That was an alarming honest and accurate assessment of SMA. I'd add that if you don't like traffic, crowds or touristy areas then SMA is not for you. We need more accurate videos like this. There are far too many glamorized videos that paint Pueblo Magicos as ideal and perfect places.

Great list! I'm type A and Mexico has changed me for the better. I'm happier, healthier, more patient. My tip for workers is never have more than one thing planned on a day when a worker is supposed to show up at a certain time. Just plan to do something productive at home all day and keep busy. Don't even assume you will he able to go shopping at some point that day.

I lived in the Los Angeles area and in Texas for 60 years, I moved to san Miguel De Allende 18 months ago. I don’t agree with what is being said here, there are some things which are true but all of us get used to the changes. The utilities are about 1/5 of what I used to pay in The United States. There is no crime here at all.

If you’re wanting to live the American consumer lifestyle in Mexico, stay home. Life here is about joy not over consuming without consequences.

Hugely vexatious. Sir, you are a wordsmith. When the USAF sent me to New Mexico (an actual US state for those of you not from the Southwest) my neighbor had his driveway torn out on a Wednesday and the contractor did not show up on Thursday to replace it. Or Friday. So my neighbor could not get his car into the garage. Frustrated and angry on Monday he called the contractor to find out why his new driveway hadn't been poured. The contactor's wife answered and said deer season opened Friday. And she wanted to know why HE was still at home instead of out hunting (like a proper man). So the concrete got poured a week later and by the time it cured my neighbor hadn't been able to use his garage for three weeks. Very much a manana hispanic culture. Adapt or die. Of vexation.

Thank you for being so very clear to those who want to move to this glorious country from up north. Well said! Bravo!

For those who want to come and try living in Mexico, I also recommend the city of *Aguascalientes*

Thank you for such a straightforward description - something generally lacking in my opinion.

Mexico was just voted in international living like the number 1 country to retire!

I've been visiting Mexico since the 1980's and would like to retire in Mexico. Your video was very informative and you posed some very good questions for me to consider. I am not a "Type A" person per se, however, living in the U.S. my whole life has got me accustomed to things operating in a certain way. For sure, I would need to adjust my expectations if/when I relocate to Mexico, and to be honest, I don't necessarily see the adjustment being an easy one, although 100% necessary. I think we all just get use to what our "norm" is, and like you said: Mexico is a different country. We would be sorely wrong to think of it as another U.S. Thank you for making this video, it helped to put things into perspective. I can't wait to visit SMA in December.

Thank you for taking time to enlighten so many people who have no idea about the difference between the US and Mexico. I lived in Arizona for many years and chose to cross the border to go to the dentist because the professionalism was impeccable and best of all, honest! I took a class in Spanish at the CC in one place where I lived where the streets were mostly Spanish names and I wanted to pronounce them correctly. I love the Mexican love of life and family. And I know and have for a long time that if I am to learn to speak the language as I would love to do I need to live where that is the language. There are concessions as there would be anytime one moves to a different culture, even in cities in the USA. But I am getting older ( am a senior already) and am shaky about making a plan. Time marches on so I need to decide sooner rather than later if I am up to the task. I think I just might be. Your video was very helpful. Thank you.

Late plumber? How about saying 'good morning' to a passerby and at best the person refuses even eye contact or worse. I was born in the states and am absolutely convinced that the US is the most uncivized country on earth......

As a kid, I spent a lot of time in Juarez and I remember all these things, of which you speak.

I have just returned from Miguel second time..I realize the issue of walking unsecured pavers..un even pavement has present problem. I feel more people fallen but do not report..or walking on crutches...the cobbles..fear as older person hazard I feel setting off fireworks at 4am not acceptable ..I prefer the awaking of Church bells..or not to here large booms as in war zone It has become overly crowded to many cars...to walk.or force to walk of narrow side walks to move into the street. I am tonight in Coyocan..I am joyfully amused that sidewalks have normal again are wide,,no fear of falling and enjoy walking So add sidewalks in Miguel to your list...at least in Morelia handicap walks are norm..still a bit difficult in outer areas to walk on uneven pavement in Queretaro ..enjoy walk with out falling or break ankle for older ones to retire here

"have a stroke" hahaha - that made me laugh out loud (you were referring to impatience of westerners). I've been in Mexico for a few months now and love lots about it but it does take some acclimatizing. I loved SMA - it's really beautiful, but I decided not to move there because of the cobblestones. It rained when I was there and it was quite slippery. I'm sure footed but my work depends on me being in one piece. I was definitely being extra careful. I can totally see why people move there and I look forward to visiting again. Really truthful and helpful video.

Todo lo que dice este señor es totalmente verdad y muchos hablan de la gente muy amable y la gente local actúa muy diferentes con turistas pero con gente que no lo sea son groseros, rudos, no muy amables, agresivos, no hablo de toda la gente pero si de la mayoría.la vengo muchas veces no es honesta porque a los extranjeros siempre les quieren vender más caro del precio que realmente es.

I really enjoy your content and personality.

I live next door in Querétaro. I will be 80 in October. I have been coming to Mexico for 60 years. USA is deadly and expensive. Singaporean laws needed

Excellent video Ben! You nailed on the head not only for the "island" but for all Latin American countries (with expected variations)

You forgot to add that we have here and over many areas in Mexico the existence of barking dogs and crowing roosters...

Cool, I can live with those things. Thank you for the well thought presentation. I'll show my husband this.

Gringo problems. Actually, more like well to do gringo problems. If these are the problems that people are looking at while considering moving to Mexico ishould stay in San Diego or Oregon or wherever. I have lived here for 10 years and love it.

All good reasons to move to San Miquel de Allende! Thanks

I lived 3 years in Mexico. I never asked for a better price. The products at these markets are very affordable.

I am amazed that he could make it in Mexico with his sophisticated personality and understanding of the situation. How much of this situation is prevalent in other locations such as Queretaro, Guadalajara, Morelia, Merida, etc.??

Planning a visit soon. Feels like coming home for me.

Bottom line: if you want to move to Mexico and wanted to be like the US; you better stay in the US. Why move?.

The problem in the USA now days to many negative situations and the worst part it's divided as a nation Don't think a revolution is anywhere near More Americans are moving to Mexico because of the situation in the USA Mexico City is full of Americans by the by many many thousands More than 1 million 600k live all Mexico They prefer to live among narcos than the sad, & terrifying things that are happening in the USA

What a great video. I am a type A Mexican american….I could not live there full time. I greatly appreciate your honesty. That being said….my grandmother was born in Guanajuato so San Miguel is on my bucket list. I plan to visit very soon.

Honest, informative.

i think you were spot on here !

Excellent Thank you

Hola Ben from Cathy Temazcalis! Good to see you!

This a great video, many expats need to know these things. It is a different country and there are different cultural norms.

I found this video hilarious I just couldn’t stop laughing 😂 honestly at this ! I know he is not meaning to portray a comedian?! But, I found his comments just so funny especially like the Dr. Pepper or the just go home…!!! Useful information for sure with a presentation of unintentional dry humor entertainment to the max! 😅 I think this man needs to seriously stop selling real estate and try performing on SNL ( not kidding ! ) this man has talent 🤗♥️💟🎭

Hi Ben , coming to SM in 10 days first time with wife Susan! Not sure if I made a good choice

As an early bird in Buenos Aires I was so surprised at how late the city wakes up. Apart from fireworks in the morning, what are the coffee shop or market hours generally?

Thank you for another informative video.

Thank you!!

is there any place in Mexico for a handicapped person who must use a scooter?

Is it quiet out in the country where John Scherber lives? How hard is it to find an upscale house on some acerage?

A.los expatriados que quieran venir a México a vivir, les recomiendo también Aguascalientes!!! Una ciudad pequeña pero, bonita y tranquila.

I understand the theme of your video, but I have other concerns. Having been retired 10-years now, one of the most important aspects of life are my hobbies. My wife and I are both musicians, I’m a wood worker, my wife is an artist and we both love gardening. Can we continue to enjoy these things in Mexico? Also our belongings may be impossible to move, musical instruments, tools, art supplies, not to mention a life collection of furniture. I love my upright bass, it’s a monster to maintain and travel with here in Asheville, can’t imagine if it’s even feasible to purchase and maintain one in Mexico. We traveled through San Miguel de Allende last week. Loved it. Thanks for your video and it’s valuable information!

Wow. Thank you for sharing such value information

I am sorry I listened this. I found it a bit mean spirited. I love it here . I love the people and culture. I haven’t heard of any of these situations you mentioned. It seems you really don’t enjoy being here.

Very informative

Hi Ben , were in San Miguel and would like to meet up if you have any time in the next couple days. Do you showrental homes as well as purchaes? We want to rent first . Love your candor snd sense of humor! Im laughing hard about the noise thing. and even a mile away we can hear the church bells, snd fireworks don’t bother me so far at all. So far we love SMA.

When I went to SMA my friends from Queretaro said the cartels have their families in the area so they don't do "business" there. Might be urban legend but they say the same thing about San Diego.

You can still get a one bed room in a house sharing bathroom for a few hundred bucks

When are you going to do an update on 2022?

Hi Ben Is this part of Mexico good for families? and are there many English speaking people? We are contemplating a shift from New Zealand that is going the same direction as the States. Cheers Gordon

Yes, its a different coutry with its own culture and customs. You should expect to assimilate into the culture. Otherwise stay in your own country, with 711 and starbucks on evey corner.

What Mexican state are you referring to? It doesn't sound familiar. I'm from the north.

I love Queretaro.

Locals please comment. Should my wife and I take the bus from SMA to the City of Guanajuato? Is it safe to do so and spend a day or so in Guanajuato? Thank you in advance for your advise.

how do you transport all your furniture/belongings/personal effects down there? Are there moving companies that specialize in transport into Mexico? Is it costly? Safe?

Too many loud people.

The trouble with San Miguel is there exists a group of woke liberals still being but hurt over trump. Pretty sad.

Funny. And enlightening. 😂