With a population of approximately 139,000 and over 10,000 expat residents, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination. San Miguel enjoys year-round temperatures in the 70s and 80s and a moderate cost of living. Expats have been coming to San Miguel de Allende since the 1930s. Today, expats continue to flock to this beautiful city with cobblestone streets, a famous central plaza, called El Jardin, and a thriving arts scene. San Miguel is located in central Mexico about an hour and a half from Queretaro, a larger city with great hospitals and medical facilities.
What are the pros and cons of living in San Miguel de Allende?
"Living in San Miguel de Allende was a hugely positive experience overall. It changed my life for the better. I learned how to live outside my comfort zone, and build a rewarding life in a place where I was a total stranger. Mexico opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, made me more patient and tolerant. I loved the many activities, wonderful food, charm and walkability of SMA. The thriving expat community was a real bonus. But I also immersed myself in Mexican culture by taking continuous Spanish language and culture classes, and making Mexican friends.The great, affordable transportation system within Mexico allowed me to explore some of the many fabulous destinations within this fascinating country. And let's not forget the food! San Miguel has a wonderful array of restaurants, featuring many different cuisines. I also loved the mostly dry, temperate climate of this mountain city," wrote one member.
"San Miguel has changed since I arrived 3 years ago. As I mentioned, the cost of housing has skyrocketed as more and more expats from the US and Canada come for the winter months. Landlords would rather rent short-term and make a bundle in the 3-4 months of the high season than rent year-round for we who call SMA home," added another expat in San Miguel de Allende.
Our article, Pros and Cons of Living in San Miguel de Allende, includes more on this topic.