# Travel >> Destinations >> Mexico

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.

Internet access
Guadalajara city map

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.