San Miguel de Allende’s many diverse and growing neighborhoods – called “Colonias” – occupy the undulating hills around El Centro and radiate along three primary roads to neighboring municipalities: west to Queretaro, east to Dolores Hidalgo & Guanajuato and south to Celaya – all roughly 45 minutes drive. Logically, Colonias closer to Centro are more dense and urban, and those farther out are more spacious and suburban. Recent years have also witnessed the growth of many gated residential developments – some of which feature lifestyle-driven amenities such as Golf Courses, Vineyards, Sports and Equestrian facilities. Finally, the surrounding countryside offers many beautiful natural and Ranch-style living opportunities.
Centro is the beating heart of San Miguel de Allende, an area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its history, beauty and thriving scenes of culture, art, music and gastronomy – all woven into a diverse social tapestry simultaneously deeply Mexican
and wildly Cosmopolitan. Here, cobblestone streets wind through vibrantly colored facades, plazas, churches, hidden shops and cafes. And of course, standing proudly at its center is the iconic Parroquia Church of San Miguel Archangel towering over the “Jardin Principal”, the ever-lively public plaza which is truly the City Center.
To be in Centro is to have a front-row to the magic show that is San Miguel.
Just east and above El Centro lie two of San Miguel’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods: the historic Atascadero – nestled like a secret garden in a valley – and the newer, more expansive Balcones. Both are just a 15 minute walk downhill into Centro – with a steep return – but reward their residents with sweeping views over the region from many of the City’s most spectacular homes. The crown jewel of these neighborhoods is the adjacent Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden, a sanctuary of winding paths where panoramic vistas sweep over the city to distant mountains.
These three small neighborhoods on San Miguel’s northeast side are among its oldest and most charming – a winding network of picturesque cobblestone stone streets, many so narrow that they are pedestrian only. Here, just steps from the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez, a diverse and close-knit urban-residential community has grown, becoming one of the most desirable locations to live. Recent luxury additions like the landmark luxury Live Aqua Urban Resort and Prime Steakhouse have exploded the area’s cache and desirability.
Known to many as San Miguel’s “Art District”, these three neighborhoods on the north side of Centro form a thriving and highly desirable residential and urban area just a short flat walk from the Jardin Principal. Beloved for its street murals and its harmonious mix of Mexican and international residents, the area also offers many restaurants, shops, and art galleries, including the renowned Fábrica La Aurora Art & Design Center. Just past these neighborhoods is the emergent Colonia of Mexiquitos, an increasingly desirable residential area with parks and commercial centers.
Considered among San Miguel’s most desirable neighborhoods, Guadiana and Ojo de Agua
are quiet, primarily residential areas featuring wide, tree-lined streets and many large homes. Close to the beloved Parque Jurez and a short flat walking distance to the Jardin is a commercial strip along Ancha San Antonio and Cinco de Mayo. Just south is Allende, an emerging area that includes Valle de Maiz, a close-knit community renowned for its many festivals..
Further to the north are two diverse and growing residential neighborhoods interspersed with new gated communities that are poised to be transformed by the new Zeferino municipal park and the Pueblo Bonito hotel residential and commercial complex. Featuring new cobblestone roads, beautiful views of Centro and mountains, and excellent access to the newly expanded highway to Dolores Hidalgo, the future here seems bright.
Just a few minutes drive to the south on the road towards Celaya are these established residential neighborhoods featuring larger homes, wide, tree-lined streets and abundant public parks. The area is conveniently close to many commercial establishments (Luna de Queso & City Market) and outdoor activities, including the Malanquín Golf Club, the Unidad Deportiva public sports complex, and the Presa de Allende nature preserve. The area is home to many gated residential communities of varying exclusivity and amenities..
This large region to the West of San Miguel towards Dolores Hidalgo – sometimes called the Golden Corridor, or the Ruta de Vino – features many of the area’s largest and most luxurious residential and ranch estates. Here, gated developments like Los Senderos, La Presita, Candelaria and the Santisima Trinidad winery fall along newly constructed highways that link San Miguel to the charming towns of Atotonilco and Cienguita,
renowned for their historic churches, farm-to-table restaurants and thermal springs..
This large and developing region of beautiful countryside extends eastward from San Miguel to Alcocer on the slopes of the picturesque Picachos mountains. Featuring some of San Miguel’s most important commercial centers – such as the Luciernaga Shopping Center – and Municipal Government Institutions, this region’s proximity to Queretaro and subsequently to CDMX has spurred the development of many residential neighborhoods and gated developments.
These emerging and diverse neighborhoods to the west of Centro beyond the large public market called San Juan de Dios are growing and changing quickly – including some of the most interesting new home architecture. Many residences in the area command picturesque views eastward back towards the skyline of the Historic Centro.
Venture west from Centro and you’ll encounter San Antonio, one of San Miguel’s oldest and largest colonias. Bounded by two thriving commercial streets, the Ancha San Antonio and Stirling Dickinson, this diverse and vibrant neighborhood offers easy access by foot to many restaurants, bakeries, shops and services – including the Mercado Sano / TOSMA organic market.
