RESTAURANTS I MEDICAL SERVICES | OTHER SERVICES | EXPLORING
San Miguel de Allende was founded by the Spanish in 1541, but later became the first municipality to declare independence from Spanish rule during the Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821). It became a quiet, serene place frequented by wealthy Mexicans due to its proximity to the hot springs. It’s right smack in the middle of Mexico’s cradle of independence and, like Guanajuato, it’s got a rich history. Today, the bustling town of 180,000 (approximately 12,000 of those are expats) is home to stunning art galleries, intriguing stores and international restaurants. At the same time, vendors meander down cobblestone paths with their burros (donkeys). You can buy a $10,000 USD bottle of vodka in a Faberge egg at the liquor section of the upscale gourmet grocer, City Market. Or a kilo of fresh strawberries for 50 pesos at the farmer’s market. That’s San Miguel.
For more of the historical and architectural highlights of San Miguel de Allende, please see here.
And a video here.
San Miguel 2020 Census
Please see here.
Please see here. In 2020, San Miguel’s population was 175,197 of which 80,095 lived in the city and the balance in communities under the governance of San Miguel. Of those 10,724 were not born in San Miguel. 3,543 were born in Mexico City, 3,518 were born in the US and 1,674 were born in the State of Mexico. The remaining 1,989 people were born elsewhere. The percentage of the population not from Mexico living in San Miguel is highly overestimated.
Is San Miguel Expensive?
Parroquia of San Miguel Arcangel, as seen above, is a world-famous parish. Its history as described here, started in the 1600’s.
As with any popular destination, in San Miguel, renting and buying in the city center is expensive. Most of the businesses and buildings in Centro are owned by Mexicans. As you extend a little further out, prices drop. The population of San Miguel is about 8% expatriate. Tens of thousands of Mexicans live in SMA on low incomes.
There are many restaurants where you may eat for 200 pesos. Or, you may have a much more expensive meal at the Rosewood Hotel or The Restaurant. The Rosewood was voted one of the best hotels in Mexico. And, San Miguel has gained a name for its culinary offerings and five-star restaurants. Expect to pay big city prices in those establishments.
There are numerous markets with low-cost, high-quality fruits, vegetables, chicken, cheese, etc. The prices are comparable in most Mexican markets. A dozen long-stem roses may be as low as $4.00 US. A tire with a slow leak, removed from the car and rim, patched and reinstalled, was $4.50 US. If you want to shop at City Market or any of San Miguel’s upscale or organic markets, expect to pay more – as you would anywhere.
We have a new home overlooking the city, and our annual property taxes are $200 US. Our water bill is $25 per month; propane is $15 a month. We have solar electricity, and our electric administration fee is $2.50 per month.
Can SMA be expensive? Of course, as with most places, it may be, but it does not have to be. Many in San Miguel can live on small incomes by living as the locals do. So, come, enjoy and explore San Miguel de Allende, a World Heritage City.
Paying Property Taxes in San Miguel
Property taxes are to be paid in the first 3 months of the year. Should you pay in January there is a 15% discount. If you pay in February, there is a 10% discount. Your account number is on your tax bill called CUENTA PREDIAL. It is 12 digits and when you pay online please omit the first two digits.
Your property taxes may be paid in person as per here.
Or, you may pay your property taxes on line as per here. If you need assistance, please contact Joanna via email.
Topography
Climate
Water Testing:
Caminos de Agua will do water testing, which includes arsenic and fluoride. And you may find more information regarding Caminos de Agua and water quality monitoring. Please see here.
Immigration Services
Restaurants in San Miguel
Berlin is a great restaurant and bar, and a staple in San Miguel. It reminds one of “Cheers”, where you always see familiar faces and many know your name. Umaran #19
Deli District New York-style delicatessen. Menu includes breakfast, bagels, fresh fruit, various sandwiches, including grilled, burgers, salads, soups, fish and chips, and desserts. Open daily 8 am to 8 pm. Stirling Dickinson 2-A. 415-150-1172 and WhatsApp 415-144-1177. Adjacent to it is Market Platz, featuring Central European cuisine, a Bar, and a Gourmet Deli.
Denver’s Los Olivos is amodest Italian restaurant. His pastas and sauces are all homemade. Juan, the owner, cut his culinary teeth in the kitchen of the Olive Garden restaurant chain in the US. Excellent prices, and home delivery is available. This is our favorite Italian restaurant. 20 Enero Sur #44.
El Archangel is an excellent small restaurant with very reasonable prices. They open at 9 am daily, starting with breakfast. Menu includes chicken with mole, fish, lasagne, salmon, chile en nogada, shrimp cocktail and much more. One of those little-known gems. It is at Calzada de la Estación #35.
El Rinconcito Refugio Norte #7, a husband and wife team featuring very good Mexican food and reasonable in price.
Fenicia, Zacateros #73, Lebanese. When you are ready for healthy food, carefully prepared by the owners.
Hecho en México Ancha de San Antonio #8. Large Mexican menu; very popular, fast service and excellent prices.
La Frontera Refugio Sur # 30; Comfort Food; excellent drowned burrito; very popular with expats. This is one of our favourites. 415-152-4265
Neopolitan Pizza pizzas. Julián Carrillo 4b Col Guadalupe (415-121-7249).
OKO Plaza Alhondiga, Carreretara San Miguel-Celya (the strip mall across from La Comer). Thai food and there is an outdoor patio.
Orquidea Zacateros #83 Thai; excellent food and reasonable prices. There is also a second location called Orquidea Thai Express. There are some tables, but also a focus on take-out. As you drive out of the city towards Queretaro, past the Presidencia (city hall) and in less than 1000 feet on the left, in the first buildings after the government offices, is the location.
Vivali Café Hernandez Marcias #66 Italian Excellent service, Christina, the owner, is gracious and very selective in the ingredients she chooses.
Medical Services in San Miguel
Please never go to a medical professional (dentist, doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, etc) who does not have a cedula, which is a professional license to practice medicine in Mexico. You will encounter individuals, both Mexican and expats, who say they are medical professionals but have no credentials to practice in Mexico. And possibly no credentials anywhere. The same applies to lawyers, accountants, notarios, architects, and engineers, among others. Ask to see certification and ask for recommendations.
Doctors
Dr. Mario Alberto Rosas Navarro, Pulmonologist. He is in SMA at MAC hospital 1 day per week, and he is excellent. SMA Ph: 442-270-4473. https://www.doctoralia.com.mx/…/santiago-de-queretaro
Dr. Erick Ramirez Cruz, Orthopedics, MAC Hospital; Phone: 415-159-1834 / 442-784-1309; email: consultaortopedia.sma@gmail.com
Dra. Laura Susana Vega Camarena, Gynecologist and Obstetrics, compassionate care, professional. Hospital Star Medica, Queretaro 442-195-8694; Emergencies 442-338-0952; 442-427-8000 / Ext. 21017, email: susy16vega@hotmail.com
Dra. Leslie Marie Flores, Primary Care Physician, office appointments and house calls, serving San Miguel and Queretaro. Speaks: English, French, Spanish; MAC Hospital San Miguel de Allende Tel. 415-100-0269; email: drlesliemarie@gmail.com
Dr. Manuel Aparicio Alonso, Orthopedic Spine Specialist / Surgeon. Bilingual; very skilled. The clinic also performs surgeries and MRI. X-Rays.Centro Médico Jurica. Priv. de los Industriales 111-A, Zona industrial Jurica, Querétaro, Qro. Tel: (442) 199-3125 Urgencias: (442) 287-0300
Dra Luvia Rodriguez Quino, Ophthalmologist; bilingual; cataract, laser, refractive and retina surgery. Hidalgo No. 28 Centro San Miguel de Allende, Gto. C.P. 37700; 415-152-5466, email: doctora.luvia@gmail.com
Dra Itzel Martinez Magana, Dermatologist; Mac Hospital phone: 415-197-2208; email: dermaitzel@gmail.com
Hospitals
Hospital Joya also has other hospitals in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Address: Lib. José Manuel Zavala 12-A; Phone: 415 152 5900
Hospital MAC latest equipment; some bilingual staff, professional, across from the west side of Liverpool on Camino Alcocer; Phone: 415 150 3900
Medical Laboratory, X-Ray, MRI, Etc.
CHOPO services include X-Rays, MRI, Ultrasound, blood work, etc. They are professional, fast and a fraction of the price found north of the border. Location is next to Santander at Plaza la Luciernaga.
Dentists
Dr. Isaias Garcia is bilingual. For his specialties of implants and crowns, he received his training at a US university. Plaza Alhondig, where is OKO and Italian Coffee are, across from La Comer. His office is upstairs PH: 415-120-0055 / 442-242-0551 / 442-186-6605 email: consultorioisaiasgarcia@gmail.com
Dr. Jaime Garcia, Pediatric Dentist (only children and teens). Edificio Kubica Privada de los Industriales #110, Office #407, Jurica, Queretaro; Approximately 1 mile past Antea Mall on the same side; phone: 442-199-0656 / 58; Emergency: 442-343-4431
Dr. Enrique Ortega Rodriguez and his son, Dr. Juan Carlos Ortega, offer braces for all ages. He and his team are excellent. Appointments are available in San Miguel weekly. Paseo del Prado No. 102-603, Col. Del Prado, Queretaro, QRO, Mexico 76039 Tel: 442-216-8611; 442-216-0133; WhatsApp 442-603-0407
Other Services in San Miguel
After Death Services
The 24 Hour Association is a non-profit, legally registered Mexican association providing a prepaid plan of cremation and burial services that fully comply with Mexican law. The 24 Hour Assn. is the only entity which can register the death with the Mexican authorities without the involvement of a family member. No funeral home can do this. Email: sec@24assoc.com Phone: 415-121-0010
Assisted And Supportive Living
Cielito Lindo is an assisted living facility located in Los Labradores, 20 minutes from San Miguel, which includes fully assisted and independent living. It caters to all needs, including Alzheimer patients. Email
Hacienda Elm is a supportive living facility. Age in community with ease, comfort, and heart-centered care. Hacienda ELM is a 24/7 supported living community for adults 60+ in San Miguel de Allende. They offer private suites, daily meals, wellness activities, bilingual staff and connection.
Other Services
Automotive Body Work
Luis Gutierrez: bilingual, has an indoor paint area, matches colors well; Colegio Militar #16, Colonia Guadalupe Phone: 415-154-7256 / cel: 415-113-9687.
Automotive Detailing
Luis Aguilar, Monday to Saturday. He comes to your house totally prepared with an extension cord, hose, power washer, and cleaning supplies. Responsive, professional and bilingual. 415-103-0911. FaceBook
Banking Assistance
INBURSA Banking San Miguel.
This bank is located in San Miguel de Allende at the Luciernaga mall. The bank will receive a transfer of funds using Wise and other similar services. The bank has a great app, and it is not crowded like many banks. Parking is abundant. You will receive a debit card.
Josue Balboa Limon is a bilingual accountant. You will need to be a temporary or permanent resident. An RFC is required, which Josue can obtain with you. He will provide all your information to the bank to reduce time and ensure your information is correct. When your contract is ready to sign, Josue will meet you at the bank. Email: jobal22@hotmail.com
Cooking Schools
La Cocina Cooking School Sabino 26; 52 888-407-3168
Fumigation
Exter Fumigaciones y Sanitizaciones is professional and knowledgeable. Claudia is bilingual. Phone: 415-111-3819, 415-154-6191; Email: exterplussma@gmail.com
Hair Salon
Ramon Salazar, owner of Merak Salon, is creative, current and very reasonably priced. Phone: 415-688-1309 Cel: 415-115-7133, Email: merak.salon@gmail.com. The location is a beautiful historic setting above Paprika Restaurant, Calle Ancha de San Antonio 9A, across from Hecho en Mexico.
Insurance
Please contact me as I have excellent resources for insurance. This includes medical, evacuation, car, property and life insurance.
Irrigation Systems Residential and Commercial
Ricardo (Ricky) Lance Aqua Smart Sprinklers professional, punctual, bilingual; excellent fees. Phone: 415 566 9812 Email: tech.rickylance@gmail.com
Notario
Oscar Arroyo Delgado for Wills, all real estate transactions, advance directives. Location is behind the Jeep car dealership on Calle la Alondra. 415-152-6333
Produce
Chinaberry Farms‘ freshly harvested vegetables are nurtured within hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouses. In addition, thriving expansive onsite fields. If your quest is for the freshest vegetables, your search concludes here! Multiple convenient pickup locations await, providing you with easy access to their bountiful harvest.
Real Estate Sales
Please contact me for a professional realtor here in San Miguel.
Rentals
SMA Home Solutions Erika Corral Gutierrez for longer-term rental accommodations and property management. Plaza San Antonio #2 Interior 3, Col. San Antonio. WhatsApp: 415 101 9629
Tire Repairs
Volcan Movil will come to your house and fix a flat. No English 415-125-1107 y 415-111-6441
Tours
Follow Me Tours with Emma Salazar provides tours including a San Miguel newcomer’s tour; butterfly sanctuary, Guanajuato, Mexico City, Patzcuaro, wineries, gastronomy, pyramids, a tour for children and many more. They have an excellent reputation. 415-119-4402; Email: info@fmtours.mx; FaceBook; website.
Transportation
BajioGo airport shuttle service. Mexico City, Leon and Queretaro airports. 415-185-8665; Email: info@bajiogo.com
Tex-Mex Transportation with Angie Ruiz. Excellent bilingual services for people, pets, and parcels between San Miguel and Texas. Cell / WhatsApp: 512-466-0604. Email: Angiestexmextransporting@gmail.com
Veterinarian
Dr Octavio Capitan Tovar makes house calls. Very reasonable fees. San Francisco #66-5; PH: 415-121-0598
PetVet has an excellent reputation. Stirling Dickinson, 27, San Antonio. Open 7 days a week. 415 152 2341
Yoga
Hot Yoga uses a series of 26 postures (asanas) and 2 breathing exercises (pranayama), performed in a room at 42 degrees for 90 minutes. This sequence is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Each position works, stretches, lengthens and strengthens, in turn, ligaments and joints, preparing the body for the next posture. 415-566-2354
Exploring Around San Miguel
San Miguel has numerous museums, a gorgeous Parroquia (church) on the main plaza, and the seven-acre Juarez Park is just a five-minute walk from Centro. In addition, the El Charco Botanico Gardens are magical and historical.
San Miguel Adventure Park: The park has several zip lines, a suspended bridge, horseback riding, quads, biking and hiking; near La Luciernaga mall.
Candles: LaVela Calzada de la Estacion #239 (across from Immigration). Set back in from the street. 415-152-5353
Coyote Canyon Adventures: hot air balloon, hot springs, horseback riding, adventure tours etc.
El Charcoal Botanical Gardens are 10 minutes from Centro. There are several acres with a greenhouse, reservoir, walking trails. Magical, quiet and a nature paradise.
Fabrica La Aurora was a factory that made fabric for nearly 100 years. Today, approximately 40 art galleries, interior design stores, and restaurants.
Guanajuato Wine Route is an excellent website.
Hot Springs
La Gruta and Xote are 15 minutes north of San Miguel
Markets
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, Mercado San Juan de Dios; Mercado de Artesanias; Tianguis de los Martes; Tianguis Organico
San Miguel has numerous museums, a gorgeous Parroquia (church) on the main plaza, and the seven-acre Juarez Park is just a five-minute walk from Centro.
Winery
Hacienda San José LaVista is the most impressive winery. The Tarragon restaurant is very good. The property is extensive, and it is also a very popular wedding and event venue.
Nearby Towns Worth a Visit
Dolores Hidalgo is 35 miles north of San Miguel and is known for pottery and ceramics.
Mineral de Pozos, a 45-minute drive, once a very active silver mining town, is worth a visit.
Canada de la Virgen Pyramids: 25 minutes from SMA
Queretaro Centro is European in feel with parks and fountains, and it is clean and safe. Explore the alleyways, numerous restaurants, museums and much more. About 55 minutes from San Miguel.
Shopping Antea Lifestyle Center is a modern, sophisticated mall on the northern outskirts of Queretaro in what is called Juriquilla. This mall is on a par with most any found in Canada or the US.
Guanajuato City is another World Heritage Center and is definitely worth a visit. It is 80 minutes away.
Guanajuato City Tourist Guide / Driver: Israel Torres provides tours of Guanajuato City and also will drive you to San Miguel etc. in his own car. He is very professional, bilingual, informed and secure. 473-732-3143 / 473-597-3953
High road from Guanajuato City to Dolores Hidalgo, HWY 110, is a 2 lane, paved highway rising to 10,000 feet with gorgeous views and vast pine forests. The drive reminds one of the High Road to Taos, NM.
