San Miguel de Allende Guide for Expats
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a truly magical city, with its cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant culture. It’s no surprise why it has become a favorite destination for expats and digital nomads looking to escape their daily grind and start a new life abroad. San Miguel de Allende offers something for everyone – from its stunning scenery to its wide variety of cuisine and entertainment options.
In terms of climate, San Miguel de Allende provides mild temperatures year-round with warm days and cool nights in the winter months. This makes San Miguel de Allende an ideal destination as temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius/ 59 Fahrenheit during wintertime or above 25 degrees Celsius / 77 Fahrenheit during summertime.
Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Located in the Bajío region of central Mexico just east of Guanajuato state, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to explore both modern and traditional Mexican culture. San Miguel de Allende is full of art galleries, historic monuments, cultural events and nightlife experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.
The city’s outdoor markets are also a great place to pick up souvenirs with locals selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to beautiful woven baskets. San Miguel de Allende also has several annual festivals like San Miguel Archangel Festival in October or La Candelaria Festival around February 2nd that are definitely worth visiting if you have the chance!
Additionally, San Miguel de Allende is known for having some excellent restaurants which serve unique dishes inspired by flavors from all over Mexico like mole poblano (a traditional dish consisting of turkey or chicken cooked in sauce made from chocolate and chili peppers), enchiladas mineras (corn tortillas filled with cheese hand-rolled and covered with spicy chorizo sauce) or tacos al pastor (tacos filled with marinated pork served with pineapple) and some good Mexican beer.
Best neighborhoods for Expats in San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is an ideal destination for expats on the lookout for a new life abroad. The cost of living in San Miguel de Allende is quite affordable and the city has numerous neighborhoods where one can find their perfect home.
El Centro, San Miguel’s historic center, is where most of the action happens. This district is full of 17th-century colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, art galleries and plenty of restaurants to choose from. As it’s located in the city center, El Centro offers easy access to San Miguel’s attractions while still providing a quiet atmosphere at night. Expats who want to be in the heart of San Miguel de Allende will love this district as it offers many options for housing depending on budget and preference.
Fabrica La Aurora is a great option if you’re looking for artsy vibes and an “urban village” feel. Fabrica La Aurora used to be a cotton mill factory before it was converted into San Miguel’s creative hub with unique shops, galleries, cafes and more! It’s home to some of San Miguel de Allende’s trendiest spots like BunaVista Cafe which serves excellent coffee drinks or Nomada Street Food for delicious Mexican street eats! Expats interested in living near Fabrica La Aurora can find reasonably priced apartments that offer stunning views of San Miguel’s skyline.
San Antonio-Lagunas neighborhood located north of San Miguel provides a tranquil setting with lush green spaces and mountain views. This area is perfect for expats who want to enjoy San Miguel de Allende without getting caught up in its bustling downtown scene. Apartments located in this area are usually much more spacious than those found closer to El Centro and come with large balconies offering breathtaking views of San Antonio-Lagunas countryside landscape. Plus, they tend to be more affordable compared to places located closer to El Centro!
Other areas worth considering when looking for housing options are Guadiana which offers cozy homes surrounded by gardens; Colonia Independencia known as San Miguel’s hippest neighborhood; or Colonia Sta Maria de la Paz with its luxurious villas situated along winding roads leading up the hillsides.
Cost of Living in San Miguel de Allende
Overall, San Miguel de Allende offers something for everyone – from lively downtown districts with plenty of entertainment possibilities, artsy hubs like Fabrica La Aurora or peaceful suburbs where one can enjoy nature at its finest! The cost of living in San Miguel de Allende varies depending on the area but generally prices range between $200 USD -$900 USD per month for a studio apartment or house rental depending on size and location.
Those looking for a lower budget option can opt for shared accommodation which usually ranges between $100-$400 USD per month including utilities and internet access (depending on location). Shopping centers are conveniently located around San Miguel so you won’t have any trouble finding supermarkets or pharmacies nearby when you need them!
Bottom Line
Overall San Miguel de Allende is a great option for expats who are looking for an experience that combines culture, relaxation and adventure all at once – making it one of the best destinations to live in Mexico!
