AJIJIC, JAL.

Ajijic lies about 3 miles west of the town of Chapala on the shore of Lake Chapala. Ajijic is the heart of the Lakeside expat community. With a population of about 10,000 full-time residents that number can nearly double when the winter snow birds arrive.

Yet Ajijic retains much of its Mexican fishing village character and charm with cobblestone streets, beautiful lakefront park, and colorful neighborhoods. Ajijic is a center for the arts community with many artists in residence and galleries.

Cultural events abound and because of the high number of foreign residents you'll find it easy to stay in Ajijic speaking little or no Spanish. Both the local and expat residents are very welcoming and happy to assist newcomers.

In Ajijic you'll find a number of hotels to choose from, and a large number of restaurants varying from Mexican cuisine, to Thai, to steakhouses, and there are even restaurants specializing in vegan food.

Some of the neighborhoods in Ajijic are: La Floresta, Villa Nova, Lomas de Ajijic, and Rancho del Oro.