Pete849,
Lake Chapala is about 35 miles south of Guadalajara and is Mexico's largest lake. It sits at just over 5000 feet above sea level, about a four hour drive from the Pacific Ocean beaches, yet is surrounded by mountains up to 8000 feet. Actually, the Guadalajara international airport (GDL) lies between Chapala and Guadalajara, making travel to the rest of the world very convenient. The Chapala area includes Ajijic, a popular destination for retirees and a center for art in the area. Nevertheless, there are expats scattered from east of Chapala to the next municipality to the west, Jocotopec at the western end of the lake. The climate is, arguably, the finest that Planet Earth has to offer and homes are without air conditioning or heating systems; they just aren't needed. Some may have a fireplace or a tiny gas heater for an occasional January morning, but one can live without even that by putting on another layer. International restaurants abound and there is a local grocery store which imports and specializes in foods from all over the world and popular American brands. Chapala sports a major supermarket as well as a 'mercado publico' and a Walmart Supercenter is about to open its doors between Chapala and Ajijic.
A frequent topic of discussion is the number of Americans vs. Canadians at 'Lakeside' and nobody really knows; we number in the several thousands of permanent residents with a large number of winter snowbirds and even summer sunbirds escaping the heat and humidity of the USA and Canada. Ajijic has the Lake Chapala Society and Chapala is home to Post 7 of the American Legion. There are other groups and service organizations to keep anyone occupied.
If you are considering retirement in Mexico, or anywhere else, Lake Chapala is worth a look.

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Read "Streets of Glass" to discover the experience of a retired couple's permanent move to Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.
PM for details.