I personally wouldn't do it.
But thats up to you hun :)
Like you said, the language thing would be difficult
Im all about traveling; as long as I know the langauage =]

Thanks sacrifice, but it's not a big problem as there are many Americans in the community; and I'd get by.

Cabin - Your decision ultimately but since you asked I'll offer up my opinion. I would not leave the U.S. for anything. If I had a kid living outside our borders then he or she would have to come back to the states if they wanted to see me. If they didn't want to do that then they just wouldn't see me.

The drug war is not restricted to the border between mexico and the U.S. but the border is making the news only because the U.S. government is worried it may cross over (as if it hasn't already the past 40 years).

Personally I am all for the fence between mexico and America and I would support another one between America and canada as well. If someone from either country wants to come to the U.S. then let them come through specific points.

There is my 2 cents, good luck with your decision.

Thanks Ed. I too am in support of strong borders. It's too bad our Natl.Guard is fighting and dying in other countries instead of protecting our borders.
But as my daughter has stated- it's different in the smaller communities. The locals want you to come to their dinner table and share;expecting nothing in return.Family and friends are what matters to them most. Corruption has gotten out of hand there, but the tide is turning. They see the down side of it.

That all depends. If you are looking for adventure and something new I would go. If you think you would be leaving loved ones here in America, then I would not, but you know you could try it and if you hate it then come back. You can always come back. Hope you figure it out.

Well, I'm gonna risk sticking my nose across the border to comment...

The place looks pretty amazing from the picture, cabin-guy (we'd have to call you hacienda-guy if you go)! It would be nice to be close to your daughter and her family. It might also be a headache, depending on your relationship with them. Pros and Cons all weighed in, it sounds like you're trying to talk yourself into staying where you are. On one hand, you're happy enough where you are. On the other, it's a big world out there. Might be fun to see some of it. No guts, no glory, my friend :)

Hi,Michelle. There lays my problem. I'm torn between.

Boots- Hacienda Guy sounds risque! I like it. No problem living close, other than being called on to babysit now and then. :) The Glory sounds good to me,but the motivation is lacking; and I hate that!

I think it would be a great adventure!!! The only reservation I would have about a move like that right now would be the unstability of "world affairs" right now...but what the heck>>>YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!!!!!!

I'm always up for an adventure, so I would probably go!! The pictures look beautiful and it's always great being close to family, as long as your relationship with them is good :). You can ALWAYS come back, but just make sure you won't be asking yourself What If, if you decide not to go! :). Follow your heart!

YOU are never too old to learn a thing. Brush up on your Spanish...things like margarita, corona, tortilla, tacos, tamales...you know the important stuff:) I'm a true believer that a person can make their home anywhere. Sounds and looks like an awesome opportunity.

Thanks all! The majority says why not? So I'm not crazy! Why not? I told my daughter, I'm looking into everything I have to do to make the move, so MAYBE. Yes brlracingrl,no what ifs.

Go for it mate,looks like a fantastic place to live,and your in Cali now so there's probably less mexicans there......carpe diem bro

Wow that is a hard choice. I say go with your heart. but margaritas on that porch sound good and family just a bit away can be a great thing especially with the grand kids. Concerning the hair and beard.. well if they don't like they can get their own margaritas

I'm torn. The place looks beautiful, you'd be part of an extended family compound, something which other cultures appreciate more than our independently spirited one, BUT I would personally dread the idea of living in Mexico Never mind the high concentration of expatriates, the idyllic setting, etc., you'd still be in a country I regard as corrupt and backwards by comparison with what we can too easily take for granted in the United States. It's like living without health insurance: you're fine as long as you don't get sick, but God help you if you get hospitalized. Likewise, should you somehow run afoul of any authority figure, you're screwed. And we're not even getting into the criminal lawlessness, violence, and State Dept's assessment of the possibility of Mexico's collapse from internal strife.

Why couldn't they live in Costa Rica?

Side note to paddystyle, is he suggesting what I think he is, that there would be fewer Mexicans in that expatriate community because they've all moved to El Norte, as compared with the number of Mexicans now living in California?

Sorry for not commenting more quickly on this serious question of yours. I hope you haven't packed your bags yet, or told her "no thanks."

Dunno what I'd do- used to be willing to roll the dice, but I'm getting to old to change too much- but I'm realizing that mostly I'd miss my family- follow your heart..

Thanks mucho David for your comments and concerns.They are mine too. My daughter is 41,and by no means,brave or foolish. They have lived there for 3yrs. and sees none of the violence,as that is mostly among the drug gangs and in the major cities. I think,and what I hear is that the tide is changing(call me Poly-anna-ish).There is a ground swell- The people want their country back;and they are moving back in droves.Plus their President realizes that,and that's why he is putting pressure on the U.S. to stop the gun trafficing,and drug smuggling at our borders,to which Hillary Clinton is agreeing to. It's only common sense to guard our borders- unless we're as corrupt,and pockets are getting lined with gold! Where else could you go to a *Gun Show* and buy a van load of AK-47's and drive it across the border? The AK-47 should only be sold to military or local law enforcement. What next? Heat seeking guided missles?
Costa Rica,15yrs.ago was my choice for retirement. But too many others since have already moved there and the price of living is now on a par with ours.
I'm thinging of trying it out,maybe just for the hell of it! And maybe crossing the Rio Grande some night with a pouch of Cuban Cigars! Bill Clinton and Rush Limbaugh would appreciate that. :)

Pastor Mike my daughter is the command center for our families,though we are apart and scattered. And I would at least be with 3 of my Grandkids I adore. Still thinking, though and thanks.

P.S. Davidsbass- Pattystyle's comment is tongue-in-cheek,as most of his Irish wit. :)

What a beautiful house. I'd do it...You're never too old for change

Do it,,,,,come on as long as your not leaving family behind in America....:)

You'll be ok...If you don't like it come back. I know hard decision but it may make you happier to be around your grand babes and daughter.

Good luck

Larry, I'd say go for it my friend! (And if you don't, how much is the rent on that casa?) I only spent a day in Chapala/Ijijic (if I remembered how to spell that right!), but it was very nice. As you say, lots of expats living there, so the communities have changed a bit to accommodate them. (Bilingual menus and signs in many cases, lots of Mexicans who speak some English, lots of English speaking groups to join if you're interested, etc) There's good local bus service to the other communities on the lake, and a bus to Guadalaja is only about $5. Chapala might not be as authentic Mexican as Zacatecas (what happened to that plan?), but it sure as hell is different from what we're used to. You're only hours away from super interesting places like Guanajuato, or even the coast. I think PV is 4 hours and Maz is 6. If I'm not mistaken, there is also direct bus service to Colima, Manzanillo and Barra de Navidad from Guad. You won't be bored for the first year or two! I gotta get ready for work, but I'll email you more later on. I envy you, but I appreciate it's also a dilema. As much as I want to move there myself, I know when the day comes I'll have a BIG herd of butterflies in the tummy!!!

Couldn't help but think of you as I was scraping the ice off my windshield this morning! Here are a few more thoughts.

Leaving your stuff behind is painful. Will you be driving down or flying? I've looked into the cost of shipping some of my stuff from Canada to Mexico, and it's just not worth it. But maybe it's not so bad from Cali. I'll drive down and take what I can. (But my plans are different from yours in that I'd like to spend a year or two trying a few places on for size, rather than moving directly to where I think I will be retiring.)

Never too old, as long as our health is good.

Which brings us to health care! There are excellent hospitals and doctors in Mexico. Health care plans can be purchased, the price depending on how much you want covered. Cheapest is directly from the government, but many private plans exist. And at our age I'd have to say that is priority number one.

If you have some Spanish, great! But I would suggest taking lessons down there. I'm sure you can get by in Chapala with English and a little Spanish, but the locals will really appreciate it if you can talk to them in their own language. And if you want to explore the wonderful areas around there, Spanish is really needed. I didn't have much on my last trip, and I sometimes felt very isolated. I guess it all depends on what you want to do. If you're going to stay in Chapala, with your family next door and expats all over the place, minimal Spanish will get you by.

Not so sure about the beard and long hair. A lot of the Mexicans I met were very old school. They might have a hard time with it, or maybe I'm wrong. (It has been known to happen.) But, I think that kind of an appearance might leave you open to more hassles from the law, especially if you wander out of Chapala.

Gonna post now, then come back and write more.

Much is made about the drug wars, corruption, and crime in general. It all exists, and can't be ignored. But, it wouldn't be enough to keep me back. Even in the border areas I don't think gringo has a lot to fear, if he keeps his nose clean and stays out of known trouble areas. I suppose the risk exists of being caught in a crossfire, but that's a long shot, I think. Let's put it in perspective. I won't say anything about crime problems in American cities, instead I'll pick on Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, a smaller city of less than one million. (And fortunately two hours away from where I live) They have drive by shootings, random shootings, drug killings, etc. You name it, it happens. And there are areas of the city, or any city in Canada, I would not walk in after dark. If you move to Chapala you'll be spending time in Guadalajara. And you'd be foolish not to as it's a wonderful city. But, there are parts of that city you don't want to be in!

And you will see a much heavier police and army presence than you are used to. I still find it very unnerving to see 3 ton trucks going down the street, often in convoy, with a machine gun mounted on the roof and a bunch of heavily armed, masked, soldiers or Federal Police in the back. But, they're after the drug dealers, not me. AS for corruption, yep, it's there. Supposedly not as much as there used to be, but the few Mexicans I've talked to about it don't trust their police or their politicians. And minor corruption also exists. Last trip out of Mazatlan there was a group of people hanging around an ashtray smoking (one of my many bad habits) despite "no smoking" signs all over the airport. I had to chip in $2 to join them. Turns out the first guy to get caught was "fined" $20. When he paid the security guard brought him an ashtray and never said anything after that when he walked by. And I've heard lots of stories about traffic police in Guadalajara and Mexico City. I guess that's just part of the culture.

If you can find a copy, I strongly reccomend "The People's Guide to Mexico". Lots of good info in there, especially for people like you and myself. And I'm sure your daughter and son in law will be able to show you the ropes. I'm really envious!!! To be able to move there and have family living next door is a dream! Oh, and if you do move be prepared to have a fat Canadian stop by for a couple of nights some time this winter. You cook, I'll bring tequilla!!

Muchas gracias,Senor Al. I'll just have to find a barber that doesn't charge by the pound! My Spanish is probably on par with yours,but my daughter's is perfect,and I would mostly be traveling with her.
As for health care;that is the reason they live there.She has a condition that needs constant checkups and medication;and it cost too much in the states,as her husband is a great chef and self employed cafe owner.At least I'd eat good!

Okay, scrap the "you cook" part. We'll let your son in law cook for us. I'll just have to bring more tequila!!

I'd go for it CF. I travel there and it is not as bad as they are making it out to be in the media. I understand the why's they are doing it... but as for the majority.. Mexico is a big place. There is plenty of wonderful peaceful people there. Try it out... get your big toe wet. I am sure it would be a fantastic experience. The borders.... a bit quesionable... but hell well have that everywhere. Thats like saying Dallas is unsafe cuz the hood is dangerous... Good luck and drink that tequilla for me :) xo

Go for it, Larry! I say that you are due another big adventure and being close to your family sound great. Do I remember a special lady who happens to be Spanish? ;) Pack those bags and vaya con Dios! Go with God, Larry! Good luck, trust your heart and your gut! xxx

You know, Cabin, Mexico is nice. I would live there in a heartbeat if I knew someone that I could depend upon in case of emergency. Like you, I feel to old to take it on by myself, but I have sure loved it when I've spent time there in the past.

Your money will go a lot further. The fresh food is great. The water is not, but you with care you can deal with that - drink bottled water, don't eat washed food unless you have washed it yourself, etc.

The language I wouldn't worry about too much. You will pick up what you need. A surprising number of Mexicans, especially the younger ones, speak enough English that you can get by.

Are there hazards? To be sure, but nothing that's horrible, and you'd get to be closer to your family.

I say: GO FOR IT.

Have fun!

If you go, you should read a book called "A visit to Don Otavio" by Sybille Bedford. It is a charming book about a woman and her companion who travel to Mexico and encounter Don Otavio, who lives on an estate along Lake Chapala. It's a beautiful book, and it presents a beautiful picture of the interface of US and Mexican culture. You will enjoy the read if nothing else. It's a guaranteed winner.

Also, if you go, in February you may wish to check out a little town named San Juan de los Lagos. It's a pilgrimage destination, and that's the high season for it. The cathedral there is astounding, as are the hordes of people who descend upon the community. Whether you are Catholic or not, you may wish to go, on your knees, to the priest to take communion. Going was one of the amazing experiences of my life. I still have the belt and the bag I bought in that town, now more than a decade ago.

CF, I would definitely consider going. If it were me, my concerns would be...how feasible is it that your daughter will stay there? Is there good health care (no offense, Sweetie, but we aren't spring chicks and we need to consider the long-term needs), if you are really unhappy, can you come back at some point, and are you willing to make it work? If you can answer those questions with acceptable answers, then you are good to go! That's my opinion (not worth much, but it's what I was thinking).

I apologize for being away for so long. It is good to be here again. As for your dilemma, it is quite difficult to be faced with such tough choices in life. I feel honoured that you would ask my opinion. If it were me, I would make a list of all that I cherish here and all that I could get there and compare. While choosing a country to reside in (if I have that luxury), my consideration would be whether the government policies reflect the principles I would like to live by.

All the best in whatever you decide to choose my dear friend!

Cabin - he who hesitates is lost,pack your bags and go! You have real family there.Besides America is not,despite what many Americans seem to think,the only place worth living in.Go live near your daughter and grand kids!

I can't begin to thank you all for your wonderful responses.They echo my thoughts.Now if only I can get off my ass and stop walking in the woods everyday and get done what has to done to do it!For those who wonder about medical care-It's a lot more personal and cheaper than in the states. And from that,the quality of care is better.
When I came to Calif.,I left behind 90% of my stuff.Now I have to cut that by another 90%. But what are items compared to a new life and experience.

Things. That's all. Guess what, you leave 100% behind when you die.

Good show! I know you'll love living in Mexico. Plan to continue the blog from there?

I read all the comments and everyone gave you such wonderful advice! Many pointed out all the pro's and cons...but while rereading your post the words
THIS IS GETTING BORING
speaks volumes....those words are like a giant neon sign.

You are never too old to do anything...yet there are so many variables we do not know...as your virtual friends...for example, how many children do you have and where do they live and how often do you see them...
so
without ALL THE INFO, I can not give you my best opinion, but it sounds loud and clear to me, that you want to do it, and just need a little nudge...so turn around...did you feel that little kick in your derriere! Hope I didn't hurt you!
Goo for it!...as long as you bring your laptop!

Thank you Roe.That's the one kick in the pants that felt good! My 6 children are scattered,mostly on the east coast.At first they weren't too happy,but I told them it would only cost me $150 to fly down there and it would be just as much for them to fly here,in Calif.as it would to Mexico. Now they have a cheap vacation destination.My daughter,living there,loves it!
It may not be the sandy white beaches of a tropical isle,but the weather there is ideal(40 the low,90 the highest)and the American Ex-Pats living there are a welcome wagon enmasse,as I have been E-Mailing them.
Yes,it for change and a growing experience for me.Plus I want to take pictures of the culture and market places and send back to my friends at Thoughts.

After the recent outbreak in Mexico I wouldn't go without a hazmat suit!

Hey I hope all is well, just thought I would drop by to say hello.

Look Cabin, you would be giving up your solidarity, which it seems, like me, you take seriously. Yeh, you could be closer to your daughter and grandkids, but...you will give up all you have worked for, in my opinion, your solitude...I'm just saying...

Senor Cabin, I spent months in Mexico, you know you are learning when you start thinking in spanish, takes just a few weeks. Jump in! The water's fine. If the medical, police, government were as bad as said in here, why would so many americans move to Mexico? There is vice, danger and corruption in every country.
But a better lifestyle in a more tolerant society, leave your hair and beard as is. Baja Ca. has many many expats who are blissfully happy. I know of a very famous author who lives there. He could live anywhere.