Why You'll Be Miserable in San Miguel de Allende
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2022
- We love San Miguel de Allende but it's not for everyone. Join Ben as he discusses some of the most common frustrations expats experience and strategies for adjusting to life in a new country.
Ben Pitre is a licensed real estate agent based in San Miguel de Allende Mexico.
To learn more about Ben and his services, please visit his web site:
www.realsanmiguelrealestate.com
That was an alarming honest and accurate assessment of SMA. I'd add that if you don't like traffic, crowds or touristy areas then SMA is not for you. We need more accurate videos like this. There are far too many glamorized videos that paint Pueblo Magicos as ideal and perfect places.
Thank you!
Great list! I'm type A and Mexico has changed me for the better. I'm happier, healthier, more patient. My tip for workers is never have more than one thing planned on a day when a worker is supposed to show up at a certain time. Just plan to do something productive at home all day and keep busy. Don't even assume you will he able to go shopping at some point that day.
My own experience is similar! It has been a wonderful gift in the later stages of my life!
If you’re wanting to live the American consumer lifestyle in Mexico, stay home. Life here is about joy not over consuming without consequences.
Excellent observation.
So true! Mexico cured me of my shopping habit.
@@JDS54 I drive a 911 on the daily here in Querétaro and never felt any potential danger.
@@JDS54 it's like a european telling you that they'd be afraid of walking the streets of USA because of a public shooter threat.
Excelente comentario ☺️🇲🇽👏🏻
Hugely vexatious.
Sir, you are a wordsmith. When the USAF sent me to New Mexico (an actual US state for those of you not from the Southwest) my neighbor had his driveway torn out on a Wednesday and the contractor did not show up on Thursday to replace it. Or Friday. So my neighbor could not get his car into the garage. Frustrated and angry on Monday he called the contractor to find out why his new driveway hadn't been poured. The contactor's wife answered and said deer season opened Friday. And she wanted to know why HE was still at home instead of out hunting (like a proper man). So the concrete got poured a week later and by the time it cured my neighbor hadn't been able to use his garage for three weeks. Very much a manana hispanic culture.
Adapt or die. Of vexation.
Love it!!
This is 100% true about NM 💜
I lived in the Los Angeles area and in Texas for 60 years, I moved to san Miguel De Allende 18 months ago. I don’t agree with what is being said here, there are some things which are true but all of us get used to the changes. The utilities are about 1/5 of what I used to pay in The United States. There is no crime here at all.
Mexico was just voted in international living like the number 1 country to retire!
It is numero uno for me LOL
I've been visiting Mexico since the 1980's and would like to retire in Mexico. Your video was very informative and you posed some very good questions for me to consider. I am not a "Type A" person per se, however, living in the U.S. my whole life has got me accustomed to things operating in a certain way. For sure, I would need to adjust my expectations if/when I relocate to Mexico, and to be honest, I don't necessarily see the adjustment being an easy one, although 100% necessary. I think we all just get use to what our "norm" is, and like you said: Mexico is a different country. We would be sorely wrong to think of it as another U.S. Thank you for making this video, it helped to put things into perspective. I can't wait to visit SMA in December.
I would not discount SMA but Mexico City, Leon and Queretaro might be choices.
I have checked house prices and it seems too high for what infrastructure and services have to offer.
We are accustomed to certain level of service and I think it will be fun to try to survive without this and that, but is it worth it?
How long can we handle it? How long till it bothers me or annoys me?
If the country it’s not cheaper and safe; what would the reason be for moving abroad ?
I’m glad someone is talking about the real problems. Thank you!
@@aliciarodgers3406 Overall the cost of living is quite low. House prices are high near the center but carry with them the possibility of short term rental income. I am a strong advocate for renting anywhere you think you might like living. There are condos in most Mexican cities for less than 100k that I would live in. The attraction of San Miguel and Ajijic and to a lesser extent Puerto Vallarta for many is the long established foreign communities. But there are terrific places to live all over Mexico. Mexico City is an amazing place with more serious music than Vienna and New York put together - 6 full time symphonies and 2 more in the summer - highest ticket is about 16 USD. Many wonderful choices abound.
All countries are different, even if you compare the USA with Canada.
I have read and read your comment over the last several months. What services do you imagine you would no have?
For those who want to come and try living in Mexico, I also recommend the city of *Aguascalientes*
"have a stroke" hahaha - that made me laugh out loud (you were referring to impatience of westerners). I've been in Mexico for a few months now and love lots about it but it does take some acclimatizing. I loved SMA - it's really beautiful, but I decided not to move there because of the cobblestones. It rained when I was there and it was quite slippery. I'm sure footed but my work depends on me being in one piece. I was definitely being extra careful. I can totally see why people move there and I look forward to visiting again. Really truthful and helpful video.
Thank you for being so very clear to those who want to move to this glorious country from up north. Well said! Bravo!
Thank you! you have made my week!
@@realsanmiguelrealestate1915 And you have made ours! Clear and realistic info is rare these days when it comes to this amazing country. Have a beautiful day!
You are most welcome!
I have just returned from Miguel second time..I realize the issue of walking unsecured pavers..un even pavement has present problem. I feel more people fallen but do not report..or walking on crutches...the cobbles..fear as older person hazard
I feel setting off fireworks at 4am not acceptable ..I prefer the awaking of Church bells..or not to here large booms as in war zone
It has become overly crowded to many cars...to walk.or force to walk of narrow side walks to move into the street.
I am tonight in Coyocan..I am joyfully amused that sidewalks have normal again are wide,,no fear of falling and enjoy walking
So add sidewalks in Miguel to your list...at least in Morelia handicap walks are norm..still a bit difficult in outer areas to walk on uneven pavement in Queretaro ..enjoy walk with out falling or break ankle for older ones to retire here
Cool, I can live with those things. Thank you for the well thought presentation. I'll show my husband this.
Great! Thank you
Thank you for taking time to enlighten so many people who have no idea about the difference between the US and Mexico.
I lived in Arizona for many years and chose to cross the border to go to the dentist because the professionalism was impeccable and best of all, honest! I took a class in Spanish at the CC in one place where I lived where the streets were mostly Spanish names and I wanted to pronounce them correctly. I love the Mexican love of life and family. And I know and have for a long time that if I am to learn to speak the language as I would love to do I need to live where that is the language. There are concessions as there would be anytime one moves to a different culture, even in cities in the USA.
But I am getting older ( am a senior already) and am shaky about making a plan.
Time marches on so I need to decide sooner rather than later if I am up to the task.
I think I just might be.
Your video was very helpful. Thank you.
What a lovely attitude you have!! Here and in Ajijic you will find very support communities of older folks (like me LOL).
Late plumber? How about saying 'good morning' to a passerby and at best the person refuses even eye contact or worse. I was born in the states and am absolutely convinced that the US is the most uncivized country on earth......
Interesting you should mention the "good morning think". At dinner tonight the same observation was made. I grew up in a small town in Louisiana and came to realize I had trained myself not to smile or speak during my Los Angeles years. Big American cites can be cruel and ignoring to any unknown person. It's sad. We have so much and we miss the most important things ....kindness, smiles etc.
I live next door in Querétaro. I will be 80 in October. I have been coming to Mexico for 60 years. USA is deadly and expensive. Singaporean laws needed
Hi Judith, I just heard about your city, plan to visit early next year. Best wishes.
Thank you for such a straightforward description - something generally lacking in my opinion.
You are very, very welcome!!
Todo lo que dice este señor es totalmente verdad y muchos hablan de la gente muy amable y la gente local actúa muy diferentes con turistas pero con gente que no lo sea son groseros, rudos, no muy amables, agresivos, no hablo de toda la gente pero si de la mayoría.la vengo muchas veces no es honesta porque a los extranjeros siempre les quieren vender más caro del precio que realmente es.
As a kid, I spent a lot of time in Juarez and I remember all these things, of which you speak.
Gringo problems. Actually, more like well to do gringo problems. If these are the problems that people are looking at while considering moving to Mexico ishould stay in San Diego or Oregon or wherever. I have lived here for 10 years and love it.
Couldn't agree more!
I really enjoy your content and personality.
Thank you! You made my week!
I am amazed that he could make it in Mexico with his sophisticated personality and understanding of the situation. How much of this situation is prevalent in other locations such as Queretaro, Guadalajara, Morelia, Merida, etc.??
You forgot to add that we have here and over many areas in Mexico the existence of barking dogs and crowing roosters...
We do indeed.
I grew up on a ranch in the Central Valley and all the sounds of dogs barking, roosters crowing, tractors ect are so comforting to me. I ran around in orchards and dirt roads and am so grateful for that. But I do wish my dad would have taught me Spanish. Never to late to learn🙂I probably know enough to get by and what better place to learn then Mexico.
What a great video. I am a type A Mexican american….I could not live there full time. I greatly appreciate your honesty. That being said….my grandmother was born in Guanajuato so San Miguel is on my bucket list. I plan to visit very soon.
Life is a long road and one is often surprised by the turns it takes! I am glad you enjoyed the video.
This a great video, many expats need to know these things. It is a different country and there are different cultural norms.
Wow. Thank you for sharing such value information
You are most welcome.
As an early bird in Buenos Aires I was so surprised at how late the city wakes up. Apart from fireworks in the morning, what are the coffee shop or market hours generally?
Banks open at 9, offices generally at 10, grocery stores and markets vary - some as early as 8. I have always been surprised at late rising SMA is though offices usually stay open until 6.
Hi Ben , were in San Miguel and would like to meet up if you have any time in the next couple days. Do you showrental homes as well as purchaes? We want to rent first . Love your candor snd sense of humor! Im laughing hard about the noise thing. and even a mile away we can hear the church bells, snd fireworks don’t bother me so far at all. So far we love SMA.
I don't handle rentals but can refer you to the best person in town and would be delighted to meet you!
Would love that. Will email or call you tomorrow if i can locate your info online :)
@@zenmaiden1 BenPitre@gmail
Perhaps you would like to come to dinner on thursday
I lived 3 years in Mexico. I never asked for a better price. The products at these markets are very affordable.
Thank you for another informative video.
Thank you, Michael.
Excited about our first research visit. My husband and I will be in SMA Feb 19-24. We booked at Casa Angelito’s @@realsanmiguelrealestate1915
Excellent! Please reach out a bit before you come. I'd like to have you to dinner if you have the time.
@@benpitre5537 Will do. Sounds wonderful! Also, I would like to meet all of your dogs.
Excellent! They will like meeting you!
Excellent video Ben! You nailed on the head not only for the "island" but for all Latin American countries (with expected variations)
Thank you Paulo! Appreciate it!
@@BigQuads your video inspired me to visit you and this lovely town one day. I am not type A person and very realistic...
Planning a visit soon. Feels like coming home for me.
How warm and wonderful!
The problem in the USA now days to many negative situations and the worst part it's divided as a nation Don't think a revolution is anywhere near More Americans are moving to Mexico because of the situation in the USA Mexico City is full of Americans by the by many many thousands More than 1 million 600k live all Mexico They prefer to live among narcos than the sad, & terrifying things that are happening in the USA
So sadly true!
Hi Ben
Is this part of Mexico good for families? and are there many English speaking people? We are contemplating a shift from New Zealand that is going the same direction as the States.
Cheers
Gordon
This is a great area for families and English is widely spoked. A home purchase of about 250k USD gets you permanent residence for your family but I am not sure what cut off if any there are for your older children. I can refer you to an immigration attorney to manage that. Many of us have been horrified by the things done in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, California etc and we are getting many new residents from these areas. San Miguel is becoming a center of freedom. You may wish to check out Beunconstrained.com the blog of an Aussie fellow now building what is likely to become one of the world's top recording studios.
Thank you!!
i think you were spot on here !
I understand the theme of your video, but I have other concerns. Having been retired 10-years now, one of the most important aspects of life are my hobbies. My wife and I are both musicians, I’m a wood worker, my wife is an artist and we both love gardening. Can we continue to enjoy these things in Mexico? Also our belongings may be impossible to move, musical instruments, tools, art supplies, not to mention a life collection of furniture. I love my upright bass, it’s a monster to maintain and travel with here in Asheville, can’t imagine if it’s even feasible to purchase and maintain one in Mexico. We traveled through San Miguel de Allende last week. Loved it. Thanks for your video and it’s valuable information!
I have just had clients move floor saws from Canada so I believe you would have no problems moving anything except firearms and drugs. You may have issues around how dry it is here RE: your bass. There is plenty of music here including opportunities to perform. A number of people like yourself. Lots of gardening though you may wish to focus on succulents and other heat resistant plants.
@@benpitre5537 Thanks for your swift reply! I spent a week in Queretaro, with day trips around the region. I found housing costs in Queretaro a bit higher than I expected. Are your listing available to view on the web? Thanks
You can move most anything here. It may be expensive but you can get it here. High quality woodworking tools are rare so you may have to import them or make an annual trip to the USA.
There are' numerous live Mus ous here or nearby.you should have plenty of opportunities to play or listen.
You pay attention to getting your instruments as part of your "menage"
Is it quiet out in the country where John Scherber lives? How hard is it to find an upscale house on some acerage?
Not very. There are lots of acres out there and most have little agricultural value.
All good reasons to move to San Miquel de Allende! Thanks
You are most welcome!
Honest, informative.
Thank you so much!
Hola Ben from Cathy Temazcalis! Good to see you!
How is Merida? Happy There? xo
Excellent
Thank you
Most Welcome
Bottom line: if you want to move to Mexico and wanted to be like the US; you better stay in the US. Why move?.
Very true! If you can be flexible Mexico can give you a lot!
Creo que cada país es diferente...es como decir, que un chino quiere vivir y Alemania y piensa que vivirá como chino...
how do you transport all your furniture/belongings/personal effects down there? Are there moving companies that specialize in transport into Mexico? Is it costly? Safe?
There are reliable moving companies. They are EXPENSIVE. If you drive down a few loads of an SUV can move alot! In general minimize what you ship. There are frequent estate sales which along with costco, home depot etc will get you almost all you need.
You don't move your stuff there. You put important stuff in US storage and crap stuff you donate to secondhand shops or put it in a dumpster. Take only a backpack with 3 changes of clothes, toothbrush, 2 pair of walking shoes. You need all legal documentation to enter Mexico. Oh, safe way to handle your finances while in Mexico.
Very accurate info about.
Mexico, thanks for your video
is there any place in Mexico for a handicapped person who must use a scooter?
Many places are of a scale that scooters make sense. San Miguel provides special parking places for them. That said cobble stones can be difficult and you would likely need to do some walking.
A.los expatriados que quieran venir a México a vivir, les recomiendo también Aguascalientes!!! Una ciudad pequeña pero, bonita y tranquila.
Locals please comment. Should my wife and I take the bus from SMA to the City of Guanajuato? Is it safe to do so and spend a day or so in Guanajuato? Thank you in advance for your advise.
Yes it is safe and pleasant and many buses make the run from early to late pm!
Not a local (yet) but I have taken the bus from SMA to Guanajuato and also from SMA to Dolores Hidalgo. That was about two years ago and one year ago respectively, and I found it to be quite pleasant. The bus to Guanjuato was the Primera Plus (luxury) bus and very nice; no stops between SMA and Guanajuato. (And you get cookies and juice/soda included!) The bus to Dolores Hidalgo was the Flecha Amarilla (economy) bus, not as nice but still fine, and it picked up people in several spots along the way. I have wondered the same thing; how safe is it now? I imagine it is still safe, as I have not heard of any issues. FYI, the bus station in Guanajuato is not in the middle of town; you will need to take a taxi from the station into the central part of town. I took a taxi from the station to the funicular railway that goes up to the El Pipila monument; part of the drive went through some of the town's underground tunnels, which was pretty cool!
@@markherrick978 Thank you Mark. My primary focus is current safety conditions given the uptick in violence in the state of Guanajuato.
@@cobblestone977 I have not heard of any safety issues regarding using the buses. I will be traveling to SMA in late September and will be taking the BajioGo shuttle bus from the airport in Leon (Silao) to SMA. I am also considering a day trip to Guanajuato by bus while I am there. I missed the Museo de los Momias the last time I was there! It was in October during the Cervantes Festival (El Cervantino) and there were tons of people in town! Lots of great street food, folk dancers, etc. Lots of fun, but very difficult to get a taxi when I needed to get back to the bus station to return to SMA.
@@markherrick978 The underground tunnels were once a river and in the early 20th century a great flood damaged the city so the river was diverted creating one of the coolest roadways in the world!
I found this video hilarious I just couldn’t stop laughing 😂 honestly at this ! I know he is not meaning to portray a comedian?! But, I found his comments just so funny especially like the Dr. Pepper or the just go home…!!! Useful information for sure with a presentation of unintentional dry humor entertainment to the max! 😅 I think this man needs to seriously stop selling real estate and try performing on SNL ( not kidding ! ) this man has talent 🤗♥️💟🎭
Very informative
Thank you very much!
Hi Ben , coming to SM in 10 days first time with wife Susan! Not sure if I made a good choice
San Miguel or Susan?
Coming to visit or live? Either way please contact me. I would enjoy meeting you and Susan!!
@@realsanmiguelrealestate1915
@@realsanmiguelrealestate1915
Hi Ben, not sure how to use this app but anyway thanks for replying. Sure would like to meet with you when we are in SM. My wife Susan and I will be there SOON. Arriving Feb 23 and staying for 1 week until Mar 2. Testing out the water so to speak to see if this would be a place to perch for a longer stay next year. Can exchange address and phone number if workable for you. Rgds Derek
I am sorry I listened this. I found it a bit mean spirited.
I love it here . I love the people and culture.
I haven’t heard of any of these situations you mentioned. It seems you really don’t enjoy being here.
I'm sorry you found it mean spiriited. It was not meant as such. I love it here and have been here (with one break) for 22 years. I have just returned from the States and "feel" my love yet again. I love it here. Every issue I discussed is something I know or have heard of. If you have never been bother by any of things I hope it stays that way! Good Luck!! If you look at other comments here I think you will see others are familar with these things as well.
When I went to SMA my friends from Queretaro said the cartels have their families in the area so they don't do "business" there. Might be urban legend but they say the same thing about San Diego.
Some of that may be true but the reality is the FBI enters foreign countries unannounced and uninvited and the last thing the cartels want is their attention.
They say that about so many places - I doubt it's even relevant.
Querétaro is know as "La Cuna" because the cartels (feds) have their families here....
@@JohnSmith-ok6gb Blessedly free of the type of crime that haunts Celaya.
@@realsanmiguelrealestate1915 I've traveled from Tijuana to Querétaro by land and Querétaros economy, weather and peace and tranquility was like no other however I'm yet to venture to San Miguel to explore all the goodies I keep hearing from that pueblo majico
When are you going to do an update on 2022?
coming soon! Thanks for asking!
What Mexican state are you referring to? It doesn't sound familiar. I'm from the north.
San MIguel de Allende is located toward the eastern end of the State of Guanajuato which I believe has the geographical center of the Republic within it.
@@realsanmiguelrealestate1915 exacto ‼️
You can still get a one bed room in a house sharing bathroom for a few hundred bucks
Often a very nice one too.
I love Queretaro.
As do I and real estate values are excellent but at my age after Los Angeles and Houston I am exciting traffic for good. Musical is an excellent place especially if you want an American feel!
Yes, its a different coutry with its own culture and customs. You should expect to assimilate into the culture. Otherwise stay in your own country, with 711 and starbucks on evey corner.
Too many loud people.
The trouble with San Miguel is there exists a group of woke liberals still being but hurt over trump. Pretty sad.
Humm but Trump isn't President. Sounds like a bunch of hurt Americans who are sick of bottom barrel Politicians. Watching an amazing Country go down the toilet and everyone blaming the Country of Mexico. It's not a Republican or Democrat thing it's an American thing. Has to be enormous culture shock moving to a Country that is bashed so harshly in the American press and finding a non violent, affordable, peacefully safe utopia.
Under Trump, our nation was energy independent, the economy was booming and unemployment was at an all-time low; when Covid hit, it cratered our economy. They might not like his character, but we had more money in our pockets and a president that puts America first; Biden's Open Borders and Billions to Ukraine will bankrupt America.
Funny. And enlightening. 😂
Thank you very much!