Possible relocation to Cuenca

Due to the high cost to live in the US, my family is thinking about relocating to Ecuador (Cuenca). With the type of business we are involved in we feel we can make the same amount of money there that we could in the US but with the difference in the cost of living have a better life style for our family.

This forum appears to have some really good information both from residents as well as those who previosuly lived in Ecuador. I have a few questions that I would like to share the answers with my family. I hope those of you who view this post can answer then as I try to keep this as short as possible:

* How safe is Cuenca? We have five children and all younger then teenagers. Should there be any concern for any of us outside of the "common sense" approach used in any sizebale city?

* The business we are in can be run just about anywhere in the world with internet and a landline. What are costs of landlines in Ecuador as it relates to calls to the US? Is Skype or any other internet phone service available and does the local provider limit calls to US?

* What would a 6 bedroom - 3 or 4 bath home cost to rent? Buy? Are the internet prices we see the actual prices the market supports or are they lower to purchase as is the case with many international properties sold via the internet?

* How are the hospitals? With five younger children are their any concrns with the healthcare? My father in law has had prior bypass surgery. In the event of an emergency are the hospitals capable of handling heart attacks as they are in the US?

* Our son is autistic. He currently undergoes 6-8 hours a week for physical, occupational and speech therapy. Are there therapists in Cuenca who are capable of working with him in English as it relates to his autism and development needs? 


Thanks in advance for any help with these questions as we look at options for our family and the high costs associated in the US.