Pros and Cons of Moving to Guanajuato

Are you thinking of moving to Guanajuato? If that’s the case, it is important to look at some of the pros and cons of living in this city. It will provide you with insight into what to expect when you arrive. Not to talk much, check it out below.

The Pros

Moving to a new city can be an exciting time and daunting one. For those considering moving to Guanajuato, here are seven pros of setting up your life in this Mexican gem.

A Great Education System

The International Survey on Student Academic Engagement rates the Universidad de Guanajuato as one of Mexico’s best universities. The Instituto Tecnológico de León is well respected for its engineering program. Both of these universities are located in Guanajuato.

Additionally, students will experience an education within a bilingual environment because all subjects at the Universidad de Guanajuato are taught in Spanish and English.

A Thriving Economy

According to the National Institute for Statistics, Geography, and Data Processing (INEGI), Guanajuato’s GDP was over $90.94 billion in 2021. This growth is attributed to manufacturing, financial services, and transportation. The city of León is commonly referred to as Mexico’s “motor city” because it has over 200 automotive manufacturing plants.

An Affordable Cost Of Living

According to Numbeo, a website that tracks the estimated cost of living for different locations, Guanajuato offers a low cost of living compared to other major cities in Mexico. One can expect to pay just over 1,000 pesos (USD 52) per month for a furnished, one-bedroom apartment in the city center.

Easy Access to Medical Care

The Universidad de Guanajuato and several subsidiaries of multi-national companies provide top-quality health care for expats and locals alike. One such subsidiary is International Clinic Mexico (ICM), which was ranked as one of the best clinics in Mexico by The Grand Tour Project.

A Vibrant Expat Community

There is a large and growing population of foreigners living in Guanajuato, evident at weekly English-speaking gatherings such as Onda Celular (Cellular Wave) and the recent establishment of local chapters of Toastmasters International and InterNations, an expat networking group.

A Beautiful and Historic City

Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the first place in Mexico to declare itself an “illustrious historical center.” The city is filled with grand plazas, ornate architecture, and colorful murals dedicated to Mexican history.

Strong Sense of Community

Guanajuato is famous for its spirit of “michoacanería,” which means being fiercely loyal and proud of one’s roots. This pride can be experienced throughout the year in festivals such as Guanajuato’s International Cervantino Festival, a week-long cultural adventure, and the Patron Saint’s Celebration in September.

Cons

Dislike of Police

If there is one thing that you will notice about Guanajuato, people hate the police. In Mexico, civil liberties are different from those in America, and even though crime rates are higher here than in other countries, the police force doesn’t have as much power. Because of this, there is a great deal of corruption in Mexico, and police officers are not widely respected.

Scarcity of Grocery Stores

The scarcity of grocery stores is an inconvenience to any foreigner moving here, but it can be particularly difficult for small children or elderly people who do not drive. Few small convenience shops around the city carry fresh produce, milk, and other essentials, so it is quite easy to find oneself walking around town trying to locate some groceries.

Risk of Food Poisoning

Mexicans are very aware that their country has a high rate of gastrointestinal illness because of street food, and foreigners who move here become educated on this topic more quickly than they would like.

Street carts are found on nearly every corner in Guanajuato, and many of them carry the same food that one would find in a restaurant. However, it is important to understand that just because something is being sold on the streets does not mean the health department has regulated it.

Discomfort with Clothing

The second you disembark your plane, you will notice that Mexicans dress differently than they do in America. For starters, people hardly wear shorts. Pants can be a bit baggy, and women’s skirts often come to mid-thigh, especially the more traditional ones.

Men are not allowed to wear shorts in banks or government buildings, so if you want to fit in with the locals, it is important to find the right balance between the business casual American style and traditional Mexican dress.

Lack of English Speakers

Perhaps this is not surprising, but it is still worth noting that Guanajuato does not have as many English speakers as other cities in Mexico like Queretaro or Mexico City. If you are hoping to move somewhere where you can get by solely on English, then Guanajuato may not be the place for you.

Bad Drivers

Mexicans are not known for their excellent driving habits. They often speed, don’t signal when changing lanes, and cut people off with little remorse. This can be difficult to deal with in general, but if you have children, it becomes even more important to conduct yourself properly while walking around town. Doing so can prevent an accident that may result in injury.

Dry Climate

The dry season lasts from November to May. During that time, it is difficult to navigate through Guanajuato without a jacket or sweater because the temperature does not often rise above 70°F. Additionally, rain can be unpredictable, and floods are widespread in this area, so it is important for people living here to always be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions about Guanajuato

What is a good place to live in Guanajuato?

Guanajuato is a large state divided into 113 municipalities. Each municipality has its own distinct character and different opportunities for life, work, health care, education, and entertainment. It is impossible to name just one place as ‘good’ for all people. The most populated cities in Guanajuato are León, the state capital, Irapuato, Celaya, and Salamanca.

Is Guanajuato safe?

Guanajuatenses are generally very friendly and helpful people, but as in all big cities, some neighborhoods are less safe than others. Crime rates have been falling for the past few years. There are currently no travel advisories issued by any country against visiting León or other major cities of Guanajuato.

Is Guanajuato a good place to have a baby?

Guanajuatenses take great pride in their very well-equipped and reasonably priced hospitals and medical centers. Maternity care is excellent, with low rates of infant mortality and reasonably high life expectancy. The average age for women giving birth is 28 years.

What is Guanajuato’s population?

Guanajuatenses are proud to be the second-largest state in Mexico after Jalisco. The current population is around 4 million people. With a fertility rate of 2 children per woman, it is expected that by 2030 there will be at least 6 million people living in Guanajuato.

Conclusion

Moving to Guanajuato is different from many other cities in the world. Most people move here for retirement. The most significant difference in moving to Guanajuato, compared to other big cities or countries you might be used to, is how much more relaxed life here is. Refer to this guide to know its advantages and disadvantages.

Moving To Guanajuato Expat Guide part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Moving to Guanajuato, Mexico as an expat brings about many new emotions and experiences. Whether it is the excitement of a cheap lifestyle or a more relaxed pace of life, it can be easy to get caught up in this new experience.

But there are also some downsides to moving overseas, which you should keep in mind before settling down in Guanajuato. We recommend that you read our Guanajuato expat guide to learn more about settling down, living, and working in Guanajuato as an expat.

Today, a large expat community has settled in Guanajuato, making settling down a lot easier for new arrivals. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people and make friends here, whether through joining an existing group or participating in the vast social events scene.

Many newcomers settle in Guanajuato’s neighborhoods, such as San Miguel de Allende, Santa Fe de Guanajuato, and San Diego de la Unión. These neighborhoods are all clustered near the city center and provide homes at reasonable prices within easy walking distance of most necessities.

Another popular option is to rent an apartment in one of the newly built condos near the city center like The Place Residences. However, keep in mind that there are few areas of Guanajuato where homes or apartments can be found for under US$200 per month. We’ve explored different things! Check it out below.

Interesting Facts about Moving to Guanajuato

Moving to Guanajuato is an exciting opportunity many people are trying to accomplish. It’s a chance to live in one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. However, even though it might be seen as an easy task to do, there are certain steps you need to take before packing your bags and heading out. If you’re planning to move to Guanajuato, here are seven facts you need to know.

Packing and Preparing your Home

Moving in the summer is not an optimal decision because of the extreme temperatures in this part of Mexico. The best moment is to schedule your moving date at the end of spring or the beginning of autumn.

From this moment, you should be prepared to get all your activities done before leaving because once you arrive in Guanajuato, it might be difficult to accomplish tasks due to the big cultural change or even lack of motivation.

Your Official Address

If you want to live like a local, everything is arranged regarding your official address. Once you arrive, the first thing you need to do is go to the local city council and ask for an “Acta de Vecindad” (some residency paper) to be approved later by the Public Registry office. This will help you get all licenses and paperwork done much faster than any other person without this official address.

Finding a Place to Live

If you have family in Guanajuato, you might already be beset with your living arrangements since relatives usually help newcomers. If not, there are plenty of options available online or offline so that you can find the perfect spot for you and your family. Temporary accommodations are available in hotels or hostels, while long-term options include apartment complexes.

Public Transport

Many public transport services are available to Guanajuato inhabitants, but getting your car is recommended since the streets can get quite busy at times. You can easily buy used cars from local dealerships or online from the United States. If you don’t want a car, make sure to get a driver’s license before moving since it will be needed for public transport.

Resources Needed

In order to live in Guanajuato, there are certain resources that you need to provide. In terms of health care, make sure that your family has medical insurance and that you have an appointment with a local doctor as soon as possible.

The same applies to education since your children need to be enrolled at a school as soon as they arrive. Finally, if you’re running a business, the city offers plenty of resources for entrepreneurs who want to settle down in Guanajuato.

Knowing How to Speak Spanish

In Guanajuato, the official language is Spanish. Although English is not completely unknown here, most people will communicate with you in Spanish, so it’s recommended that everyone learns the basics at least. Learning a language might be difficult for adults, but there are plenty of schools and online courses that can help you get started.

Guanajuato Is Not Only Silver and Cows

Many people worldwide know Guanajuato because of its famous silver mines and cows, but this city has so much more to offer than most people might think. Apart from being a vibrant place filled with beautiful festivals, events, delicious food, and music, it’s also a great place to raise your children

Overview of Guanajuato Cultures & Traditions

Guanajuato is one of the smallest states in Mexico, but it is full of culture. One of its most famous features is the tunnels used to transport silver and gold mined in the area during the 18th century.

Guanajuato was also responsible for giving Mexico its independence when Miguel Hidalgo rallied his troops here. The state has preserved its colonial architecture and landmarks, making it feel like stepping back in time.

Guanajuato’s most famous attraction is the colorful houses on narrow streets painted by artists to attract tourists. Images of these vibrant buildings have ended up featured on postcards throughout Mexico. Guanajuato was originally built on a lake and filled with canals, but when the Spanish arrived, they drained the water and converted it into farmland.

Today, the state is full of hills, and there are over 300 underground tunnels used to get around quickly. During colonial times, these tunnels were transformed into smuggling routes for silver and gold. The area is also known for its unique cuisine that takes advantage of the fertile soil.

Guanajuato is also one of Mexico’s cultural capitals, hosting several large festivals every year like the International Cervantino Festival and the Jazz Festival. Guanajuato is also known for its spectacular natural landscapes that include mountains, rivers, forests, and caves. There are several national parks in the state that allow visitors to explore the natural wonders that still exist there.

The state is filled with historical landmarks and museums such as Casa de Los Venados, the Museum of the Mexican Revolution, and the Regional Museum of Guanajuato.

Best Places to Resides in Guanajuato

The ancient city of Guanajuato is one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. A former Spanish colony, it is now a World Heritage Site. It offers visitors a unique blend of colonial architecture, narrow alleyways, and steep mountainsides to take in the views. Without further ado, below are some of the best places to reside in Guanajuato.

●        San Miguel de Allende

Since its foundation by the Spanish in 1542, San Miguel has been a colonial town. This historical significance made it one of the first places designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. However, not only is it rich with history but it is also surrounded by natural scenery and wildlife.

The city is divided by the Arroyo Seco River, with bridges that connect both sides. Popular activities are art galleries, museums, restaurants, cafeterias, and shops. San Miguel also attracts foreigners who have migrated to Mexico for retirement or buying a second home in the country.

●        Celaya

Celaya is an industrial city with a rich cultural history. This capital of the state of Guanajuato was one of the first important textile centers in Mexico, which led to its population being largely employed in the industry throughout the 20th century. As more people started developing other types of businesses, Celaya still relied on manufacturing as one of its main economic activities.

Today, Celaya also has a number of natural attractions and historical landmarks, with several museums and theaters scattered throughout the city. It is also home to the Monumental Clock of Celaya, which was built in memory of Benito Juárez García (a Mexican politician that was president of Mexico on two separate occasions).

●        San Luis de la Paz

Located in the heart of the state, this city is surrounded by mountains and has several natural attractions such as rivers and waterfalls. Its famous church, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio y Santiago (Basilica of Our Lady of Patronage and Saint James), is one of the most important in central Mexico.

San Luis de la Paz has several festivals throughout the year, with celebrations such as International Ruta Quetzal (commemorating three events that occurred on March 12: Mexico’s Independence from Spain, a battle won by Benito Juárez against Emperor Maximilian, and the birthday of Simón Bolívar).

●        Dolores Hidalgo

Dolores Hidalgo is an essential city in Mexico because it was the birthplace of the Mexican independence movement. It is also known for being a center of pilgrimage, with two churches visited by tourists from all over the country.

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary) and El Santuario Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sanctuary Expiatorio of the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

Most people who visit the city come to see its historical significance, but it is also known for its natural attractions. Several museums provide insight into Mexico’s past, along with the Museo de Arte Popular (Museum of Popular Art), which exhibits pieces created by Mexican artisans in different regions.

●        San Diego de la Unión

This small town is located north of the state. It has about 8,000 people, but it also attracts many visitors because it is known as “La Ciudad del Arte” (the City of Art). Its historic center was declared a national monument in 1985, and it holds an important collection of murals painted by José Chávez Morado (a Mexican artist).

San Diego de la Unión also offers visitors activities like museums, museums, and parks. It is also close to other attractions such as the Izcuinapan Dam (where many people go to practice water sports) and the El Salto Waterfall (which is located between San Diego de la Union and Santiago Maravatío).

●        San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a city that attracts thousands of tourists each year, who are attracted by its colonial architecture, art galleries, and museums. It also has several restaurants, bars, and cafeterias where visitors can relax after sightseeing.

San Miguel de Allende was originally settled by the Otomi people (an ethnic group in central Mexico), but the Purépecha people later invaded it. Since the Spanish conquest of the country, San Miguel has been an important settlement due to its location on what was once a trade route between Mexico City and Guadalajara.