My husband I are considering retiring in S.Miguel Allende, Mexico. What advise can you give us? thanks a lot?

I lived in San Miguel Allende for 10 years, from 1982 to 1992. Over those 10 years, it changed tremendously as it became more popular. However, since I left, friends there tell me that I would not recognize it, and if I visit to prepare for a shock.

SMA has always been a weekend town for people with money from Mexico DF, and had a long-standing expat community, so it was always more expensive than most of Mexico. It's also fairly sophisticated. If you don't mind the expense, it might suit you perfectly. Your husband won't need Spanish in SMA, unless you hire help and you leave him to give them instructions.

We intend to retire back to Mexico in about 6 years. I am certain we won't go to SMA, but that's a personal choice. I've visited most of Mexico and researched tons of real estate markets, so if you want to ask anything in particular about SMA or elsewhere, please feel free to email me.

Buena suerte.

My husband I are considering retiring in S.Miguel Allende

Go there for a visit. Here is a link to the English paper that comes out weekly. It will give you an idea of what there is to do there:

http://www.atencionsanmiguel.org/

There are also classifieds for apartments. It will give you an idea of how much it costs to live there. Keep in mind that you will have to purchase bottled water for toothbrushing and drinking. There are drops you can buy to purify water you use to wash fruits and vegetables. In town there is a huge market where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables and almost anything else you need.

There are plenty of language schools there where your husband can learn Spanish.

I've been retired over 2 years in Mexico and the best advice is to visit a number of places. Find one that you like and stay for a few months while renting

A good web site to start is --> http://www.rollybrook.com/

Here is am SMA Yahoo Group you can join

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Civil_SMA/

I've never been to S. Miguel Allende, Mexico, and only been to Mexico once, but weather wise it seemed really nice. I would go if nothing else but the weather. I assume that you have been there before, and you must have liked it. If I was you I would go.

Friend advice?

A beautiful place, very expensive, take lots of money. Mexico isn't the bargain paradise it once was.

wow that's beautiful. it can get really frustrating living in a spanish speaking country. i recommend an electronic handheld english-spanish translator. you can find them in pretty much any store that sells electronics, from wal-mart to circuit city.

Why cant boys appreciate girls!?