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Why El Salvador?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp5R-xGYSWc&feature=related

The average temperature for Costa Rica lies between 71 and 81 degrees, the average temperature for Nicaragua is 85 degrees, and the average temperature for El Salvador is from 64 to 72 degrees. So it is a bit more temperate than countries further south.

Banking is much easier in El Salvador than many Central American countries, because they share many banks that also exist inside the U.S. A few of them: HSBC, Banco Agricola Commercial. El Salvador now uses the dollar for its monetary system, so retirees can benefit from no exchange rates when transferring money.

Many of the same restaurants and shops are already in El Salvador that people are used to shopping at in the U.S., so there is very little to acclimate to that way. El Salvador prides itself on offering a progressive line of consumer goods, from: Bose stereos to Payless Shoes. So if you can purchase it in the U.S., then you most likely will be able to find it in El Salvador as well, unlike countries such as Nicaragua.

http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/San%20Salvador/2002071201GaleriasMa...
http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/20030824SanAndres/20030824CaminoRea...

Prices of Real Estate

Unlike the escalated prices of Costa Rica, prices in El Salvador are still reasonable, so a person wishing to purchase a home can pay anywhere from $18,000 on up to hundreds of thousands, depending on where they choose to live.

In the smaller colonias, prices hover at just below $20,000 on average, but there may be more safety issues in these places. They offer older homes for a minimal investment.

In colonias such as Escalon (near El Salvador el Mundo area), http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/200602SanSalvador/20060219SalvadorD...
Here's an example of an older home in this area, the entry prices to get into Escalon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p73ol70jxhM&NR=1

This is a location where many Americans prefer to live, because of it's proximity to the city of San Salvador where everything happens. One can find a decent condominium for anywhere from $90,000 on up and homes begin at $100,000 for a real fixer upper and go up from there into hundreds of thousands, depending on what you are looking for. And you can finance a home there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUOqA9XzCuA&NR=1&feature=fvwp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yux8Zhkh7Nc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8t6_PFUGOc&feature=related

If you prefer a more elegant area of Escalon, choosing the North Escalon area will bring the prices even higher. And for those who want elite homes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuF7SIJy9S8&feature=fvw

In El Salvador, you don’t have to live that “third world” life to live in paradise, because the Salvadoran people have been visiting the U.S. for decades. No dome houses for the price of a normal home. No alternative housing needed, because the prices are reasonable. You don’t have to live like you have just arrived in a covered wagon to the wild west and deal with unscrupulous real estate agents, as you do in Nicaragua or pay escalated prices as in Costa Rica.

http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/20040530SantaElena.htm

In most enclaves of Americans and even older colonias, you can and will find modern, up to date appliances and everyday needs in these houses, including air conditioning. The homes are larger than in many other countries and offer decent sized yards and parking. I will report in a separate blog about the real estate next week. I will be reporting ACTUAL prices, not the escalated prices that Bienes Raices agencies charge, because Americans often get suckered into paying huge prices that locals do not pay in these areas. In places like Nica Living, the prices are ridiculous, because the site is set up for business owners selling real estate there. I am not a real estate agent and I loathe them, so I hope to report normal prices that my Salvadoran husband would pay.

Safety in El Salvador:

There are many crime infested areas of El Salvador, but there are also nice areas where people are quite safe. The general rule of Central America still applies…if it is after 9 p.m. it is best to stay home or go in a car to your destination. There is nightlife in El Salvador that is safe. Here is an example:
http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/San%20Salvador/2002071201GaleriasMa...

I will be reporting on the crime ridden areas…the reports from Salvadorans I hear from and I will be telling about the safer areas from Salvadoran viewpoints.
A wonderful resource to see what El Salvador offers:

http://www.guanacosonline.org/images/Index.htm
Update on Crime in El Salvador:

In February of 2010, President Funes incorporated a new wire tapping policy to listen in on all cellular phone activity in El Salvador. This was created because much of the violence ordered was done so through cellular phone activity from prisons, where gang members ordered a great deal of criminal activity. President Funes has also set up a government agency now to help gang members leave their gangs. There they must register, they qualify for free laser treatment given by government physicians for tattoo removal, and they are counseled on how to remain safe. And because the new government is also cooperating with the FBI of the United States and Brazil’s top law enforcement people, it appears the most dangerous gangs in El Salvador have ordered a truce as of February 10th, 2010. You can read about how this should affect El Salvador here:

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/100219/world/salvador_violence_gangs

I will be opening blogs specific to the different issues revolving around El Salvador and explaining the realities of this beautiful country as I go. I hope to discuss everything from visas to marriage to fabulous vacation places. From real estate to health care. Even, job opportunities. I hope I can add an interesting real discussion about one of the Central American countries that seems to be overlooked here, and not from a sales standpoint, but as a woman married to a citizen of El Salvador.