Many people consider it to represent the 'true' Mexico.
It is an attractive city with many plazas, fountains and colonial buildings. Guadalajara has many shopping centers, museums, theaters, cathedrals, and and just about anything you may want from a city. It has a large industrial component, so pollution can be a problem in some areas. Real estate prices and rents are fairly low, and just about any kind of house can be found. Of course, many expensive and lavish homes can also be found here.