Gringo City Mexico: What's happening in San Miguel de Allende?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- San Miguel de Allende is an expat hotspot in Mexico. Retirees from the US and Canada are flocking to San Miguel to retire. But what happens when so many gringos move to a traditional Mexican town? People have told me about high prices in San Miguel and that it's now too expensive for locals. I wanted to investigate the gentrification of San Miguel de Allende and what Mexicans really think about all of the foreigner who come to live in this city.
It's easy to see why San Miguel de Allende is one of the favorite destinations for expats who want to retire in Mexico. It's a gorgeous colonial city in the heart of Mexico with a sunny climate. The established expat community is easy to see on the streets of San Miguel de Allende, which is also a key tourist destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike.
Some people have mentioned that nowadays, San Miguel de Allende is no longer an authentic Mexican town and that the gringos have made the cost of living too expensive for local Mexicans. I interviewed expats and Mexicans alike to find out what people think about the gentrification of San Miguel de Allende.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped with this video. I encourage everyone to check our their businesses if you visit San Miguel de Allende
Angie - Helado Santo
heladosanto...
MJ Mural Artist
/ mjartpaint
Oaxaca Rugs
/ 2572948936149013
Restaurante los Farolitos
goo.gl/maps/Wp4K2dzqcc8pAifq5
Warren - Bananas / Casa Casa Mai’a
Casa Mai'a: Murillo #2 Esquina con, San Francisco, Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Bananas: / bananaspatio
Francois - La Adelita Cantina
goo.gl/maps/4HU9DLT8oeEaxf686
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#SanMiguelDeAllende #Mexico #ExpatsInMexico
If you go to San Miguel, I encourage you to visit these shops, you won't regret it. I'm very thankful to all these people because they gave me part of their time to have a talk with me. I definitely think it's worth visiting this town, have you visited?
I am visiting next week. I was considering moving there, but this video gives me pause - while it's tempting to move to a place that has a lot of English speakers, I'm afraid being surrounded by expats might affect my ability to learn the language as quickly as I'd like. Great video as always, Karencita.
Contributions that so many gringos live in San Miguel de Allende; Increase in drug trafficking in that area, in fact Guanajuato is the red light of the entire country in terms of narcotics and insecurity, adding to it the inefficiency of the corrupt PAN authorities, that there are so many gringos in that place is not good for the country, Let's remember Texas, that's how they started, they got in little by little like the humidity.
Aportaciones de que vivan tantos gringos en San Miguel de Allende; aumento de trafico de enervantes en esa zona, de echo Guanajuato es el foco rojo de todo el país en cuanto a narcóticos e inseguridad, sumándole la ineficiente de las autoridades corruptas panistas, que haya tantos gringos en ese lugar no es bueno para el país, recordemos Texas, así empezaron, se metieron poco a poco como la humedad.
Do you have the name of the rug shop? Thanks!
@@chrissivret1676 Yes, this is it: es-la.facebook.com/oaxacarugs
He said they can deliver worldwide.
@@chrissivret1676 it's called Oaxaca rugs
The reason I love your channel, besides the great work in filming and editing is that you always go deeper into issues than anyone else. The internet is no place for nuance but you seek it out anyway! I applaud that! Most people would go no further than. "it's too many foreigners" "it's expensive" "it hurts locals" but the truth is much more complicated than that and there are pros and cons to this! Thank you very much for another great video!
Indeed!
Thank you. I think being Mexican allows me to show another perspective compared to other channels and I'm taking advantage of that.
If you noticed, then it's working. Thanks so much.
Very well said! And we like your videos too! 👍🏼
It’s working great! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I completely agree with your comment, LaKC does great research and presents it in a clear and interesting way. Her videos are so much more informative and interesting than the average TH-camr who walks around the city giving their random opinions.
Loved this video Karen! Can’t wait to visit San Miguel sometime. The history of the arts in SMA is fascinating.
Excellent video and really appreciate how you get the various perspectives. Thank you for sharing.
Another great video Karencita. Thank you for showing a different perspective.
Thank you for such a great video. Finally a more in depth look at San Miguel. I hope to soon visit....been wanting to for a long time. Keep up the good work!
Very interesting perspectives. Thank you for interviewing all these folks.
Another excellent video, La Karencita! You're decision to shift your content is working well !!! I enjoy it very much. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Cool video! The transition out of the screen into your study at the end was very good. I enjoyed hearing the perspectives of both sides.
Loved your video and your research! Muchas gracias!
Thank you, Karencita, for another great video. I can appreciate the sentiment that SMA has changed from a small, quaint pueblito to a fast-paced expensive enclave for retirees from within and outside of Mexico. I moved to Austin, TX more than 45 years ago when it was a small, quaint college town. It has grown incredibly large and is now a very expensive place to live. But I still enjoy living here and have learned to adapt and navigate through life's challenges. Growth and progress will always be frowned upon by some.
Great video as always, Karencita! Makes me want to visit San Miguel.
Terrific interviews! :) Love to see more of these!
The neighborhood' s name in Guadiana, not Gaudiana
Your video quality just keeps getting better! This video had such great insight and perspective. Thank you!
I feel very happy you guys enjoy my videos. The least I can do is to keep improving. Thanks for watching
Awesome video, history, interactions with the residents.
I hope the Artesants benefits from the sale of their work and not just the middle man.
It's about time to lift the Mexican artesanos out of poverty 🙏
Double that
They won't it doesn't matter if they sell their product, when the life expensive are too higher thanks to you and other foreigner people
THIS VID IS ONE OF YOUR BEST ONES, KEEP GOING, IAM SENDING U GOOD VIBS..YA
Very. Informative video. Thank you.
Excellent, bravo! I believe I saw you last night in Andrea's wonderful mom and pop Italian restaurant too... Thank you for digging down into the reasons we expats LOVE the Mexican people and this pueblo mágico!
Thank you so much for your effort and beautiful videos.
I have watched, and enjoyed so many of your videos. I love the insight and thoughtfulness you present in your vlogs. Please keep doing what your doing! PEOPLE YOU NEED TO SUPPORT THESE TYPES OF VOICES BECOME A PATREON TODAY!!!
Thank you very much Sena
Awesome video ! I love the diverse inputs in the video.
loved your video the best I have seen
Me encanto conocer más de San Miguel de Ayende! Excelente vídeo!
Lovely video. I learned a lot
So charming -- the video & San Miguel! Just visited there for the first time in July and fell in love.
Insightful message! Thoughtfully presented! Lovely.
Very interesting video. Thanks.
Thanks for your vid, I will research San Miguel for a possible long stay. I loved my time in Mexico some years ago.
I think most of the comments are spot on regarding those of us who choose to live there. And yes I agree on the learning Spanish - which I will be working on more and more
I am in a Mexican Colonia in SMA (no gated expat place for me) and have rented my place out but will be moving down full time in a year. Looking so forward to finally enjoying my place and chosen town. And the one comment about crime/violence- I feel a heck of a lot safer here than many places in USA. Aside from the great architecture, weather, arts, culture, music, expenses ... the thing that really draws me in is the kindness of the Mexican people. It is extraordinaire!!
I agree with you 100%. I live in Jacksonville, Florida and ....:th-cam.com/video/4n1wr4lzJY0/w-d-xo.html
I am Mexican/American born and raised in California.....I plan on retiring in Mexico so glad many Anglo Americans coming down here too....helps the local economies and just makes Mexico a better place.
I’m glad you’re learning the language. I went to SMA and hated it because of how many white Americans there was :/ A lot were very rude and entitled. But I’m glad you at least appreciate the people
You are an immigrant, regardless of your skin color.
Thanks for the info. I love learning about my future retirement location.
You are an awesome travel reporter!!! 👏👏
Thank you Karencita for showing this beautiful place from Mexico City👋💞
Thank you for the video!
Genial reportaje, un like y suscripción merecidos!
I enjoyed this video. 🙏🏽💖💖💖
Muchas bendiciones estoy muy agradecido con tu contenido..!!
Excellent video!
First time I have seen your work. Great video!
Thank you so much 😊
Apenas descubrí tu canal me encanta! Keep up the great work Karencita!
Wonderful and informative video. Gracias
Love your video. San Miguel is a beautiful city and a true gem in a treasure trove called Mexico
New subbie here! I love your energy and personality!
Loved the video. Nos das un poco más de perspectiva.
The Mexican people are one of the reasons I love SMA… always make me feel welcome in those beautiful country.
Well I hope your happy for foreigner people like you I can't afford a house 😢😢😢😢😢 go to your own country 😢😢😢😢 I want to be available to buy a house
Very informative we are moving there to retire in October a new insight in a place we love Cheers
I'd love to visit someday. So beautiful.Thank you for sharing.
Gracias Karencita. Your videos are inspiring me to retire in Mexico. I went to San Miguel when I was a child. It’s still a beautiful city. I might have to go back soon.
Love that you have put Spanish subtitles too!
Que bien ver este video, interesante, informativo, muy positivo, adelante, gusto observarte creciendo en diferentes aspectos. Paz y amor para ti!👏🤗
Qué linda. Muchas gracias por tomarte el tiempo para verlo y te deseo todo lo mejor
You are an awesome interviewer!
Great work...gracias
Thanks for sharing! Great to meet MJ. I saw her art around San Miguel - including inside one of the expats house.
I just found your video i subscribed very professionally edited
My great-grandfather was born in Merida and his wife came from Burgos, Spain. They had 3 children born in Mexico City. He was the Postmaster General of Mexico when Diaz was President and emigrated to the U.S. when the Mexican Revolution happened in early 1900's. My great-aunt, Maria Cristina Mena was a Mexican-American author. I love and appreciate Mexican folk art and culture. Viva la Mexico!!
Just Viva Mexico!! (Without "la" since Mexico is masculine) best regards
@@capacitacionyconsultoriaes6319 "Vive le Mexique" jajaja
@Mongoose 1980 Actually Estados Unidos Mexicanos is United Mexican States.
@Mongoose 1980 Nonsense you are a revisionist historian, if it was The United States of Mexico that would translate to Estados Unidos de Mexico. The official name of Mexico is Estatdos Unidos Mexicanos, which translates to United Mexican States.
@Mongoose 1980 bla bla bla, whatever.
Cool video, interesting perspective. My sister retired here first and I visited and loved it, moving a few years later. I also found love at sixty and a Love for the live music like David Mendoza @ 1:03
Muy buen video muy bien explicado
I like your style you just got a new subscriber 👍🏾
I was in San Miguel Allende at the turn of the century. As a visitor I absolutely loved the historical aspect of San Miguel Allende. The museum’s and places to see were spectacular. A friend from Valencia wanted us to see San Miguel Allende, and she was right it was amazing! And the architecture was beautiful!
This is a really different perspective than most videos are usually presented, and I appreciate it. Thanks!
Thank you. I'm trying different things and it's nice to know when you like them. Let's see how it goes. Thank you for always appreciating the videos.
Oops, forgot about this account too! Lol great video you guys!
Muy bien hecho tú video. Siempre me gusta ver videos se mi Guanajuato querido.
Karencita! I am so happy that you are continuing in your direction of thoughtful and investigative videos! You are my favorite. Keep on lil sister. I am so proud of how you have grown. Poonam PS: one lil bit of advice: don't include your saying goodbye to the people you interview. that feels too choppy. just keep it smoother as part of the whole video without the harsh boundary of the separate "thanks byes".
Thanks for enjoying the video and for the advice as well. 😃
We live in Oaxaca, & prices here are rising very rapidly. Some of the people are coming from San Miguel de Allende in order to find a less expensive place.
Unfortunately, it is getting expensive. Like San Miguel, it is a big tourist town and 50% of the tourists are Mexicans.
Although I'm not sure, I think what's driving prices up are investors from Mexico City, Airbnb, & out-of- town Realtors who are taking advantage of the situation, making it more like San Miguel de Allende.
Exactly, I have noticed that the home prices rental or buying are very high even for USA citizens wanting to move there
Locals should reunite and legislate to protect their town from these type os escenarios before every mexican is paying rent to a foreigner. Wake up mexico!
@@pecodo2 anglos are the enemy there is no doubt about that anymore. Los Mexicanos si necesita toma maneras en sus propas manos.
Move to Argentina
Easier to blame the gringos than rich Mexican investors who are buying up the properties. I can see a backlash coming, where gringo-owned properties are subjected to a special tax or buying rights are restricted.
Great video Karencita! My family always take me to San Miguel when I visit them in Querétaro. Love that place. I’ll be going back in September! In relation to this video, I hope that Querétaro doesn’t become saturated with expats, like San Miguel, because the cost of living will increase there and in turn will effect my family. The city is already being Americanized, especially the newer areas surrounding el centro. Let’s see what happens! 🤷🏻♂️
Wonderful video
I spent some time in SMA earlier this year. I loved the people I met and beautiful architecture. I felt such a sense of love and appreciation there and I think it has a lot to do with the people. I enjoyed meeting the local owners of the vegan restaurants I went to and felt really welcome. I spent time in Alcocer doing some healing work with one of my teachers and went to a lovely retreat, Lavanda. I look forward to going back.
Sunny weather, I congratulate you for your courage to start this interesting channel, your accent is lovely.
This was very insightful and enjoyable too. As I thought, SMA is still Mexico after all! It’s what you make of it.
Have you done a video on Zihuatanejo? If not that would be very interesting!
Becoming more and more american too
We decided to move to the outskirts of SanMiguel, it’s lovely and cheaper. Centro has become expensive and crowded but maintains its charm, so it’s nice to visit now and then.
Like 5 years ago I used to visit and stay in San Miguel almost every weekend. I did it for a year and a half (approximately) and I just fell in love with the town. I had the opportunity to discover the city by walking through its secret streets (to me at least) and their colorful facades.
Everytime I go is like good memories invading my mind and the town has some unexplained magical charm.
Magical experiences make good memories
Wow, Thank you for the video! Que interesante. Mi plan es moverme para Mexico. Tengo años sin ir pero naci aya.
Wonderful thank you
Gran video. Aprende mucho. Greetings/saludos de Tijuana.
Buen video
Karencita! Eres la mejor TH-camr!
Gracias por tu trabajo muy bien 👍
Before I moved to SMA, I also thought it was going to be way too much of an ex-pat place to live. I didn't want to move to a small American enclave where English is heard more than Spanish and everything is priced up because of the foreign investments. In addition, the age range of most ex-pats here is 60+. I was in my late 40's, so it wasn't exactly the age group I would normally socialize with. I have lived in other cities in Mexico but what I found here in SMA is what I'm sure other ex-pats have found. it is a place of inspiring beauty and a unique blend of Mexican culture with a spirit of possibilities for anyone with a creative soul. Yes, it is true that the influx of foreigners drives up the prices of rent and homes to buy, but at the same time, the outside investment has brought jobs, new business, and more economic advancement for the locals. Even in the relatively short time that I have been living here, I have noticed the city grow with many new housing developments and commercial projects in the works. This may be due in part to foreign investment but you can definitely witness many more Mexican moving here from other parts of Mexico. And Mexican tourism here is very popular.
How do you know they are mexican? Theres more central and south americans coming into mexico plus middle eastern aside from caucasian populations. There may be more work, but the wages still remain low. New homes are built for foreigners with higher budgets, something a mexican worker cannot afford.
@@jj-bp3fr no. I do Real Estate here and 80% of the market is Mexican. Honestly, your comment is really ignorant and I perceive a little bit of xenophobia
Hola Karencita, saludos desde Hidalgo, mucho éxito.
Amiga, te faltó visitar y entrevistar a los verdaderos originarios del pueblo, y los primeros artistas que llegaron a vivir ahí, y te contarán una historia muy diferente. Era un buen lugar para vivir y visitar en ese entonces, actualmente es una gigantesca plaza comercial, nada más.
San Muguel lugar donde se le da oportunidad a mucho talento mexicano, solo el 15% de sus pobladores son extranjeros.
Solo ves lo malo amiguita, lo bueno esq tienen un pueblo bien cuidado, le has preguntado a los dueños mexicanos de comercios formales y ambulantes qué piensan? Estan fascinados, como yo si escucho todas las versiones, gente nativa renta sus casas, han tenido ganancias impresionantes con el arribo de los gringos y canadienses, te doy un ejemplo: Guanajuato muy lindo pero muy descuidado, puedes caminar y ver una linda arquitectura y a 2 pasos otra cayéndose a pedazos, a diferencia de San Miguel, que da gusto recorrer sus calles, limpias, cuidadas, hermosos murales hechos por artistas mexicanos, se nota hay civismo
No hay nada más malinchista, que denigrar a otro paisano mexicano por no decir lo que piensas. Ella entrevistó gente que sus generaciones nacieron ahí, ya dijeron que si es caro vivir si embargo les dieron mejores ingresos, también marco el racismo pero por parte de otra mexicanos. Quítense esa mentalidad de Tenoch, solo son perros entrenados de wokes gringos. Empecemos mejor en hablar de la xenofobia que existe en CDMX para gente de provincia como para los extranjeros.
Todo latino americano los quieren porque les conbienen train tabajos es mas estan en todo el mundo . Peru,colombia,gueatemala,Ecuador,salvador,costrica,thalianda,y muchos mas paises que los quieren porque train trabajos.
You are a beautiful lady. This is a great video. I met Angie Ruiz, and I am glad you interviewed her.
Great video! New subscriber here!
Good video Karen
Saludos de Houston mucha suerte!!! Me gustan tus videos
I'm so glad that where my parents are from in Oaxaca, there is the law of Usos y Costumbres, Indigenous law that prohibits the sale of property/land to anyone who is not from the community.
We need a law like that in the U.S.
@@Notrocketscience101 it's not just that, you are also obligated to serve the community in various ways, serving in the local government, police, cleaning projects, manual labor, etc... If you're not in good standing with the community, you can also lose your home and land property, and even lose the right to be buried at the community cemetery.
@@Notrocketscience101 but it wouldn't work in the US, there's too many people from different backgrounds and what not.
Would that be okay in the US too?
True but people marry outside there race and they then fit in
Love this town! Looking for more of your videos. I am alone, so if I see a local being discriminated against I will ask if I can dine at their table with them and see if we can make it better.
Thank you good job
And only 200 km from my hometown! Encarnacion de Diaz. Me encanto' el video! Gracias!
Hola, quiero decirte que me gustó tu video peeeero realmente la única persona que entrevistaste de San Miguel es el señor del mercado, la mayoría gente que tiene tienda de artesanías (son de Oaxaca) y como vemos los dueños de negocios son de fuera, ya que en San Miguel nos fomentan más a ser trabajadores de todos ellos, con salarios pequeños que no podemos pagar rentas y si estudiamos algo en su mayoría tiene que ser fuera de la ciudad ya que las carreras de la única escuela pública que hay son enfocadas en atender el turismo.
Me hubiera encantado sumar a tus entrevistas la plática con alguien nacido aquí trabajando en algún hotel carisimo, alguien nacido aquí que emprendió un negocio.
Thanks for the very informative video, you are a breath of fresh air 😀! Simply adorable 😍 besitos 😘
You really did change my perspective. I lived there and didn't want to be there, so I didn't like it. This gives me a new perspective. I also see that my friend M.J. (shout out from Morelia!) is thriving there and that makes me really happy!
Hey Cat!!! I just saw this!❤
I have been to San Miguel several times it’s beautiful!
I hope locals treat other locals equally as important as tourist.
Also that they may not get pushed away from their own town due to being too expensive or not feeling welcomed in their own hometown.
having locals enjoying and being part of the town is what makes “Pueblo Mágico” feeling.
We are treated exactly the same. Please don't believe what some people say that foreign people are treated better, that's not true. However, Real Estate is getting very expensive here (for Mexican standards). The salaries are not high here, so in that sense it's becoming unaffordable for some locals. My advice for not local people: give good tips, pay fair prices and if you have employees, pay good salaries. That's the minimum you should do to contribute to the beauty, social justice and even to preserve safety and peace in this place
@@miguelangelfloreslopez8648 false
@@MiloSatori maybe they don't treat YOU well. In my case, I receive great service all the time.
WOW ! The house of hummingbirds that sounds cool.
I can foresee my Oaxaca following that pat l hear from locals complain about that trend everything getting more expensive.
Don’t mind me, Just using all my channels for more likes! You k ow I’m loving all your videos! Keep up the great work! 😁
I appreciate you like the videos and you use all your channels to help the algorithm 😃😂
@@LaKarencitaMX that’s what friends are for, and I even let the commercials play out too. I know that’s part of the algorithm as well. 🥰
@@LaKarencitaMX oops, responded from the wrong account! Lol oh well, more comments help too! 😂
Un otra profil mio! Jaja
Yep, once gentrification kicks in everything will change drastically. Harlem, Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit are a few examples. The locals won't be able to afford to live there.
@@stone0234 Yessica it’s gentrification, and it’s a lot worse than the type that happens in the US because the income disparity is a lot larger.
SMA isn’t being gentrified. The foreigners are helping to preserve and stimulate the artisanal industry. It’s important to preserve the culture and employ the Mexican community. Did you not watch the video? The Mexicans living there said they really don’t have an issue with foreigners. Those that complain are those that don’t live there. Don’t base your opinion by what goes on in America. America is not the world.
My beautiful Mexico 🇲🇽 proud Mexican American 🇺🇸 ….if the Mexican government would stop being stupid and clean/fix up the mess of all the negative assholes who are ruining the country…. Believe me MEXICO 🇲🇽 would be a top world 🌎 country….it has everything ….
@@threelittlewonders I'm right now in San Miguel de Allende, I've talked to many locals (I speak Spanish) and they aren't happy to see so many foreigners in their city (and more to come). I can understand this feeling because the same thing is happening in my hometown, the difference is that we whites contribute while blacks and "Arabs" destroy.
La Karencita, thank you for this video! Recently found that I can add, also, San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel de Arcangel) to my family’s birthplaces. : )
Thank you for the captions in Spanish. I learned ‘al fin de cuentas’ translates to ‘net balance’ or ‘net positive ‘. Muchas gracias!
Thx for proving the perspective of foreigners. I love here in Houston, Tx and value the varied cultural experiences with him become available to me as a result of more Mexicans in here. It’s a multi way highway.
Thank you for showing this perspective. I've been concerned that it was becoming a 'disneyland' for expats and losing it's authenticity. I'm even more excited to move there and become part of the community!
wow, i loved that video. your photography is great, love your persoanlity. i’m going to check out more of your videos. also a question about san miguel-did you explore the music scene there at all? particularly jazz?
I discovered this town yesterday just from going around the world on Google Maps and I have done a deeeeeeeep dive probably 10 hours between yesterday and today. This looks like a dream. Also, maybe not the ocean but there is a river/lake for fishing so Im a happy dude pipe dreaming of this. I fell in love with Mexico going to La Paz once and I would love to live there or here. I can deal with no true snowy winters even though it'll break my heart a little. lol
Thank you for your journalistic and documentarian approach! I loved it! THANKS!