Pros and Cons of Living in Quito
Last updated on Apr 06, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Quito, Ecuador include its beautiful scenery, with the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest nearby, as well as its vibrant culture and friendly people. The city is also relatively affordable, with a low cost of living and a wide variety of housing options. Additionally, the city is home to a number of universities and other educational institutions, making it a great place to study. The cons of living in Quito include its high levels of air pollution, which can be a health hazard, as well as its high crime rate. Additionally, the city can be quite crowded and noisy, and the infrastructure is not always up to date. Finally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and occasional earthquakes.
What are the pros and cons of living in Quito?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Quito responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Quito often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. They also enjoy the city's stunning mountain views, colonial architecture, and easy access to outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and air pollution to be a downside. Additionally, the city's high altitude can be difficult to adjust to for some," explained one expat in Quito.
"My wife and I live in north Quito, near the old airport. We really like this area because we are a short drive to downtown, close to a few malls, within walking distance to a great supermarket and a public park and many nice restaurants. We both love the old historic part of the city and we're only a 15 minute drive away. We go regularly and check-in to a hotel and spend the weekend there. It's like a little mini-vacation for us," said one expat in Quito.
Connect
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Quito?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Quito?
- Will I be able to find a job in Quito?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Quito appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Quito?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Quito accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Quito like?
- How are healthcare services in Quito?
- What are medical services in Quito like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Quito?
- What are emergency services like in Quito?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Quito?
- How are local medical facilities in Quito?
- As a foreigner living in Quito, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?