Why san miguel de allende
Twice the standard of living at one-third the cost.
San Miguel de Allende (SMA) is a small town in Mexico that has been named the “Best Small City in the World” for the sixth time by Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards.” It is a nearly 500-year-old municipality with a rich history and cultural charm. The town is located close to two international airports and is only a short drive away from Queretaro, a larger city known for its amenities, including the largest mall in Mexico and reliable fiber optic internet.
SMA is an attractive destination for remote workers and those looking to relocate. The town offers a favorable cost of living, with properties available at a fraction of the price compared to many other countries. Property taxes for a million-dollar house are under $2,000 USD per year, and the cost of food, entertainment, and other expenses are significantly lower than in the USA. For example, two movie tickets, a large popcorn, and two drinks cost less than $15 USD.
Living in SMA provides a high quality of life, as many daily tasks can be outsourced to local help at low costs. This includes house cleaning, meal preparation, lawn maintenance, and grocery shopping. By freeing up time from these chores, residents have more opportunities to pursue hobbies and interests.
Families considering moving to SMA can take advantage of the education system, which offers prestigious private schools at a fraction of the cost compared to their home countries. Living in Mexico also exposes children to a bilingual environment and provides affordable access to various extracurricular activities, such as equestrian training, professional tennis lessons, and arts training.
San Miguel de Allende boasts a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The town offers a warm and welcoming community, and its ideal climate with mild temperatures throughout the year makes it an attractive destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary environment.
In summary, San Miguel de Allende is an extraordinary place to live, offering a lower cost of living, a high standard of living, a safe community, ideal climate, and numerous opportunities for remote work. It has become a popular destination for migration, particularly among those who can work remotely.
To learn more about San Miguel's 500 year history.
Click on the article below.
San Miguel de Allende, a city located in central Mexico, has received numerous prestigious accolades over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s finest cities. In October 2013, it achieved the esteemed title of “Best City in the World” in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, surpassing renowned cultural destinations such as Rome, Budapest, and Florence. This recognition highlights the city’s exceptional attributes and cultural significance.
San Miguel de Allende’s inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008, alongside the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, further attests to its cultural importance and commitment to preserving its historical buildings, streets, and churches for future generations. The city’s architectural heritage, characterized by Mexican Baroque and neoclassical styles, is exemplified by outstanding religious and civic structures constructed during the 18th century.
The city boasts a collection of award-winning hotels, including The Rosewood and Hotel Matilda, which have received acclaim for their quality and service. These hotels have been recognized as some of the best in Mexico by reputable sources such as U.S. News and World Report Travel and Condé Nast Traveler. Another notable establishment, the Nena Boutique Hotel, showcases San Miguel’s local charm and hospitality.
San Miguel de Allende is also a popular retirement destination, known for offering an exceptional quality of life. Its relative affordability, agreeable climate, and a sizeable foreign community have consistently placed it among the top international retirement destinations and one of the best places to retire in Mexico.
Residents of San Miguel enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with a wide range of activities and cultural events. The city provides ample volunteering opportunities, clubs, and classes catering to diverse interests such as sculpting, Spanish language, writing, painting, yoga, and dance. The nightlife scene offers various dining options, clubs, and bars for those seeking entertainment. Additionally, the city hosts numerous annual events and cultural celebrations, including the Day of the Dead parades and altars, the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), the Grito of Independence Day, the Jazz Festival, and the Writer’s Conference, among others.
The climate of San Miguel de Allende is particularly appealing to visitors. With average temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit and predominantly sunny skies, it offers a pleasant environment throughout the year. February is considered a desirable time to visit, providing respite for those seeking relief from excessive snowfall. The hottest period typically spans approximately six weeks from May to mid-June, with average highs in the low to mid-90s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-60s.
Situated at an elevation of 6,500 feet in the heart of central Mexico, San Miguel holds historical significance as it was founded in the 16th century and played a role in the Mexican revolution of 1810.
Overall, San Miguel de Allende’s remarkable achievements, cultural heritage, quality hotels, retirement appeal, diverse activities, and favorable climate contribute to its esteemed reputation as one of the world’s finest cities.
Adverage year
round Tempature
No° Expats in
the population*
Safest city in
mexico*
SAN MIGUEL HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST SMALL CITIES IN THE WORLD
Unesco World
Heritage Site
As of 2008
Condé Nast Best Small
City in the World
2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022
Mexico's Most Enchanting Destination
2019 & 2021
Palm Springs Sister
City
12 sister cities around the world including the newest, Palm Springs.
about buying property in mexico
FAQ's
Buying real estate in Mexico does not require any special immigration status if you are an expat. However, if you do buy property here Mexico requires you to be treated exactly the same, relative to the property you purchase, as any Mexican citizen.
In San Miguel de Allende and anywhere in Mexico (excluding the Restricted Zones), you can buy real estate even if your immigration status is that of a tourist. Regardless of immigration status however, all expats must obtain a permit issued by the Secretary of Foreign Relations (SRE permit) before the property’s deed can be registered in your name.
Mexico has quickly become a top relocation destination for retirees and young remote working adults from the United States. Mexico’s beauty, sunny climate, vibrant culture, friendly people, fresh cuisine, and lower cost of living have attracted more and more expats to move south of the border.
The U.S. State Department reports that approximately 1.5 million Americans currently reside in Mexico. That number makes Americans the largest group of immigrants living in Mexico. The country is also regularly listed in the top ten of Global Retirement Index’s best places to retire.
San Miguel de Allende (SMA) is the most charming small town in Mexico. This is not just our opinion. SMA is a nearly 500-year-old municipality that has been named for the sixth time the “Best Small City in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the oldest and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.
When an expat buys real estate in Mexico, it has been historically a cash transaction. Though you’ll find housing prices are significantly lower than in the USA, buying a property with all cash is not always an option for our USA clients looking to relocate.
Kimmel Realty Group (KRG) is proud to present mortgages to the San Miguel de Allende community.
KRG was introduced to this innovative mortgage lender through the Mexican law firm with whom Jeff Kimmel is a partner. The law firm is the primary attorney for the lender handling all of the mortgage documentation from start to closing.
The lender is offering essentially a brand new product; a cross-border financing solution for U.S. citizens seeking to securely purchase or refinance residential property in Mexico based upon their credit history in the USA.
Contact us for more information
The property tax for a million dollar house PER YEAR is under $2,000 USD*. The cost of food, particularly if one chooses to shop at neighborhood fruit and vegetable shops, meat markets, etc. Where the majority of Mexican families shop, is a fraction of the price you would pay in your home country (think 1,200 pesos – $60 USD per week for two people*). Entertainment (concerts, plays, lectures), going out to dinner, going to the movies are half to a third of the price in the USA. For example: two movie tickets at a multiplex facility with a large popcorn and two drinks total costs approximately $15 USD*).
It is close to two international airports (each a 1.5 hour drive) and close to a wonderful large, modern city Queretaro (45 minutes’ drive) that features the largest mall in Mexico (with every brand you can find in the USA), a Costco and pretty much anything that you could want of a big city. It also has reliable fiber optic and fast internet.
See our Buyer's Guide for a step-by-step overview for buying Real Estate in San Miguel.
Let’s Connect
