San Miguel de Allende is often considered a historic town, but the city creates its own … [+]
For many cities and towns around the world, modernity is a major source of pride. For others, a sense of community esteem is achieved through conservation efforts. Then there are cities like San Miguel de Allende, in central Mexico, where progress and tradition share the same cobblestone streets.
Nowhere in San Miguel is this paradoxical combination more evident than in the heart of the city, the historic district known as El Centro.
The neighborhood is known for its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.
Most of the city’s iconic structures are in El Centro, including the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church whose pink towers have long served as a postcard image.
The region’s rich offering of historic architecture has earned it a place as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On the UNESCO website, UNESCO describes San Miguel de Allende as “an exceptional example of the exchange of human values and the integration of different architectural trends and styles based on a 16th-century urban layout.” , thus deserving its inclusion on the UNESCO website. UNESCO List.
The walls surrounding this $3.8 million El Centro home allow for privacy without sacrificing the prime look. … [+]
Jim Dolanowner of a brokerage house CDR San Miguel, states that El Centro is by no means devoid of modern culture despite being a renowned historic center. “Over the past hundred years, the city has continued to be an international destination, not only because of its history, but also because of its culture – the art scene, the food scene – which is distinctly San Miguel. And there’s no better place to explore that than El Centro,” he says.
Whether a reason or a consequence of this vibrant cultural scene, Dolan says the city is seeing increased interest from young buyers, both domestic and foreign, who are looking to San Miguel for their next home. The luxury specialist adds that, like the central neighborhood they live in, the age range of home buyers in El Centro is a mix of young and old.
Although it has been heavily renovated, this $2.75 million property, Casa Camille, retains much of its … [+]
Houses in El Centro
El Centro’s exceptional architecture is not limited to churches and government buildings, but can also be found in the neighborhood’s residences.
Dating from the 17th century until this decade, prime properties often feature colorful facades, ornate details, and a walled courtyard. Mosaics, ironwork, and elaborate ornamentation are common in both interior and exterior spaces, along with rustic woodwork visible in beams, doors, and windows appearing throughout.
At $6.25 million, this 1764 mansion known as Casa Palikao is one of the most expensive listings in … [+]
El Centro’s most prestigious properties are townhouses and estates, complete with guest houses, swimming pools and gardens.
In addition to more traditional residences, El Centro has grown its second home market with the recent introduction of residential offerings from hotel brands including San Miguel Rosewood. Located just minutes from the central plaza, this multi-acre resort regularly sells out its residences, demonstrating the growing appetite for luxury vacation properties in San Miguel.
Proximity to popular landmarks means that many properties in El Centro offer exceptional views.
Prices in El Centro
“It’s only natural, given the city’s historic designation, that we would see an extremely low inventory,” Dolan says. “There won’t really be a situation where a beautiful colonial estate is demolished for a skyscraper.” Due to the depletion of supply, prices in El Centro have increased steadily.
According to data provided by CDR San Miguel, the average sales price in El Centro in 2023 is just over $1 million. For this price, buyers can expect to find residences of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, depending on location.
The highest end of the market is around $5 million, with exceptional listings eclipsing the $6 million mark. This price level encompasses the most expensive properties in all of San Miguel de Allende.
El Centro is home to the majority of the city’s best shopping and culinary offerings.
Atmosphere in El Centro
Despite its population of around 175,000, San Miguel de Allende’s food scene rivals that of many larger cities, with El Centro as its culinary heart. Although the area is best known for its Mexican cuisine, El Centro’s fusion restaurants, which combine local ingredients with French, Mediterranean or Thai influences, have also been praised.
El Centro’s equally robust art scene has long attracted artists and art lovers from around the world, thanks to its venerable visual art school, Allende Institute, and numerous galleries and museums. The calendar year is jam-packed with festivals and events in El Centro, many of which center around the arts, including the Guanajuato Film FestivalTHE San Miguel Writers Conference and the San Miguel International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Located in Guanajuato, central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is surrounded by mountains … [+]
Around El Centro
Nearby residential neighborhoods include Los Balcones and Atascadero, both within walking distance of El Centro.
The nearest major airports, Guanajuato International Airport And Querétaro Intercontinental Airport, are about 90 minutes away by car. By plane, Mexico City is just over an hour away.
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