Retire ( or Live ) in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - the Straight Talk ( Pros and Cons )

[@demiansolis]

I am Mexican and ran into your channel by accident. I watched your video because I was intrigued about your comments on SMA. I live in Queretaro but visit SMA frequently. I felt the need to clarify the origin of some of features you found inconvenient about SMA. Hopefully your American viewers will find them useful. They are intended to provide them with context. So, here they are: 1. Narrow side walks. This feature is common to almost all Mexican colonial towns. It was introduced by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Many towns in Spain are the same, they have narrow streets and side walks. They were appropriate for a time when they were no cars and walking was common to people. 2. No supermarkets. As you mentioned, there are some supermarkets like City Market out of the historic center but you will never find them inside the historic center of any colonial Mexican city deemed a World Heritage Sity by the UN. Being a World Heritage Site entails complying with UN regulations, which strictly prohibit making significant changes to historic cities. For this reason the SMA government cannot make the streets and side walks broader, remove cobble stone from the streets or allow supermarkets in the historic center. I live in Queretaro and the situation is exactly the same in its colonial historic center. 3. Houses built inwards. This is the Spanish influence. If you visit Spain you'll see that ancient and even modern houses are built inwards. In the Hispanic world privacy is highly valued. We don't like neighbors or strangers getting to see how we live. We like isolating ourselves from the world behind high walls. Very different from the Anglo world. 4. Steep streets - Well, the entire Guanajuato state is mountainous, so for the Spaniards it was easier to built their towns onto hills instead of trying to make the land flat. You can see this in Spain, too. 5. High prices - SMA has become highly popular with Americans and that has pushed prices up. Its the offer/demand law. Other expat destinations in Mexico like Ajijic have become expensive for the same reason. You want affordable prices and cost of living? Go to other towns no so popular with American expats, like Morelia in Michoacán state. Morelia is as charming as SMA, but more affordable. 6. No enough green spaces - I am not sure about this one. Think it has to do with SMA having been built in a semi desertic region. It might be a colonial thing, too because other colonial towns in Mexico lack of big green spaces. You'll see plazas and small parks but not really big green spaces. Again, I hope you and your viewers find my comments useful and help them understand why SMA is hot it is. Wish you all the best luck.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thank you so much! This is a very insightful and thoughtful reply - we greatly appreciate it.

[@ltdodgen]

Thank you for this very interesting input! I just bought a small place in SMA so the more information the better.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@ltdodgen We are very happy you have gotten more information from this discussion; happy travels!

[@Suz52]

Wonderful response! Thank you! And this Anglo prefers the privacy. I had it my home, but with curtains & closed doors in the front! The only thing I miss … and not that much, but a little … is my back yard. It was very private most days.

[@orlymarq6238]

Hi, thanks for the info. What have to say about Queretaro? I am looking this area. I like cool weather more like 60-70 ish.

[@ltdodgen]

Very good assessment for the most part! I just bought a small condo in a gated complex of only 4 units. It’s about a 15 minute flat walk to centro and in a neighborhood with a good mix of locals and foreigners. I agreed with all your pros, some of your cons were pros for me and the rest of the cons are mostly fixable. The first misconception is that eating out is expensive. It can be, but if you eat like a local in homey little establishments away from centro, it’s quite cheap and delicious. I had some of the best enchiladas I’d ever had in a hole in the wall, 2 table place for less than 2.00 usd last time I was there! There are lots of little places like that to eat. In the mercados there are food stalls putting out yummy fare for only a few dollars. There isn’t a big street food scene but there are a few good ones. After all, 80-85% of the population IS Mexican and most can’t afford the pricey food scene. I love having both options available. If you buy or rent and your place doesn’t have heating/ cooling you can add a mini split air conditioner for a reasonable price, and fans are an even cheaper option . A space heater might also be needed as nights and evenings can get pretty chilly especially in winter. My place is a new build and doesn’t have any of that so I will see what I need after living there awhile. I do have screens. The last thing I want to mention is that taxis are cheap so if you run out of energy in your meanderings, a taxi will get you anywhere within the perimeter of the town for 70- 80 pesos. That’s 3 or 4 dollars usd. I believe there is uber as well… Anyway, I like your fair minded analysis and have subscribed!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We agree with you - we ate a lot of local food while in SMA. Our concern is more with the higher end restaurants that many people focus on there. If we moved there we would definitely get screens and A/C. Thanks for the great comment and for watching our videos!

[@julieroebuck8349]

No disrespect but you want to learn how to pronounce Queretaro and Paroquia. And did you make it to Parque Benito Juarez for green space? There are also other parks as well. There is also a mall in SMA. Also pros & cons have a lot to do with perspective: hills provide awesome views. And every Airbnb I stayed in had screens on windows.

[@SunSandandSurf]

I think not having a Wal Mart is a major Pro.

[@babyblue61549]

I so agree!!!🙏

[@juanitawyles2225]

Thank you so much. You both remind me of me and my husband. He is a musician and I am a writer/actress. We are in the deciding phase of where to retire. San Miguel is #1 for him. The information you both gave was just what we need. We plan to visit to make get a feel of the city before we make our move to Mexico. Thanks again for this most informative video.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are so glad you enjoyed it and it was of use to you both. Definitely go and see for yourselves - everyone experiences things differently. Thanks for watching!

[@susangustavson5662]

Thanks for all your comments. My husband and I went there for two months two different times --he led groups of students to study Spanish there. The last time was 2006, a long time ago, but your pros and cons I would absolutely agree with. I imagine the upscale vibe has only increased by now, but the charm and artistic vibe seem to still be present from what you say. And I agree, the parks are small and not plentiful.

[@joanb4446]

I agree with what you shared. I have been to San Miguel and fell in love with it. I was thinking about retiring there but you validated a number of things I had been thinking.

[@TimMaloneyNMactor]

SMA is a Beautiful town . reminds me of Disneyland or a Movie Set . very charming and Picturesque . The elevation is 6,234 ft. so if you`re elderly or sensitive to high altitudes , it may take a while to acclimate . wear a good pair of tennis shoes . enjoy .

[@babyblue61549]

I’m an artist and my husband keeps telling me how much I’ll love it and how vibrant the art scene is. He lived there like 20 years ago and loved it. You clinched for me. Thank u🙏🙏🙏✅👍🏻

[@lawrenceanthrax375]

I WOULD ADD PERFECTION IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD, BEAUTY IS ALSO FOUND IN THE LITTLE INPERFECTIONS

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for the comment - as always these are merely our opinions. Thanks for watching!

[@impactoespacios5942]

Gracias por compartir sus puntos de vistas queridos visitantes 😊

[@greadore]

Good video outlining the pros and cons!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are glad you found it helpful - thanks for watching!

[@impactoespacios5942]

Me encanta que puedan expresarse tan naturalmente de lo que les parece positivo y lo que no es completamente satisfactorio. Estoy de acuerdo con ustedes 👊🏼💯🆗

[@Suz52]

I live in Sanmigulense now. I love it. And it is pronounced like K-rá-ta-ro.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

I am glad you found a place that you like.

[@Suz52]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 I am still sad you did not see more good here.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@Suz52 Next time we are there, we will definitely look you up - there is always hope.

[@dennydiante2434]

where are you from - the midwest? Walls are great and the privacy it provides - typical Spanish

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are from the prairies in Canada - we like to socialize with our neighbours (and it wasn't typical in other parts of Mexico, either). Not that it doesn't work with the walls, but we found it a touch strange; that is just our opinion though.

[@unclefester6501]

Winnipeg, eh.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@unclefester6501 Yes, Winnipeg is where we grew up and most recently where we were living. But we have lived in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Fort McMurray, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Mexico at certain periods of time.

[@GeorgiaandDavid]

We loved the delicious and expensive restaurant scene. After 28 days there I have to add to the con list that my dog hated the 5 and 6 am fireworks that happened at least a couple times per week.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Good point. We didn't really experience that too much, although our place was far enough from the action that it wasn't too loud - there definitely were some fireworks though. Thanks for watching!

[@eyesea123]

I love that you both compare Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel. Ideally, I'd love to have a place in both. Thank you for this information. It helps a lot!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad that you found it useful and enjoyed the video!

[@roadtriprob8442]

Great video I think overall for us the Mexican Highlands are great for us dry tempered weather most of the year ... but yes when we stayed there we were uphill of Centro which were steep to say the least...Have you guys considered visiting Queretaro, it's of interest to has ...it appears to have a beautiful colonial Centro flat and clean , complimented by all the convenience of a larger city, stadiums shop marks ect.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We haven't been to Queretaro, but it definitely looks like a great city. We have heard that it has been getting rather expensive in certain ways - it has a lot of upscale restaurants, etc., and also has a growing tech industry, along with a lot of people moving there for that. Thanks for watching!

[@steveh545]

Older vid I know, but my wife and I just got back from a visit, and I was blown away by the lack of bugs. Just some honeybees. No flies or anything. So maybe it’s seasonal.

[@lorettaalake9811]

Thanks for your honest review.

[@evajimenez3632]

This video is absolutely helpful, thanks !!!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it; thanks for watching!

[@Suz52]

Did you study about San Miguel before you came???? I knew what to expect! There are hardware stores, the small shops have lots of things! And Liverpool is in a mall!!!!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We read extensively - sometimes you just need to visit a place to find out if it is for you or not.

[@alisasalem8316]

This was helpful! Much appreciated😊

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are glad you enjoyed it!

[@tomcrowe7927]

Would you further explain what you mean by So-Cal/Arizona vibe? No entiendo.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It feels like Southern California or certain parts of Arizona to us. Just our opinion though. Thanks for watching!

[@lunazamoraart]

Pretty good assessment. Have you visited Lake Chapala?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Sadly, we haven't been to the Chapala Area. Maybe at some point in the future? Thanks for watching!

[@acajudi100]

Mosquito nets over your bed, and get the mosquito coils, that you can burn. No problems next door in Queretaro. I am in my 82nd year, and over 62 years coming to Mexico, and Spanish is my second language, since age 14.

[@ChuckMacKinnon]

Thanks! so where in Mexico did you prefer for your music career or raising a family? Currently in Puerto in Vallarta and considering other options.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

This is something we will discuss in a future video. We haven't quite come to a decision as of yet.

[@yazminmojica4458]

Thank you, it’s been a GREAT help to me, Bendiciones 🙏

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are so glad that you found it helpful; thanks for watching!

[@colleenalder]

ooops, parks? lots and lots of parks? you didnt travel out of centro very often? a 10 minute walk out of the very center are many parks , have to clear that up right away?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We walked all over town - over 10 kms easily(watch our other videos for us going to the parks). What "parks" are you talking about (name them)? And ... a little corner park with three trees and two benches doesn't count.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Look at a map on Google of SMA, and you will see very little green - it isn't perfect, but it is a good indicator of the parks in a place.

[@susanmarie2231]

I just saw another KZbin post and people talking about how cheap it is to live there? Is there another San Miguel there are talking about?

[@voicesoup]

I found the streets very claustrophobic - narrow with NO alleys, felt trapped. And yes, lack of green space.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

I am glad someone agrees with us on this! Thanks for watching!

[@impactoespacios5942]

Thanks for your be honests 💯🆗☑️😃👍🏼

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for watching!

[@yumyumkitty2104]

Lots of mosquitoes in SMA???!! Oh.Hell.No. I was looking forward to visiting there for 2-3 months, but due to me being O Negative blood type (less clotting) they love me!! 😭😭 I'm sooo upset now and was sooo looking forward to seeing all the beauty and meeting artsy folks.

[@joanb4446]

Google the best time of year to go so you won’t be troubled by mosquitoes. I was there in November and didn’t see one mosquito. You have to go. It’s lovely.

[@diegodelavega6237]

Pretty detailed 👍

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We try and give our honest opinions - we are glad you enjoyed it!

[@ParisianThinker]

Very low property taxes in Mexico allows larger more opulent homes to be built. Many retirees do not.speak Spanish and if they do, it is what they learned taking Spanish Language lessons. They really can't discuss many subjects in the language. I speak French and some Spanish, but would like living in SM because of my lack of fluent Spanish. Also the health care system in Mexico for private health care is good. If there is less or no crime in SM,, then that is also a win. These are very scary times in Q3 2024. Many move out of USA due to violence, crime and cost of living. I am considering SM as I do not want to be caught in any of France's wars or hate groups.

[@Suz52]

And I studied Spanish in the university 20 yrs ago. I am resuming my studies. It is important to learn Spanish if you want to live here! Actually, not everyone speaks English, especially if you don’t live in Centro. Not so expensive as you are saying. No, no, no. Especially the restaurants! Eat the street food! Cook at home. Many parks also. Did you two go outside Centro????? There is a lot. You just didn’t find them. Guadiana has one. Many in the neighborhoods!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We did eat the street food. Also, we were not staying in Centro. Our point was not that you can't find cheap food or accommodation, but rather, that most of the available options on on the expensive side of things. And the park in Guadiana? We went there, it was very small for us. We realize that we need a city with more greenspace.

[@padme2804]

Rather, California and Arizona resemble the Mexican towns, these states were part of Mexico . I mean!!!!

[@blancarivera95]

I think the ac is something that you can take care yourself. Also, the mosquitos 😂

[@sierravista9013]

Good hate malls and Walmart

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We aren't fans of big malls either, but if you are looking for that, it isn't really available. Also, there is a higher price associated to the more boutique type shops. Thanks for watching!

[@user-yc7qe5jc8w]

Pricing of cost of living

[@alicegomez9541]

Probably is not for you because you like California more or maybe to small town? I lived in California very expensive but is San Miguel de Allende is same as California or Less or more

[@melrobkat]

Parque Jaurez is a great park!

[@JillOchsner]

Have you found another "artsy" locale that is more your style?

[@dennydiante2434]

thank God there are no big stores -

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

It just depends on your preferences I suppose - the boutique stores are generally more expensive. Thanks for watching!

[@Suz52]

Gated communities are often where expats live! I live in La Lejona behind La Comer. I am still in the city limits! I have a small courtyard and a balcony. A very small garden. And I have screens on all my windows!!!!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

You are smart to have screens on your windows. We just didn't see any on most houses.

[@Suz52]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 Again, you didn’t explore much! I lived in Chelo’s this past winter before I moved here the end of June. Screens on all the windows & doors, and I was between the fabulous Mercado Sano & the Oxxo on Ancha San Antonio not but a couple of miles from La Parroquia (Pah-ró-key-ah, phonetically.)

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@Suz52 We walked approximately 10 kms of roads in SMA and examined all of the windows while doing so : 90% did not have screens. The newer complexes may be different.

[@Suz52]

Go to Nashville, TN and you will find many more mosquitos. None in the winter, even in San Antonio!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We come from Winnipeg, Manitoba that has more mosquitos than all of those combined. We know mosquitos.

[@catobie1948]

No screens in most places in Mexico.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Maybe, but many of the places we stayed in had screens.

[@carlosvillegas6113]

Keep looking, I'm sure the perfect city do exist somewhere.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks - we are looking as we travel. Thanks for watching.

[@sallyzedillo4468]

You missed the huge park: Parke Juarez...check your facts

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Watch our San Miguel video - we went there. It is not huge, it is small, sorry to say, and definitely not enough green space for us. Thanks for watching.

[@ltdodgen]

I wouldn’t call it huge, but it’s big enough for me.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@ltdodgen If it works for you, great! It didn't for us. Thanks for watching!

[@sierravista9013]

That's the Spanish influence

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for the comment - but what exactly are you referring to here?

[@sierravista9013]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 now I can't remember, but I do remember it was something I noticed when I was in Spain, oh I think it was about the court yards.

[@sierravista9013]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 yes the court yards. Great review, I hope to visit San Miguel de Allende next year.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@sierravista9013 I definitely can see what you mean.

[@sierravista9013]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 mostly in Southern Spain, I think it originates from the Arabic influence. I think it's so interesting all the influences. I personally love court yards!!

[@jaquelineflores5211]

😲👏👍😃🤗🇲🇽

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@impactoespacios5942]

En MÉxico no tenemos la cultura del AA, ni nos preocupamos en resolver con mallas en puertas y ventanas vs 🆚 mosquitos 👍🏼🆗💯

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

The Monaco of Mexico?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Interesting comment! I can't really say in that we aren't that familiar with Monaco ...

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

Thats funny .... American tourists remarking about how touristy SMA is !!!!! For big stores we have Liverpool ( mexican Macys ) and City Market ( large upscale supermarket ) It's pronounced San Miguel Dey eye en day and the large city near by is pronounced Ka Ret Tar Ow not Karatearo

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We are not American. We went to both of those stores as well - not much to speak of. We were in in Mexico for 4 months and did the best we could with our Spanish. Thanks for watching!

[@marssinks8232]

quick question, what is the difference between an "expat" and an immigrant? and why don't you call yourselves immigrants?

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

We aren't either, because we don't live there. We are travelling and looking for a new place to live.

[@wallyklw5]

These two must have had their eyes closed…parque el chorro, parque Benito Juarez-many others right in town as well. Oh, its gentrified alright.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Open your own eyes, ours were wide open. Watch our other videos, we walked almost the entire town in depth. The only park that qualifies (barely) is Benito Juarez, and it is not much of anything. Look on a map and see how much green there is (indicating a park) - almost nothing. And a few trees with benches (Parque el chorro) does not count as a park in our minds. If these "parks" are enough for you, fine; they are not for us.

[@alexaristed2534]

I think you all youtubers and digital nomads have to slow down with these videos inviting/enticing people to move to Mexico. It’s starting to cause gentrification, fear of costs rising, and keeping Mexicans from living in their own country, as the influx of people with more means elevates costs of living. Please think of the Mexican people who are so welcoming and are being displaced. This is starting to look like a colonization and it’s gonna start creating problems!!

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@kd8199]

It’s interesting that Mexicans come to the US to make more money and elevate their quality of life. Americans go to Mexico to retire and save money for a better quality of life.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@kd8199 Very true - except we are not in Mexico anymore, and we are not American.

[@kd8199]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 - I was speaking of Americans and Mexicans in general….not you two. Safe travels!

[@alexaristed2534]

@@kd8199 Although I feel a bit bad about the negatives of gentrification, I also believe that everyone deserves the chance to migrate in search of a better life. For decades Mexicans have migrated north looking for opportunities we lacked in 🇲🇽. Now a lot of Americans are leaving the 🇺🇸 for 🇲🇽 because their pensions will afford them a better life in 🇲🇽 This is great for 🇲🇽 because it brings people with 💴 that boost the Local economy, but also causes prices to rise. But again, I’m hoping the positives far outweigh the negatives. Please let’s help the locals by buying their products and being good guests. We all have a right to live wherever we please. There should not be borders!

[@sallyzedillo4468]

We have a mall....

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

Which mall are you talking about? We went to one that was kind of a mall, also small with only a few stores. Thanks for commenting.

[@ltdodgen]

@@livingoverseasonadime5933 la luciernaga…outdoor mall and pretty small, but some western style fashion and the big department store. Queretaro nearby has a huge luxurious mall if that’s your thing, plus Costco, Walmart,bed bath and beyond and others.

[@livingoverseasonadime5933]

@@ltdodgen We agree - we were just commenting that SMA doesn't really have those things if that is what you are looking for.