Comments on: The ‘golden cage’ of San Miguel de Allende: A local perspective on gentrification in the world’s best city

By: María Ruiz

María Ruiz — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:23:47 +0000

In reply to Carol Latta.

Dear Carlota,

You have highlighted a very important point, and I couldn’t agree more. Excessive tourism has gradually taken away the tranquility of our city. I fear that we might end up like Acapulco, which once enjoyed great popularity but is now neglected and forgotten. I do not want San Miguel to be exploited to the point where it has nothing left to offer. I wish for San Miguel to remain the peaceful and beautiful place where we can live a tranquil life.

By: peter.b.klann@gmail.com

peter.b.klann@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:27:42 +0000

My wife and i have been living in Mexico four years, we love it here. We visited San Miguel two years ago, beautiful city wthout a doubt. I had a hard time dogging all the aging gringos wandering around with there ski poles and our landlady hissed as she spoke about the Mexican population. Not for us.

By: Arndt in Merida

Arndt in Merida — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 22:28:22 +0000

I lived in NYC when anyone could afford a place to live. Even buy a place to live. Artists had lofts, drag queens had small walkups…the city was not crowded. Now, people are living in spaces the size of a walk in closet. Anywhere that has culture is now packed and unaffordable except to the lucky few.
I’ve been in Merida for 15 years and it also is becoming “gentrified” by many who don’t have interest in Mexican culture. They just want the same amenities they had back home on a lot less money.

By: Kent Shuman

Kent Shuman — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 20:00:28 +0000

As a 69 year old American man happily living retired in northern Baja, and after reading this beautiful summation regarding gentrification, it brings me much joy to know that although cultures vary, cross culturally there is a certain longing for many of the ‘50s and ‘60s and ‘70s values of yesteryear. Sorry for the run on sentence.

By: Lisa Wilson

Lisa Wilson — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:01:48 +0000

You forgot to mention India, as moving to SMA. You are also so fortunate to be able to have the cuisine cooked by Surjeet and Gisela

By: Michael Looney

Michael Looney — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:32:52 +0000

The gentrification of SMA is overwhelming…it’s sad despite the pluses you describe. I was immediately struck by the gentrification when I visited last year. I believe the govt., as governments around the world in UNESCO and other “magic ciities”, have to create legislation that preserves the lifestyle, affordability and culture of and for the native peoples. Let the newbies live and rent outside of town… It’s probably too late for SMA; too many other great places in Mexico to return.

By: lbuenrostro@hotmail.com

lbuenrostro@hotmail.com — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:14:13 +0000

Maria-Congrats, right on point..Saludos!

By: Bill Wilson

Bill Wilson — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:12:18 +0000

In reply to Karen Lee Fanning.

Enjoyed your post. I,too am in the Fourth Quarter and look forward like you to be 80. I also lament the crowding in centro and the rising prices. In the lens of my 20 years much has been lost, much changed and some for the worse. When things get awkward or hard to do we say we have “a Mexican moment,” and smile and try again and move forward. Again, thanks for your observations.

By: Billy-bob

Billy-bob — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:08:02 +0000

By my observation, Mexicans are also moving to San Miguel in large numbers.

Every time I meet a new Mexican person I ask them where they’re from. Lots from Queretaro, Mexico City, and Michoacan.

And the reasons why? Lifestyle. Business opportunities. Escaping mega cities. Etc.

Can’t blame Mexicans for wanting a better lifestyle in an amazing city.

By: jbyello@yahoo.com

jbyello@yahoo.com — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 23:01:58 +0000

I have been to San Miguel four times but the disparity and poverty is disturbing. On my way to La Gruta, that great mineral water spa outside of town, I saw a gentleman walking, clearly on his to work. I boarded my bus, and a bit later, while transferring to another bus, that same man walked by me, providing me an angry, anguished look, clearly not having, like I did, the 8 pesos for the bus. It is true that most of my fellow Americans do not know that they are in Mexico. Where are they? Somewhere distant, residing in their own heads. And when they look at me, they sneer, knowing I am not their kind of American. Such is the reality in the “best city in the world.” Laughable.