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Cuenca, Ecuador
What It Is Like to Retire in Cuenca
Cuenca, Ecuador, located in the Andes Mountains, sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet above sea level, and is the capital and largest city of the Azuay Province of Ecuador. The estimated population in 2015 was 580,000. Cuenca boasts many historical buildings and colonial architecture, with the center of the city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and includes the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1885. Cuenca is also home to universities, national parks, cobblestone streets lined with cafes and galleries, and four rivers which flow through the city. It is the economic center of the southern sierra and is known for its artistic tradition, festivals, and beautiful scenery. As an expat community, Cuenca is growing due to the temperate climate, low cost of living, cultural opportunities and outdoor recreation and good health care. Pictures of Bernard Gagnon Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepci
Where to Retire in Cuenca and Home Prices
Compared to prices in the U.S., real estate in Cuenca is a bargain. There are furnished condos and townhomes for under $100,000, with rentals also available. Homebuyers would need to explore the many different neighborhoods by walking around or renting a place before a decision is made. Expats can easily own real estate, but mortgages are not common here, so expect to pay the full purchase price.
What Is Special about Cuenca
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and offers beautiful mountain scenery, historical sites, great food and many colorful festivals. It is a college town and home to several universities, which has earned it the nickname of the "City of Universities". Recreational activities include hiking, cycling, golfing and whitewater rafting. The town's infrastructure feature some pedestrian-only downtown streets along with new bike lanes. Residents enjoy a mild climate all year with two seasons- rainy and dry.
What Is Not Special about Cuenca
Cuenca experiences just two seasons-rainy and dry, with heavy rains in March, April and May. The cost of living is much less here than in the United States, but you will pay a premium for imported goods such as clothing, shoes, wine, and electronics.
Who Will Like Retirement in Cuenca
Cuenca has become the most popular expat community in Ecuador, and rightly so. It boasts a temperate climate so there is no need for heating and air conditioning, and since city is so walkable and offers great transportation, there is no need for a car. Health care is good with costs and prescription prices much lower here than in the States.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Textile and furniture making drive the economy, along with tourism that continues to grow. Also important are agriculture, logging, mining, and tire manufacturing. Cuenca is known for its production of the popular straw Panama hat, as seen in the picture above. Expats have opened their own businesses here, which include restaurants, spas, and real estate agencies.
Climate and Physical Environment
The name Cuenca in Spanish means "basin" as the city is home to the confluence of four rivers, and sits on a plateau surrounded by mountains. The mild climate in Cuenca brings warm days and cool nights, with spring-like weather year-round, and temperatures ranging from the 70's to the 50's. Rainfall occurs more often between January and May.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Cuenca's dining scene offers many choices including local cuisine, Asian, Thai, and Italian. Restaurants offer cheap eats, fine dining, pubs and cafes. Cultural activities in Cuenca include museums, art exhibits, live music events and several colorful festivals. The historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a popular tourist attraction.
Crime
The crime in Cuenca is mainly theft and pickpocketing, and as with most cities, some neighborhoods are safer than others.
Medical facilities
There are many medical facilities and hospitals in Cuenca, and many of the doctors speak English. The cost of health care is much lower than in the U.S., and expats have the option to join Ecuador's Social Security healthcare system, which is open to all residents.
Transportation
Getting around Cuenca is easy as it is both a walkable and bike-friendly city. There is a public bus system that is considered to be clean and on time, along with a tram that opened in 2020. The Aeropuerto Mariscal Lamar airport is served by two airlines.
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