overitall
7/7/2012 21:03 EST
Hello all,
Now we are looking at Leon as well as Granada.
Anyone with input as to why one would be preferable over the other?
We don't care about nightlife. The considerations are cost of housing, safety, expat presence, conveniences and ease of getting around.
Many thanks in advance to any who reply.
Tracie and children
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majicjack
7/8/2012 09:22 EST
We live in Poneloya which is an village on the Pacific Ocean 20 Kms from Leon. There are a lot of Americans and Europeans that live in Leon and here on the beach. You can find housing here at Poneloya and Las Penitas either on the beach or very near at great prices. Not to buy but for rent. We have some great friends from Sweden and he knows where every piece of property is that is for rent and how much you should pay. He ask nothing from you to help you find this property. Leon is less tourist than Granada and prices are lower. There are several supermarkets in Leon as well. Public transportation is abundant. The bus from Poneloya to Leon is 13 cords. Around .56 cents
american. Yes, you will find it hard to find hot water for showers here also. Las penitas and Poneloya are pretty much crime free but you can't let your guard down. This goes for all of Nicaragua. In a country with this much poverty, people steal. Regardless if you like them or not, wear fannie packs, Leave your passport locked up at the house and carry a copy with the picture and page with visa stamped on it incase you are asked for it by the police. Nicaragua is pretty safe and you do not hear of too many violent crimes against USA citizens. We have been here for 30 months and love it.
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overitall
7/8/2012 15:03 EST
What a great reply, thank you!
Leon sounds good to me.
What are some reasons expats choose Granada instead? If one doesn't care about nightlife, theater, galleries or entertainment would there be any other reason to choose Granada over Leon?
Is Leon harder to navigate via public transport? Easy to get things or must one go to Granada to shop?
You guys are all so great, thanks again for all replies.
Tracie
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jimgkiss3
12/13/2012 16:58 EST
Thanks for your good info. We were looking at CR, but will now focus more on Leon and Poneloya. Could you share the contact info for your Swedish friend who knows all about the rentals? Thanks much!
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urbangirl
3/17/2016 12:04 EST
I was wondering if you would be willing to share you friends info. I'm traveling to Las Penitas in June with my daughter and would love to rent a little apartment or small house. I don't even mind if it is a few blocks from the beach, I just want to be safe and get a good deal. :-) my email is: crystal.clark1@yahoo.com
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novato1953
3/19/2016 11:08 EST
That post's almost four years old, urbangirl. Anyway, mid-summer's not exactly the high season for Central America. I'd expect good lodging to be available at reasonable prices in most places you'd even think of staying.
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dblain123
3/22/2016 09:54 EST
Try this site for Leon rentals:
http://managua.craigslist.org/search/apa?query=leon
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zenitram
3/22/2016 18:36 EST
I live in Leon and I've been to Granada several times. I also go to Las Penitas several times per week. Granada has a lot more expats than Leon, which has driven up both prices and crime. I wouldn't recommend Granada, unless you can't live without an expat community. That said, there are many expats in Leon and Las Penitas, mainly Canadians, some Americans and a few Europeans.
Poneloya used to be "the beach" for Leon, but has declined greatly over the last few years. I would look at Las Penitas instead, where you can find beach front rentals between $400 and $600 a month (some furnished, some not).
You don't say how long you're planning to stay and that could make a big difference in your rental (short term vs. long term). If long term, I would advise to book a hotel either in Leon or in Las Penitas and then find your long term solution by contacting local realtors and walking around (many rentals only advertise by posting signs on the property).
Hope this helps and good luck!
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zenitram
3/22/2016 18:39 EST
One more thing: join the FB group "Expats in Leon", lots of good contacts and info over there.
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