A 68-year-old retiree found the peace and tranquility he was looking for by paying $460 a month to live by a lake in Mexico.

The village of San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico, is where my mornings are filled with the melodious sounds of birds. The doves coo softly, kiskadees chirp, and roosters shriek, starting their cacophony hours before sunrise.

The city on Mexico's Pacific coast where I spent 18 years before moving inland is a far cry from the laid-back, mid-size beach town I'd moved to in 2006.

The once peaceful beaches of Mazatlán are now crowded with tourists and condo towers, leading to traffic, infrastructure problems, and noise.

I no longer wanted to reside in Mazatlán because it underwent so many changes. It was time for me to depart.

I went to see a friend in Lake Chapala and was surprised to find that it was the only place I'd ever considered living.

'Everything I need is within reach'

My friend in Lake Chapala, a seven-hour drive from Mazatlán, invited me to visit. It seemed like a great place to start my search for a new home.

The rural charm of the Lake Chapala area appeals to me because I've been living in an urban environment for a long time and crave more nature, less traffic, and a slower pace of life.

The main road, which is actually a two-lane street, is paved. However, once you leave it, you'll be on cobblestone or dirt roads. People in this area own horses, goats, donkeys, cows, and chickens. It's not uncommon to see men riding to work on horseback. The weather here is often described as "ideal," with cool and pleasant temperatures throughout most of the year.

I could envision making this place my home. However, I reminded myself that if it was meant to be, I had to determine precisely what I desired: a charming, two-bedroom, yellow house with an affordable yard. Although most listings I found on real estate websites and Facebook groups were beyond my budget, I eventually discovered the perfect location and rented it immediately.

My friend bought all my furniture and appliances, making the move to my new home in March 2024 a breeze.

My current home, San Antonio Tlayacapan, is situated between the larger towns of Chapala and Ajijic, making it easily accessible in just 15 minutes via car in either direction. Guadalajara, with its exceptional medical care, international airport, and a plethora of big-box stores including Home Depot and Costco, is located within a mere hour's distance.

In my new home in this smaller, slower town, I found the peace and tranquility I was looking for.

Take a look inside my 'casita'

The cottage I rented has a charming front yard enclosed by walls and a gated parking area. I've created a flower garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. I enjoy sitting outside in the mornings with a cup of coffee.

The living room is separated from the kitchen by an island, with the front door leading to it.

My apartment in Mazatlán has larger rooms, but these ones feel perfect for me.

My bedroom is a spacious room featuring a built-in closet and two windows that allow for ample natural light. I'm considering painting the walls, but I haven't settled on a color yet.

I use the second, smaller bedroom as an office.

An enclosed patio, located outside the kitchen, is where I've placed various items such as plants, a table for working and eating, and a washing machine.

I may turn my patio or roof into a more usable space if I stay another year and hang my laundry to dry there.

My monthly expenses include rent of 9,000 pesos, which is equivalent to $460, water, electricity bill of approximately $12, 5G internet at $29, and a cell phone plan costing about $17 with free international calls.

By the lake, life is bustling with an abundance of fresh, local cuisine.

Although I am semi-retired, my days are quite busy with freelance work that fluctuates between feast and famine. Currently, I am working on two new books about expat living and providing consultations to assist people in navigating their journeys abroad.

I prefer quiet activities when I am away from the computer, such as sharing a meal with friends, taking a walk along the lake, and exploring the surroundings.

Cooking and baking are my hobbies, and I can easily find the organic brands and products I prefer here, both imported and locally made. Asparagus, figs, and various berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are affordable and abundant. Fresh milk from a nearby dairy is readily available, and huevos del rancho (farm-fresh eggs) cost only 5 pesos, or approximately 0.25 USD each.

Although I primarily follow a plant-based diet, I occasionally purchase chicken from a local farm for consumption.

While there are nearby Walmart and Soriana grocery stores, I prefer to shop at smaller local stores and weekly outdoor markets because prices are lower, produce is fresher, and it's always a good time.

'I'm thankful,' and still looking ahead

Currently, I believe that the peacefulness of my new residence in San Antonio Tlayacapan is what I require. As the sun sets each afternoon, I appreciate the serenity of the approaching evening, a stark contrast to the constant hustle and bustle of the 24/7 party vibe in Mazatlán.

Perhaps it's the lack of access to the ocean that's causing me to feel restless and consider relocating to another Mexican beach town.

My dream is to spend part of the year in Sicily or another location in southern Italy, followed by a month or so with each of my kids and their families in the U.S., and the rest of the time in my "home base" in Mexico.

Janet Blaser, a former journalist from California, has been living in Mexico since 2006 and now focuses on expat living. Her first book, "Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats," is an Amazon bestseller. You can follow Janet on Instagram and Facebook.

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