International Living Community

Hello,
I spent 5 years living in Spain. I'm there casually now. I don't recommend people to do things the way I do, unless they are single. I was traveling a lot at the time, and after spending three days in Barcelona, I decided to make it home base for me. It was not my first (no last) international move. It was a great city and I quickly made many friends by going to events and co-working spaces. Like every country, there are pros and cons. My recommendation is to really think about exactly what you want. Then go to both Portugal and Spain and visit several areas to find which one will be best for you.
Regards, Sally Pederson
IL Spain Correspondent

Great question! I'm not familiar with any sites or organizations in Spain that highlight accessible housing or communities. I would say that major cities would be the most accessible - Madrid and Barcelona. Smaller towns may be accessible in some areas but overall I find much of Spain was not built with accessibility in mind (except for the visually impaired). Most new buildings will have elevators but the units themselves may not be wheelchair accessible. Buses are wheelchair friendly but not all sidewalks are. I hope this helps!

Hi Kurt, I love Ecuador and have lived there off and on for many years over the last two decades. I have lots of friends there, primarily in Cotacachi and Cuenca (in the Sierras, yes) who report they feel very safe. I am looking to get back there perhaps in February and I am not concerned. I think things have settled down a lot since the issues of two years ago. I have friends with young kids who live in Cotacachi who regularly vacation on the coast without concern. I guess it all depends on your personal level of comfort but for me, I would feel safe in most of the country right now.

Steve, I don't know anyone in that area, but a couple of thoughts. First the University should have a list of local housing availability I would go there first. I would also ask them if they have any RE or Rental agents that they use reqularly. In most University towns it is not unusual for signs in RE office windows to list rentals for students. Go into a couple of offices near the university and ask. I am sorry I don't know anyone in that area, we live further south near Reiti, but I hope this information will help you a bit. Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine.

PS: my name is Doug.