It’s safe to say Guayaquil is not about to threaten Cuenca’s title as the sweetest spot to retire to – precisely because of safety issues. Still, if you are looking for accommodation in this city, you will find some helpful information in this article. Given that over 2.5 million people inhabit it already, we are willing to wager you can find your comfort zone in Guayaquil, too.
Although Guayaquil is in the midst of much positive change and looks set for a bright future, especially economically, safety concerns cannot be dismissed just yet as a thing of the past. Traffic, too, has become a serious problem at all hours of the day, so it's best to try to find a place to live where you can easily and safely get to work. Ecuadorians themselves encourage foreigners and residents to take every possible precaution in the Pearl of the Pacific. However, do not despair. Promising areas in which you may settle and enjoy a safe, fulfilling, day-to-day existence while contributing to Guayaquil's development can be found.
Gated communities in the suburbs
Oftentimes, foreign companies sending employees to work in Guayaquil will play an active role in providing them with accommodation, normally in a gated community located in a suburban neighbourhood. Samborondón, across the bridge from Guayaquil, is the prime example to be considered. This upscale, elite type of enclave, of course, fetches high real estate prices. Shopping, fast food, gas, are all available and easy to access, with plenty of parking.
In Samborondón, sometimes one could forget that one is in Ecuador altogether! Shopping areas have even been said to look like Boca Raton, Florida! However, having one's safety ensured might be worth foregoing a little exotic local colour, depending on personal preference. Los Ceibos has a reputable aura as an upper middle- class neighbourhood. Slightly west out of town, Via a la Costa is being developed into a pleasant place to live, too, with many newly built gated neighbourhoods including parks, pools, child care, and even their own shopping areas. Less modern, Urdesa is another lovely, relatively tranquil area with tree-lined streets where restaurants abound. A downside of Urdesa is its situation in a narrow valley ' traffic can stall horribly in rush hour.
Into Town
Moving into Guayaquil proper, that is to say, the north central region between the city centre and the airport can be considered a reasonably safe area. The Plaza del Sol, next to the Mall del Sol, is the town's new financial centre. It is especially well situated, mere minutes from the airport, from Urdesa and Samborondón and the old city centre, and is quite popular with foreigners and well-to-do locals. A word of caution, the Malecón and its immediate surroundings may be charming for leisurely walking and strolling during the daytime, but expats describe the same area as dodgy at nighttime. However, Guayaquil's government has recently renovated the Malecón and made many nice upgrades, and the area now boasts many excellent restaurants and lovely walking paths.
Good to know:
It is best to avoid the South of Guayaquil.
Prices both for rent and purchase vary considerably throughout Guayaquil, so it's best not to rely on any averages. Nicer areas, of course, will always be more expensive. Ask questions, look closely at specific offers, comparing similar types of homes and areas, before committing to anything. Always keep context, amenities, and location in mind.
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