Ray Parker

I have always been of the opinion that if you want things to do, all you have to do is do them! I have never had a problem finding things to do. I have so many hobbies that I will never have a hard time finding things to do. I have over 50 RC cars, boats, planes, trucks, helicopters, and quadcopters. I have four 3D printers, I write, stories and poetry, fish, garden, do archery, snorkel, dive, woodwork, play at the guitar and drums, mountain bike and hike and many many other things. I do look forward to having more time to pursue my hobbies as I currently work full time. That is another reason for making a move like this. I will be able to retire there today if I wished too. I have an 82 year old mother with dementia living with us currently. We are in south Florida until the day that we can move. We moved to south Florida for her because she has COPD and would not be able to live there. Otherwise we would be there now!

This is exactly what I was wanting to show the wifey! She and many others have a mental picture of the coast, but the reality is far different. I do love the ocean, but only for a few months, and then would prefer the cool climate of the mountains. We lived in East Tennessee for 28 years and raised two children there. The only reason that we moved was to escape the winters which were gray, gloomy and cold for 6 months. Yes Knoxville does get cold enough to freeze you through without the snow of the Midwest. I have seen spells of single digits at night and teens for highs for weeks straight. The biggest factor was the temperature swings like 30 at night and 80 to 90 in the afternoon. Many only visit in the spring or fall, like Mazatlán and never get a real taste for the climate. Knoxville gets colder than heck and hot and humid with no wind in the summer. Here is a forecast for the next week. Bear in mind this is only November. In January and February it is not uncommon to see single digits, and no sun for weeks!

Thanks for the response. I think I have her convinced and have agreed to rent a condo in Mazatlán in December, January and February. If we like Mexico we will most likely buy a small house or condo there. We are making the move in two years due to the inability to live well in the US on our retirement and the horrendous state of healthcare here. We currently pay $1,000 per month just for coverage with a $5,000 deductible. I do plan on visiting both cities in the hottest part of the year, but also know that people have an idea of where they live and can offer advice that can only be obtained from experience. I posted on a Mazatlán site and one response was to the effect that he survived each summer in the hot as hell, Humid hell hole. I know that no one can offer advice on whether I will like it, but they can give their take on how much they love or hate it and why!

The wife and I will be coming to Mexico to spend a few months in Chapala and Mazatlán. She wants the beach and I want the mountains, so we plan on renting for about a year in both areas after we move. We currently live in south Florida and I want to find a climate that is easier on the the old bones. I have heard many times that Chapala has the second best weather on the planet for lack of extremes. I have noticed that you get more days above 90 than in south Florida where I live. I would assume that you do not feel nearly as oppressive as we do because of the lower humidity. Any advice or incite would be appreciated!