68-Year-Old Retiree Finds Peace by a Lake in Mexico, Living Comfortably for $460 a Month
Janet Blaser, a 68-year-old retiree and writer, found the tranquility she was looking for after relocating to the small village of San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico. Having spent 18 years in Mazatlán, a Pacific Coast city she once loved, Janet was disillusioned by its transformation into a bustling tourist hotspot filled with high-rise condos and non-stop noise. She realized it was time for a change.
Her search for a quieter, simpler life led her to the rural beauty of Lake Chapala. After a visit to a friend, Janet discovered the serene lifestyle she craved. She found a charming two-bedroom “casita” in San Antonio Tlayacapan that suited her perfectly. Nestled between the towns of Chapala and Ajijic, the area offers peaceful nature, perfect weather, and easy access to modern conveniences like medical care and international stores in nearby Guadalajara.
Janet pays just 9,000 pesos ($460) a month for her home, which includes water. Additional monthly costs are minimal — electricity at $12, 5G internet for $29, and her cell phone plan at $17 with free international calls. Her modest casita includes a walled front yard, an enclosed patio filled with plants, and a washing machine. Janet enjoys her mornings outdoors, sipping coffee as she watches butterflies and hummingbirds visit her garden.
While semi-retired, Janet stays busy. She continues freelance writing and working on two books about expat living, as well as consulting to help others navigate life abroad. When not working, she spends her time exploring the area, enjoying quiet meals with friends, and sourcing fresh, local food at nearby markets. She especially enjoys finding affordable organic produce and locally farmed goods like fresh milk and farm-fresh eggs.
Though she misses the ocean, Janet is grateful for the peaceful life she’s built by Lake Chapala. Her long-term dream includes splitting time between Mexico, southern Italy, and visiting her children in the U.S. For now, she appreciates the slower pace, the beautiful nature, and the sense of tranquility that her new home provides.
