Country Article / Postcards
Top 7 Lifestyle Buys in Nicaragua Right Now
Date: 10/07/2005Dear International Living Reader,
Lee Harrison has been on a mission.
Lee, IL's expert on all things Latin American, is searching for the perfect beach retreat...and his quest has led him to Nicaragua because "these beaches enjoy real 'beach' weather all year. There's no cool season, no gloomy season, and even in the rainy season the sun shines most of the day. It's a place that you can go to anytime of the year to enjoy the surf and sand."
You've no doubt read some of Lee's reports in these Postcards, as he scoured the Pacific coast of Nicaragua from San Juan del Sur northward. He found something to suit you, no matter your taste. To bring you up to speed on the best of what he's discovered, here's the story so far:
Tropical vegetation leads to a secluded sandy beach. Luxury homes made of a rich, dark Brazilian hardwood, each home perched on a cliff with Pacific views. Prices from about $200,000.
Lee's verdict: Best choice if you want a seaside home but enjoy the woods, too.
Home to Nicaragua's two best surf breaks, including the famous Colorado break. Condos with views of the 9-hole golf course start at $129,000.
Lee's verdict: Best for surfers.
Once a sleepy fishing village, San Juan del Sur--30 minutes from Costa Rica--is now the hub for tourism on Nicaragua's Pacific coast (and home to this country's best burger joint). Condos overlooking the bay start at $169,000. These condos are completely turnkey--furniture, appliances, linens, silverware...you can get everything.
Lee's verdict: Best hassle-free option.
The most "rainforesty" of everything Lee saw on the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast, Coco Beach is one of the nicest swimming beaches around, and close to the famous La Flor turtle hatching site. The cacophony of screeching tropical birds here is almost as loud as the surf. These large condos, from a former National Police Commissioner-turned developer, start at $190,000.
Lee's verdict: Perfect for nature lovers.
The Cadillac of beachfront communities, reminiscent of exclusive gated communities near Dana Point or Laguna Beach in Orange County, with their multi-million-dollar properties looking out over the Pacific. This development has everything--an impressive clubhouse with fine restaurant, high-speed Internet service, a new bar, a beautiful pool looking out on to the beach, a water plant providing pure drinking water, their own cell tower, and all underground utilities. Lots start at $40,000.
Lee's verdict: Look no further if you're in Nicaragua for the long-term.
Ninety minutes from downtown Managua, this wide, long, black-sand beach is among the nicest in Nicaragua. Montecristo is a whopping 550 acres of rolling hills and oceanfront. Here no one will be encroaching on your view or the community's space. Oceanview lots start at $45,000, oceanfront from $105,000.
Lee's verdict: Perfect if you need space to stretch out.
One of the widest, gentlest, and longest stretches of white sand beach on the coast...2,200 acres and three-and-a-half miles of beautiful sand beach...the plan here is for a custom-made beach town. Lots from $34,000.
Lee's verdict: This is an ambitious project and, if it comes to fruition, will be spectacular.
All good insights...with which I'd concur.
Happy trails,
Lief Simon
Real Estate Editor, International Living
P.S. Lee's not finished his search for the perfect beach home yet. Next on his agenda: Uruguay's hidden coast. He'll be in touch soon.
Please note: In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that International Living receives commissions from sales at the beach developments Lee Harrison reviews above.
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