Best Places In The World To Retire

My wife and I have been keeping a list of every restaurant we've been to in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala area since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago. We've now been to 118 different restaurants so far (not counting the numerous sidewalk taco stands). Most of these restaurants have been within walking distance of our house. We hadn't gone to that many different restaurants in the 25 years we lived in Phoenix. 

 

We return often to at least...

My wife and I have been keeping a list of every restaurant we've been to in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala area since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago. We've now been to 118 different restaurants so far (not counting the numerous sidewalk taco stands). Most of these restaurants have been within walking distance of our house. We hadn't gone to that many different restaurants in the 25 years we lived in Phoenix. 

 

We return often to at least two-thirds of the restaurants on our list. We go most often to the restaurants that, according to my wife, serve the best margaritas. :-) 

 

There are still many more lakeside restaurants we want to visit! 

 

Buen provecho! 

 

(Pictured: restaurant near the malecón in Ajijic.)

 

Due to the political unrest that started in 2018, the housing market has seen a drop in value from 30 to 50 percent. We are starting to see a steady but slow growth in real estate purchase from SJDS to Granada and Leon. Before you invest, check prices and understand the risks of real estate purchases. The unrest has had in our opinion had limited impact to the expat community, we felt safe during these times, but with reservations, not knowing what would happen on a daily basis....

Due to the political unrest that started in 2018, the housing market has seen a drop in value from 30 to 50 percent. We are starting to see a steady but slow growth in real estate purchase from SJDS to Granada and Leon. Before you invest, check prices and understand the risks of real estate purchases. The unrest has had in our opinion had limited impact to the expat community, we felt safe during these times, but with reservations, not knowing what would happen on a daily basis. Nevertheless, we are staying in Nicaragua. We understand that a lot of expats left, but those that left mainly where families with young kids or people that rented and decided to leave. 

One big difference between housing construction (as in the US) when compared to Panamá is that apartment buildings in other places are more long than high, with a long corridor in front.  In Panamá you do not see those types of buildings.  In Panamá there are more 10, 20 or 40 feet high buildings, with balconies or terraces.  That, I suppose, is because of difference in weather.  Up north, you need protection from the cold weather, snow...

One big difference between housing construction (as in the US) when compared to Panamá is that apartment buildings in other places are more long than high, with a long corridor in front.  In Panamá you do not see those types of buildings.  In Panamá there are more 10, 20 or 40 feet high buildings, with balconies or terraces.  That, I suppose, is because of difference in weather.  Up north, you need protection from the cold weather, snow or ice; in Panamá, you want to receive that nice breeze and sunshine in your face.

 

Regarding single family housing, the difference is mainly that in the US (I don´t know about Canada) houses have attics and basements.  Also, in many complexes, houses are townhouses, mostly single units, and have fence regulations, as well as planted trees or reserved green areas.  In Panamá, it is very different.  People love fences of all kinds, and houses are very much in the Spanish style.  They don´t have basements or attics, and construction is very solid; not of wood.  There are parks and very large reserved areas more like protected environmental areas, like the "Parque de la Amistad", or Campana.

 

Houses in Panamá are painted in different colors, not only pastel ones, as is the case mostly up North.  Doors and windows are on style, instead of classic ones, with a lot of beautiful wood, bricks and stone.  Floors and terraces are very well decorated, and balconies have lots of flowers.

 

There are also communities called "houses for social assistance", which are small houses that low income residents can get at a very low price, and with a government grant.

 

Construction is booming in Panamá, and you can see so many varieties of construction that is almost a hobby driving around to see the new communities.