who's out in Joco?

Anyone want to give me and my family the lowdown on living on the west or south side? Perhaps over lunch next week?

Please report your findings. My first scouting voyage of the area is on March 1st, and I get the feeling I will probably be happier renting long term in Joco; I desire a deeper immersion. The problem is that I don't see much in the way of rentals posted online. Perhaps it is done a different way there or perhaps there simply isn't anything suitable to my taste. Any help is appreciated.

I sent you a PM

You two need to find Fred and Barbara Habacht. I don't think they post on this board, try Chapala.com. They are unofficial goodwill ambassadors for Jocotepec, completely free of charge.

Spot wrote:I sent you a PM

Thanks

CHILLIN wrote:You two need to find Fred and Barbara Habacht. I don't think they post on this board, try Chapala.com. They are unofficial goodwill ambassadors for Jocotepec, completely free of charge.

email sent.

briantroy wrote: I desire a deeper immersion.

You must read Science magazine. They have posted an article that the best way to learn another language is total immersion.

http://news.sciencemag.org/2013/06/trying-learn-foreign-language-avoid-reminders-home?ref=hp

For a broader cultural exposure, try one of the old cities of the Los Altos regions of Jalisco. My next place to visit will be Tepatitlán de Morelos, which is also a gateway to the spectacular nature reserve on Rio Verde.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepatitl%C3%A1n

We are still looking for help.

Group of gringos at the plaza coffee shop every morning.

tictoc wrote:Anyone want to give me and my family the lowdown on living on the west or south side?  Perhaps over lunch next week?

You may want to PM Merry, an erstwhile moderator on this board. She moved to the south side last year and I'd bet she has some worthwhile information and insights.  For the west end I'd go with Fred and Barbara Habacht as they do get around.

Please do not suggest us...Fred and Barbara. We no longer wish to offer any tours in this area

tictoc wrote:Anyone want to give me and my family the lowdown on living on the west or south side?  Perhaps over lunch next week?

Just sent you a PM. Please get back to me ASAP if you are interested.

briantroy wrote:Please report your findings. My first scouting voyage of the area is on March 1st, and I get the feeling I will probably be happier renting long term in Joco; I desire a deeper immersion. The problem is that I don't see much in the way of rentals posted online. Perhaps it is done a different way there or perhaps there simply isn't anything suitable to my taste. Any help is appreciated.  

You really need to check out all the areas if this is your first scouting trip to the area. I have lived in Jocotopec and now in San Juan Cosala. I have never had trouble finding rentals although there are fewer than in town. There is a chat board I can help you post on if you want a rental out here if you PM me your information (when and if you are ready). I may even know of a rental possibility.

My casita in El Limon will be coming available for March or April. Fully renovated but of character, ultra secure, very peaceful, great privacy, kickass views! $325 nicely furnished. Photos on thread under For Rent on this board. So quiet you'd hardly know you're in Mexico!

I lived in Joco (Roca Azul) for two years and LOVED it. We moved back to Chapala because we had a hard time finding rentals at the time we were looking. My only concern are the damn topes. You need a car with high clearance and good strong shocks.

You find rentals by asking around. As Sparks said, the morning coffee group is a good place to start.

The town is generally more peaceful and quiet than Ajijic or Chapala. They turn down the volume by midnight even during major festivals.

Shopping is great with a several block long shopping area with all sorts of little shops along Morelos. They have added some additional fine restaurants since we left and there were many good places to go while we were there.

Also consider the South side of the lake. But just a hint - if Internet is important there are pockets where high-speed Internet is only available with a pricey satellite option.

pm albertrv who lives in san luis soyatlan, where ya kin get terrific vampiros.

Depends on the OP's interest / reasons for asking.   If immersion is it, you can also consider "east" - as in from Chapala onward.    Chapala, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas, on through San Juan & Tlachichilco.   Even Mezcala..... if you don't mind the extra driving.    

Parts of this stretch have the best views on the widest & deepest part of the lake, with lower costs for housing, 10 min or less drive to Chapala / Soriana, the Chapala Country Club for golf, and decent phone & internet service.

since he is fluent in espanol,he might check out ocotlan which among other things is a university town.

simpsca wrote:

tictoc wrote:Anyone want to give me and my family the lowdown on living on the west or south side?  Perhaps over lunch next week?

Just sent you a PM. Please get back to me ASAP if you are interested.

thanks for taking time to help us out. Me and my family really appreciated it. To everyone else, we are no longer lake side so are unable to meet up. That being said, our trip was wet but productive. We were unsuccessful in finding any significant reason not to move lakeside :). At this point, as long as things fall into place as I plan, I plan on retiring Jan 2nd. With plans of being lakeside by April 2nd. So keep your eyes out for the new young kids in town and say hi if you see us.

Just so you know April and especially May are our hottest months:)