San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico continues to gain global recognition as one of the best travel destinations. But more and more, people are discovering that it’s also a great place to live year-round.
Condé Nast Traveler ranked the Mexican city as the best in the world for 2017, 2018 and 2021, according to CDR San Miguel.
Ann Dolan, a realtor of the city’s leading broker, listed the five Cs that attracted foreigners to visit the metro area. Here’s a brief rundown of every reason why San Miguel de Allende continues to see growing demand from the U.S. and other parts of the world.
1. More Affordable Cost Of Living
An analysis showed that apartments in the city center may cost approximately $2,600 per square meter. The same properties outside the city center may cost almost $740 per square meter.
Property prices in San Miguel de Allende have surged in recent years due to an influx of foreign buyers. Despite the increase, the city remains a good place to stretch your home-buying dollars.
For example, Dolan recently shared that the luxury market in San Miguel de Allende starts at about $700,000. About that amount will buy an investment property such as the Casa Buena Fortuna in the Centro neighborhood.
As remote work became more common, many families have moved into the city, according to Dolan. The proximity of bilingual private schools in San Miguel de Allende made it easier for parents to finalize relocation plans.
Cobblestone streets lend an authentic touch to the vibrant community of San Miguel de Allende.
2. Huge Expat Community
Dolan shares that as many as 63 nationalities live in San Miguel de Allende. Don’t be surprised to see Americans, many of whom are retirees, taking a relaxed stroll around town.
Expats are also a common sight in neighborhood restaurants and shopping districts. CDR San Miguel describes the local communities that modernized their appeal with luxury services yet still retained historic vibes.
Foreigners flock to San Miguel de Allende not only because of the low cost of living and crime rate. The almost year-round sunny weather also convinces people to retire in the city.
3. Favorable Climate
Foreigners flock to San Miguel de Allende not only because of the low cost of living and crime rate. The almost year-round sunny weather also convinces people to retire in the city.
Temperatures in the city can reach up to 85°F throughout most of the year. The dry season typically lasts from September to June. Even during the wet season, the chance of rainfall only reaches more than 30% on a certain day.
In 2008, San Miguel de Allende became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Protected Culture
In 2008, San Miguel de Allende became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of its cultural charm lies in Baroque architecture from the Spanish colonial era.
The Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco serves as the pivotal place of cultural harmony between Europe and Latin America. The sanctuary features Baroque pieces from the 18th century.
A thriving artistic industry complements the historical appeal of San Miguel de Allende. Add world-class cuisines from different countries and you’ll have a recipe for a melting pot of cross-cultural exchange.
A thriving artistic industry complements the historical appeal of San Miguel de Allende.
5. Low Crime Rate
Despite what you read online, the crime rate in San Miguel de Allende compares favorably to other travel destinations in Mexico. The city’s population reached more than 174,000 people in 2020.
DataMéxico noted 400 complaints in August 2021, and only 40 of those complaints involved damages to properties. Theft accounted for 106 complaints, while injury-related incidents consisted of 53 complaints.
The size of the expatriate community in San Miguel de Allende also proves that it’s safe to live in the area.
Ready to move soon? Click here to find out more about CDR San Miguel, the top luxury property broker in San Miguel de Allende.
