We are highly considering relocation to Guatemala and would appreciate any opinions as to the top 3-4 locations to live in Guate. We like the coast since we grew up close to the South Carolina coastal area but we are open to any area. Antigua seems like a very nice city in which to live, and it is our primary focus, but all areas are open for consideration. We have 2 boys, 11 and 17. I'm retired so a job is not necessary. Wouldn't mind the boys going to a private school if available in one of the 3-4 locations I mentioned so that is one of our primary concerns. Other than that we are pretty flexible. We would probably rent for at least 6 months to see if Guate is for us or not, and then decide what to do. Thanks for any help with my inquiry.
Best places for expat to relocate in Guate
Tigerfan,
Well I have two sons 14 and 11. Both are enrolled in private schools since public schools are atrocious to say the least. My boys attend a school in Guatemala City that is bilingual, but next year starting in Janaury (school year here is January-October) they will attend Colegio Boston in Antigua.
In my humble opinion the top four places to live in Guatemala are
1. Antigua
2. Quetzaltenango (Xela)
3. San Lucas
4. Panajachel
Antigua is the jewel of the Americas. A colonial town with centuries old ruins, convents, monasteries and more. Cobblestone streets througout. Even though it is just a town of 50,000 it has everthing you need - a huge market, supermarkets, a cinema, schools, restaurants and more... it is only a 40 ride from Guatemala City.
Xela as locals call it, is in the western highlands and can get cold for latin america at times the temperature falls below freezing in January or February, but only for a short period of the day. This city is the second largest in Guate, has a large indigenous population around the entire city. Has everything you need a mall, supermarkets, cinema, markets, etc etc
San Lucas is between Antigua and Guatemala City. Its climate is cooler than both Antigua and Guate City as it is higher in elevation. A brand new shopping center was just built there. Schools are plentiful and bilingua and we are building a home there.
Panajachel is on Lake Atitlan in the highlands. There are one or two private schools there but I do not know their qualities. I love to visit but could not live there personally as its too far off the beaten path.
I did not mention any where on the coast since the infrastructure in Guatemala is not as strong on the coast. The Pacific coast is beautiful, especially Monterrico, but more to visit for weekend or a vacation than to live, in my opinion.
Well, that is all for now, if you have any questions please send my a personal message and I can talk about specifics about schooling etc, etc
Salduos,
GG
Guategringo,
Thanks so much for the information. I may be picking your brain later on as we get closer to the time to come.
Hi there,
I, too, am planning a stay in Guatemala, probably in Antigua. I will enroll my daughter into 10th grade for half a year.
Guategringo, I would love to hear more about Colegio Boston, I've been looking into that school. I guess I just want to touch base with others doing something similar.
Cheers,
Jules
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