Useful Information for Guadalajara

With a population of around six million, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and can be considered the most stereotypically Mexican city, especially when one considers its contributions to Mexican culture: tequila, mariachis and the charco (sombrero) hat.

Due to its importance as the major industrial and commercial center of western Mexico, Guadalajara has a large community of expatriates. Since the first major step of relocation is securing housing, expats generally select their residential area based on proximity to work and/or school, security, pollution and neighborhood services, such as shops and hospitals.

Why retire in Guadalajara? Well, its proximity to Lake Chapala and Ajijic - two of the biggest U.S. retiree communities outside of the United States - is an obvious advantage in terms of socializing, resources and contacts.

Finding a job in Guadalajara often depends on whom you know as well as how good your credentials are. Being bilingual is always a big bonus, especially with a knowledge of English, while other languages like French, German and Italian may also come in very handy considering the number and size of European companies doing business in Mexico.

Although Guadalajarans like to think of themselves as different (calling themselves, uniquely, “Tapatíos”), their city is renowned as the “most Mexican” of cities. Visitors, both foreign and Mexican, come to Guadalajara to bask in its mild, springlike sunshine, savor its music, and admire its grand monuments.

Guadalajara has many restaurants offering fine cuisine, particularly traditional Mexican fare. The Centro Historico and Tlaquepaque Square offer some excellent restaurants, including some great seafood choices as well.