About Donna Meyer Expertise I can answer questions about where to stay, what to see and do in San Miguel de Allende, and give insiders tips about life in this colonial town.
Experience I lived in San Miguel de allende for 10 years. I return frequently to visit and will be moving back full-time within the year.
Publications Modern Maturity, Travel & Leisure, Diversin, Country Inns Bed & Breakfast, Atencion san Miguel
Education/Credentials B.A. and post graduate work in Theater Arts
Question Dear Ms Meyer: Could one find a small one bedroom/studio w/private bath, furnished, in a decent area of town/fairly close in (San Miguel) - within walking distance to a few good eateries - and since I'm a old guy, a park bench on the way to the diner would be nice, as well. Could this utopian location be found for perhaps, say, 650/750/month US dollars? Was in San Miguel a long time ago (maybe 15 years) and expect, no doubt, it has changed a bit. (Are the above amounts an indication I've been away too long?) Appreciate your time.
Answer Hello Graham
How nice that you're thinking of returning to San Miguel. You will see some changes--especially in the traffic levels!--but it's still the same wonderful town.
As for your apartment query, not to worry! You will be able to find exactly what you are looking for well within that budget or even less. The housing slump has affected San Miguel and home prices are down somewhat--not as much as in the US since there are few if any mortgages and people can afford to sit on property longer. But rentals are definitely down. And the peso exchange rate helps even more if you can find an apt in pesos.
Here are some of the best ways to find the affordable apartments.
* My #1 suggestion - Join the Yahoo group called Civil_SMA. It's an extremely active list with something like 3000 members. Apartment rentals, sublets and house-sits are regularly posted. You can also post yourself with a request for what you are looking for. You are almost certain to get responses.
* Check the Craigslist for Guanajuato. There are usually several SMA apts. listed. Check the prices carefully because some of the lowest prices will be WEEKLY, not monthly.
* Rent something thru one of these or another online source but only for a very short term. Or find a short-term house-sit for free or very little money. Then once you get there, look around for exactly what you want in a neighborhood you like at a price that fits your budget. My favorite source for affordable apartments is the classified ads in the free "penny saver" type paper called El Trueque. You can pick up a free copy in several places in town, including the laundry on Pila Seca. If you can read Spanish (or know someone who can and who can make calls for you), some of the best deals are found in the Spanish ads--with more prices in pesos, which is what you want.
So relax. A $650-750 budget will even buy you a little luxury. Or you can get a place for much less than that and have more left over to have fun with. As you probably recall, San Miguel is pretty walkable--even for an "old guy." But if you find a really affordable place that's just a bit farther out, you'll be able to spring for a few 20 peso cab rides in to the Jardin.
