Do you live in a gated community ?

I know three other expats in Guatemala, two plus myself live on farms, one owns a hotel in Panajachel. So from that small and un-scientific sample the answer is no.

Thank you for your testimony.

Given that the monthly rent or price of a house located in a closed neighborhood is much higher than the monthly rent or price of a house located in a non-closed neighborhood,

since most residents of Guatemala do not live in a gated neighborhood,

i don't understand why some Guatemalans and some expatriates live in Guatemala in a closed neighborhood.

Seb

farms are large and fairly isolated and so safe in their own right. My wife is a Suburbanite, and may Guatemalans of that class have a pretty negative opinion of other Guatemalans, in these areas where there is traffic and a medium population density, and a large number of them being not very well off they consider it prudent to live in a gated community if you have something to protect.

in a high population non 'red' zone where there are plenty of witnesses white folk are well treated and relatively safe, similarly to rural areas I would assume.

The real answer to the best of my observation would be 'depends where you want to live'

Thank you.

What is your definition of a red zone ?

Is it a dangerous area therefore not recommended by a foreign government ?

that is exactly it, except I believe the actual Guatemalan government that marks it that way. Guatemala is sectioned geographically into zones inside the 'city' (zona), most of them are numbered, zona 8 de Mixto, zona 10 de guatemala etc, so the ones that have heavier gang and criminal content are called red zones, anyone spendng time in or traveling through a red zone is cautioned to be careful

Thank you.

Is it possible to find at least one gated neighborhood around every small town in Guatemala?

Is land for sale that is located in a gated neighborhood more expensive than land for sale that is not located in a gated neighborhood?

Seb

There are plenty of "gated communities" in small towns. Here in Chiquimulilla there are at least 4. Prices are about the same for inside as outside. Prices vary a lot with location, closer to town are more expensive as you'd expect.

Before moving here we lived in Nimajuyu, zone 21 of the city, definitely a red zone, also gated but lower economic status. Rents around Q1,000 for three bedrooms. Out community there put the gate up during the pandemic.

Thanks to you, I am starting to understand how real estate works in Guatemala.

Here is the last question I have on this subject : in the gated communities of Guatemala it is possible to rent accommodation. But is it possible to buy land in a gated community ?

If your answer to this question is yes, is the price of land that is located in a gated community identical to the price of land of the same size that is located outside and a few meters from this gated community ?

@sebastienpascal

I do not live in a gated community.  I live in a small town called Valle Nuevo, it’s just outside of a larger town called Asuncion Mita, in the state of Jutiapa.  I’m about 40 minutes from the El Salvador border, so it’s closer to me than Guatemala City to go shopping for tires or to visit Walmart.  I feel safe.  I’ve lived here almost 5 years now.  I love my house and property that we have planted many fruit trees.  I love getting my fruit just outside my door.  Really special feeling.  We also have chickens, mostly for fresh eggs.  We do eat one on occasion.   I love the tranquility and slow pace of living in Guatemala.