The El Bajio region is the highlands of Northern Central, Mexico, which is one of the most attractive parts of the country for second home buyers. The region is recognized for its strong cultural and economic resurgence, and has a reputation as the safest area of Mexico with the highest quality of life.

El Bajio has been an important part of the history of the country, providing much of the silver and grain that supported Mexico throughout the years of Spanish rule. And today, the colonial architecture of the time still stands in charming towns that have changed little over time. However, it is also La Cuna de la Independencia (the Cradle of Independence), and it is one of the best parts of the country for exploring Mexican history.

Areas of specific note in the area include:

• Queretaro, a large and booming modern city with a well-preserved colonial quarter at its heart.

• Guanajuato, quite simply one of the country’s richest and most scenic colonial towns.

• San Miguel de Allende, with its large population of foreign artists, gringo retirees and language students.

• Aguascalientes for its appealing roster of colonial relics, art from Jose Posada and fabulous food.

• The colonial cities of Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi – both state capitals and offering a wealth of culture and sophistication.

For those looking for charming colonial towns, culture, security and strong economic development, El Bajio offers it all.

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