Interested in what others who are actually living here feel?
Taking rising costs out of the mix for a moment it seems that quality of life has improved a lot in the past few years, at least out here in the Maldonado/Punta del Este area.
Some is technological. Faster internet and phone data, Better street lighting and highway markers and road maintenance. Electronics and other imported items are much more available via online shopping and cheaper. Most business can be conducted online so no more annual day at the Intendencia office to pay property taxes etc and I haven't had to line up at an Abitab in Many, many months. Fiber optic is very fast, stable and with a VPN can connect to the world easily. UTE electrical programs for multiple rates have expanded cost saving opportunities.
Neighborhoods have more people. So we see more people. and have made more friends. More restaurants are open off season than ever before, and finally there are lot's of places to go for a good coffee and to relax and read the paper or meet up with those new friends. If you want to go out for a nice meal with good service there are lots of options now....
I don't hear the burglar alarms on my neighbors houses constantly going off anymore or reading on the Vecinos Whatsapp group about a weekly break in attempts. We aren't bothered by loose dogs when taking a walk anymore or at least very rarely now. Neighbors through those same Whatsapp groups seem more cohesive and connected in trying to improve life here.
So while air travel is still limited there are now more flights from PdE to Sao Paulo and from there to most anywhere. American Partnered with Gol and Delta with Latam so ultimately there are more options if going via the US
Seems like there are more options in the stores and the markets. Bread that is "Masa Madre" or artisanal is everywhere now and quite good where before it was only at the farmers market on a Sunday morning. Of course restaurants and supermarkets for good food is very expensive...... almost US prices..... but besides the food, overall still a much cheaper place to live. And without the craziness that seems to be going on in so many parts of the world.
Taking rising costs out of the mix for a moment it seems that quality of life has improved a lot in the past few years, at least out here in the Maldonado/Punta del Este area.
Some is technological. Faster internet and phone data, Better street lighting and highway markers and road maintenance. Electronics and other imported items are much more available via online shopping and cheaper. Most business can be conducted online so no more annual day at the Intendencia office to pay property taxes etc and I haven't had to line up at an Abitab in Many, many months. Fiber optic is very fast, stable and with a VPN can connect to the world easily. UTE electrical programs for multiple rates have expanded cost saving opportunities.
Neighborhoods have more people. So we see more people. and have made more friends. More restaurants are open off season than ever before, and finally there are lot's of places to go for a good coffee and to relax and read the paper or meet up with those new friends. If you want to go out for a nice meal with good service there are lots of options now....
I don't hear the burglar alarms on my neighbors houses constantly going off anymore or reading on the Vecinos Whatsapp group about a weekly break in attempts. We aren't bothered by loose dogs when taking a walk anymore or at least very rarely now. Neighbors through those same Whatsapp groups seem more cohesive and connected in trying to improve life here.
So while air travel is still limited there are now more flights from PdE to Sao Paulo and from there to most anywhere. American Partnered with Gol and Delta with Latam so ultimately there are more options if going via the US
Seems like there are more options in the stores and the markets. Bread that is "Masa Madre" or artisanal is everywhere now and quite good where before it was only at the farmers market on a Sunday morning. Of course restaurants and supermarkets for good food is very expensive...... almost US prices..... but besides the food, overall still a much cheaper place to live. And without the craziness that seems to be going on in so many parts of the world.
