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[pedro]

ya don't hafta go to that board that rv mentions. there are some ugly and sicko people on there unfortunately.

here is the link to an actual weather station right in riberas which is a few hundred yards west of the town of chapala: Lake Chapala Weather Net

[EEK!]

Chapala vs. coast. I lived in Ajijic and now live in Mazatlan. Don't even try to compare the two. I love both for different reasons, and both have their pros and cons. One is a small retirement community and the other is a large resort city. Decide what your priorites are as an expat, then look to which ever community meets these needs. The best advice I can give you is, never,never buy a house any where until you know the community, the culture, and the the realty market. Live somewhere for at least 6 months before buying. EEK!.

[Martin Pierce]

great advice, EEK! the weather site is excellent and shows a big difference between Lakeside and Guad. If we could afford both towns (mazatlan and San Juan Cosala) and a rental at home for parts of some summers, I think that would be ideal... and dreaming. for the near future, exploring other towns and renting for quite a while to come sound like the way to go, but so much different from the life we've known. we're kind of traditionally boring. something warmer is all I require. Have you been to the little towns higher than Mazatlan, like Concordia? Is there life up there? I loved Jocotepec when we were there. the people are so friendly and purposeful. I won't be back to paradise till the week after Christmas on a woefully indulgent cruise; PV, Maz and Cabo, but I haven't been to any of those cities, and can't wait to see the cathedral and shopping at Mazatlan.... Le vaya bien, M. Pierce

[RVGRINGO]

Concordia is a neat little town but you would probably get lonely and bored really fast.

[Martin Pierce]

thanks for that RV. how far is that (Concordia) from the city center at Mazatlan?? and when I read that it's 100% humidity in Mazatlan, is that just unlivable, or is the ocean breeze a nice compensating factor? I went to GDL in August on purpose just to see what summer was like, and I could live with that, but it still wasnt' 100%; and what they say about rain only at night in their rainy season seemed to be true, or close to it. I kinda liked the occasional thunderstorm. MP Tacoma, WA

[EEK!]

Martin. Weather: The Lake Chapala area is about the best in the world (despite a little colder winter and warmer summer this year). Mazatlan, PV, Manzanillo have great winters, but watch the hot months (July,Aug/Sept.) If you are not used to humid and heat, you will be miserable.
A lot of people do have a summer home and a winter home.
Contact forums in the cities you are interested in or google the cities for additional info. The cities I like on your list to explore ate Mazatlan, Lake Chapala area, Guadalajara and VP (real expensive). If you want small cities, try the array of Pacific coast cities between Manzanillo to Mazatlan. I personally do not like anything in the Baja, but some do. Mexico offers a large variety and you have to seek out what you want. What are your priorities in a place to live (weather, cost of living, activities, culture, etc)? Good hunting. EEK!