Real estate prices

They were spread over years. There is a propagandistic tendency for bad news to grow like fish stories about Mexico in the USA.
Of course, if you choose to live in an upscale gated fraccionamiento or condominio, finding out that the gates cannot be closed and are seldom manned, you will be targeted. You will also have to put up with an HOA and lots of folks who refuse to pay their dues. I have never chosen to live that way. Instead, our home in Ajijic for 4 years and, now, our home in Chapala for 10 years are on normal streets, with normal neighbors and no HOA.  We have never had even an attempt at a break-in, but have had folks ring our bell and hand us our keys when we left them in the door, etc. Life is good. My wife still walks everywhere in the neighborhoos, downtown, to the park, lakefront, etc. She also drives to Ajijic and beyond, or drives me into Guadalajara for appointments, etc.
Frankly, we are a bit concerned about the prospect of going to the USA, where we have not been in a very long time. Why do Americans think everywhere else is dangerous, and that other cultures are out to cheat them. I have over 30 countries under my belt, Fred, and can tell you that Americans are really, really strange; and I am one, but have lived abroad a lot. The USA will be culture shock again for me, if it had culture. Unfortunately, it seems to be getting worse....fast.
Bob

Good post RV and can identify with you as someone who hasn't been in the US for 33 years.

I wonder how many of those breakins were men coming home late from the bar (overstayed), as happened to me on several occasions. 

We're in the process of moving NOB ourselves, in part in order to be near aging parents. We don't own real estate here, but I just wanted to say thank you to RV Gringo, who has offered so much help to the expat community and prospective as well as actual expats over the years. I am so sorry you are having to leave the country that you love and have shown such love for, and I hope your lovely home sells quickly and that you have as much ease and comfort as possible with your health issues.

Yes, prices are down and inventory is up, but I've been looking for a close-in view home with a large garden for five years with no luck. Any ideas?

Close-in to what?  Have you selected a barrio or 2 where you wish to live?

Close to Ajijic, from Chula Vista to Rancho del Oro.

try MLS... they have pictures

Have been looking at the MLS for years - I'm thinking there must be some sellers out there who don't want to pay commissions. Patience, I guess.

if you have been looking for years and haven't found it-ya probly ain't gonna. we found ours in 1 week being here and [gasp!] used an agent who knew exactly what we wanted including price. we didn't mind that there were re fees involved.

Pedro wrote:if you have been looking for years and haven't found it-ya probly ain't gonna. we found ours in 1 week being here and [gasp!] used an agent who knew exactly what we wanted including price. we didn't mind that there were re fees involved.

But there's not many as lucky as you pedro. Eh

(read you had cbescapee as your agent)