Jason Holland, an International Living collaborator, recently published an interesting and useful article titled “the top 5 reasons to retire in San Miguel Allende”.
Set in Central Mexico, the Colonial Highlands region has been drawing retirees and other expats for decades. One town in particular has been a favorite, San Miguel de Allende, which is about four hour’s drive northwest of Mexico City.
It’s a colonial town, with beautiful 16th century Baroque architecture in the historic centro, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Yet, you also have all the modern conveniences and services like high-speed internet.
This town of 70,000 (with an estimated 10% of the population being expats) has a lot going for it, plenty of benefits that make the living easy…and fun. Here are five reasons why it might be the right place for you:
1. The Climate
Most homes in San Miguel don’t have heat or air conditioning. With the temperate climate, you just don’t need it. Thanks to its 6,200-foot elevation and location in the high sierra, the temperatures stay below the mid-80s F during the day most of the year, with January seeing some cooler days and cold nights. There is also very little humidity and many sunny days throughout the year. It’s just plain comfortable, weather-wise.
2. The Arts and Culture
The first expats to move to San Miguel were veterans studying art at the Instituto Allende just after World War II. When they discovered they could use their GI Bill there, they flocked to the town. And that legacy continues to this day, with San Miguel hosting many working artists and sculptors, with studios, galleries, and workshops found throughout the town. You can take art classes in many mediums and even exhibit your work.
Art is just one aspect of this vibe. Live music, readings, lectures, foreign film festivals, and more can be found at venues around town.
You also have a rich local culture, with many fiestas and parades throughout the year. One of the main celebrations, for the town’s patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel, takes place at the end of September.
Source: https://internationalliving.com/
