Nestled in the labyrinth of streets and orange groves, a carefree couple can relax on a patio, enjoying soup, pasta, veal, fresh vegetables and Margaritas, for $11. San Miguel de Allende offers restaurants in historic monasteries, restaurants on rooftop terraces and independently owned bed-and-breakfast dining. This eclectic region features big city cuisine, including: Thai food, Asian fusion, Italian, French and traditional Mexican. Special serenades make each meal so much more memorable.
“People go to Florida to die. They come to San Miguel de Allende to live,” advertises a visitor brochure. With the perfect weather, the quiet afternoons, the ample amenities and the rich culture, this part of Mexico has become one of the best-kept retirement secrets for
New residents live well here -- in gated communities, eating out every night (which costs the same as dining home), paying for maid service (about $5/day), affording their own personal gardeners and enjoying health insurance for just $50/month. Even renters enjoy accommodations for $300/month, $10 water bills, $30 electricity bills and $3 taxis across town.
One couple, Joe and Venae Warner, moved to San Miguel de Allende in 2001 and said they spend about $100/month for all their bills: gas, electric, water, phone and cable. For $6, they come home from the market with heaping baskets of fresh fruit or vegetables. Their small home just outside the main square cost less than $100,000, which they paid for in cash to avoid the hassle of a mortgage. Some days, they said, they lived off as little as $5/day. Truly San Miguel de Allende is a great place to visit or retire.
