If the congestion of a large city doesn’t suit your relocation requirements, then the Lake Chapala area may suit your needs.  Located less than an hour from Guadalajara, the lake communities are teeming with expats from America, Canada and Britain.  

The 60-mile lake is rimmed with towns and villages, each with its own personality.  But surrounding all are lush mountains and rolling hills, making the topography a treat for the eyes.  Since the mountains keep the air temperature cool, daytime temperatures in the Lake Chapala area hover in the 70s and 80s.  Nights are cooler, from the high 40s to 60.  Air conditioning is a non-event.  

One resident commented that living the high-life in Chapala costs less than $50 U.S. per day!  These were some of the quotes:  Taxi to the airport:  less than $25 U.S.  A bus ticket to Guadalajara:  $3 U.S.  Local bus fare:  50 cents!  Movie tickets:  $2 U.S. There is even a retirement home nearby that includes on-duty nursing care, doctor visits and the price is under $600 U.S. per month!  And a furnished two bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood goes for under $400 per month, U.S.  No wonder the area is brimming with people living an excellent quality of life for little money!

Our view of Lake Chapala is from the perspective of a retired couple living here since 2001; first in Ajijic and now in Chapala, having owned  homes in both places. The convenience of having other expats around is an initial attraction.   The fantastic micro-climate created by the unique juxtaposition of the lake and the surrounding mountains keeps us here, and Lake Chapala is our choice and we will stay here, living the good life on the lake,  for as long as 'forever' lasts.                                                                                    
                                            Robert and Louise Glenn
                                                             Chapala, Mexico

With its dynamic scenery, pleasant climate and low cost of living, the Lake Chapala area is ideal for those looking to relocate and put the stresses of everyday life behind.

Many organizations serve the communities around Lake Chapala and one that is  worth looking into is the Lake Chapala society, http://www.lakechapalasociety.org  which boasts about 5,000 members.  They are busy year-round planning and filling social calendars.  Another resource is the Living at Lake Chapala blog, found online at 
 http://www.mexico-insights.com/Home.aspx
which will give you insight into life along the Lake.

A word about the community: while Lake Chapala’s expat community is large, the feeling of living in Mexico is still prevalent.  You will not be surrounded by English-speaking people unless you want to be.  And that’s the beauty of this area.  The comfort-level is of your choosing.