If you’ve ever considered relocating to Mexico it’s likely you’ve heard of San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato state. San Miguel has been a popular destination among North American retirees for some time now and is home to a large expatriate population. It’s also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Central Highlands.
A Magic Town since 2002, San Miguel de Allende is one of several beautiful colonial towns in central Mexico. Despite its popularity with expats and tourists, San Miguel manages to maintain its small town feel, especially when tourist season winds down in the spring and fall. Festivals, parades and celebrations regularly take place in the town square.
Designated a national monument, San Miguel is internationally known for its impressive colonial architecture, enchanting cobblestone streets and cosmopolitan array of restaurants, cultural centers and art galleries. On display in the numerous galleries are some of the country’s best crafts and artesanías. The near perfect climate is another of the town’s main attractions, cool in the winter and warm in the summer with year round clear skies and the occasional thunderstorm or heavy rain. San Miguel is a lovely place to visit just about any time of year.
View of the Parroquia, San Miguel
San Miguel de Allende was once the most northern Spanish settlement in the Central Highlands. Located along the route from Mexico City to the silver center of Zacatecas in the north, San Miguel was settled by Spanish ranchers in the mid-1500s and later grew into an important commercial center.
One of the most prominent leaders of the Mexican revolution, Ignacio Allende, was born in San Miguel in 1779. After Mexico achieved independence in 1821 he was recognized as a martyr and in 1826 the town was renamed in his honor. The School of Fine Arts was founded in 1938 and art has been the overwhelming theme in San Miguel since the 1940s. Adding an academic edge, the Allende Institute opened in 1951. Both institutions attracted large numbers of foreign students. The influx of artist types to San Miguel has continued ever since.
These days foreign residents and visitors to San Miguel can participate in an array of activities from yoga and dance to art and Spanish classes as well as partake in cultural events, fine dining and entertainment. English is widely spoken throughout the town and current estimates place the number of foreigners living or owning property in San Miguel at more than 10,000. Travelers can book cheap flights to San Miguel de Allende from several U.S. cities. The closest international airports are Aeropuerto del Bajio (110 miles from San Miguel) and Aeropuerto Internacional de Queretaro (40 miles from San Miguel). Keep in mind that San Miguel de Allende is no longer a budget destination, but it remains an immensely attractive and popular place to visit.
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i’m planning a visit to San Miguel…this helps!
It’s a beautiful town. Have a great time!