Moving to San Miguel, good idea or bad idea?

jbills1953 Member

1POSTS

9 years ago

My wife and I are planning to come to San Miguel for the first time to explore the possibility of moving there on a permanent basis. Any advice or helpful tips would be appreciated.

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kenjee ViP

19610POSTS

9 years ago

Hello jbills1953 and welcome to 大咖福利影院

While waiting for members who have already made the move to tip in, I invite yo to check out the san Miguel de Allende Forum to gather some infos from experiences shared.

You may also want to check out articles from our living in Mexico guide to better prepare your expatriation project.

Wish you all the best

Regards
Kenjee
大咖福利影院

KateMills44 New member

6POSTS

9 years ago

I moved to San Miguel one year ago and it's a magical city.聽 Unfortunately it has become too popular since it has gotten so much publicity.聽 It is still magical but bring money!聽

To buy a house he near Centro figure on paying a starting price of half a million US.聽 Rents have gone up even more than home prices because many regular full time rentals have been turned into short term vacation rentals and some have been turned into boutique hotels.

Don't get me wrong, I still love San Miguel and it's a great place to retire because expats are friendly and the city welcomes them.聽 Just come check it out with a realistic open mind.
Kate

3 members reacted to this post

apicasso Active member

36POSTS

8 years ago

We are moving to SMA in August. We purchased a house outside of Centro ( too expensive and too noisy) in the Independencia area. It is about a 20 minute walk to Centro and is a mostly Mexican neighborhood with several expats in the area, as well. The house was $215k USD and is two bedroom and a den with a courtyard. The closer you are to Centro the more expensive the house. There are many neighborhoods to choose from, depending on your lifestyle and your budget. Check out for listings. Restaurants can be expensive or cheap, but the food is always good! Taxes are low $225 a year on a home. Come for a year and rent and explore, that is the best way to know if this is the right place for you!
Good luck in your search!

kleerogers New member

8POSTS

8 years ago

What are rents like in SMA area? We do not plan to buy, we own property here in Canada and will use the income to fund our lifestyle until pensions kick in in 8 years. Renting seems better also in cose we don't like SMA area for whatever reason

Advise???

GuestPoster1197023 Guest

0POSTS

8 years ago

It's a very good idea to rent at first. My wife and I have travelled Mexico for 10 years聽 (RVing) then 4 years flying before moving as permanent residents in La Pe帽ita de Jaltemba. We are now considered as Non-residents for Revenue Canada (only pensions revenues, no proprety, no stocks) thus paying a taxe rate of 15% but will be much less once we apply for article 217 on the NR income tax return reducing it to about 8% my wife and 10% for me.

Also, you should visit other areas for making sure SMA is OK for you.

Buena suerte en su proyecto, GyC.

1 member reacted to this post

Melanie_In_Mexico Contributor

114POSTS

8 years ago

Dear KleeRodgers,

What is your rent / cost of living budget?

Do you speak Spanish? If so, you have a better chance at finding more affordable rentals.

Have you come down to Mexico to explore different city options?

I highly recommend it over going on what others say on blogs like this one. People have their own opinions on everything.

I have lived in SMA for 7 years now and in other cities in Mexico. Rents (mostly in USD), groceries, and services in general are higher than other cities in Mexico. If you are on a tight budget, SMA might not be right for you.

Hope this helps!
Melanie

2 members reacted to this post

kleerogers New member

8POSTS

8 years ago

total budget for my wife and I is $3,000 a month, we have no debt, so this is money we can actually spend to live on

GuestPoster1197023 Guest

0POSTS

8 years ago

You can live well here on $3000 / month. Shop at local Mexican markets for flowers, vegetables, fruit, meat.

I am Mexican and I have been here 10 years with Canadian husband and a 12 year old daughter.

1 member reacted to this post

kleerogers New member

8POSTS

8 years ago

#10

thanks for the nice reply聽

1 member reacted to this post

kleerogers New member

8POSTS

8 years ago

#11

Melanie_In_Mexico wrote:
Dear KleeRodgers,

What is your rent / cost of living budget?

$3,000 a month

Do you speak Spanish? If so, you have a better chance at finding more affordable rentals.

Poco

Have you come down to Mexico to explore different city options?

No

I highly recommend it over going on what others say on blogs like this one. People have their own opinions on everything.

Agreed, but I do have friends that live in SMA and love it, others live in Lake Chapala and also love it

I have lived in SMA for 7 years now and in other cities in Mexico. Rents (mostly in USD), groceries, and services in general are higher than other cities in Mexico. If you are on a tight budget, SMA might not be right for you.

$3,000 a month CAN

Hope this helps!
Melanie

1 member reacted to this post

Itobys Active member

44POSTS

8 years ago

#12

The link you have provided only has Toronto Canada homes

CasaColibri Active member

53POSTS

8 years ago

#13

You might give Guanajuato City a look.聽 Less expensive than SMA, is the state capitol, World Heritage City, has many cultural activities, a full-time professional symphony orchestra, and the vibrancy of a large university, small but active expat population. Beautiful place!

1 member reacted to this post

chilanguito New member

7POSTS

8 years ago

#14

you can live very comfortable with 3000 dollars a month but has to be a little bit out of San Miguel. Also land is cheaper outside of San Miguel. You just have to be a little bit more adventurous.

1 member reacted to this post

Prairiegarden Member

3POSTS

7 years ago

#15

YOu may want to research crime. Guanojauto State is now # 2 for crime. We just had 5 murders one block from our apt here in SMA. 2500 troops being brought in there is drug cartel and gang turf war now in SMA area. We are leaving for USA.

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#16

Good idea!!聽 Move to Chicago or Los Angeles or New York City because there is no crime in any of those places. Let鈥檚 fan the flames of paranoia and play one of the favorite games of the Internet. The 鈥渏ump to conclusions鈥� game is fun, fun, fun !!!聽聽If those people died at the hands of the cartel, they were targeted for their involvement. If you aren鈥檛 part of the drug trade or a customer of the drug trade the statistics are way in your favor in terms of danger. Are you also planning on stopping driving or riding in vehicles?聽 They are among the most dangerous activities on the planet and i would recommend that crossing the street is a very risky behavior as well. Best of luck with your relocation.

3 members reacted to this post

SteveandMarty Contributor

101POSTS

7 years ago

#17

It's Guanajuato.聽 You're welcome.
And 2500 troops!聽 Wow!聽 Impressive.聽 Please let us know where that took place so we can avoid the area where YOU live.

3 members reacted to this post

1happkamper Active member

34POSTS

7 years ago

#18

I lived in SMA from 2012 to 2016. I left because SMA is lousy value for money.

Rents have doubled within a 6 year time span. Street trash and dog poop has really gotten bad. Pollution from too many cars, noise pollution and light pollution. Far to crowded with people and cars.

The previous poster was not fanning the flames. Sma has gotten downright dangerous! Most homeowners there have thier head buried in the sand.. they are stubborn! You do NOT have to be part of the drug cartel to be a crime victim! As for driving a car... No.. I would not drive a car from sma in any direction. A first class bus is far safer.. But still has a small risk.

Life is not about worry. Its about managing risk. Getting the facts is important.

I visited sma this past Christmas. It was a sad sight indeed. Not the vibe it was in 2012.

The whole world is obviously changing. Why settle for just one location? How about Singapore in the winter and Col. Condesa, in Mexico City, in the summertime? That's a fun combo!

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#19

Different strokes for different folks

2 members reacted to this post

gstuartw Member

24POSTS

7 years ago

#20

Prairiegarden wrote:
YOu may want to research crime. Guanojauto State is now # 2 for crime. We just had 5 murders one block from our apt here in SMA. 2500 troops being brought in there is drug cartel and gang turf war now in SMA area. We are leaving for USA.

I'm curious as to the details of your claim. While I do not live in San Miguel permanently I do visit my house in San Antonio regularly and speak with both neighbors and friends from different colonias. I've tried to do research on this event you vaguely describe in both the San Miguel Times as well as The Atencion and there is nothing similar to what you mention. In which colonia did this occur and on what date? If you are going to post such dramatic news perhaps you can provide facts that will allow us to do our research.

Yes crime rates have gone up in San Miguel but I still feel safer there than many of the cities I have lived in and visit here across the border in the US. The crime that is increasing the most as I understand it is break ins and muggings. The world is changing. Be the least attractive target. Be aware of your surroundings.

Run if you must but if you do the research you will likely find that somewhere in the past of the "sanctuary" you end up in, there was some crime that made everyone say "I never thought it would happen here."

Best of luck no matter where you end up.

3 members reacted to this post

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#21

The San Miguel times article I mentioned was regarding the murder rate for Guanajuato state in total not any particular incident in SMA.

1 member reacted to this post

gstuartw Member

24POSTS

7 years ago

#22

LaloSMA wrote:
The San Miguel times article I mentioned was regarding the murder rate for Guanajuato state in total not any particular incident in SMA.

I hope my response was not taken as directed to you LaloSMA, I appreciate you citing the source though, an article I read also.

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#23

Not at all. I wanted to share the info for all whom are concerned. I share your view in safety as it applies everywhere not just Mexico.

3 members reacted to this post

SteveandMarty Contributor

101POSTS

7 years ago

#24

I've heard that Happkamper is a troll.聽 He/she sure sounds like one.

1 member reacted to this post

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#25

Maybe not a troll but definitely a person with unrealistic expectations from both a financial and sociologic perspective. I don鈥檛 know many that would list 鈥渄og poop鈥� among the major reasons to move away from a city. I also think saying that SMA is a bad value for the dollar is a very relative statement. Compared to San Francisco, San Miguel is dirt cheap. Compared to Accra, Ghana, San Miguel would be ridiculously expensive. It鈥檚 all a matter of perspective. So while happykamper has a unique perspective, he or she is entitled to their opinion, I just don鈥檛 think it fits the majority viewpoint or reflects much research and consideration of individual means and tolerances.

2 members reacted to this post

SteveandMarty Contributor

101POSTS

7 years ago

#26

You're right.

2 members reacted to this post

singledd Active member

38POSTS

7 years ago

#27

I have friends visiting SMA. In terms of Air Quality, I hear it pretty poor.
A quote from another blog.....

Re: Air quality聽
Feb 5, 2019, 12:21 AM

I've been in San Miguel off and on for 2 months and there is definitely a pollution problem here. After spending time in Guadalajara and other areas and being fine until I come back I realized it's not just in my mind. GDL is almost as big as NYC but I didn't experience anything like this. The air here smells toxic a lot of the time. Hard to place the source but probably a combo of things. The biggest giveaway is every night my fingernails are full of black soot and I'm not doing any kind of gardening. Not to mention black or bloody snot and seeing people wearing face masks on the street

SteveandMarty Contributor

101POSTS

7 years ago

#28

Wow, are we talking about the same place here?聽 Black fingernails, black snot?聽 Can't say I have experienced any of this, nor have I heard any other expats mention it.
You want to experience pollution?聽 Go to Houston, TX and stay for a few days.聽 THAT's pollution.聽 SMA is a picnic in a park.

1 member reacted to this post

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

7 years ago

#29

Black snot !聽 That鈥檚 crazy talk. Houston is bad but can鈥檛 hold a candle to Gary, Ind and people don鈥檛 have black snot there. It鈥檚 unbelievable what kind of fairy tales people will make up. YES there is pollution in SMA just like everywhere in the world. I say 鈥淕et a grip鈥� on what鈥檚 truly important and let鈥檚 move forward and enjoy what little time we get on this planet.

denisejm Member

3POSTS

6 years ago

#30

I own a home in SMA that we visit frequently.聽 We purchased it several years ago an yes SMA has grown聽 quite a bit since we purchased.聽 Along with growth there will always be some adverse factors, as in any city whether it be San Miguel or a city in the US.
However, San Miguel It is still the city we fell in love with and our plans to move there聽 permanently have never changed. We will be there next summer on a permanent basis with no apprehension.

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gstuartw Member

24POSTS

6 years ago

#31

denisejm wrote:
still the city we fell in love with and our plans to move there聽 permanently have never changed. We will be there next summer on a permanent basis with no apprehension.

I echo the sentiment. We purchased 3 years ago and get there as often as possible. It keeps us grounded and satisfied until we too can pull up roots and be there full time.

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1happkamper Active member

34POSTS

6 years ago

#32

SteveandMarty wrote:
I've heard that Happkamper is a troll.聽 He/she sure sounds like one.

And who did you hear this ridiculous statement from? A troll usually is the OP and normally gives very short and emotionally charged points.
Please refrain from name calling. Thanks.

1 member reacted to this post

1happkamper Active member

34POSTS

6 years ago

#33

LaloSMA wrote:
Maybe not a troll but definitely a person with unrealistic expectations from both a financial and sociologic perspective. I don鈥檛 know many that would list 鈥渄og poop鈥� among the major reasons to move away from a city. I also think saying that SMA is a bad value for the dollar is a very relative statement. Compared to San Francisco, San Miguel is dirt cheap. Compared to Accra, Ghana, San Miguel would be ridiculously expensive. It鈥檚 all a matter of perspective. So while happykamper has a unique perspective, he or she is entitled to their opinion, I just don鈥檛 think it fits the majority viewpoint or reflects much research and consideration of individual means and tolerances.

You need to READ my comments. I mentioned dog poop... I never suggested it was a major reason I left!

Of course my statement is relative! I've lived around the world and I still think that SMA is poor value for money and even more so with about 50 killings in that tiny beautiful town so far this year! As for your comment about "much research".. Iived in SMA for 4 years! ja ja ja.

As for whether my own expectations are realistic is a really silly comment. We all have our own way of looking at a situation. However I do believe that's my viewpoints are shared by many other sma residents who still live there or left in recent years.

SMA is a beautiful town. It's got lots of issues. So have many (all maybe) other retirement locations around the world. Anyone moving to SMA thinking it's a safe and inexpensive place to live really needs to dig a little deeper. We all have different tolerances for certain criteria in our new chosen area and for me crime is at the VERY VERY top of my Low tolerance.

LaloSMA Active member

54POSTS

6 years ago

#34

You definitely don鈥檛 want to move to Chicago then, ja ja ja. By the way, you might want to read my comment more closely. I was supporting your right to have a contrary viewpoint while offering perspective on the wide spectrum of opinions related to personal priorities involving cost, cleanliness and safety.

Statistically I live in one of the most dangerous and overpopulated, polluted cities in North America (according to the media). But I have lived here in peace, comfort and health for 45 years. Statistics and a persons personal experience do not tell the tale for everyone. Different strokes for different folks. I hope wherever you choose to be, that it 鈥� checks all the boxes鈥� for you.

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1happkamper Active member

34POSTS

6 years ago

#35

So.. Any if you guys still have your head in the sand about San Miguel de Allende and the level of crime? I hope not... You'll live longer by keeping informed and alert. The killings have totalled 77 so far in 2019. I heard the automatic weapon fire when the two cops were killed a month ago.

I was in sma for a one month visit. Glad to be out of there. I told you do! Ja ja ja

In Memphis New member

3POSTS

5 years ago

#36

Hello, I鈥檓 curious how this past year of Covid-19 has affected SMA regarding real estate values and overall crime issues, the later if at all.

gdrkn Member

2POSTS

4 years ago

#37

It's not a good idea it's a great idea. SMA is a safe town in Mexico. I was there for a month and will be back in a month for a year. Crime is on the outskirts. SMA is not just the Centro and adjoining areas. The crime is in outlying small areas where ex-pats rarely venture that are officially a part of SMA. That is the reality despite what these Chicken Littles are telling you. If you're that聽 afraid of crime there is no place safe for you other than an isolation chamber.

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