NicaZ

Hello,
I am moving to Nicaragua from November through February. (I actually wrote once here before and was given the priceless advice of reading Living and Investing in the New Nicaragua, which was exceedingly helpful.)

That being said: My boyfriend and I will spend our first month in Granada, taking spanish classes. We are thinking of going with AveNicaragua. Anyone know of it or have advice for another school?

Second, we are supposed to be living in Managua during the last 2 months, as he will work in the capital. I am not keen on living there because of the insecurity. Any advice as to where to live within the city that is safest? Alternatively, is there a town outside of MGA that is safer and still allows easy access to the city?

Third, do you think we need a car if we stay in MGA itself, and not outside?

Fourth, any advice on spanish schools in MGA?

Fifth, any advice as to real estate agencies in Granada/ MGA that can help with rentals? I contacted several I had found via that helpful book, but only received 1 reply from someone saying they dont do rentals anymore....

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!!! I am reading as much as I can about it, but these questions remain unanswered and I am really hoping for some help!

Sorry for the lengthy message but I am concerned about the MGA questions, if one were to pick....

Many thanks again!!

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I'm glad you found the "Living and Investing" book helpful. An aquaintance of mine wrote the current edition of the book and he put a lot of research and effort into it.

Granada is nicer and more manageable than Managua. You know that already. But Managua isn't so terrible. How's that for a glowing recommendation? If you were going to Nicaragua strictly for a short-term tourist visit, I'd advise you spend little time in Managua, but for a long-term stay, Managua has the best selection of restaurants and non-tourist shopping and services in the country. You make your peace with it.

I think getting around Managua can be the biggest ordeal. The city is VERY spread out with no real downtown to hold it together. (It was destroyed in the 1972 earthquake.) The place just sprawls with huge open spaces to cross. It's a terrible city for walking. Taxis are plentiful and pretty cheap, but I don't know what your budget is and if that's something you could afford every day of the week. City buses are old, converted U.S. school buses and are packed like sardines. They are dirt cheap, but if you take one, make sure you have as little on you as possible, in case you are subjected to what residents call the "Managua massage."

I think Managua is no less safe than any other Central American capital. There are sections of the city you shouldn't frequent, and you should take a taxi if you go out at night. Any crime you encounter would be of the petty-theft type and likely nothing violent. I take precautions but I don't feel particularly unsafe when I'm there.

The south side of Managua, everything south of the new cathedral and the Metrocentro shopping mall is the nicest area (and most expensive too). Another nice area is Barrio Bolonia, just north of Plaza España, closer to the old city center.

I do know people who live in Granada and commute daily to work in Managua. It takes about an hour, a little longer during rush hour. Masaya is about halfway between Managua and Granada and is a nice small city. I know nothing about looking for a place to live there.

NicaZ

Hi, Thanks so much for the lengthy and helpful message. When trying to sort this out, its sooo useful to have "insider advice."

While your email did ease some concerns about staying in Managua, I am feeling more and more inclined to commute from Masaya. Granada would be the preference, but the traveling is too long and it seems Masaya is thus a good compromise.

That being said, does anyone have any advice/ impessions, etc on Masaya? Anything from living there, to visiting, to traveling on the microbuses to Managua a a commute? Please reply if you do.

Thanks!!!! And many thanks again Jeff

delta1

Hey nica, only been to masaya a couple times but i liked it. Mellow little town , they got a nice mexican resaurant and a club called cocojambos. Pretty cool. Anyways managua ain't that bad just becareful at night and on crowded buses. Lived in managua for 6 months and it was ok. Check out the red light districts with all the bars,clubs,casinos and movies. Theres also a couple nice malls,movies, and bowling alley and of course Mcdonalds!!! I was last there 3 yrs ao but its a nice city not to mention country. Good Luck! delta1