Pros & Cons of Living in la serena

Thinking about moving to la serena? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in la serena.

La Serena, the second oldest city in Chile, is a place of contrasts. It's a city that combines the charm of its colonial architecture with the modernity of its infrastructure. It's a city where the desert meets the sea, where the sun shines almost all year round, and where the stars can be seen as clearly as nowhere else in the world. But like any other place, living in La Serena has its pros and cons. Let's delve into the details.

Pros of Living in La Serena, Chile

One of the most significant advantages of living in La Serena is its climate. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's a paradise for those who love warm weather. The city's location on the Pacific coast also means that it enjoys a pleasant sea breeze, which helps to moderate the heat.

La Serena is also a city with a rich history and culture. Its colonial architecture, including the iconic La Recova market and the Cathedral of La Serena, is a testament to its past. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Archaeological Museum and the Gabriela Mistral Museum, which offer insights into the region's history and culture.

For nature lovers, La Serena offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Elqui Valley, just a short drive from the city, is a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. The city's long, sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. And the nearby Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

La Serena also has a thriving expat community, which can make the transition to living in a new country easier. There are several organizations, such as the La Serena Expat Club and the International Women's Club of La Serena, that offer support and social activities for expats.

Finally, the in La Serena is relatively low compared to other cities in Chile. Housing, in particular, is quite affordable, with a wide range of options available from apartments in the city center to houses in the suburbs. The cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare is also lower than the national average.

Cons of Living in La Serena, Chile

Despite its many advantages, living in La Serena also has its downsides. One of the main disadvantages is the city's isolation. Located in the northern part of Chile, it's far from the country's main economic and cultural centers, such as Santiago and Valparaiso. This can make it difficult to find job opportunities, especially for those in specialized fields.

The city's infrastructure can also be a challenge. While La Serena has made significant strides in recent years, it still lags behind other Chilean cities in terms of public transportation and healthcare facilities. The city's public buses are often crowded and unreliable, and while there are several hospitals and clinics in the city, they can be overwhelmed during peak times.

Another downside of living in La Serena is the language barrier. While English is taught in schools, it's not widely spoken in the city, especially among the older generation. This can make everyday tasks, such as shopping or dealing with bureaucracy, more difficult for those who don't speak Spanish.

Finally, while the cost of living in La Serena is generally low, it's worth noting that wages are also lower than in other parts of Chile. This means that while your money may go further in terms of housing and groceries, you may also earn less than you would in a larger city.

In conclusion, La Serena is a city with much to offer, from its sunny climate and rich history to its affordable cost of living. However, it's also a city with its own set of challenges, from its isolation and infrastructure issues to the language barrier and lower wages. As with any place, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to make it your home.

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Cigna Global Health

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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