Expat Community > Ecuador

boatmax
Joined 2011
Posts: 452

North Coast

12 years ago

I have been a member of this forum since August of last year, and have often wondered why the north coast of Ecuador does not even get an honorable mention. I do not want to disparage anyone for their choice, as that is our first decision, after committing to move to Ecuador. Everyone seems to want to go where there are many other gringos. Most choose to go to the mountains, where it is spring time, all year long. Some choose to go to various places on the south coast. I am definitely a water person, having lived on an 85’ houseboat for 12 years, in a yacht club. I chose the coast, as it is summer all year, yet there are cool breezes off the ocean at all times, and no need for heat or air conditioning. I have never yet closed a window or door, and have flow through ventilation all day and all night.
When I first considered moving to Ecuador, I had seen photos of a very nice 3 bedroom condo in Atacames, directly on the beach, and about 3 blocks from the malecon (boardwalk) with shops, bars, food vendors. But after a week, we decided to not buy that condo, even though it is still a great deal; $75K furnished or $65K unfurnished. I spent most of the second week, with my realtor showing me properties to buy. If I liked them, I could not afford them. If I could afford them, I did not like them.
We finally tried Tonsupa, which abuts Atacames, which is a city of 35,000, and 2 traffic lights, which they sometimes actually turn on. Atacames has most common items, and you cannot throw a rock without hitting a fruit stand of pharmacy. What I found in Tonsupa, was everything that I wanted, and more. The most surprising part was that this poor guy from Alabama could actually afford it. I bought in the most opulent condo that I have ever seen, anywhere. It is a true paradise. It it were in Florida, I would not be able to afford to drive down the street in front of it. Security is an issue, but this place has 7 security guards 24/7, with 2 manning 2 gates, and one manning the entrance from the beach.
In Tonsupa, there are at least a half dozen new high rise condos under construction, and literally hundreds of single family homes, duplexes, cabanas, in every price range. Some are unbelievably beautiful, all the way down to unbelievable poverty. I almost bought an investment property for $28K, with two apartments, each with 2 bedrooms, and literally 10 feet from the beach. It is walled in, gated, security system, and the neighborhood security guard lives in a 1 bedroom near the gate, so there is adequate housing for every price range. Everyone here has been unbelievably wonderful to me, and most seem anxious to learn English. At first, I told them that it was not their responsibility to learn English, but my responsibility to learn their language; Ecuadorian customs and way of life.
There is an airport and a nice 2 story mall in Esmeraldas, about 30 minutes north.
Living in paradise;
Max

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