freedom16
2/18/2017 06:31 EST
Grenada with its expats and walkable areas sounds like a city I may like but I am interested in the better weather of Esteli. How would a 60s limited Spanish speaking American man fit in there with respects to friends, dating, healthcare, transportation, and US conveniences. $2000 a month budget.
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iguanalover
2/18/2017 07:16 EST
Great is my understanding, but, visit first. Too many people make their decision based on what they read and pictures. We are watching them not like it after they have spent lots of time and money. You need to be in a place for some time to experience it and see how it works for you. Don't make up your mind until you have been on the ground for awhile.
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freedom16
2/18/2017 07:57 EST
Any recommendations to a good hotel around an English speaking area for the first few nights? How would you suggest getting there from the airport?
Is there an expat area like Grenada?
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johnchip
2/18/2017 08:47 EST
Esteli is more of a town than a city. Do not expect much English to be spoken. Hotel el Arco is at the center plaza and best in town. $40 night w/ breakfast. You should then check out the couple good Spanish teaching schools, most within blocks of the plaza, they work well to accomodate English speakers to adjust, get short term housing, and understand the area and culture. People are very friendly, mostly honest, and easy to approach. This a town of working families, and the streets roll up at sunset, open at dawn. You are a gringo, and always will be, might as well embrace it. As it is a small town, every one eventually knows everyone's business. But they do respect privacy., that is the 'Latin way.' There is no expat 'community to speak of. There is the 'backpacking, tourism, and business travelers from Europe, Russia and America moving through most eager to engage. This is not a town of great excitment, but very laid back, perfect climate, and simple lifestyle and peaceful living, Public celebrations revolve around fireworks, futbal, and baseball. It is typically Latin in that it is family oriented for socialization and interaction. Celebrations are constant: mother's day (every few months), school holidays. horse day, religious holidays and weekly funeral processions, and 'shopping days'. You can rent an apt or house $250-600 month. even in the center. Utilities likley will be $100 gringo usage. Crime is very low, mostly petty and from your own extended family. Driving is good, after you get used to the Nicraguan 'motorcycle mosquitos'. Check out Encuenrtra 24.com to see what our Nicaraguan MLS and Craig's List looks like. Best of luck.
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novato1953
2/18/2017 09:59 EST
The Goldilocks climate of northern Nicaragua is Esteli -- cooler than Leon, warmer than Matagalpa. Your choices for folks to socialize with in Esteli -- or in most of Nicaragua, for that matter, outside a few ex-pat hot spots -- will be limited only by the pace of your language acquisition.
English speakers are like zebras at the horse races. You don't see many.
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freedom16
2/18/2017 10:36 EST
Excluding the beach tourist areas I guess the best spot for English speakers to live is Granada. Which would be second?
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novato1953
2/18/2017 10:42 EST
It's a Spanish speaking country. Big English speaking populations are found, by most definitions, in tourist areas. Have you considered the Caribbean coast, Bluefields and Corn Islands and such? English and Englishy are much more common over there.
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johnchip
2/18/2017 10:55 EST
If you are not comfortable with learning at least workable Spanish and want to live outside of isolation in Nicargaua or for that matter any where in Central America, your best bet is Costa Rica where the only language needed is cash.
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Melvinkelvin
2/18/2017 11:24 EST
I am in your age range, with the same country of origin and a similar budget. I have been living in Granada for about two years now. Here is my advice:
First, I want to iterate what has been said here many, many times: You need to come and spend some months here. A tourist visa will give you three months, six with an extension. Sound expensive? Maybe, but still cheaper than moving sight unseen and discovering later it is not for you.
Your budget will allow you a comfortable life here. It will not be the same life you've had re: US conveniences, but you will have a home, clothes, food and options in life. The home, the food and the options will not be the same as they are in the US, however.
Dating? Without Spanish language skills, your pool of potential mates will likely be limited to single expat women in your age range, i.e., a small number. Regarding May - December romances with Nicaraguan women - Remember to always ask yourself, "Why would a young woman of twenty something years be interested in a sixty something year old man?" The answer should be self evident. You are not that charming and devilishly handsome.
Transportation is widely available. Cost depends on how quickly and comfortably you want to get somewhere. A public bus from Granada to Managua is less than a dollar, but you will be crowded and hot. A private car and driver would be in the $30 - $50 range.
For non - Spanish speakers, I suggest you first visit and consider the larger tourist towns. Where you find tourists, you will also find more bilingual Nicaraguans. Leon, Granada, Matagalpa and San Juan del Sur are typical examples. You will also find more choices in language schools in such places. You can always move later.
Do not underestimate the amount of time, effort and money you will need to develop even minimal language skills. Investigate costs online and budget accordingly. Without it, even a trip to the market to find something as simple as a garden hose can be frustrating and exhausting. Miming will only get you so far.
I don't wish to be discouraging. I have lived here for while and I will be staying here. I have been in Spanish class three days a week since arriving. I am happy here. But it is not for everyone. It is certainly not like a permanent vacation. Many things will be a trade off for you. Take your time, invest in some exploration. Keep options open.
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elduendegrande
2/18/2017 12:57 EST
First, go visit and go with your gut. 2k is plenty and not your problem.
Climate gets worse as you get to know it--not recommended for people with asthma, sinusitis, or sensitivity to air pollution.
Traffic and parking are horrible and the local administration is inept.
Public transport is going downhill rapidly and the government backed off from the new law against overcrowding on expressos.
Few English speakers and not much in the way of an expat "community". There is an informal group that meets thurs mornings a Don Luis restaurant downtown.
Buku spanish schools, bring your own written materials.
Much depends on what you bring with you. Unless you get tied up with hobbies or home construction boredom will be your main enemy. In the long run, missionaries do best, as do farmers and business owners.
Don't be surprised if this post generates a bunch of hate posts--welcome to Nicaragua forum, where good manners don't count.
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4evernica
2/18/2017 15:27 EST
MelvinKelvin's Review is very spot on and helpful.
All I can add is to not be discuraged from Visiting Nicaragua, Local's are very nice and Welcoming and embrace Foreigners from different Cultures. That's what I experienced when I lived there and when I visit now. Language will come, Quicker than you can imagine, Especially if you find yourself a Lady friend. ;) I've been to Grand and Esteli and are perfect choices climate wise for expat.
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freedom16
2/18/2017 16:03 EST
Melvin, 4evernica, I get it guys. I know a little Spanish as I've traveled to Latin cities before. I thought Esteli may offer some of the Gringo stuff Granada does but apparently not as much. Granada should be a good fit and I have the time to try it out. Interesting that the 20 somethings don't go crazy over 60 something Gringos, Guess it the 50 something Gringos those 22 year olds love. Or maybe something else.
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elduendegrande
2/18/2017 18:04 EST
10 years age difference passes for normal. 20 and you are pressing your luck, 30 you are nuts but have fun while it lasts.
None of which have anything to do with the cultural differences.
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johnchip
2/19/2017 18:14 EST
60ish Freedom, a social security pension level income won't get you a Melania Trump or even an aging Bianca Jagger. Maybe, at best a 35 year old painted maid or cigar factory worker with a 6th grade education...with 3 kids, her mother, two sisters and their kids, and countlesss loving cousins.
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mate31658649
2/20/2017 18:55 EST
I live in Esteli and agree with the previous posts. The weather is pleasant and you can live on $2000 per month. There is no English speaking Expat "community" but there are a few scattered gringos. If you decide to visit Esteli, send me a PM and I will gladly meet you for lunch and answer your questions as best as I can.
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mate31658649
3/6/2017 15:30 EST
Elduendegrande
What time on Thursday do the expats meet at Don Luis?
I live in Esteli and would like to meet some of the other "gringos".
Thank you.
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johnchip
3/6/2017 16:38 EST
I'll show up.. but I have no clue where this place is... and know no other gringos here in Esteli. I am a 'gringo-non-gratis' on this site. I stick to my Nica family, but would enjoy a bit of English talk time.
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Whitedove
3/18/2017 20:43 EST
Thanks, johnchip, for all your information in this post. It helped to answer some of my questions! I am looking forward to learning more about the area and possible new journey.
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Whitedove
3/18/2017 20:47 EST
Thanks, novato1953, for your information about Esteli/Matagalpa climates. I would not have imagined that Matagalpa would be cooler than Esteli. Exactly what I needed to know.
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