Lake Chapala in Mexico is one of the fastest growing retirement destinations in the World including the nearby city of Guadalajara, nearly 25,000 North American retirees call this area home for at least part of the year. Is it time you joined them? There are two very compelling reasons why you should, and another nine that offer really strong support. But, this place is not paradise (do you know any place that is?).
1.Climate
The debate rages whether Lake Chapala has the nicest Climate in the world, but all that’s relevant is that the climate is as close to ideal as you will find. You’ll notice that Lake Chapala is well inland, well away from the heat and humidity of the coast. What the map does not show is that you’re also mile high nestled into the Sierra Madre Mountain range. Being in the mountains, you enjoy the benefits of the cool night mountain air. You’re protected from the hurricanes that annually pound the western coast. The worst seen here when a hurricane is on the coast is cloudy weather and maybe some daytime rain. And being on the lake ( Mexico’s largest, at 85 kms long), moderation is the key: daytime highs average 25°C; on the rare day in May, you might see 30°C. Night-time temperatures seldom fall below 15°C, except in December and January, when it’s possible to dip down to 8 or 9°C on really cold nights. The days are almost always sunny. Rain when it comes in the months of June through September, normally falls at night. Comfortable temperatures. Sunny skies. No humidity. Everyday much like the warm May days in Ontario. It’s hard to imagine weather being any nicer.
2.The Setting
The Sierra Madres rise about 1,000 feet above the lake. Gentle breezes flow from the lake during the day; and then down from the mountains at night. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. Everything grows in this climate, and in a quantity and size not known in Canada. So, wherever you go, you’re surrounded by a natural beauty of the Bougainvillea, Birds of paradise, hibiscus, fruit trees, palm trees… and all sorts of plants that I haven’t even heard of before. Climate and setting pack a powerful one-two punch that is hard for the written wood to describe. Dispositions are sunnier. You sleep well at night. You feel like doing more down here. Stress never elevates to the levels we remember in Canada. You just feel really good here… and Chapala’s climate and its natural beauty, 365 days a year. For some, the two reasons above are enough. But, in addition, I see nine other very good reasons why people decide to move to the Lake Chapala area. In no particular order, let’s take a brief look at each.