Celebrated as an artists' community, San Miguel has a deeply rich and vibrant cultural scene.   Retirees here will discover some of Mexico's best shopping, numerous, raucous religious festivals, historic monuments, centuries-old traditions and world-famous schools, including the renowned Instituto Allende which draws some of the world's best artists and craftspeople.   Dozens of these artists-in-residence display their work in various shops, as well as in art galleries throughout the city.   Crafts for sale include hand-tooled jewelry, pottery, woven tapestries, baskets and woodcarvings, just to name a few.   And a wide range of excellent restaurants that encompass an extensive menu of delicious international cuisines, including  Mexican, American, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Arabian, fast food and many others, will keep retirees out on the town night after night.   Many restaurants also have live music and/or bar service.    

This Colonial city combines a unique mixture of ancestral Europe with the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica, attracting people from all over the world.   During the last decade or so, San Miguel has been named as one of the best places to live in the world, so the secret has gotten out and the influence of gringo money can definitely be felt, although this is still primarily a Mexican community.   It is generally recommended that anyone considering retiring here have an interest in the arts as that is the primary focus of most events and activities in town.    U.S. immigration to San Miguel began in the 1940s when it became a hangout for artists and bohemians from around the world.   Neal Casady, the model for the central character in Jack Kerouac's On the Road, died here in 1968.     

Because of its national monument status, new buildings that would change the character and appearance of San Miguel are strictly regulated, ensuring that San Miguel's charm will endure for years to come.   With spectacular weather year-round and varied cultural offerings, San Miguel is a both a peaceful and stimulating retirement choice.  The residents are friendly, and it is easy to soon feel at home here.   Though the cost of living may be slightly higher than other Mexican towns, it is still affordable when compared to many areas of the United States.  And although it is a cosmopolitan city, San Miguel still retains much of its small town ambience.  

Many retirees decide to rent a home rather than to buy one (yes, foreigners can purchase land in Mexico), and rental properties are plentiful.    Many rentals come completely furnished, eliminating the need to bring furniture into Mexico, and even include the silverware in the kitchen, as well as maid and a gardener.   Some accommodations are very simple, almost rustic by U.S. standards, but still completely charming.  Arched doorways, tiled floors and roofs, colorfully painted walls and spectacular gardens are a normal part of life in San Miguel.  Nicer homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms, completely furnished, with TV and Internet, may lease for $1,800 a month (USD).    Smaller homes may run $800-$1,000 per month (USD).   One bedroom apartments can be found for around $575 per month (USD).

Medical care costs are in less than in the United States (Medicare is not accepted outside of the U.S.), and many expatriates pay for it out of pocket.  Property taxes are quite low, as are utilities and many food stuffs.   Most other living costs are slightly less than in the U.S. or very close to average U.S. prices.

The city has hospitals, many doctors and nurses, car rental agencies, travel agencies, new car sales businesses, gasoline stations, a post office, a telegraph office, national and international messenger services, tow trucks, a mid-size shopping mall, real estate managers, an Internet provider (Unisono Net) and a cable TV provider.   

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