Why The Raquet Club?
The Raquet Club is situated in the mountains overlooking San Juan Cosala, which is one of the many villages along Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest fresh water lake and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. The pre-colonial villages in Western Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains makes for unparalleled living in a quaint Mexican village with all the services and amenities of lovely Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, only about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours away, depending upon traffic. It is only 15 minutes away from the village of Ajijic. Despite the small-village atmosphere the Raquet Club offers a wide range of services and amenities, including many fine restaurants within close proximity.
There is a genuine feel of Mexican village life set along the cobblestone streets. This offers a low stress atmosphere that can add years to your life.
Overall... an unbeatable quality of life!!
The semi-tropical climate in Lake Chapala, Mexico is probably the first major attraction to the area.
The exceptional tropical climate, tempered by a mile high altitude, offers moderate temperatures with low humidity throughout the year. At 5000 feet elevation, the Raquet Club has a near perfect climate according to National Geographic Magazine and the many that have chosen to call the lakeside area home. The average daytime temperature is 72 - 75°F (22- 24°C) and the humidity is very low. The sun shines most days even in rainy season which runs from June to October each year. We do have subtle seasons but no extremes. Throughout the year the mornings and evenings are cooler, great for tennis, golf or taking the walking trail up the mountains to the Little Chapel or the Old Burial Grounds.
The triple mountain range surrounding the lake protects the area from prevailing northerly winds creating this excellent micro climate we so enjoy. The effects of the lake and mountains ensure that temperatures are pleasantly warm year 'round, averaging 23.34 Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
Natural Beauty
The Raquet Club is situated on 100 miles of shoreline bordering the calm waters of Lake Chapala, added to this is the majesty of the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains. Lake Chapala is the largest inland body of water in Mexico. It is 90 km long and 20 km wide and is situated on the border between the states of Jalisco and Michoacan and approximately a 3 ½ hour drive from the Pacific ocean. Lake Chapala Mexico has become a retirement paradise for Americans, Canadians, and Europeans; people from all over the world come to enjoy the warm days and cool nights along the shores of our beautiful lake. Crimson sunrises and golden sunsets serve to heighten their enjoyment of each majestic day.
Unlike the traditional resort locations on the coast where people like to vacation, Lake Chapala, Mexico is a place where people come to live.
Big Expat Community with Genuine feel of Mexican village life set along the cobblestone streets.
Lakeside is home to many thousands of Americans, Canadians and Europeans escaping the climate and higher cost of living north of the border. The villages around Lake Chapala are steeped in culture and tradition yet having all the expected modern amenities. It is not unusual to see a cowboy on his horse talking on his cell phone! Family life is very important in Mexico. You will often see parents or grandparents walking smiling children dressed in uniforms to the local school. Parades are a fairly common occurrence celebrating both religious and civil events. And any reason is a good reason for a Fiesta. Fireworks too!!
Lakeside has numerous active social groups in the area including The Lake Chapala Society, with more than 3,100 members, bridge clubs, garden clubs, the American Legion, and the Lakeside Little Theater, to name a few of the more than 40 active clubs and charitable organizations. A variety of classes, including art, handicrafts, music and, of course, español, are available, as well as sports such as tennis, golf, walking, boating and fishing! The concerts, art galleries, and restaurants will delight your senses.
A part of the excitement of the adventure is doing something completely different, and enjoying the constant stimulation of a new culture. The Mexican people are open and friendly, and you can make life-long friends.
World Class Medical Health Care
All towns surrounding Lake Chapala have their own local physicians and dentists, costs involved are very low compared to the US or Canada and if any major surgery or operation is needed the city of Guadalajara is only 45 minutes away.
Guadalajara boasts world class hospitals and medical equipment. Private hospitals in Mexico accept many different kinds of insurance. The people living at Lake Chapala have found world-class medical care at extremely reasonable costs. Ever been too sick to go to the doctor? Not fun, is it? Well, in Mexico many doctors make house calls. In interviews with ex-pats comparing relationships between their doctors in Mexico with their doctors North of the Border, they overwhelmingly support their Mexican doctors. They cite that their doctors take whatever time is needed with patients. While in consultation, patients report that doctors care about their patients and their patients’ families. The doctor also treats the whole patient instead of “body parts”.