know at this point.
@@SharrellKline thanks, it's good to know and expected as in most 2nd n 3rd world countries, but not a deal breaker. Though I would be careful about buying the fish from there without knowing more, just like fish farms are fed some nasty stuff. Wishing you both most enjoyable adventures.
Hi Sharrell and Andy - Thank you for sharing your experience in Lake Chapala. My partner and I are in a very similar situation to yours. We currently live in Spokane, WA having moved from SoCal in 2019. We've been searching for a more affordable retirement country as well and were considering Italy or Croatia but I don't do well in high heat and humidity so I've been doing the internet deep dive into Mexico for regions that are more temperate. My partner's mom has lived in Puerto Vallarta for 6 yrs and likes it but says the humidity and mosquitos are terrible! I'd get eaten alive as I did when we lived in Honolulu for sure! I've also read that besides mosquitos, cock roaches are pretty invasive as well. Have you had a same experience where you are? What month would be the hottest time of the year in Lake Chapala? I think that's when I'd want to visit - if I can tolerate it during the worst month, the rest will be easy. Your insights are appreciated!
Hola! Mariana here. Andy and Sharrell were guests in our channel. mosquitos are very prevalent and so are roaches and bugs. we recommend fumigating your property from time to time. Saludos!
Mid-April to Mid-June are the hottest months, with low humidity and around 90 degrees. Hopefully we'll have a great rainy season starting mid-June to mid-October with high 70s and rain every night with everything turning green. But even now during the dry season, even though the mountains are browner, there are flowers blooming everywhere. You have to get your house sprayed every three months for roaches and ants. It takes care of the roaches but there are little kitchen ants that need bleach spray regularly and no food out except in sealed containers or the fridge. I'd definitely recommend coming for the month of June because most places don't have a/c and you'd have to check it out. But it's not as hot as Spokane in the summer! We have a portable swamp cooler, a portable a/c and both ceiling and floor fans. If we owned, we'd have mini splits installed for sure.
@@SharrellKline thank you so much for your insights. We're going to plan to come for the month of mid June-July to check it out. We were going to use AirBnB to find a place but if you have a better local source for short term rentals, we'd love your recommendations. Thanks again for your time and invaluable information!
I've heard the lake itself is pretty polluted. True? Could you swim in it?
We also hear it's polluted and people don't swim in it. However, we see dogs, horses, and cows drink it. They pump it to Guadalajara for their water. Fishermen fish in it and sell the fish. There are no dead animals or fish on the shore. That's all I know.
The medical care numbers I near in these videos is astonishing. It's sinful what we pay here in the u.s.
It's been eye-opening from our first experience in Europe. I could write about it for days. But I will never use the US system again. It's terrible and expensive. They no longer treat the problem. Instead, they prescribe tests and drugs for profit; drugs that will cause the need for other drugs. Doctors are trapped and forced to put profit over health. After spending over three years gaining first-hand experience between us and our dog, we are certain about what we now know.
Yes it is... unfortunately that probably won't change in the U.S. anytime soon
How’s the beautiful lake for swimming?
We're not down there much but we hear the talk that it's polluted and people don't swim in it. However, we see dogs, horses, and cows drink it. They pump it to Guadalajara for their water. A lot of fishermen fish in it and sell the fish. There are no dead animals or fish on the shore. That's all I know.
Downtown Baltimore is so scary
Do you feel that African-American families would feel comfortable to retire and live in your community and gated complex?
I've met two African-American women my age through attending the local theater. One is a retired doctor. Both of them have mentioned that they love it here. We're having lunch with one of them and her husband this weekend and I'll try to remember to ask her and get back here to comment if I learn anything concerning. But I honestly believe that the locals warmly welcome all newcomers.
There are quite a lot of African American people living in the Lake Chapala area. See this interview with our friend Sunshine kzhead.infoM4zBJIuORFM
Thank you both for your comments.
2200$ monthly for both of them including all expenses?
Yes, our total budget for everything including the dog's expenses (dog food via Amazon is higher than in Europe and the US) is $2200. It could probably be $2000 but I've been buying a few extras on Amazon as I didn't have access to it in Albania 😉
@@SharrellKline Wow!! Amazing. Thank you for all the good info you and Andy shared. Loved your video 🌷💕
🇦🇱albania🇹🇷turques are not from are cult and culture.
@@SharrellKline what would be a guess, if you didn't have the dog ? Thanks. Are you on a month to month lease?
@@vaninazalazar320 💗Thank you.
It sounded like a heart attack-level emergency was the cost of a co-pay. I know a lot of expats pay out of pocket for most medical stuff. I thought you needed some type of plan for serious medical events.
We plan on applying to the IMMS system here in Mexico this fall and if we don't get in, we both will be eligible for Medicare next year. In the meantime, we have travel insurance for emergencies and otherwise have paid out of pocket over the last three 3.5 years, which has added up for all three of us to less than two months' worth of medical premiums before retirement. But we will have full coverage for both emergencies and serious illnesses going into next year even if we don't yet know what that will look like.
See my answer below for the main reason we're looking to move out of the more expensive Lake Chapala area (we start scouting trips next spring) where we can reduce our monthly costs by at least 25% -- if not 30% -- to offset any new medical insurance costs.
We encourage you to check out what your medical options are in Mexico aside from paying out of pocket with our free guide mexicorelocationguide.com/healthcare-options-in-mexico/
Were they on the Carnivore diet to have lost so much weight, they mentioned eating mostly meat?
Yes we have been eating carnivore for 14 months. We deliberately didn't use that term but it's working for us.
Fees. Fees meat and vegetables..and walk..and people's it's the real 🪙 in Mexico
How did you learn spanish?
We are taking beginner's Spanish right now. We hope to have enough of a start to make an exploratory trip outside of Lake Chapala next spring. Housing is considerably less in other places we're interested in seeing like Morelia and Guanajuato because we'd like to cut our budget even more.
Fellow Washingtonion i really want to move to Mexico Trying to get bf onboard
hola! totally understand. Why don’t you sign up for our email series and share the info with him so he can do some research also 😀 mexicorelocationguide.com/lp-retire-in-mexico/
$2200 USD is a lot.
I did say in the video that what we are paying currently is at the higher end of costs in Mexico. You can live much more cheaply, especially housing costs, by getting out of an expat bubble. But that is our full cost including my medical service dog and our medical costs and premiums.
It's expensive to be comfortable in Mexico. Basics in the US, such as air conditioning, aren't readily available for cheaper in Mexico.
@@allyberry33 Well our experience has been great and very comfortable. AC is very available and mini splits are very popular, with the low humidity evaporative coolers work great and cheep to operate. Our rent includes full use of a beautiful club house, gym, big hot tub, and a wonderful salt water swimming pool that's kept at 88* F year around.
For 2 people I totally disagree especially regarding US living expenses. Are you in the US.
There is so much crime in the USA now, everything is lock in the stores even soap detergent
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Yea... that's seriously unfortunate. And even though the USA is great for many things, there is also a huge decline in mental health and that ends up causing all kinds of problems for people who work hard but can barely get by.
I'd rather live next to or near a lake, not on it or in it.
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Good to know they have Large Service Dog... I will not go there!
Not sure what you mean. But if you're asking about whether having a large service dog is a challenge in Mexico the answer is yes. It's much more of a challenge than in the US, Canada, or Europe. Knowing what I now know, I'd recommend to anyone with a large medical service dog to retire to Europe because the laws and transportation systems will make life much easier than in Mexico. That is the only big downside we've experienced.
I would say definitely stay away from Morelia. Ajijic & Morelia safety wise are different. Pls be safe.