The climate is perfect and the living is easy...Ajijic (Ah-ee-heec) was spelled Axixique or Axixic. The final "c" was pronounced by Spanish rules, but whenever anyone pronounces it, people in these parts know he is a stranger. Ajijic means "The Place Where the Water Springs Forth" in Nahuatl.
One of the major attractions of the Ajijic region is its semitropical climate, considered to be near if not actually perfect. The combination of a tropical latitude, the effect of the lake and the high altitude ensures that temperatures remain pleasant all year. The annual average temperture is 19.9ºC/67.8ºF, varying seasonally from average lows of 12ºC/53.6ºF in winter to average highs of 29ºC/84.2ºF in early summer. Check the current weather at CNN - Lake Chapala or AccuWeather - Guadalajara.
The region is well known for its artistic and literary "inspiration". It has long been a destination for artists attracted by the area's beauty, tradition of craftwork, and superb natural light. Reknown writers have come here to find peace and inspiration. W. Somerset Maugham finished The Razor´s Edge here. Tennessee Williams hosted a nightly poker game here that inspired The Poker Night, which evolved into A Streetcar Named Desire. And D.H. Lawrence wrote The Plumed Serpent here.
Ajijic is relatively inexpensive and can claim a minimal crime rate. Ajijic is very accessible. Guadalajara's modern international airport is just 25 minutes away. All types of communications services are readily available. Both land and wireless telephone services are easily obtained, as are fax services. Internet access and e-mail are readily available, with a choice of local internet service providers. While the local mail service remains a little slow, there are commmercial services available to speed things up to points outside Mexico if necessary. Cable television is readily availble and has several English-language stations, including CNN, and satellite reception gives over two hundred and fifty channels including those beamed in from around the world. Health care facilities are excellent, including local several clinics with bilingual doctors on staff, and ambulance service to Guadalajara. The Red Cross also provides some medical services at no cost to the patient (but donations are always welcome). Spirital care is abundant. Most of the Christian denominations are represented, and there are nondenominational and interdenominational congregations. Quite a number offer regular English language services. Many positive changes are happening as a result of NAFTA, and more expats are feeling confident with Mexico's growing economy. Most like to have some money in pesos in a Mexican bank account to cover at least immediate living expenses. Mexico is a cash economy, and many businesses do not accept credit cards (initially a bit of a nuisance for some newcomers). Bank deposits are protected - up to 100% of the total amount.
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Over the last 50 years or so the population of Ajijic has grown from approximately 6,000 to 15,000. Still a friendly, hospitable village, it attracts residents from all points, and has the greatest concentration of expatriates in the Lake Chapala area.
The area has a natural beauty. The majestic Sierra Madre mountains surround the calm waters of Lake Chapala.
Mexican village life unfolds along narrow cobblestones streets to the sounds of horses and burrows, roosters, church bells, truck bells and the colourful street vendors. Ajijic manages to remain Mexican while meeting the needs of both the community and visitors, keeping the small village atmosphere alive and well among the myriad of hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and lots of other amenities. And there are many special 
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