Why Coastal Uruguay?

Why Coastal Uruguay? I’ve been asked this question at least 200 times.

There are many different reasons for relocating to our Coast or having a second home here. This is pretty obvious so when one criteria stands out among all others, it’s noteworthy. During the last three years, I’ve heard it all: The pristine beaches, mountain views, the laid-back lifestyle, friendly/helpful people, reasonable property prices, safety/security, a cosmopolitan environment, reasonable living costs, health care, large plots of land and luxury real estate that are relative bargains as well as the good international schools in Punta del Este.

What’s your guess for the the winning criteria?

While all the above have many fans, safety/personal security wins hands down.

Here in Piriapolis, burglary is mostly unheard of. (There was a murder in 2008; gun trafficking was involved.) In Punta del Este, while violent crime does occur, it’s still on a small scale. Jose Ignacio and north to Rocha, crime is mostly non-existent except for petty stealing.

Violent crime and political fears drive people here seeking a level of personal safety not found in South Africa, Britain, Brazil, Argentina and the US to name a few. (We’re seeing property buyers in significant numbers from all these places.) For instance, home invasions and other types of highly invasive violent crime are real issues for our neighbors in Buenos Aires and many places in Brazil.

If you’re wondering about Montevideo, this assessment does not apply. While the city does not stand out as a global crime capital, there is plenty of it with an ever-increasing level of violence. I personally would not choose the city if security is a concern.

As the global economic crisis intensifies, and the negative fallout escalates, I suspect safety will become more of an issue for us all.

Stay Tuned!

Steve Bowman