Where to move to in Argentina

Yes! I was just thinking of La Cumbre, in the midst of Cordoba’s beauty. There are so many great places in Argentina!

So, I joined this site numerous weeks ago as Argentina is a place under consideration for me to move to from the U.S., permanently. I do appreciate the feedback I have received from members. After visiting several forums on this site, it makes me wonder what is the draw to Argentina? I see posts regarding high inflation, grocery stores are not very good, can't trust banks, rampant crime, corrupt/inept government officials, etc. So why do so many of you keep returning to Argentina? I see the aforementioned negatives in the U.S, right now and wondering if a move to Argentina is going to place me in the same environment. Hoping to hear that things are better in Argentina than the U.S. Thanks!

In general, although I love Argentina, I’d be hard pressed to say that by any objective standard, daily life is anywhere near as challenging for citizens in the US as it is here. [Check back after Tuesday, November 5, 2024, because if the US decides to turn its back on democracy by electing a self-professed would-be dictator or a copycat, the distinctions between life in the US and life in Argentina may diminish very rapidly.]

In short, things tend to work in the US. The concept of Customer Service is not dead. If you buy something and it is defective, you can return it. If a repairman comes to your house, he will not consider his job done if he is unable to diagnose and fix your problem. If a repairman or house cleaner is scheduled for a specific day, he or she will show up on that day. Clothing and merchandise in general can be expected to hold up for a reasonable amount of time. People are incensed at 3% inflation. You are allowed to exchange any amount of currency. Grocery stores have unlimited competing brands of the same item. When you purchase items from abroad, they will probably arrive, and on schedule. Municipal government red tape is not infinite. Inept and corrupt officials are usually replaced through elections.

These things that are taken for granted in the USA cannot always be expected in Argentina. The elections 3 weeks from today will give an indication of whether the voters want to repair the badly broken economy and the current regime’s corruption.

What are the great things about living here? The amazing resilience of citizens who hang on despite 124% inflation. Delightful Joie de Vivre and artistic flair. The kindness of strangers on the street. The generosity and hospitality of friends. Delicious, affordable foods and wines. And for people who do not earn in pesos, but have access to dollars, exchange rates that consistently outpace inflation.

Rampant crime? Compared to Fargo or Topeka, perhaps, but compared to any US city of anywhere near the same size, crime is far less, as well as far less lethal, principally because Argentines do not worship guns and their legislators and justices are not owned by the NRA. Violent crime against the government or 21st century attempts to overthrow a president elected by the people? Sadly, the US has lost the high road, but Argentina has not.

Grocery Stores? If you don’t need shelves of duplicate items, you’ll certainly find what you need.

Museums? Unless you live in Washington DC, where they are free because funded by taxpayers in all 50 states, museums in most US cities and towns are limited and expensive. In Argentina, almost all are free, and they are varied and plentiful. Concerts?  Abundant and, more often than not, free.  Housing?  More affordable than in any major US city.  Architecture?  Varied and distinguished.  Small stores?  Not yet replaced by big-box stores.  

I could go on, but I think what I’m saying is pretty clear:  you can’t beat the US for efficiency and effectiveness, at least for now.  But Argentina has not lost its charm, its old-world customs, its happiness.  Every day holds unique possibilities, although with unique challenges.

MoveToArg? I know Argentines in the USA who are in the process of packing their bags to move back to Argentina so on one level or another, that must tell you something.

Rice I may have read your post back-to-front about Fargo: I spent a day and a night there just a short number of years ago and I think it was the only American city where I've felt completely safe at all times.

Back to Argentina. My personal opinion is that one needs a personal connection to a place to be happy there. Sure you may find a place that's cheaper or safer but that won't make you happy. Find that personal connection (mine, of course is EQDSO but for others it could be Tango or something else) and the inconveniences and annoyances are seen in a different perspective.

Quote from bebopalula

Back to Argentina. My personal opinion is that one needs a personal connection to a place to be happy there. Sure you may find a place that's cheaper or safer but that won't make you happy. Find that personal connection (mine, of course is EQDSO but for others it could be Tango or something else) and the inconveniences and annoyances are seen in a different perspective.

I must admit whenever I see type of threads pop up from new posters. My first impression is that many of them are just jumping on the financial bandwagon rather than having any personal attachment to the country.

Quote from Splinter

Her indoors? bebopalula

She Who Must Be Obeyed (Rumpole, rather than Minder)