Cuenca, Ecuador

"Bring whatever technology items you can w you bc they are very expensive here. If your car is less than 4 years old you can bring that, if it has a smaller engine," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"This city has a little of everything. The old and the new blend very well indeed. Lots of great restaurants, lots of music the weather is the best, the mountains are breathtaking, the prices for me are just right. I really have everything here I could ever wish for," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"Cuenca is a beautiful and unique city with many attractions and amenities to offer. It is important to be aware of the cultural norms and the climate before moving to Cuenca. The Ecuadorian people are very welcoming and friendly; however, language can be a barrier and it is best to learn some Spanish beforehand. The climate in Cuenca is temperate year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F. Since the city is located at 8,500 feet above sea level, the air is clean and dry. Expats should also research the cost of living in Cuenca, as it tends to be lower than what expats might be used to in the states. Finally, expats should plan ahead and make sure they have all their paperwork and visas in order before making the move," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"Make a trip here first and look around, meet some local people, meet some real estate agents. Research a lot before you move," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"Take your time to look around and if you find something that just jumps out at you take it. You will know if it feels right. Don't wait as if you do when you go back it will probably be gone. If you are looking and coming back to live here at a later date you can always rent it out to other expats. Rentals are in short demand for expats here in Cuenca," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Gringos are the preferred tenants in Ecuador. The reasons why will be of interest. 1. Ecuadorian law is ALL in favor of the tenant. So Ecuadorians will often not pay and it takes ages to evict them. 2. Though the leases may say different, the Law takes precedence. For example, if they turn your water, gas, electricity off, they are breaking the Law and liable for all damages. My suggestion is to: A. stay in a B&B (there are many at 25$ a day) B. Scope the areas suggested here to find one that suits you. C. if necessary, hire a facilitator (they are bilingual translators at 4$/hr+) to help with the language or suggestions. https://yapatree.com/cuenca-facilitators-make-life-easier/ D. Go to buildings in the areas you liked and ask the doormen if anything is for rent. The search investment is well worth your time," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"We made an exploratory trip months before we decided to come and live in Cuenca, Ecuador. We did not really choose the neighborhood we just found the apartment absolutely fell in love with it and the price was just right and the view and everything. It seemed like a good neighborhood as well and we bought it within two weeks of being in this country. To date 18 months later we are still very very happy with our purchase. We have since found it is a great neighborhood close to all amenities but far enough from the centre of the city," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"One way to find a place to live in Cuenca is to look through online listings. Some popular sites include local classifieds, such as Encuentra24, and global rental sites like idealista and craigslist. Additionally, you can find locals willing to rent out apartments on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can ask friends or family if they know of any vacancies, or if they know someone else who is. Lastly, you can search in person by canvassing certain neighborhoods or checking out "se renta" (for rent) signs posted around the city," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador, Ecuador.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Cuenca, is typically modern and comfortable. Most expat homes and apartments feature amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning. The interiors are usually spacious, with plenty of natural light due to the abundance of large windows and balconies that overlook the surrounding city. Most of the properties feature modern kitchens, with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Many are equipped with plenty of storage closets and bathroom amenities, such as a tub, shower, and washer/dryer," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"We live in a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment with views to the mountains and over the river. Yes there are expats in other buildings but we did not come here to live with expats............although we love bumping into them. We only have one other couple (expats) who live in our building. The rest are locals and lovely people and they have accepted us with open arms," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Cuenca neighborhoods, unless you only walk everywhere, are not as significant in Cuenca as they are in other cities AND other countries. The expat population (especially the 50% from North America, is not significant enough to make a difference and the safety factor does not vary to the point where is means much. A section of the city's west end is dubbed "Gringolandia" with the Cuenca's largest condo (18 stories) called "The Gringo Palace", But upon investigation, it has only a 10% ownership of foreigners..with the rest Ecuadorians. The neighborhood has a much lower percentage of gringos. However, there are other reasons to investigate where you rent or buy in Cuenca that are not obvious, like bus and grocery proximity. I recall a lovely American couple who arrived and immediately rented in the small Red Light District. (Municipally-regulated prostitution is legal in Ecuador) When they found out more about the neighborhood, they remarked they enjoyed all the happy faces around them," said one expat in Cuenca.

"We are in a B&B and not typical as apartments are every where. You just don't know until you get here," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Housing cost are substantially less than at home. We are moving into a real mansion with full use of the house and our own bath for $210 mo. $200-350 mo is very available. We were taken the first mo. at $550mo and was much less quality. Actually it was horrible," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"The average cost of housing in Cuenca varies depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. Generally speaking, monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments within city limits average around $200 - $450, while monthly rents for two or three-bedroom apartments within city limits average around $300 - $800. Long-term rentals for a house with three or more bedrooms in Cuenca usually start at around $450 - $800 per month," wrote one member in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"You can buy a beautiful 2 brm 2.5 bathroom apartment from about $78,000 upwards. If you are looking for a home with a bit of land around you can go about 15 mins from Cuenca and find the most beautiful homes for $150,000 - $300,000 and of course then you have the ones that are even higher. Depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful pre-construction apartments selling from $60,000 to a large penthouse which has the most spectacular views for under $200,000. I went and paid our phone and electric bill the other day and for the two of us it was $30 for the month. Our apartment taxes are around $30 per year. Our security apartment and gas fees per month are $63.00," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Weekly expat Fridays at 5, currently held at Sakura Restaurant on 3 de Noviembre in front of the Tomebamba River at the bottom of the Escalinata," commented one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"There are now two expat groups which meet in Cuenca each Friday night at 5 p.m. One is at Zoes and the other at the Ecualyptus. From here you can meet and greet other expats and then extend you network," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Expats living in Cuenca often join social groups and clubs that cater to their interests. Popular activities for expats include taking Spanish classes, dancing, volunteering, attending meet-ups and exploring the local culture. Expats also join a variety of online forums, such as Expats in Cuenca and Cuenca Highlife to discuss local topics, host events, find resources and ask questions. Additionally, many expats make friends by attending local events and festivals, such as the Festival of the Little Candles and the Corpus Christi Festival. Living in the same neighbourhood as other expats, attending weekly gatherings in local bars, cafes, and restaurants and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and kayaking are also great ways to meet and make connections in the Cuenca community," wrote one member in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"We arrived here over a decade ago. A codicil: We are much traveled and have had homes in many countries over the last 60 years. We have learned not to cling to the stuff we grew familiar with in the last places. That is analogous to gathering barnacles. It is a horrible hassle dragging lifestyle items unfound in your new home with you from someplace else. It is ultimately cheaper to buy locally as 95% of items cost less in Ecuador and come with a usable warranty and local repair know how. I feel bad for people that try to drag everything along with them. When we arrived, then some IT items cost double. But we have learned to keep checking as this world is changing FAST. They have become cheaper every year and now are MAYBE 10% more expensive. Everything else is also, relatively, much cheaper and with the trade agreements with Europe and China there is a greater availability and options in many areas. For example, we chose the styling for our living room set (easy chair, love seat & sofa) and picked the cloth from 100s and had it all made for 1050$ in 10 days. Can that be done in your present home? Appliances are the same - many now being made in Ecuador or South America. (If there is option in this area, buy something with mechanical rather than digital controls). Even if you buy an American brand name, it is likely a bitsa made in from iffy parts outside of the US. You will save a fortune buying non-West products. and have less misery," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"Since Cuenca experiences a subtropical highland climate, it is important to bring items for both hot and cold temperatures. Bring plenty of lightweight layers and items made of natural fabrics like cotton and wool since synthetic fabrics can be uncomfortable in the warm weather. Also, don't forget to pack rain gear and a pair of waterproof boots since it rains frequently in Cuenca. Additionally, be sure to bring a charger and adapter for all your electronic items since the voltage in Ecuador is different from other countries. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary items related to your lifestyle, as well as a few favorite items from home to make your transition easier," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Being from Australia probably more vegemite. My moisturiser that I used for hundreds of years........but now I have found another here that is just as good. My grown kids :)," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Before retiring in Cuenca, expats should research the cost of living to ensure the city fits into their budget. They should also compare the quality of healthcare services in the city to what they are used to in order to ensure they will receive adequate care. Those considering retiring in Cuenca should research the local laws, visa processes, and other necessary paperwork for foreigners prior to relocating. Additionally, expats should consider the physical and cultural environment of the city to determine if it is a good fit for their lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Foreigners often find employment in the service industry in Cuenca, working as English teachers, waiters and waitresses, bartenders, tour guides, hotel staff, and translators. Other foreign nationals also run their own businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and shops. Those with specialized skills may also find employment in healthcare or technology-related positions," commented one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Unlike Quito and Guayaquil which has many multi-national companies, jobs here are fairly non-existent, however, entrepreneurial opportunities abound. Many people are retired, however, once you have a Permanent Residency Visa...no matter which type you get...you can open a company to do any number of things. People here have restaurants, export business, real estate businesses, retail shops, etc. It's very simple to open a business here once you have a cedula," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Cuenca has a lot going for it as far as the arts. There are always free concerts that you can attend in the city. Art festivals, Choirs, Orchestras you name it. This is a very family oriented society and life revolves around the family. My local business colleagues are always spending time with their families on the weekends and we should learn from them. They have a wonderful network of family around them. Religious events are a time for parades, church and other activities," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"For Ecuadorians, life revolves around family. Expats are very social here, though there aren't too many of us. Most expats who are in Cuenca are adventurous, love to explore the country, and are focused pretty much on living life," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"Expatriates living in Cuenca appreciate the city's colonial architecture, vibrant local markets, and historic landmarks that make it a beautiful and unique place to live. They also enjoy the friendly atmosphere, caring neighbors, and hospitality of the local people—making it easy to assimilate and build relationships. Additionally, the low cost of living and plentiful outdoor activities offer expats an affordable and accessible lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"The weather.. and my spouse's contentment. I am still working remotely from Ecuador, but not being in an office is wonderful. I could work and be happy most anywhere if I have moderate temperature and solitude to read. My husband, however, although a U.S. citizen, was born in Spain to diplomatic parents. He spent his childhood in mostly central American countries, and has been feeling trapped in the US for the past 30 years, while we raised our children. I am thrilled for him and with him that we are able to once again live in a Spanish speaking country. He states that Cuenca today is much like San Jose, Costa Rica was 35 years ago - and that is very special," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"It is MUCH better than Costa Rica was. Cleaner, safer, more sophisticated, more elegant. Don't believe the west bloc weather reports on Cuenca. If the days is 5% rain and 25% partially cloudy and 60% sunny, they will report its raining. Cuenca placement very high up in a valley in the Andes between the massive weather makers of the steamy Amazon and the temperamental Pacific creates a local low pressure zone. So the weather can change and change back in minutes. If you are impatient, drive a mile and get whatever weather you want," mentioned one in Cuenca.

"One of the most difficult aspects of the Cuenca culture for many expats is the idea of personal space. Cuencan culture is considered to be quite close and family-oriented, making it difficult for expats to maintain a sense of personal space. Additionally, expats can find the local language and customs complex and challenging. Despite the language barrier, expats often find it difficult to create meaningful relationships with local people. Additionally, many expats struggle with the pace of life which can be slower than hey may be used to with fewer conveniences like reliable internet and quick access to customer service," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"My Spanish - when caught off-guard, or in the early morning, my language ability (Spanish, but to a degree, English as well :-) fails and I am floundering. By afternoon, all is well," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Not a lot of crime in Cuenca but people need to us common since living here as they would in any city," said one expat in Cuenca.

"Cuenca is generally considered a safe place to live. According to the travel guide of Ecuador, travelers should take the same safety precautions that they would take anywhere else in the world. Petty crime does exist in Cuenca, such as pickpocketing, scams and occasional muggings, yet these incidents are considerably less frequent than violent crimes. Generally, tourists and expats are advised to be vigilant of their surroundings, avoid displaying wealth and try to blend in with the locals as much as possible," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I believe that the people here are warm and accepting. I certainly have not come across any hostilities to expats. They are very eager to be of helping nature," remarked one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"It's strange here, in that on the surface, everyone mingles well and it is quite the mixing pot. Cuenca always has lots of tourists due to both its reputation as well as being such a destination for learning Spanish. Beneath the surface, for residents, however, there is not a lot of mingling between classes, as in most Latin American countries. In expat circles, everything is fairly acceptable as we tend to have quite the liberal lot," wrote one member in Cuenca.

"Cuenca has a diverse population, with many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds living in the city. The city's cultural and religious heritage were shaped by both the Spanish colonial era and its own Indigenous peoples. The citizens of Cuenca are generally very welcoming and accepting of others, regardless of differences in cultural backgrounds, ethnicity, or religion. People of all backgrounds can find a place in Cuenca where they can feel comfortable and welcomed," remarked one expat who made the move to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Cuenca offers a range of excellent international and bilingual schools for those looking for an immersive learning experience. The Colegio Americano de Cuenca is a topnotch international school providing an educational program based on the American system and teaching from pre-kinder through twelfth grade. Its curriculum is excellent, giving students the hands-on learning opportunities to ensure college readiness. San Rafael Private School is another great international school in Cuenca, providing education for children from pre-kinder through twelfth grade. San Rafael is committed to the holistic development of the student, focusing on academics, character values, arts, sports and the environment. For bilingual education, Eduardo Campuzano School is an excellent option. It offers an American academic program and immersion in Spanish, as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and music. With a campus in the heart of Cuenca and smaller classrooms, this approach provides personalized guidance and dynamic teaching," commented one expat when asked about in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Cuenca appreciate the city's colonial charm, its vibrant culture, and its affordability. They also enjoy the temperate climate, the friendly locals, and the abundance of outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and the lack of modern amenities to be challenging. Additionally, the city's infrastructure can be unreliable and the cost of living is rising," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca.

"I love living in Ecuador. Low cost of living, low taxes, great medical, great fresh produce at very low prices and very family friendly Hispanic values," said one expat.

"Yes, it rains a bit, but if you have ever traveled to San Francisco, Amsterdam, London, Vancouver, you just keeping walking through it. The sun will dry you 10 minutes later. It definitely rains more today than 11 years ago. The only concession to Climate Change that Cuenca has made. But, there is greener grass and more flowers too. This new weather all started about 8 years ago. I find the weather wonderful! We have had enough beach living to make us tired and bored of it. ," commented one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in Cuenca typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people and make friends, such as joining local clubs and organizations, attending cultural events, and participating in outdoor activities. Expats often find that the locals are friendly and welcoming, and that it is easy to make connections with other expats and digital nomads. Additionally, there are many online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats and digital nomads living in Cuenca, providing a great way to connect with like-minded people," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

"I try to not limit social interactions to other exists but rather immerse with the licals," wrote one expat living in Cuenca.

"I'm 71, I've lived here for nearly nine years since retirement from Boeing in Seattle, WA. The people are very simple, mostly very undereducated. They are perhaps the hardest working people I have known. It doesn't mean the quality is great, but they are hard workers. Fresh produce is readily available. Ecuador can easily feed itself, that is a plus. We use the US dollar, and the Walmart dollars are most especially handy! Drop a double saw on somebody and they will freak out. Once you establish yourself as a neighbor (commonly seen out walking), customer, etc. the local world begins to open up to you. It is sort of like Las Vegas, you can get anything you want, if you know where to go. The reference of twenty years difference in advancement applies in general. The truth lies much deeper and gets back to the undereducated reference above. In the pandemic with the loss of jobs there is some increase in crime. This is the petty theft type, however, weapons have started to appear. We do not worry about walking the streets at night, well lit areas of course, that's just common sense. The bottom line is we aren't leaving. Life is much better here than in the USA. Houses don't need furnaces or air conditioning. No bugs, no snakes:)," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"Cuenca is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to explore, as well as a variety of cultural events and activities to take part in. The city is known for its friendly locals, who are always happy to welcome visitors and show them around. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby waterfalls. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or a relaxing day in the park, Cuenca has something for everyone," said one expat living in Cuenca.

"Expats in Cuenca recommend researching the area thoroughly before committing to a rental or purchase. It is important to visit the area in person and get a feel for the neighborhood. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding renting or buying property. It is also recommended to work with a reputable real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can provide helpful advice. Finally, expats suggest budgeting for additional costs such as utilities, taxes, and maintenance," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

"Although I did not plan to buy a house when I moved here, after a year I did buy a house and an very glad I did," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Don't come down here looking for a miracle cure for your ails. You would find the experience frustrating and assistance costs would wipe out the advantage I think. I do know from some other gringos, and gringo sites, that some medications are not available here, I don't have that experience," commented one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Cuenca offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and offer a variety of services, including emergency care, general medical care, and specialized care. Private hospitals and clinics offer a more personalized approach to medical care, with a focus on preventive care and specialized treatments. Cuenca also has a number of pharmacies, which provide a wide range of medications and other health-related products. Additionally, there are a number of medical professionals in the city, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are available to provide medical care," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"I would pay out of pocket if it were still available, because doctors are cheap. With my cheap insurance, I will still have to pay out of pocket and maybe get reimbursement if I'm lucky. Insurance here is a government sponsored racket, as whenever government requires something the drops and prices go up, that's why governments do it. If it were a service people actually wanted it wouldn't be required," remarked one expat living in Cuenca.

"Private health insurance here is a fraud. The only people buying it are US expats who were trained that you need it in the States. Here, health care is so cheap that you will NEVER recover your premiums. Example - insurance quoted me $400/mo insurance. I just spent 2 weeks in the hospital in a private room with excellent care, and the total cost (no insurance used) was just over $5,000. IOW, one year of premium to pay for 2 weeks hospital, Unless you are in the hospital a LOT, you are better off self-insuring (as we do)," said one expat living in Cuenca.

"We tried private insurance here. Even though we got to the two years when prior conditions must be accepted by Ecuadorian law, we cancelled it. We come from a country where medical coverage is universal. We found the private insurance process deeply humiliating and we are not trained to tolerate it. The Cuenca medical services are great, superior to most in the world. It is a world medical/dental tourism destination. It is cheap.. though no serious illness is costless. We have the resources to pay as we go and like most developed world expats, at the very worst, we can return from where we came and get our coverage back in 3-4 months. If Ecuador decides to stopping letting expats in who cannot prove they have insurance, we pay 90$ a month in IESS premiums That is not to say that hospitals are not without payment annoyances in Ecuador. If you do not pay before leaving, they will not unhook you from their stuff. And it is hard to go downstairs and pay at Accounting when you are in bed undressed with tubes still running into you. Ecuadorian credit cards will not cover (without tedious special arrangements) amounts over $1000 and even then, the hospital won't believe it. Happily, Ecuador may not be a credit/debit card place but it is a cash one. Unlike the developed countries, banks here have gobs of the stuff on hand. My wife and I get an estimate and the non-hospitalized one has the cash on hand. (shrug)," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Cuenca are generally considered to be quite affordable compared to other countries. The cost of medical care is much lower than in the United States, and the quality of care is generally good. Health insurance is also relatively inexpensive, with many plans offering comprehensive coverage for a fraction of the cost of similar plans in the US. Additionally, the Ecuadorian government offers a public health insurance plan for those who cannot afford private insurance," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Prices are and product availability and servicing is changing rapidly. Though many things have always been cheaper (food and lodging) technological products were very dear 10+ years ago, they are not now. I bought a new computer yesterday and the price (with a bit of shopping) was 5% more expensive for the same thing on Amazon.com. us. I double-checked, all specifications. That being said, if you are looking for a city and country cheaper than Cuenca, there are plenty. They simply will be far less fun," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

"The cost of living in Cuenca is relatively low compared to other cities in the world. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Cuenca is typically around $300 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $400 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Cuenca will usually cost around $10 USD per person," commented one expat who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"In order to obtain a visa to enter Cuenca, an individual must first apply for a visa at the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The application process typically requires the submission of a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a fee. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. In order to apply for residency in Cuenca, Ecuador, an individual must first obtain a visa. Once the visa is obtained, the individual must then apply for residency at the Immigration Office in Cuenca. The application process typically requires the submission of a valid passport, a completed residency application form, and a fee. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required," mentioned one expat inCuenca.

"At the risk of offending someone, I am not in Cuenca because of the cost of living. That is a bonus of course, but not key for us. We did a lot of searching of the globe (40+ years) to find a place that had the elements we needed to be happy at this stage of life.. We have had second homes in many places. After all, one gives up the proximity of family and old friends when one expats. There has to be some potent compensation! Cuenca requires the least compromises. Gobs of culture from free opera to free rock concerts. Two stadiums. UNENDING boutique shopping. A quickly recovering restaurant and club scene. 4 rivers running through it. Inca ruins. 16 century architecture! Cobble stone streets. A modern side. Views everywhere. 4 universities, colleges, music conservatoires, great inexpensive health care on anything within 10 minutes 24/7. A college town fill of beautiful young people. Many international fairs. Incredible fruits and seafood. (Everything costs a dollar..the only thing that varies is how much you get for it! :D) Today it is 6 mangoes for a buck unless you want to pick them for yourself. The best of all is the airport. It is too small for most international flights and that keeps expats and tourists away. Merely 15,000 (about 45% American and the rest from everywhere) in a greater area containing 700,000+ souls. If one yearns for beach, it is 3 hours away and the weather is hot all year long. However, the water is its warmest from December through Mayish (80F) Coldest in August (71F)," remarked one expat in Cuenca.

"This has come up before. In the main, only one expat demographic, American, looks to Ecuador (or most other havens) as a cheaper place to live with dignity. I am not saying that lower cost is not a pleasant element for everyone, but it is not the primary reason for moving here for others. The largest "immigrant" group, by far, is returning Ecuadorians. They look for a better life than they have found elsewhere, often in retirement after 40 years in the US or Spain. Others, an ever growing group, are European young families looking for a better setting to raise their youngsters. There are also well-off oldsters, who like the weather, the town, the cultural scene and the beauty. My 70 year old wife likes that she has a choice of horses to ride in the mountains every day year round and I like the trout fishing, 365/year. Money reasons alone are not a good reason to choose anywhere. They may be important, but you need more to be happy," wrote one expat living in Cuenca.