Uruguay Lifestyles – City, Beach, and Country

Uruguay is the little country between Argentina and Brazil that is starting to make a big blip on the radar screens of many North Americans and Europeans looking for a new place to live and invest - and for good reason! Uruguay has attractive lifestyle opportunities in its capital city, on the beach, and in the country. No matter which setting is right for you, Uruguay has a comfortable climate, friendly people, accommodating investment laws, and reasonable residency requirements.

City Life

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and home to 40% of Uruguay’s population. The City is made up of many interconnected but distinct communities with tree lined streets, neighborhood shops, and outdoor cafes. Montevideo’s Centro and historic district (Ciudad Vieja) are known for period architecture and picturesque plazas. Montevideo has a wide seaside walk, great restaurants, theater, and several tango clubs. Mercer rates Montevideo as the most livable major city in South America.

Beach life

Uruguay has 200 miles of beautiful coastline that turns into a vacationland during the summer.  The coast is dotted with resorts and communities including the continents premier beach resort, Punta del Este. Punta del Este offers a 24 hour menu of recreation, events, and entertainment. Daytime sports include surfing, tennis, and golf. Punta hosts a long list of tournaments and competitions that include a major running event, polo, seven-a-side rugby, and yacht racing. The entertainment menu includes fashion shows on the beach, concerts, casinos, and dancing until the sun comes up. In addition to being a vacation resort, Punta del Este has a growing year-round international community.

Country life

Once you leave the coast, most of Uruguay is green rolling prairies. The country has large estates (called chacras), ranches (called estancias), and several agricultural supported communities, most with a town square (plaza), where people come in the evening to socialize. The vast prairies have scattered palm trees, small green parrots, and groups of large flightless birds (similar to an ostrich) called nandu. The country still has gauchos (South American cowboys) who lead lives of rugged simplicity. The nights are quiet, and the stars can be amazing.

Temperate climate

Uruguay is located in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere and has four seasons. When it’s winter in North America and Europe, it’s summer in Uruguay. Temperatures average 70° F to 80° F (21° C to 27° C) in summer and 50° F to 60° F (10° C and 16° C) in winter. There are periods of “cold” (relative term) weather, but freezing temperatures are almost unknown. Uruguay does not have earthquakes or hurricanes.

Comfortable social climate

Uruguay is a relatively comfortable place for North Americans and Europeans to fit it. Uruguay has the best educated population in Latin America. It also has the least economic disparity, low levels of government corruption, and is reported to be the safest country in Latin America.

In Uruguay, people and relationships are generally more important than a schedule. For most Uruguayans the great prize of life is friends and family.

Well developed infrastructure and public services

Uruguay has good roads, good public transportation, broad cell phone coverage, and widespread availability of high-speed internet.

Uruguay has safe drinking water throughout the country, the availability of good medical care, and free education (including college and postgraduate studies) for its citizens.

Buying real estate in Uruguay

Uruguay’s real estate opportunities include a broad selection of areas, communities, property types, and price ranges. What sets Uruguay apart from many other regional options is that non-resident foreigners can open bank accounts and buy real estate with the same rights and protections as residents. And in Uruguay, foreign source income is not subject to income tax.

Relocating to Uruguay

Most anyone with a source of income and reasonable health (who does not have a criminal record) can gain legal residency in Uruguay. Uruguay provides the opportunity to live a quiet life. It is a free country out of the spotlight of major world controversy.