Which city is the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere", the birth place of sultry, sensual Tango and Latin America's Polo capital? The centre of non-stop action, beautiful people and European architecture is none other than Buenos Aires. A city that seduces in so many ways, Buenos Aires remains a hotspot for those looking to live abroad.
The trend for those looking to move outside their motherland is growing. People are looking to expand their horizons given the ease of travel, communication via the Internet, and the global economy. Even though the world is becoming smaller, there are still a plethora of choices when choosing where to live overseas. Buenos Aires has slowly made its way up the ranks as one of the best options. The city offers a multitude of enjoyable activities, an exciting nightlife, a high standard of living, and excellent housing options in a variety of neighbourhoods. Most importantly, the city offers a rich and varied culture and is home to a population who are open to foreigners.
Living in Argentina is a unique experience within Latin America. Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of Latin America" because it feels so much like you are living in a European city. The streets are wide and lined with trees, the architecture is reminiscent of the City of Light, and corners become gathering places for families and lovers on the weekends. Sidewalk cafes are everywhere, and while their coffee comes from espresso machines, their beef comes from heaven.
Relatively low cost of living in Buenos Aires
While you may see similarities to Paris as you walk around Buenos Aires, you will certainly appreciate a great difference between the two places anytime you are spending your money. It's still easy to live well in Argentina at a relatively small cost. The devaluation of the peso, VAT refund for foreign purchasers, increased economic stability have contributed to a foreigner's buying power. Buenos Aires is still cheap in comparison to major cities like New York, LA, Tokyo, Paris. You will be able to take advantage of your buying power everywhere, from the fine restaurants to the eight shopping malls scattered around Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has developed a major industry in people coming from all over the world to shop and take advantage of the relatively lower prices.
Culture
Living in Argentina, you can enjoy art museums, the classic Teatro Colón opera house, theaters, music…everything that you would expect in a major old world city. The Teatro Colón opera house is a theatrical world in itself, so definitely make it one of your stops if you are visiting just Buenos Aires. In the early years of the 20th century, the Teatro Colón was the largest opera house in the world, and every famous singer and dancer performed there. It is a magnificent Beaux-Arts pile, with lots of marble, gilding, grand staircases, chandeliers, and the works. It also has magnificent acoustics, of the kind most modern architects have been unable to achieve.
In fact, Buenos Aires is home to more than 300 theaters, 100-plus art galleries, at least 70 museums, and hundreds of all-night bookstores, so those who live in Argentina never lack cultural activities. Buenos Aires is a city that lives and breathes literature. Fifty weekly and monthly magazines and 12 daily newspapers are published here. There are also more than 200 publishing houses and 3,000 print shops in Argentina.
Food, Food, and More Excellent Food
Argentina is famous for its food, especially the beef, and only by living in this beautiful country can you really appreciate just how wonderful Argentine cuisine truly is. Argentina is in fact self-sufficient in most foodstuffs–so much so that, for centuries, the country has essentially tested the Atkins Diet using almost its entire population. People gorge on massive quantities of meat few foreigners can even imagine. Nevertheless, the population living in Argentina does not suffer particularly high rates of obesity or arteriosclerosis.
A change in government, economic recession, inflation, nothing really Argentina's eating habits. Everywhere you go, the local parrillas(Argentine grills) are filled with families, businesspeople, couples, and singles feasting on slabs of beef and racks of lamb so it shouldn't take you long to grasp the idea. What's best is that right now in Argentina, you don't need to be a King or an oil magnate to afford one of these feasts. Buenos Aires, the rest of Argentina is still a steal so be merry and eat to your heart's content.
Argentina's melting-pot heritage contributes to its wonderful cuisine. The ice creams are definitely the best outside of Italy. But one thing that really surprised me was that it's not obligatory to be a carnivore when you live in Argentina. The range of vegetarian dishes is superb. Omelets, of course, but also ravioli-like sorrentinos filled with spinach and cheese; crunchy apple and celery Waldorf salads; hearty bean soups; Russian salads of diced potatoes, carrots, and peas in mayonnaise. Depending on where you go, you'll find them all for between $1.50 and $3.00.
The Pampas, which geographers divide into two regions–the humid Pampas around the coast (including Buenos Aires, the capital), and the great plains, which are drier–have been the centre of Argentina's economic and political life, for both good and ill. Since the 17th century, Argentina has been an agricultural exporter. Its exports, which keep the place going–ranging from beef to grain, fruit to wines, and leather to dairy products–all come from its rich farm regions.
The Tango - Sexy, Sultry, …
You say Argentina and you see, hear, feel the tango. It's that hauntingly seductive and sultry dance in which partners slowly circle and stalk one another like the hunter and the hunted before melding together with bodies pressed tightly together…at which time the seduction really begins.
The tango is much more than a dance. It is actually an artistic expression that can take many forms: instrumental, vocal, dance, or any combination thereof. Invariably, the tango is a narrative–a melancholy, bittersweet expression of love and passion…an art form that has evolved over many decades.
Here, the sexy dance was used to draw in the customers. Even today, the between-leg movements of the tango are somewhat risqué; but in times past, they were beyond the pale. Today, tango clubs abound in both La Boca and San Telmo, and a night spent in one is an experience you will not soon forget. One of the most popular is Señor Tango, where a 12-piece orchestra and a large company of singers and dancers treat audiences to a century of tango styles.
The Gauchos: Argentina's Living Cowboys
Another Argentine icon is the gaucho, an indigenous cowboy who, in contrast to the North American variety, is dressed in leather and silver, with a flat hat (without a crease) and a flat saddle (without a pommel). There may be no "true" gauchos left living in Argentina…but don't tell the Argentines that. The lore and legends are kept alive by city dwellers and country folk alike. Straight and tall astride a handsome horse, a mate gourd in one hand and his lariat in the other, the gaucho is a personification of the pioneer spirit that defines those living in Argentina–courageous and independent. Fortunately, the strongest legacy of the gaucho remains in Argentina: a national obsession with eating huge quantities of barbecued meat.
A second remnant of the gaucho is yerba mate, a caffeine-laden herbal concoction made by steeping leaves in boiling water. Some Argentines walk around with leather kits on their shoulders containing a package of the herb, a thermos flask full of boiling water, and special cups from which to drink the brew. The cups have covers with integrated straws so the herb doesn't leave your cup. In Buenos Aires, at certain hours, people converge on the parks for a yerba mate break.
Living in Buenos Aires
The heart of Buenos Aires consists of capital federal, the accumulation of 48 varying barrios. There are a few neighbourhoods within the bustling corazon of the city that are recommended places to call home for those looking to be in the centre of the action.
The Recoleta neighbourhood is probably the most famous of Buenos Aires neighbourhoods. Its fame began with the invasion of the Yellow Fever. In the late 1800s the disease cast a stormy cloud over much of Buenos Aires. The rich, running from death and sickness, took shelter in the small Recoleta barrio. Shortly thereafter, a marble mausoleum cemetery was erected, going by the same name. This became the place for the who's who to be laid to rest, and it is said that it is more expensive to be buried in Recoleta than to live an entire lifetime in Buenos Aires. Today the spooky and fascinating cemetery encompasses 13.5 acres and is surrounded by a grass park that hosts a large craft fair on the weekends. Bordering the park are some of the city's top restaurants and active nightclubs. It is also home to the metropolitan Design Centre This area is considered to be the most expensive to live in, though Puerto Madero has begun to take the lead as of late. Despite a reputation for being of the higher echelon, Recoleta offers monthly rentals starting around $800 for a small one bedroom/one bath.
Puerto Madero was once a decrepit port area, but it has recently been rejuvenated into the wealthy sector of the city centre The zone is decorated with shiny high rise buildings, manicured river walkways, and streets which all pay homage to important women in history. Impressive government buildings are also sprinkled through the neighbourhood, making it a popular place to live for expats working in governmental positions. The boardwalk framing the river is home to an array of excellent dining options as well as one of Buenos Aires' universities. Beyond the waterway is a grouping of fancy apartment buildings, an eclectic mix of boutique shops and a large outdoor summer concert series arena. Due to the recent remodeling, living is more expensive here.
For those looking to purchase something that is on its way up, check out the San Telmo neighbourhood The true birthplace of Tango, this neighbourhood is still dressed in cobblestone streets and buildings dripping with history. The area has recently taken a path towards refurbishment. Many abandoned and timeworn buildings are being overhauled into high-end hotels and restaurants. There is also a large music and bar scene providing nightly entertainment. A huge craft, antique, and art fair brings out tourists, locals, and street vendors every Sunday. San Telmo still offers the safest and cheapest option for people looking for an immersion in the authentic cultural life of Buenos Aires.
Another option that is great for families is the Palermo neighbourhood, which offers a zoo, a large man-made lake with rentable boats, and the impressive Japanese Gardens. This is also the largest barrio in the capital of Buenos Aires, which enables it to offer a giant market of properties for rental or purchase. The prices tend to be less than Recoleta but more than San Telmo. Palermo has also recently undergone a facelift, leaving it with a classier feel than in years gone by.
Making a Living
Other than taking on the risks of running a farm on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, there are other options for creating a livelihood. Teaching English, translations, interpretation, tour guiding.
To really live well in Buenos Aires, the majority of expats agree; foreign currency is key. If you can continue to earn Dollars, Pounds or Euros while living here you can have a great life. The common city wage will not sustain the high life you were used to back home or the high life you are hoping to change to from home. Living on Argentine wages have not hindered many foreigners' lifestyles in Buenos Aires and you hear comments like: "I have a good life here. I have lots of friends and people who care about me. I may not have all the things I had in the U.S., but I feel I have things that are more important." "I had more money back home but I was always stressed out, had no time to enjoy my money." " I don't make a fortune as an English teacher but I manage to enjoy my life, less stress, I see friends more, have more time to just hang around in bars, coffee shops, enjoying life as a whole."
Enjoying Life in Buenos Aires
The city centre and surrounding areas of Buenos Aires are filled with excitement. From the Tigre region with its casino, amusement park, and river boat trips, to the famous Boca neighbourhood decorated with stucco walls washed with a rainbow of colours, tango dancers flawlessly spinning on cobblestone streets and roaming bands of musicians competing for your attention, Buenos Aires is never lacking in the entertainment department.
Of course, Tango is one of the most authentic cultural modes of enjoyment. There are tons of different arenas that cater to the dance. Dinner and show cabarets are strewn through town; each has its own vibe. If you are ready to move beyond being a wallflower, there are countless clubs that offer lessons or a place to learn from the locals. There is a club every night of the week, somewhere in the city, that is packed with women and men interlaced in a sultry embrace. The clubs usually start filling up around 1 a.m. and can go on all night long.
If Tango isn't your thing, but you enjoy music, Buenos Aires offers every other version of melodic entertainment. From blues to techno, the city is always pumping with some type of beat. As with the Tango dance halls, the night-clubs don't get going till much later – 3 or 4 a.m.
Buenos Aires also has a plethora of different ferias, museums, and art galleries. There is a cultural centre in the Teatro Colón that offers world-class plays and operas and there are a multitude of other cultural events throughout the year.
The Final Word
Foreigners who have taken the plunge agree on one thing: It is important to study the Argentine Spanish, "Castellano. "You would lose out on so much local culture and all the colour of what it is really like to live here without it."
Buenos Aires is a city that offers a high quality of life at a discounted price in comparison to the United States, Europe or England. It is home to non-stop action, first-world infrastructure, and high living standards. The gourmet restaurants, cultural events, and hundreds of acres of parks create an atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere in the world.
But one thing stands out when deciding to choose your home away from home: What is the overall quality of life? The answer seems to be resoundingly positive for expats choosing Buenos Aires as their home base. "Although my lifestyle is smarter and my social life better elsewhere, my family and I probably live a much healthier lifestyle here in Argentina." "My quality of life is very good in Buenos Aires. There is a good sense of work/life balance here and people place a huge importance on spending time with family and friends, much more than I've observed in Britain or the U.S.A."
Top Ten Reasons I Love Argentina & Buenos Aires
Well, here is my list, in no particular order:
The (low) cost of living
I have a job that allows me to live anywhere on this planet. I'm an English teacher! Given that my income is not astronomical but my quality of living good, it's just follows that I want to live in a city where things cost less. Buenos Aires is one of them.
The opportunity to go carless
Going without a car just isn't possible in the western United States. Here in Buenos Aires, taxis are cheap, busses are everywhere, and the subway isn't half bad. You don't need to own a car if you don't want to. I always hated driving, rush hour, and the expense that goes hand-in-hand with car ownership.
The big city lifestyle
People from the West Coast drive. No other way. I had friends in California who had garages with 4, 5 cars, a car for each family member. Buenos Aires is a big city, some call it an urban jungle but where I live I don't need a car. I love the fact that I can go downstairs and find a grocery store, movie rental place, electronics store, shopping mall, 20+ restaurants, plus a whole host of other services within a 5 block radius of my apartment. In California everything was always a drive away. Forget about walking anywhere except maybe across to your neighbour's house. In Buenos Aires at least where I live I'm a 5 minute walk away from most essential services I need.
The superior gene pool
The Porteña girls are beautiful (and they know it!) and do they know how to keep fit. Many Porteñas love body hugging clothes, as they say, if you got it, flaunt it!.
Learning a new language
¡Viva español! The b est way to learn a Language is to live it. You may be teaching English full time but during your free time, speak Castellano (Argentine Spanish) and in no time, you will be conversational. Porteños are friendly people and they are patient with foreigners learning Spanish and the tango! But do I need a lot of Spanish when he twirls me around the floor??
The nightlife
Buenos Aires is the place to be if you love the night life. Places are open all night long, until the sun rises.
The business opportunities
Business opportunities are everywhere. There are too many. You have to convince yourself to slow down and not try to do everything. There are independent American businesspeople in real estate, internet based businesses, language schools, restaurants, tour companies, etc, etc.
The people
Most Argentineans are interesting, have a good attitude on life and can carry a conversation about almost anything. Even the foreigners, non Argentines in Argentina are more interesting. Everyone has interesting stories to share giving rise to great conversations.
The country's natural beauty
There's no denying that Argentina is a beautiful place. Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, just to name a few.
The food
There is no shortage of great restaurants of Buenos Aires .Argentine food is very easy for the American palate because it is very similar to American food however if you prefer to dine on international cuisine, Buenos Aires teems with them Japanese, Chinese, Indian, French, Italian (of course), Spanish. I'm a vegetarian and I love spicy Oriental food so when I'm in Buenos Aires I never fail to visit this vegetarian/vegan Chinese restaurant, all vegetarian/vegan stuff of course with Szechuan spices, hot! To get to Buenos Aires small but quite complete Chinatown, get off at the subte stop of Belgrano.
