Where to settle in Guatemala
The country is divided into hundreds of municipios (municipalities). While the likes of Guatemala City enjoy all modern amenities and facilities, rural settlements in large swathes of the country do without running water, proper sanitary facilities, and many homes are still roofed with thatch.
Guatemala City and its modern skyscrapers house most of the health and administrative services, as well as large entertainment complexes. However 'Guate' is sometimes blamed for being dirty, and safety problems can arise, especially at night.
One hour away from Guatemala City, the city of Antigua and its surroundings are particularly popular with expats - the charming city, seemingly locked in time with its cobblestone streets painted bright colours and lined with colonial buildings, has dozens of restaurants serving a range of different cuisines, as well as bars, cafes, clubs, art galleries, boutiques, and more. As a result, some may consider it to be too touristy. The area surrounding lake Atitlan is also an expat favourite
Quetzaltenango, the heart of the Mayan communities, also offers excellent living conditions as well as the authentic feel of a genuine Guatemalan lifestyle.
Otherwise, many smaller city which economy is based on tourism is likely to welcome expats, which are seen as apt to help grow the local industry.
Attention:
The national grid can be overwhelmed by demand and, even at the heart of major cities, frequent water and power cuts occur.
