After spending 5 weeks in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, it’s easy to understand why it’s frequently rated as one of the world’s top 5 most beautiful cities. Simply said . . . it’s gorgeous. See its indescribable beauty for yourself by watching our 3-minute video above.
This enchanting town is a haven for artists, writers, and those in search of inspiration. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene create an atmosphere that can only be described as magical.
The historic center of San Miguel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, is a testament to the city's colonial past. Its cobblestone streets, picturesque plaza, and grand churches beautifully showcase the rich history of the area. As you wander through the narrow streets of San Miguel, be prepared to be awe-struck by vibrant bursts of color from the stunning bougainvillea gracefully cascading over balconies and the rainbow of colors adorning the walls of houses and shops.
Beyond its architectural beauty, San Miguel is culturally important as well. The town’s inspiring atmosphere has always attracted artists, writers, and creatives. You’ll find many workshops, studios, and galleries that showcase the works of both local artists as well as international talent. One can enjoy the thriving arts scene by exploring galleries, attending workshops, or simply strolling through the streets filled with colorful murals and street art.
San Miguel is more than just a destination; it’s an experience - it’s a source of inspiration. It’s a place where history, art, and culture come together to create something truly magical. Whether you’re exploring its charming streets, enjoying the vibrant markets, or admiring the breathtaking views, this Mexican town will thrill you with its beauty and charm. It’s no wonder that so many have chosen to call San Miguel de Allende home.
Those of you who know about Carla's and my intentions to move abroad might now be wondering - Could San Miguel be the place that we call home?
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If beauty were the sole criteria for selecting a new home, we'd likely already be measuring for curtains in San Miguel. Yet, what we are seeking is greater than mere aesthetics. While we certainly love and enjoy San Miguel and appreciate why expats are drawn to its beauty and charm, Carla and I have talked a lot about this, and while we both agree that San Miguel holds undeniable appeal as a place to visit, it lacks the pull for us to make it our permanent home. And here's why . . .
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As we think about our decision to relocate outside of the United States, we admit that the makeup of the expat community is very important to us. San Miguel is renowned as a haven for expats and attracts a substantial number mostly from the US and Canada. That means that there is an opportunity to have lots of friends who speak English and, for the most part, have a similar background to ours.
While this familiarity is quite comforting, in the long run, Carla and I prefer a more diverse expat community. Our journeys to various places in Europe have exposed us to people from all around the globe and we realize that we’d like to live in a place where we are regularly interreacting with others from a wider range of nationalities, cultures, and languages. Living with this sort of diversity inspires us to go beyond our cultural comfort zones and fosters within us a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of the world.
Another factor we’ve considered while looking at San Miguel as a potential expat destination is the age demographic of the expat community. While it is very reassuring to have friends of a similar age in one’s town or community, we noticed that San Miguel is predominately made up of retirement-age expats, with many individuals in their 60’s, 70’s, and beyond. Despite being in my 70’s myself, I don't see this demographic imbalance as an ideal situation.
In our hometown of Asheville, we are fortunate to be part of a social circle that encompasses various age groups, ranging from individuals in their 40’s to their 50’s and beyond. This diverse mix enriches our lives and broadens our perspectives, creating a social environment that we both cherish and enjoy. For us, it is not about ageism; rather, it’s about the richness that arises from engaging with people of different ages and life experiences.
While San Miguel may not be the place we ultimately choose to call home, we’re grateful for the memories and warmth we experienced during our visit. The beauty and enchantment of this town have left a lasting mark on us, and we have found that the people here – both locals and expats – have been incredibly friendly, kind, and generous. We are deeply grateful.
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Gracias por abrir nuestros corazones un poco más.
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