Jorge understands how life works here. I understand how people work.
Together we help you build a life in San Miguel without losing sight of why you came in the first place.
They fell in love with San Miguel, bought a house, and suddenly realized nobody told them how any of it actually works. Which bank? Which doctor? How do you buy a car? Who do you trust when the water heater dies on a Sunday?
Others have figured out the practical pieces themselves. What they're missing is much harder to Google. Friends. People in the same stage of life. A faith community. Golf partners. Someone who calls on Thursday afternoon and says, “Come have dinner with us.”
Jorge helps with the first. I help with the second. Most people want some of both.
That's Jorge Catalán.
Jorge came to San Miguel from Mexico City more than 23 years ago to lead the San Miguel Permaculture Institute. He went on to found NaturaSMA, the city's first organic grocery store, and co-founded Mercado Sano, helping launch the health and wellness movement that has become part of San Miguel's identity.
Full bilingual, he knows this city, its culture, and its people better than almost anyone I know. More importantly, the people here know and trust Jorge.
You've had the same cardiologist for 15 years. You're managing a chronic condition. You depend on medications you can't imagine living without. The thought of explaining all of that in Spanish, to a doctor you've never met, in a country you barely know, is often the real reason you're hesitating.
This is where Jorge is extraordinary.
He takes your medical history before recommending anyone. Then he finds the right physicians, schedules the appointments, goes with you, translates during the visit, fills your prescriptions, and delivers them to your door.
Whether you prefer traditional medicine, functional medicine, or a combination of both, Jorge helps you find the right providers.
Nobody should have to be brave about their health in a second language.
“Jorge made moving to another country feel easy.”
We came to San Miguel for our 50th wedding anniversary and unexpectedly bought a home. Since we didn't speak Spanish, Audrey immediately connected us with Jorge.
He helped us open a bank account, buy a car, get our driver's licenses, find doctors, transfer prescriptions, hire trusted professionals, and solve a hundred little challenges we never could have managed on our own.
What impressed us most was how organized everything was. Every appointment was scheduled. Every follow-up happened. Every detail was handled.
We can't imagine making this move without him.
Jim & Ilene · Portland, Oregon
Renting gives you flexibility and lets the city show you where you actually belong. Buying means someone else has already made thousands of design decisions for you. Building gives you exactly what you want, but also introduces you to construction, permitting, and a culture that's very different from what you're used to.
Jorge and I know people who've rented, bought, and built. We also know plenty who would make different decisions if they could do it over again. Our job is to introduce you to the right people, help you ask better questions, and stay involved throughout the process.
The wrong neighborhood. Too many hills. Too much traffic. Too far to walk anywhere. A house that photographs beautifully but doesn't actually work for your lifestyle.
We don't just send you listings.
One member of my team starts by learning what matters most to you. Then she personally visits the properties, checks the neighborhood, tests the Wi-Fi, talks with the house manager, and walks you through the home live on FaceTime so you can ask questions in real time.
If something doesn't feel right, she'll tell you.
You're not renting a house sight unseen from thousands of miles away. You're renting one that someone you trust has already walked through for you.
“When our rental fell through during high season, Audrey found us a better one in one day.”
When we first snowbirded in San Miguel, we were fortunate enough to meet Audrey. She immediately invited us to Shabbat dinners and introduced us to wonderful people we never would have met on our own.
The following winter we decided to come back, but our rental fell through just before our trip. We reached out to Audrey and discovered she had an incredible team that doesn't just find rentals. They personally tour each property, do a video walkthrough, check out the landlord and the house manager, and make sure everything is exactly as promised.
Within one day they found us a fantastic home during the busiest time of year, when rentals are almost impossible to find.
Now, whenever we come to San Miguel, we know we have someone we can count on.
Amy & Jason Garbis · Boston, Massachusetts
Most people here don't own a car and don't want one.
But some people want the same driver every time.
We have a group of trusted bilingual drivers. Costco 45 minutes away, and someone waiting in the lot. The hot springs, and someone coming back for you. City Market on a Tuesday. The airport at Querétaro or León.
Not a stranger you hail. The same person, who knows where you live and answers the phone.
We'll introduce you, and tell you how much to pay.
It's bringing your dog. Shipping artwork. Deciding what's worth moving and what you're better off buying here. Finding a trustworthy house manager, cook, contractor, veterinarian, or accountant. Learning how much things should actually cost.
None of these questions are unusual. They just aren't the questions people think to ask until they're standing in the middle of them.
We've already been there. We know the answers, and we know the best people who do.
But there are also people who make a very good living charging newcomers two or three times what locals pay.
It happens with rentals. Construction. Home repairs. Cars. Even simple household services.
When I worked as a wealth advisor, clients used to joke that I was their financial bodyguard. My role hasn't changed very much.
I'll tell you what things should cost.
Jorge usually knows even faster.
I help you build a life you'll love living.
For more than 35 years I've been introducing the right people to one another. Artists. Entrepreneurs. Horse lovers. Golfers. The Jewish community. Volunteers. Wellness practitioners. Writers. Pickleball players. Whatever matters to you, there's already a community here, and chances are I already know someone who'll be delighted to meet you.
Finding your people is still what I do best.
Residency, banking, healthcare, insurance, internet, phone service, contractors, house managers, airport transfers, pet relocation, grocery delivery, and just about everything else.
Almost everything you have abroad exists here. Russian cake baker, naturopaths, feldenchrist practitioner, fine art furniture makers, the person who knows how to clean a rug properly. The difference is that none of it is in a directory. There's no Yelp for the best anything in San Miguel. You find it by knowing somebody who already found it.
I don't hand you a name and disappear.
I make the introduction, stay involved, and help make sure you're taken care of.
When you're ready to rent, buy, or build, I'll introduce you to professionals I trust. The decisions are always yours.
You don't have to figure it all out alone.
Whether you need help finding the right doctor, the right neighborhood, the right house, or the right people, Jorge and I would be honored to help you build your next chapter.