About Our Club
An unbeatable quality of life
Why Us?
Why The Racquet Club
Nestled in the mountains overlooking San Juan Cosalá, a village along Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains. This picturesque setting offers the charm of a traditional Mexican village with the convenience of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, just 45 minutes to 1.5 hours away. Ajijic is only 15 minutes away, and the area boasts numerous restaurants and amenities. The cobblestone streets and authentic village life create a low-stress atmosphere that enhances your quality of life.
Climate at Lake Chapala
Lake Chapala’s semi-tropical climate is a key attraction, offering moderate temperatures and low humidity year-round due to its mile-high altitude at 5,000 feet. According to National Geographic, the Raquet Club enjoys a near-perfect climate, with average daytime temperatures of 72-75°F (22-24°C) and very low humidity. Even during the rainy season from June to October, the sun shines most days. The triple mountain range surrounding the lake creates a unique microclimate, protecting the area from northerly winds and ensuring warm, pleasant temperatures throughout the year, perfect for outdoor activities.
Natural Beauty
The Raquet Club is set along 100 miles of shoreline on the calm waters of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest inland body of water. Spanning 90 km in length and 20 km in width, the lake lies between the states of Jalisco and Michoacán, about a 3 ½ hour drive from the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, Lake Chapala has become a retirement haven for people from around the world, including Americans, Canadians, and Europeans. With warm days, cool nights, and stunning sunrises and sunsets, it’s a place where people come to live, not just vacation.
Big Expat Community with Genuine feel of Mexican village life set along the cobblestone streets.
Lakeside is a vibrant community home to thousands of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans who have found refuge from the climate and higher cost of living north of the border. The villages around Lake Chapala are rich in culture and tradition, yet offer all the modern amenities. It’s not uncommon to see a cowboy on horseback chatting on a cell phone or families walking children to school in uniform. Parades celebrating both religious and civic events are frequent, and there’s always a reason for a fiesta—fireworks included!
The area is bustling with social activity, featuring numerous clubs and organizations like The Lake Chapala Society with over 3,100 members, bridge and garden clubs, the American Legion, and the Lakeside Little Theater. More than 40 active clubs and charitable organizations offer a wide range of activities, from art and music classes to sports like tennis, golf, and boating. The local concerts, art galleries, and restaurants add to the lively atmosphere.
Living here offers the thrill of embracing a new culture, with friendly locals and the chance to make lifelong friends.
World Class Medical Health Care
The towns surrounding Lake Chapala offer local physicians and dentists with costs significantly lower than in the US or Canada. For major surgeries or specialized care, Guadalajara, just 45 minutes away, is home to world-class hospitals equipped with the latest medical technology. Private hospitals in Mexico often accept a variety of insurance plans.
Residents of Lake Chapala enjoy high-quality medical care at very reasonable costs. Unlike in many other places, house calls are common here. Ex-pats frequently praise their Mexican doctors for their attentive, patient-centered approach, noting that doctors take ample time during consultations and show genuine concern for both their patients and their families. This holistic approach to healthcare fosters strong relationships and personalized care.