So What's Wrong With San Miguel de Allende?
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- I could have loved San Miguel de Allende. I would have loved it, but I don't do unrequited.
San Miguel has a couple of big issues that I describe in this video, and that prevent it from loving me back.
I admit that the last time I strolled through the park and saw old men playing basketball, a dog walker with 5 extremely different dogs, and a dog trainer helping a lady with her rambunctious pup, I was charmed by the city.
Yes, it's beautiful and charming (in a too perfect way), but there's a tension in the air.
It's good for a visit. I just don't want to live there.
"As I found out when I chose another beautiful town that was popular with expats, there's a big difference between visiting a place and living there. When you live there you come to realize that expenses rise based on nothing more than the ability to pay for it ... which means in places that cater to the wealthy those prices quickly exceed anyone except the wealthy's ability to pay. That includes local families who are quickly priced out of parts of town their families lived in for generations ... whose ancestral lands quickly get gobbled up by foreigners with far more money than they have.
Foreigners take over the economy and do whatever they want in the town without ever bothering to consider what the locals want ... or much caring how their economic impact harms those who welcomed them into their community. In some cases there's not even a willingness by expats moving into those areas to obey Mexican laws. As an example, privatized beaches are illegal in Mexico, but many expats buy waterfront property and routinely then hire security guards or put up fences and gates to keep local people off of "their" beach.
Gentrification is great for wealthy American expats ... but it's horrible for the locals, who lose control over their own towns. After experiencing it first-hand, I would never want to live in a gentrified town again. They don't represent Mexico, and I doubt there's much of Mexico left in most of them anymore. There's certainly little left there for the Mexican people except for low-wage jobs that don't track with the inevitable increases in the cost of living there.
"... people move to these places because they want "just like home, only cheaper". And as they turn it into "just like home", the prices go up accordingly. Familiar businesses move in to cater to gringo tastes and demands ... which puts local, family-owned businesses out of business because the gringos take their money to the Costco, or Trader Joes, or Subway, or whatever familiar business they demanded in those towns. Restaurants that choose to cater to gringos become more high-end, and charge accordingly ... which takes business away from the local restaurants. And when the gringos go "home" for the summer and fall months, the town cannot support the infrastructure that was built up around the gringo needs and wants ... and all those jobs that the gringos always point to as the price of progress go away ... usually from June to November, when the gringos begin arriving back in their little paradise. Most of the "expats" are totally unaware of how much their lifestyle impacts the local people ... nor do they particularly care. They're more interested in the monthly greens fees at their local golf course, or that there are enough pickleball courts to meet the demand. They don't give a thought to the locals until they want to hire one for some reason ... and way too often they then brag about how cheaply locals are willing to work for."
~Bob Bailey
My name is Mora Margaret and I'm traveling with my two dogs by car through Mexico, seeking a special place for relocation.
#moramargaret #travelingsolo #livinginmexico
Oregon
Nogales, Az
San Carlos, Sonora
Las Mochis, Sonora
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Sayulita, Nayarit
La Manzanilla, Jalisco
Barra de Navidad, Jalisco
Mazamitla, Jalisco
Ajijic, Jalisco
Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco
Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
Jocotepec, Jalisco
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Music:
Cooling Light by Mountaineer
I agree with your assessment. For myself, I left my hometown of Bend, Oregon in 2016. I had to work through my resentments due to wealthy people moving in and making housing unaffordable for the locals. We also had to get permits to go hiking in our homelands!! It's so strange... and it's happening everywhere. We then move for affordability and oftentimes contribute to gentrification elsewhere. Great content and I thank you for your honesty.
Thanks for your comment. I've had the same experience. Moving from California to Oregon I got a taste of that resentment, and like you said, it's happening everywhere.
@@MoraMargaret
I left Austin Texas after 40 years because of the Gentrification from California and more... Mexico is a great change however I understand the Mexicanos' frustration...🍀
@@MoraMargaret Sorry you encountered resentment. 😥 I only discussed my issues with my friends. I understand needing or wanting to move to another area. ¡¡Cuídate!!
When you find the perfect spot, let us know via one of your videos. It might be in the Marquesas islands. That’s what Thor Heyerdahl thought anyway.
I really appreciated your perspective. Most of the videos make SMA sound like paradise. I have been pushed out of San Francisco, CA, my hometown, and now being pushed out of Oakland, CA for the same reasond - gentrification. I am really drawn to SMA because I am a writer and artist. Thanks again.
So you can see from both angles. Yes, it's a beautiful town full of beautiful buildings (I get the feeling the artists have been pushed out by the gentrification), AND the locals are being forced out of their own neighborhoods. I'm sorry about California, I had the same kind of experience.
Thx for your honest opinion, but skip shopping at La Comer and instead stop at the many tiendas and fruterías in San Antonio where prices are better and you also support the local economy would be an important difference in your perception.
You are so right! Besides getting better at speaking Spanish, that’s something I really need to improve on.
@@MoraMargaret quite a refreshing and lovely response. Thx!
With google translate you can string together a few words and most shop owners will be very happy to see you come in their store regardless. “Con permiso” if you aren’t aware, is a polite way to enter and will set the tone.
SMA is expensive but there are wonderful ppl and a rich culture thriving here.
I REALLY appreciate this video and other videos that depict the harsh realities that other travel CZcamsrs just don't talk about or bother to learn. We can't improve if we don't know. Thank you.
Thank you, I appreciate your comment.
Thank you so much for your honest perspective. I’m currently in the process of leaving this country and Mexico was high on my list with San Miguel de Allande definitely a place I was considering because of all the videos that glamorize it. It’s good to hear the other side because everything has another side.
Yes, everything does. I hope you find the perfect place for you.
@@MoraMargaret thank you 😊
Always appreciate your candor. 👍
Always! And I appreciate you watching and commenting :)
Your videos are so helpful. I have my residency but I can’t decide on which city. Guanajuato and SMA are my faves so far but I will consider your thoughts on SMA.
Thank you and I understand. They are both beautiful.
Mora I couldn’t agree more - If I remember correctly there was a song in the 70’s I believe from the Eagles that included a line “once you call a place paradise it’s over”.
Yeah, it's too bad. Especially for the locals. Thanks for your comment!
Thank you. I was hoping for better news but grateful for your perspective and honest report. Where to next?
Thanks for your comment. We are headed to the state of Queretaro! I'm excited about it.
@@MoraMargaret I’m looking forward to your insights about that area. I know someone that grew up there and just came back from a visit. She goes regularly. And she and her mother still own a home there but live primarily in central Florida near me.
It DID happen in my hometown in Canada. I don’t have to imagine it. It’s the same everywhere right now.
I have to agree with you this time, especially on the gentrification aspect of it. Not so much about crime. News outlets thrive on sensationalism, as well as some folks spreading alert on isolated cases. Love for guns and gun violence in the US is something far more prevalent and scary.
The more I looked into it (and felt the pressure not to talk about it) the more uncomfortable I got. Numbers don't lie. But thanks for your agreeable response!
@@MoraMargaret Just compare the numbers from mass shootings in the US (innocent people, the victims) with those of criminals killing each other in Mexico.
@@MoraMargaretyou’re right. The state of Guanajuato (which is where SMA is located) has, by far, the highest percentage of crime in Mexico. There are rumors the governor and state attorney have links to the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel.
Si!!! Agree with you. Have been arount those places you list. This is business as usual all over Mexico and many places around. I would like to call it PlanetTrification and started centuries ago with Conquerors landing in other lands with different status quo. Gentrification is an ancient activity!! And it is alive and well all over this planet. Gracias for your input! Saludos!
Gracias for YOUR input! You're very wise to see the historical repeat.
@@MoraMargaret Muy amable tu comentario. The "grass is always greener over there" is an ancient concept that triggers all this motions. "The course of the traveler". Enjoy your stay in México..and the Planet as well"" Life is good!
I was in San Miguel 20 years ago and it was already a total crapshow of gringo retirees.
I just found you. Your view is refreshing and realistic. Your music and pictures are pleasant and beautiful. I would like to know where you will settle. I am also searching from a far, Denver. Wish you the best!
Thank you so much! It's been a fun adventure in Mexico, and we still have lots to see.
It was really nice back in the early 70's. I used to stay there whenever I took buses exploring Mexico. Mexico was way more safe back in those days. SMA was way more funky and laid back in those days with lots of expat writers and artists from the USA and Europe. .
That's what I've heard from others. Now it seems a playground for the rich.
@@MoraMargaret Mexico was almost comically more affordable back in the early 70's. I mean it was just amazing. I was a farm kid from Boulder County in Colorado and I stayed in Mexico for eight months on just $2000.00. I took buses and trains from north to south and east to west. I even flew from Mexico City to Acapulco for dirt cheap. Folks were just so friendly and generous wherever I went it was unforgetable how wonderful it was back in the day. It was a magical place for sure.
Sounds wonderful! I wish I had seen it then. Still love Mexico, the land, the culture, the people. Sounds like you've had a great life of travel.
Very good video. I lived in lower San Antonio for 6 months about 6 years ago. It’s a shame what can happen in expat havens And is happening. Your compassion for the poorer Mexican residents is noticeable. And yes you are right, not affordable for many who want to visit or retire there I may go back for a visit to see old friends. I did live in a really nice mixed neighborhood and walked up Calle Umaran and Pila Seca or to Calle. The Spiritual Pathway and Benito Juarez Park are nice Also walking up calls DeEnero will take you another way. I think you’ll enjoy it there but I do understand what you’re saying. All expat havens have higher cost of living than other places where the population is less As you already know . Thanks for recommending that book it ‘s good to watch videos from someone who takes the time out to read books. Nice dogs. Thanks
Thanks for your comment. There are many beautiful areas of the city, no doubt. And lots of very nice people. But the reality is not too pretty if you're sensitive to these things. Under the video in the description, there is a quote from someone who has lived there, and he summed it up better than I could. I hope the best for everyone who makes their home there.
Great video!
Thanks!
Very interesting perspective. It is such a fine balance between having enough amenities to live comfortably without it becoming a rich expat haven that only the wealthy can afford to enjoy.
I know, and the irony is not missed by me that I'm lucky enough to be exploring, and can choose where I live. Hoping not to add to the problem.
@@MoraMargaret you seem to have a good read in everything and know what you want.
Your rental looks wonderful.
It was very unique. If you want direct contact info for the owner let me know.
@@MoraMargaret thank you. I’ll bear that in mind when, if ever, I return to SMA. I settled (I’m a Brit) in a little fishing pueblo on the Pacific coast. 14 yrs now and I don’t sally forth as much as I used to so am vicariously enjoying your travels around Mexico. I hope you find your sweet spot as I did.
Thank you. Would you mind saying where you settled? I spent a lot of time in San Pancho years ago. I really loved it. The Pacific coast is the best!
@@MoraMargaret 2 hrs north of San Pancho 45mins south of San Blas. A sleepy fishing town totally untouristy but so pretty and “real”. No blue tortillas though. I’m a Londoner and would never in a million years thought I’d even want to live in Mexico. Life is strange. I should add it’s totally dull in the nicest of ways: no bar or restaurant scene nor gathering expats. As a creative person it’s a boon as there are few distractions, bar CZcams!
try midera, maybe try Asia, Japan very safe, Thailand is safer than Latin America, 10 million tourist per year go to Thailand.
It's a lot better than Latin America,
I love Thailand, and I'd love to see other parts of Asia, but I have my two canines with me so that's why I chose Mexico. For now.
Keeping it real. I love it. If it is only positive info about a city, I call it propaganda. See Austin, Texas.
Agreed. Surprising how many people get hostile when you just mention concerns. Thanks for your comment!
Come to Houston. I live a neighborhood houses cost $400 thousand to 650 thousand. Got car jacked at gun point. People get shot driving home for making a mistake. Good luck finding a crime free place in USA or Mexico.
Uuuggg. Sounds awful. I'd get out of there if I were you. Despite high crime in the cities, the FBI says violent crime in the U.S. is way down, overall.
I feel like our city is getting worse every year😢
Right on point! Many Mexicans left for better opportunities in the 🇺🇸 years ago. Now we’re ready to come back and find ourselves unable to afford the astronomical housing prices. I am now thinking of moving to Spain which is a beautiful country and way more affordable than Mexico.
Great video, thanks for the insight, good luck in your endeavors 👍
You too! I love Spain, and if I didn't have the two canines I might go over there. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Mora, Could you share the Airbnb you stayed in. I would be interested in your food prices at La Comer
Were you able to see the last screen in the video with prices? It only shows for 5 seconds so you have to pause the video to really see it. I will get you the link for the airbnb.
www.airbnb.com/rooms/952974592174029343?source_impression_id=p3_1720199374_P3Ob6TQPSnN-MRA6
@@MoraMargaret very reasonable
I don’t meant to discourage you but the crime rating in Mexico is very high, Guanajuato was one of the lowest and now us one of the highest . Be care full and avoid driving at night.
Thank you. I will. Such wonderful people there.. I hope the problems resolve.
Carlos, what can you share about Guadalajara? I appreciate a Mexican perspective over all the CZcamsr's praises and glories. Gracias.
Carlos; Thanks for your post. While I don't live in Mexico, I have been researching and trying to justify an exploratory trip and consideration of relocating there. I am in my 70's. Why would I leave the US at this point? The same reason you have alluded to: crime plus our USA political instability, mass shootings, and gun violence, lack of healthcare and for me concerned about affordable assisted living or continued care as I age. I have no family (senior orphan) I also need to interact with others more, find walkable locations and with the expat population in Mexico, "appears" to have options. Having said all that, the Global Peace Index ranks Mexico below the USA in the "absence of peace" meaning a countries overall issues reflecting a low quality of life and which includes crime as a factor. Thanks for your comment. Reality perhaps.
@@cwisaac22 Guadalajara is a good choise, same as Mexico city or Monterrey, larger cities are safer due to a high presence of police force.
@@MR-pr8tpAnyone who leaves the US for Mexico due to safety concerns is a special kind of stupid.
Appreciate your perspective. 1.6 million Americans have emigrated to Mexico which is obviously affecting both sides of the "wall". In my research, reading etc. it appears the US and Mexico both have many social issues- each different. But in the end both countries rank the lowest for many same issues, sometimes neck to neck. Crime and instability a repeater. Both Mexico and the USA have crime issues, political instability, etc. Becomes very difficult to justify leaving the US for a better quality of life and to Mexico. I love the Spanish people, and keep reminding myself of the 1.6 million Americans that have emigrated and chosen to live there. As you have pointed out, finding that location is the key. Integrating into the locals would be my goal, not expat communities.
You summed it up very well. There's a different kind of crime here. For instance, in the U.S. I'm not worried about driving across the state or country and being held up in a highway robbery. Or corrupt police. And here, I'm not worried about someone going ballistic at the fair or the super market and becoming violent. For me, I needed to make a big change in my life, and I found Mexico is the way to do it. That doesn't mean I think Mexico is better. And if I'm critical of different cities here, it's because I'm choosing to live here. It's not just a vacation. Thanks for your comment.
Spanish people?
We were thinking of retiring there but the homes for sale are simply out of our price range....way out!!!!! Homes for sale here are worse than we can find in the U.S. We ultimately retired in las Cruces, NM. No regrets! There is a divide between the super haves and the middle class and the have nots. Resentment is rising among the locals, and there will be a point where they may just openly show it. I don't know what the solution is....but whatever it is, the Mexican middle class have to be able to afford to buy a decent house in SMA and around. Thanks for the frank and education video.
You're welcome. I agree with everything you said. I hope you continue to love New Mexico!
San Miguel: a schzoid life. Keep it. Keep ALL of Mexico !!
Excellent Citizen Opinion Vid!! All is true...As USA tensions grow...economic crashes...Jabb isues...Mexican/SMA citizens are putting pressure on Ex Pats and as History here has demonstrated, the Upper class had to flee in tunnels etc to the Churches/ Guarded Haciendas for Safety ...We are now moving in that direction I feel. Times are Changin'
Thanks! They say Mexico is more complicated even than Brazil, for crime. I live in Brazil, but believe Argentina, Uruguay or Paraguay is better for Europeans/North Americans.
You might be right in regards to crime. Part of my choice was the ability to drive to, and through, Mexico. And the Mexican people and culture are so lovable!
Japan has low crime, if you get a good situation in China there is no crime, Thailand Singapore Vietnam are all better than Latin America,
Thanks for your truthfull assessment of SM. I wouldn't want to live in a tourist town wether SM, Monterey Ca or other similar locations. Nice places to visit but that's about the extent of it. Have the best day possible.
I agree. Thank you and you too!
Thanks for giving us your honest opinion. I am looking for better weather then the beaches. I will follow you to see if you go through a town that’s right for me. Stay Safe! 🙏🐸
Please do!
Guanajuato is considered a very dangerous area which is ironic with popularity of SMA. Heads in the sand?
That's what I mean. Horrible violence happening just a few miles away. Some say the powers that be have made a deal with the bad guys to keep the major violence away from SMA. I don't know. I got the feeling no one wanted to talk about it. I've heard the local businesses are being extorted, but getting actual crime stats is difficult.
@@MoraMargaret I live in Mazatlan which is considered very safe… but probably because the threat is real if anyone disturbs the peace.
We are in the state of Queretaro now, and I'm excited to see some towns here and in Hidalgo! You know when you plan a trip and you get a good feeling about certain areas? This part of the country did that for me. I'll show you as I go :)
@@MoraMargaret awesome!
It's sad...and seems to get sadder. Once again, humankind's disrespect of its own kind. It's a gross evolution that seems to be happening throughout the world.
It's hard to know what to do about it. It's just too easy for people to ignore what their presence does to the local families that have lived there for generations. Have hope, though. More people are aware of the problem and maybe things will get better.
@@MoraMargaret yes... sometimes it's easy for me to forget about hope! Thank you for the reminder ✨
yep Vallarta same way
Bummer. Sorry to hear that.
I think ex pats are in for a very rude awakening . I have said that before but this time. Well we shall see. worldwide depression coming fast. maybe so.
We shall see. I've been worried about that too.
YOU are what’s wrong with San Miguel.
If you have an opinion you're going to have to elaborate. Your sentence makes no sense.
So refreshing to see a video that isn't exploding with hyperbole and superlatives. I went to SMDA and found it to be lovely but did it live up to the hype? Not at all. Not for me at least.
I appreciate you saying that. I've gotten some hostility just because I said what I think. I guess some people equate their chosen home with their identity and feel like they have to defend it. Anyway, yes it was lovely. Do I want to live there? No. Thanks for your comment!
cool