Smallish towns to live in on the coast

Hi judyanna,

Welcome to Expat.com!

Your topic has been introduced as a new thread on the Ecuador forum for better visibility.

I wish you good luck in your search.
Christine

Hi Folks, We're also hoping to settle in Ecuador in a small coastal town as well. We love the beach and want to live if not on the beach then within a short walk of the beach. My parents hope to make the move within the year as soon as they feel they have enough knowledge to do so. Thanks for any advice.

Greetings,
  My family also is considering a move to Ecuador and would like to move near the southern coastal area.  Could any of the people that live in Salinas, Manta, etc tell us the pro/cons of their coastal cities?  There are probably several other coastal towns that fit the criteria.  We are looking for a smaller town that has high-speed Internet and decent stores, etc. but do not need all the big city amenities.

Looking forward to your replies....

thanks!

Hi Folks:

We have rented a house on the beach near Montanita this summer, so will let you know how it goes. Likewise, life in the city does not appeal to us. Research and chatting with people has led me to think that the coast between Montanita and La Libertad/Salinas might be an area worth checking out. Prices for renting a fully furnished and equipped house are VERY reasonable. Will report back with our experience! Cheers... Steve

Check out Bahìa de Caraquez - my favorite so far

Hi Mango7... Where is Bahìa de Caraquez, in relation to Montanita? I will make a point of checking it out while there this summer.

Bahia de Caraquez will probably fit the bill for you from what you are asking for. Its a great little city with that small town feel, great restaurants, people, small shops and you don't really need a car. You won't be disappointed unless you are looking for big city amenities...although we are currently getting a small shopping mall being built which is a pretty big deal. The only thing I will say that might cause some thoughts is...I do not know what will happen in 5 years since the highway is nearing completion and the bridge is done, along with the airport that has been remodeled in San Vicente. The area is growing but hopefully it will still take a while for progress and growth to catch up here. For more rural and pristine/quiet areas check out the coastal areas from Bahia up to Pedernales. That 110 kilometer stretch is quite gorgeous and starting to grow as well. Jama is a nice little town and the surrounding areas are great. Just depends on what you are looking for...but I wouldn't discount any particular place unless I had my boots on the ground and could take a look...everyone has their own ideas, wants and desires and it's easy to miss something really spectacular here. Good luck and hopefully you will get to explore.

Larry P

the comments on the previous notes all seem relevant. 
We live in Manta and love it there.
In addition to the advantages of Ecuador as a country (climate, very cheap living, nice people, and of course the American greenback as the national currency), the coastal areas are super.
Some are more developed than others (Salinas, Manta, Esmeraldas, adn to a lesser degree Bahis de Cadaquez),others still small and relatively unspoilt (Montañita, Jama, Crucita, Canoa).  And still others are very "local" - Puerto Lopez for example.
As already mentioned by others, it all depends what you want.
In any case, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of tee-shirts are necessary when you are in the sun, or water!

Try Coco Beach Village just 4 km from El Matal

Mike and Larry are spot on - a visit is a must really, because pictures and chatting with people are not enough. You must experience the different vibes in each city/area in order to get a true understanding of what life would be like for YOU. Everyone has different likes and dislikes. We enjoyed many of the cities we visited (Jama, Canoa, Bahia, Manta, Puerto Lopez, Montanita, Salinas, Guayaquil), and all would be perfectly fine to live in, however, one city really stood out for us, and that is where we will call our home.

If you want to live in an area without a car, be sure you are prepared to take buses when you need items from a large city. There are many things one 'thinks' they need or want or don't need/want, but when you are 'boots on the ground' your ideas may change. Ours did. Glad we made two trips, we are completely confident in our decision (we already knew we were moving to Ecuador after the first visit but hadn't decided on the exact city yet) - and we are looking forward to the adventure!

Hope this helps,
Tami

Try Vista Pacifica, 15 minutes north of Jama...gorgeous Pacific view lots with public beach access only 600 meters out the gates. High elevations assure outstanding vistas and peace/tranquility along with security...www.vistapacificahomes.com

This all sounds wonderful.  My wife and I plan to retire next year and we have been targeting Cuenca.  I want the mountains and the culture that is part of Cuenca; but my wife prefers the beach.  Is there a place on the beach where there will be more to do than just going to the beach?  I wouldn't mind the coast providing that there will be enough there to keep me busy.  I would not like to give up the luxuries of high speed internet, decent shopping for the essentials; plus I can fit into a budget of about $1,500 per month.

Suggestions and why?

Thanks for replies.

Marty

Hello Marty,

That's the big problem living in the Sierra, even Ecuador is a small country it takes like six hours from Cuenca to get to a decent beach, and from Quito similar time.

I don't know much about the coast, but Salinas and Bahia de Caraquez are very turistic and you can find many restaurants and night life, but museums, concerts...I doubt it.

Vinny

Thanks Vinny.  I'll see you in Cuenca this Thanksgiving when we come to visit.  I think we will first live in Cuenca, and look at the coast during the 1st year that we are living there.  If we find it's more to our liking, we'll move.  That's the beauty of being retired (332 days!!)

Hi Judy,
If you ever come to visit check out Crucita. Small beach town just 45 minutes from Manta, very inexpensive.  There is a  bed n breakfast right on the beach, tourist just love it. Just right for low budget traverlers.
Vistamar

Mancora Peru has very nice beaches with great weather,  without the trash and raw sewage.

t