The Sense of Community in San Miguel is Extreme

Ask an expat in San Miguel de Allende what they love best about living here, and the answer will likely be “the sense of community.” Finding your tribe is simple and inevitable in San Miguel.

Do you love to play bridge? Or golf or tennis? You’ll find both here and like-minded friends to play with. Hang out in the sunny patio of the bilingual library, and you’ll find yourself in conversation within minutes. Sit on a bench in the Jardín—the central plaza—and you’ll discover others just like you doing the same.

Many retirees in San Miguel say they have far more friends and a more active social life here than they ever had “back home.”

Retire in San Miguel de Allende into a More Creative Life

Perhaps it’s the beauty of the town itself, or the special sparkly quality of the light that has drawn so many artists to San Miguel de Allende.

Who knows?

But it’s been a haven for artists, writers, craftspeople and other creative types since the 1940s at least. With more than 125 art galleries, there is something to appeal to most tastes.

In February, the San Miguel Writers Conference brings speakers, teachers and would-be writers from all over the world for a week of keynotes, classes, workshops, and parties.

Want to learn to paint in watercolors, throw clay pots, make silver jewelry, craft a hand-made journal? There are long lists of classes in every type of art form and craft, urban sketching groups, art openings galore—in short, San Miguel is paradise for artists and writers and for those who want to become one.

Or Maybe You Prefer to be a Spectator

Love theater? Music? Quality films? Theater groups stage live works in several performing spaces.

The International Chamber Music Festival in August is world class, featuring string quartets that perform at Carnegie Hall and other top venues.

The Pro Musica group brings in professional classical musicians. In November, the International Jazz Festival spreads out to several venues. Bars and cafes across town offer live music of every sort almost any night of the week.

The Guanajuato International Film Festival screens several of its film entries every summer in San Miguel, and they’re free. The only problem with the creative and cultural life in San Miguel de Allende is that you are spoiled for choice.

In the winter high season, you simply can’t fit in every class, lecture, screening, guided walk, concert, and play you want to attend.

So Many Opportunities for Retirees in San Miguel to Give Back

Many people who retire in San Miguel de Allende soon discover a desire to give something back to this generous, friendly and welcoming community, and there are dozens of opportunities to do so.

Would you like to work with a group that offers scholarships to girls? Or one that rescues street animals to rehome in forever homes?

Maybe you’d prefer spending time tutoring a high school kid or helping serve a hot meal to the elderly poor. Volunteer to help at a day-car center or a midwifery school.

Or help build a solid home, with electricity and plumbing, for a family that’s been living in a cardboard hut. Giving back is easy in San Miguel.