How to Find an Apartment in Guadalajara
Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico, is a thriving metropolis with a growing expatriate community. For long-term study abroad students or visitors, the task of finding lodging can be daunting. The hunt isn't as difficult as newcomers might think, however (knowing some Spanish makes it easier, of course). Below you’ll find a few recommendations from an apartment hunting veteran.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Buy El Informador, one of Guadalajara’s main newspapers. You can get one at any kiosk. The “bienes raices” or “real estate” section in El Informador has the most complete listing of real estate in the area. Search under “Alquileres” (rentals) and “Departamentos” (apartments). Apartments are listed by Colonia, or neighborhood. (See Tips below for neighborhood recommendations). If you don’t have access to the paper edition of El Informador, check out the classifieds online (See resources below). If you already know which area of the city you prefer, you can do an advanced search by neighborhood.
-
2
Visit CompartoDepa online (whose name roughly means “apartment sharing”—see Resources below) to search for a roommate. For international students hoping to cut down on lodging expenses as well as improve language skills, this is a great option. On the website you'll fill out a form specifying the type of roommate you're looking for and your ideal budget. Once matched, you'll be able to search through apartment listings, many of which provide photos. Visitors from the United States used to the ubiquitous Craigslist will be surprised that it’s hardly used in Mexico, but CompartoDepa is its real estate equivalent.
-
-
3
Ask your hotel concierge. Even if the front desk has no information about available lodging, they are knowledgeable about the city and will be sure to point you in the right direction. If you find a good deal in the newspaper or online, write down the apartment's address and a staff member should be able to point out the corresponding neighborhood on a map, and possibly how to arrive by foot and bus.
-
4
Contact the rental offices/landlords/roommates listed in apartment ads you've picked. If you don't know Spanish, get a bilingual friend to help make the call. Set up a time to view the apartment.
-
5
Sign a contract. Once you find the right place, be sure that you understand the terms of your lease. Many contracts for apartments (especially furnished ones) do not require a minimum stay, but they may or may not include services such as gas, water and laundry. If you’re not confident enough with your Spanish to agree to and sign a lease, bring a bilingual friend along. The lease agreement itself will look more or less like the same contract in English, recognizing the tenant’s and landlord’s obligations.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you arrive to the city with nothing but a suitcase in a hand, you'll most likely want to search for a furnished ("amueblado") apartment.
Almost every area of the city is accessible by bus or metro. Most Tapatios are more than happy to explain directions to lost tourists.
While most rent fees are non-negotiable, don't be afraid to ask the landlord if he can accommodate your budget.
Neighborhood recommendations: You'll see, especially when reading the classifieds in El Informador, that there are dozens of neighborhoods in Guadalajara (if not hundreds). If you're a student, ask your advisor what neighborhood your campus is located in, and choose one close by. Many international students choose to live in El Centro (downtown). Downtown is hit or miss; room rates are cheap, but some areas are not as safe, not to mention noisy. Several neighborhoods surrounding downtown are better picks (though pricier): Santa Teresita, Moderna, la Zona Rosa (or Chapultepec Norte), or the Expiatorio zone. Further west (even more posh) you'll find Colonia Americana, Ladron de Guevara, and Providencia.
Zapopan, Tlaquepaque and Tonala are towns surrounding Guadalajara, all accessible by city buses. The Lake Chapala and Ajijic area is also a short drive away and is a popular destination for expatriates from the United States, Canada, and Britain.
While you can get just about anywhere by bus, the buses are fairly antiquated and provide no signal when you've reached your destination. However, the bus driver (el chofer) will usually indicate your stop if you ask him (and if the bus isn't too crowded).
