So, señora peripatetic_soul mentioned in another thread that she is deciding between Quito and Cuenca and will visit both cities and will decide which is best. That inspired this new thread, or Quito vs Cuenca.
Tells us why you would choose one over the other. Or simply boast about your city like I will.
PROS
I am a resident of Quito and will make a case for and against Quito. Initially I didn't like Quito at all, and this was even true after taking the hop on and hop off bus that commenced at Carolina Park and took us south through the historical area and then El Panecillo and back. I didn't like how the areas looked. I also didn't like that it was all Spanish. It was an eye opener when I was ill with altitude sickness and the emergency room doctor needed a translator to communicate with me, hey I thought all intelligent people especially doctors should be able to speak the universal language of English.
Time passed and realized we were in a great neighborhood or sector La Carolina, it offered everything, park, malls, supermarkets and even a Mercado. So this was my comfort zone for a while. Then after that I started to venture to other areas walking sometimes 8 miles round trip or more to check out other areas. And this is when I feel in love with Quito.
The walking around, the exchanges with strangers is wonderful. My Spanish is probably the equivalent of Spanish 102 at this point but I am not reserved in any way and talk to Ecuadoreans, and love how they react and reply to me.
I'm hooked now. I love this city with a passion, love the cosmopolitan aspect about. love that it bustles but also love that there are areas we can enjoy quietness amongst this bustle. I love the tolerance, love the many different ethnicites and love seeing immigrants from all over this world opening businesses and giving us a taste of their country's flavor. I love that there are places of worship for many religions, even if I'm not religious. I love that I can be satisfied with an “expensive” meal or two humitas for one dollar.
I love the climate, it's fall and spring almost every day. But most of all love Quito because it's beautiful and tolerant and a place that is becoming more and more home.
CONS
My major concern now is securing a residence that is best for seismic activity in terms of safety and psychological reasons (high floor for example if swaying is not your thing). Quito is near active seismic faults and this is something that any newcomer should be aware of. Choose a newer residence if anything.