Living in San Miquel de Allende Guanajuato Mexico
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Can I tell you a secret? Do you want to know where the best place to live in the world is, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine (2017,2018,2021)? How about if it was also a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Guess what else? It’s in Mexico.
Do you envision yourself living in a world of magnificent colonial buildings, vibrant cultural traditions, and a relaxed pace of life? If so, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico’s Guanajuato state might be your ideal location.
This charming town tucked away in the Sierra Madre mountains, offers a unique fusion of contemporary conveniences and traditional Mexican culture that will instantly put you at peace. Everyone can find something to enjoy in this thriving and friendly community, from outdoor activities in the neighboring mountains to indulging in the local culinary scene.
In this blog post, we’ll go over what Living in San Miguel de Allende is like and why you should consider moving there. How do I know I’m in the perfect town in Mexico? I can head out walking and spend all day discovering something new at every turn that amazes me and that I have never seen. That’s San Miquel. Vamos…
Topics: People Ask
Living in San Miquel de Allende Guanajuato Mexico - Is San Miguel de Allende a good place to live - How much money do you need to live in San Miguel de Allende - Do you need a car in San Miguel de Allende - Is San Miguel de Allende safe - What are the best neighborhoods in San Miguel de Allende - What is the Cost of Living in San Miguel - Pros and Cons of Living in San Miguel - Flights, Hotels, Maps, Location of San Miguel - Travel Resources
The History of San Miquel de Allende
A little Mexican town called San Miguel de Allende has a long history dating back to the 16th century. It is situated in the state of Guanajuato. In the 1500s, it was established as a mining town and eventually developed into a significant hub for trade and agriculture. The exquisite colonial architecture of San Miguel de Allende, with its vibrantly colored houses and cobblestone streets, makes the city famous today.
It’s difficult to imagine anyone who wouldn’t want to retire in San Miguel de Allende with its charming cobblestone streets, wonderfully preserved colonial buildings, established arts scene, peaceful lifestyle, and warm, dry climate.
Between the cobblestone lanes, the vibrantly colored buildings, and the lovely garden and plant features, San Miguel exudes an air of romance. The stunning Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, which is situated in the central square, as well as the pink church that can be seen in many photographs of San Miguel, will take your breath away.
The Culture and Weather of San Miquel de Allende
This colonial jewel of cobblestone streets and magnificent churches, high in the chilly highlands, attracts artists with its color, character, and light. The city’s structures combine baroque, neoclassical, and neogothic styles, especially at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal (El Centro). The town, founded in 1542, combines Mesoamerican and Hispanic elements. But with all the beauty of this special place, what steals the show may be the great weather!
San Miguel de Allende is not only one of Mexico’s most stunning cities, but it also has one of the best climates. It has an arid environment that is dry and low in humidity. The temperature at San Miguel, located at an altitude of roughly 6,200 feet, varies between 80 and 70 during the day. During the night, it falls to roughly 50 or 40.
The warmest months of San Miguel are April, May, and June, with daily average highs of 82°F and lows of 56°F. The coldest months are December and January, with daily average highs of 72°F and lows of 42°F, respectively.
The short, four-month wet season in San Miguel lasts from June through September, but it may also rain in October and November. During the wettest months of the year, there is an average monthly rainfall of roughly 4 inches. Rainfall is limited, averaging less than half an inch per month, throughout the dry season, which runs from November through April. One of the reasons so many people are lured to retire in San Miguel de Allende is the fantastic weather!
How Many Expats Live in San Miquel de Allende
A total of roughly 175,000 people call San Miguel home, with about 66,000 living in the city. An estimated 10% of the population is made up of foreigners. The city is one of the best places to live in Mexico, thanks to its excellent climate, vibrant culture, and breathtaking surroundings. Although most of the city’s foreign residents live there year-round, others split their time between San Miguel de Allende and their home country. In addition, at any given time, you may find a number of digital nomads there only a few weeks/months at a time.
San Miguel feels like a small town while having a sizable population. It’s quaint, quiet, and walkable, and a wide variety of neighborhood events will allow you to meet locals! It was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende has the look and feel of old-world Mexico, but you see expats everywhere with English being the language of choice you hear in the streets, restaurants, and stores.
You can reach the city via Mexico City via bus ride or car rental. You may also fly into other nearby Queretaro, Leon, or Guadalajara airports. You can read more about the reasons to live in Mexico here.
Resources
Check out the best Travel Tours list that features popular activities, guided packages, and hidden gems you must see at Viator.
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Lifestyle and Culture in San Miquel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende residents enjoy a laid-back way of life. There are many possibilities to enjoy the outdoors due to the mild climate. There is always something to do in the city because it is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters.
San Miguel de Allende has excellent gastronomy. Several eateries serve both regional and classic Mexican food. Fresh fruits and vegetables may be abundant in the neighborhood markets, while the bakeries offer delicious pastries and an assortment of pan (breads).
The entire year is filled with festivals and other events. One of the most well-known holidays is the Day of the Dead, which is observed with vibrant parades and gatherings. Another memorable season in San Miguel de Allende is Christmas. You can enjoy many locations with live music and traditional artist in El Centro.
You are a short drive away from vineyards, the cosmopolitan city of Queretaro, the Pueblo Magico town of Dolores Hidalgo, and the famous Guanajuato City.
Cost of Living in San Miquel de Allende
The cost of living in San Miquel de Allende is moderate, with a wide range of prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. As with any place you live, your cost will depend upon your lifestyle and budget. San Miguel still has a lower cost than most places outside of Mexico but by Mexican standards; it is on the higher end.
Rent varies widely depending on what neighborhood you choose. The most asked question I get is, “Can I live on $1500 a month in San Miquel?” The answer is YES. Read our how much does it cost to live in Mexico post.
Rent in the City Center can be upwards of $1,000, dropping off to $600 when you get outside the city center.
Water is $15, Gas is $15, Electricity is $15 (you don’t need air conditioning or heat for the most part), the Internet is $30, and Cell Service is $20.
With over 500 restaurants (they love food) and countless street food options, you will have no shortage of places to choose from. One of the best parts of the city being such a magnet for international travelers is the variety of food options is plentiful. Yet, San Miguel doesn’t drift far from its traditional authentic Mexican cuisine options.
Meals in nice restaurants can vary but can range from $10-$50 for two or even less expensive street food options.
The cost of groceries in San Miguel de Allende varies based on where you shop. City Market is a fancy supermarket popular with ex-pats and locals, but you’ll pay more for imported products and higher-quality food. Mexican supermarkets like La Comer, Soriana, and Bodega Aurrera are cheaper than City Market.
You can also get low-priced, fresh products from mercados and independent vendors like butcher shops and bakeries. There are also weekly street markets (tianguis) throughout the city where you can buy food and other goods from local vendors. I personally take advantage of the lower prices Tianguis options for most of my grocery needs. You can expect to spend around $50-100 per week on groceries for two people if you shop at a mix of supermarkets and mercados. In theory, as a solo traveler, you could eat street food for less than $10 a day and cook for yourself even cheaper.
Things to Do and See in San Miquel de Allende
Where do you start with things to do in San Miquel de Allende?
San Miguel de Allende has a lot to offer as a place to call home. The city is renowned for its artistic culture, spectacular architecture, and natural beauty. You may view and buy works from local and foreign artists in various styles and mediums in the many boutiques and galleries spread out around the city.
You can try cuisine from all over the world in various unique, imaginative presentations in the city’s renowned food scene.
There are a lot of events held in San Miguel, such as music festivals, concerts, art exhibits, and more, so there is always something to do there!
Visit the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, or explore the historic center of San Miguel de Allende, which is filled with charming streets, colorful colonial buildings, and art galleries. Perhaps visit nearby Guanajuato, where you will find the iconic “alley of the kiss.”
Another worthwhile stop is the Casa de Allende, or check out Fábrica La Aurora. This former textile factory has been converted into a creative hub featuring galleries, studios, and boutiques.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Miquel de Allende
San Miguel is home to approximately 20 distinct colonias, or neighborhoods, each with its own appeal. A few of the more popular ones are: See a complete list of the best neighborhoods in San Miquel.
1. Centro Histórico – this is the old town area of San Miguel de Allende and is full of colonial-style architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and plazas. The Zocalo is usually busy and the hub of the city.
2. Guadalupe – a peaceful, artistic neighborhood close to El Centro, is home to many families, businesses, and restaurants.
3. San Antonio – within walking distance to Centro, with lower rent and food prices, along with many restaurants, cafes, and shops.
4. Guadiana – more of a historic location close to Centro with perhaps the most value for your budget.
5. Los Frailes – one of the more sought-after colonials in San Miguel. Close to El Centro with great views and less traffic.
Reasons to Live in San Miquel de Allende
When we think of a place to live and retire in Mexico, finding a place that checks as many boxes as San Miguel would be hard to come by. Climate-√, culture-√, food-√, things to do-√, cost of living-√, location-√, weather-√, and quality of life-√√!
San Miquel balances a fine line between becoming more accommodating to ex-pats- yet maintaining the balance of staying an authentic historical Mexican Unesco World Heritage City. That’s not easy to do, but ex-pats all agree there is no better place to live when considering all the most important factors when living abroad.
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, San Miquel de Allende!
As always, we appreciate you, and… Live Con Todo
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Trip Advisor
- Travel and Leisure
- Unesco World Heritage
- Personal Experiences
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand