Housing
First off, you should rent, not buy. Why? Because:
- You may have picked the wrong destination.
- Your requirements are likely to change once you get used to your new home.
- The connections you make while living there will likely mean better purchase options should you eventually decide to buy.
Requirements is possibly the least obvious on this list, particularly if you are moving from a temperate climate to the tropics (which has lots of economic advantages). If you come from somewhere where there may be months where being outside is a bother, you are likely to want to have more indoor space. It's necessary just to remain sane during the winter months. But, what if you could spend your time outside year round? Wouldn't that make a difference in how much indoor space you needed?
For people who have not lived in the tropics, the first response tends to be "but it's too hot outside". Besides the fact that temperature is moderated with altitude giving you a choice, there is also a choice in when you go outside. If you happen to be in a generally hot climate, an early morning or evening walk can be pleasant. Or just eating your dinner outside. If you have elected for more altitude and, thus, a cooler climate, just adjust things such that you eat lunch outside or go for a mid-day stroll. As there is little change in the outside temperature year round, there are few days when this will not mean a reasonable amount of time outside.
The result is that a smaller house, possibly with some land around it, may be a better option that the more typical thinking of "gee, it's inexpensive to build here so I should build a bigger house". An example of what I am talking about are the old houses in the colonial city of Granada Nicaragua. The houses tend to built around a central courtyard. Thus, you get private space that is outside. Very different than the typical US house where any yard space is outside and you then need to add a fence for privacy and security.
