Cresswind Wesley Chapel
Charlotte, North Carolina
Quito, Ecuador
What It Is Like to Retire in Quito
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and along with being the most populous with over 2,000,000 residents, it is also the closest to the equator. The historic and picturesque city sits between mountain peaks thus being considered as one of the most beautiful big cities in South America, and is the designated headquarters of the Union of the South American Nations. Quito is home to museums, historical sites, and schools of higher education. Its population is very diverse, and it has become a popular retirement town for Expats for its low cost of living, health care and cultural offerings. Photo of The hills around Quito courtesy of Wikipedia and Diego Delso; photo of The El Panecillo hill seen from Quito's historic centre along the Garc
Where to Retire in Quito and Home Prices
The city is made up of 32 urban parishes, and with neighborhoods reflecting different classes. Many types of housing is offered including single-family homes, apartments and flats, with prices starting under $100,000. Quito's Property taxes are among the lowest in the world, and would not be much over $200. If you are older than 65 and have a property worth less than U.S.$200,000 you are exempt from paying property tax. (There is a community nearby-see link at left).
What Is Special about Quito
Quito is a cultural center that also offers a low cost of living in housing and with groceries and health care; It boasts medical facilities, a transportation system, schools of higher education and many cultural events; the temperature varies between 48 degrees and 66 degrees.
What Is Not Special about Quito
The city flanked by volcanos, and with an altitude of 9,350 feet it receives some of the greatest solar radiation in the world; traffic.
Who Will Like Retirement in Quito
Retirees that want to relocate to a constant and cool climate near the equator and in a bustling city may enjoy living here. There is inexpensive and good health care, public transportation, many groups and clubs of expats, and job opportunities and volunteer work for English speaking residents.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Quito is the most important economic region in Ecuador. Major industries include textiles, metals and agriculture, with many companies headquartered here.
Climate and Physical Environment
Quito experiences a wet season and a dry season with temperatures normally between 50 and 70 degrees. The nicest time of year is June through September.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
As the capital city, Quito offers a multitude of restaurants with many offering local Ecuadorean and Latin cuisine. And with its rich history and the least-altered historic center in Latin America, the city's cultural scene features many museums, churches and schools surrounded by beautiful views and volcanic peaks. Parque Metropolitano is a 14,000 acre park, the largest urban park in South America, and features forested paths, hiking and amazing scenery.
Crime
As with most big cities, the crime rate is high with much of it involving theft, and certain areas of the city are less safe than others.
Medical facilities
There are health care facilities and medical clinics located here. Expats should investigate insurance choices here, although health care is much lower than in the U.S.
Transportation
There is public transportation, and it is the primary form of travel; the Mariscal Sucre International Airport is located about 20 miles away; Quito also offers a bicycle sharing program.
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