Thinking about moving to Maraval? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Maraval.
Maraval, a suburb located in the northern part of Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, is a place that offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of city life meets the tranquility of suburban living. But like any other place, living in Maraval comes with its own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of living in this vibrant suburb.
Pros of Living in Maraval
One of the biggest advantages of living in Maraval is its strategic location. Nestled between the Northern Range and the Gulf of Paria, Maraval offers stunning views and easy access to both the mountains and the sea. This makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, the Maracas Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Trinidad, is just a short drive away. The Northern Range also offers numerous hiking trails for those who love to explore the great outdoors.
Maraval is also home to some of the best schools in Trinidad & Tobago. These include the International School of Port of Spain and St. Andrew’s Private School. These schools offer high-quality education and have produced many successful graduates. This makes Maraval an ideal place for families with children.
Another advantage of living in Maraval is the availability of amenities. The suburb has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets. For instance, the Long Circular Mall, one of the oldest shopping centers in Trinidad, is located in Maraval. This mall offers a wide range of shops and services, from fashion boutiques to grocery stores.
Maraval also has a vibrant community spirit. There are numerous community organizations and clubs that residents can join. For instance, the Maraval Rotary Club is a popular organization that organizes various community service projects. The Maraval Community Center also organizes various activities and events for residents of all ages.
Lastly, Maraval offers a high standard of living. The suburb is known for its beautiful homes and well-maintained neighborhoods. Many of the homes in Maraval have spacious yards and beautiful gardens, making it an ideal place for those who love gardening or simply enjoy having a bit of green space around their home.
Cons of Living in Maraval, Trinidad & Tobago
Despite its many advantages, living in Maraval also has its downsides. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost of living. Maraval is one of the most expensive suburbs in Trinidad & Tobago. The cost of housing, in particular, is quite high. This can make it difficult for some people to afford to live in Maraval, especially those with lower incomes.
Another disadvantage of living in Maraval is the traffic. Like many other parts of Port of Spain, Maraval often experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. This can make commuting to and from work or school a hassle. The traffic can also make it difficult to get around the suburb, especially for those who do not own a car.
While Maraval has a wide range of amenities, it lacks some of the facilities that are available in larger cities. For instance, there are no major hospitals in Maraval. This means that residents have to travel to other parts of Port of Spain for major medical services. Similarly, while there are several schools in Maraval, there are no universities or colleges. This means that students have to commute to other parts of the city for higher education.
Another downside of living in Maraval is the lack of nightlife. While there are a few bars and restaurants in the suburb, it does not offer the same variety of nightlife options as other parts of Port of Spain. This can be a disadvantage for those who enjoy going out at night.
Lastly, while Maraval is generally safe, it is not immune to crime. Like any other place, there have been instances of crime in the suburb. However, it is worth noting that the crime rate in Maraval is relatively low compared to other parts of Port of Spain.
