Why I Love Living Here!

There are so many reasons why I love living in San Cristobal so it is difficult to include them all without writing a very long book, but I will have a go!

Firstly, the people. San Cristobal seems to be a magnet for great folk. Since moving here I feel so fortunate to have met so many like minded people and families who have decided to make their home here. Together, and organically, we have created such a lovely soul family, and these days I really cannot imagine being anywhere else. Even though San Cristobal is classed as a city, it feels like a fairly small town, with a close knit, truly conscious community of locals and expats alike, without any division between the two.

As an independent parent, having this genuine community spirit is such a blessing and for my daughter too, who now has a wonderful group of friends from all over the world.

Now let’s take a walk around! The historic centre is so beautiful and characterful, and on weekends and holidays there is a real buzz about the place, with tourists and visitors coming to enjoy the culture, artisan markets, exceptional cafes, such as Historico, natural stores, like two of my favourites, Pitaya Menta and Pitaya Rojo, and art galleries, quirky little boutiques, such as our very own Concept Store, Editorial (@editorialconceptstore) and so on. When I need my fix of a little more luxury, I love getting dressed up for a supper at San Juan Lenero, or a decadent lunch at Hotel Bo, or cocktails at Hotel Plaza 79 (all worth a visit!) or I will whizz down the mountain to the glamorous Ambar Mall in Tuxtla Gutierrez, just a one hour drive to a world of high end international brand shopping, cafes and eateries.

Culturally, there is always something going on here – whether it is a holiday parade (we go all out here by the way, whether it’s Easter, Halloween or Christmas or whatever comes up in between!), we have an operatic society who put on the most incredible performances, usually in some gorgeous hotel or venue, we have festivals, live music venues, dance music events, comedy, theatre and more. If you have kids, there are an insane amount of activities for all ages, from pottery, to theatre workshops, K-pop or hip hop classes, horse riding, gardening clubs, robotics and more. I could literally write a whole blog just on this subject alone!

Economically, it is much easier here than in many other places one could wind up in. Rents are very reasonable, organic food, cosmetics and household products are readily available and affordable (for instance we have an organic butcher who delivers and it is cheaper than Walmart!) and for investing in real estate, the value is exceptional, making many spectacular properties surprisingly accessible.

If you are looking for new life somewhere a little off the beaten track, where you have beautiful nature in abundance, a stable property market, and, if you happen to be seeking a great place to raise kids (and to feel comfortable financially whilst doing so!) I can wholly recommend San Cristobal. It certainly isn’t perfect, and for sure it is more than a tiny bit rough around the edges, but it has become home – and after living in some of the world’s most sought-after places, such as West London, Ibiza, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali etc., that really is saying something!