Wednesday, February 9, 2011

So I have figured out that a pretty good amount of Americans reside here. The cheap prices, laid-back lifestyle and charming people have attracted us like moths to a flame, and everyday more and more expats call this home. This fact (and numerous other factors) contributes to the beginning signs of a real estate boom in Buenos Aires. Matt, who if you don't know is constantly coming up with unconventional  ideas, is thinking about possibly buying a apartment here. To give you an idea, one and two bedroom apartments in the higher-end parts of town are in the $60,000-100,000 range. The one kicker about moving here is that you can't expect to find a job that will pay even close to what you were making in the states. If you can work from your computer or phone you've got it made.

If you don't want to get discouraged, make sure you don't read the ridiculous amount of articles warning  expats that finding decent work here is a near impossible task, claiming the high unemployment rates means the competition is that much more stiff.  The last stated unemployment rate was close to 9% but  that number is way understated according to many locals. For example, if you work only work one hour a week you are employed or if you are unemployed for more than two years, then you are taken off the unemployed list. Another interesting piece of information I was also told is that it is completely normal to live at home until your late 20s here. The parent's adapt to the lifestyle of their adult children, meaning they won't get in trouble for coming home at 6 in the morning after a night of partying. I haven't talked to one myself but apparently the Argentine consensus is that we are the bizarre ones, needing to live on our own fresh out of college. The attitude here is why pay so much money for rent when you have a free place at home? Frankly, I couldn't agree more! Well, maybe not until my late 20s but definitely for a couple years. I have many American friends who are struggling with the idea of living at home after college and I think hearing this cultural difference is one way to gain a new perspective on the whole concept! If you disregard that social pressure, and have tolerable parents, then life at home aint so bad.

1 comment:

  1. It is kind of strange how adults can still live with their parents, but it is only understandable given the situation they may be going through. Most of the apartments in Buenos Aires are for tourists (which is great for the economy of the country) but can affect middle-class young adults. They have fun though!
    Lindsay

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