Quito's Housing Shuffle: Drummer Edition - Rent or Buy?
let's talk quito. like, really talk. because as a touring session drummer, my life is one giant suitcase and a constantly shifting address. finding a place here feels like solving a drum solo - lots of moving parts, potential for chaos, and sometimes you just hit a wrong note and have to start over. so, renting vs. buying in this andean capital? let's dive into the messy reality.
first, the air. right now? it's that classic quito foggy vibe, thick and cool, like someone forgot to turn off the shower in the mountains. you wake up feeling like you're breathing in actual clouds. not complaining, mind you - beats the humid hell i just left. and neighbors? well, the good news is baños is like, two hours away if you need a hot spring detox from the altitude. but locally? let's just say the rhythm of the city is... loud. and unpredictable.
so, the money part. this ain't theory, this is survival cash. numbeo says basic monthly rent for a 1BR in the city center? around $450-$600. outside? maybe $300-$450. that's USD, amigos. buying? average price per square meter? roughly $1,300-$1,800. but here's the kicker: the job market for my kinda work? kinda fickle. expat forums chatter about gigs drying up faster than you can say "tambor." safety? well, it's... mixed. numbeo gives it a 59.23 out of 100 for safety - not great, not terrible. just... watch your back, especially at night, especially if you're lugging drum cases. locals whisper about avoiding certain barrios after dark, but honestly, it's about situational awareness, not panic.
here's some raw, unfiltered talk from the trenches:
> " renting is the only sane move here, drummer boy. signing a lease? ha! i've seen guys get stuck with a year lease when the tour gets cancelled next month. buying? unless you plan to marry an ecuadorian and settle down forever, it's financial suicide. the market's too weird, too tied to expat cash that can vanish overnight. "
> *overheard at la mariscal craft beer: "heard from a real estate guy - the 'north' side, near equinoccio, is getting crazy expensive. new condos everywhere. but the plumbing? ancient. expect leaks like a broken cymbal. "
> drunk advice from a local bartender: "if you rent, find something above* someone reliable. below? forget it. the bass player upstairs will practice 'in the air tonight' at 3 am. constantly. and buying? only if you love paperwork. ecuadorian bureaucracy makes getting a visa look easy. "
so, my take? renting is your rhythm section - reliable, adaptable, lets you move with the beat. you can test neighborhoods, find your vibe, bounce if the tour calls. buying? that's like investing in a custom-built kit - expensive, permanent, and you better damn well know you're playing this city for the long haul. for me? the suitcase wins.
wanna know where the cheap eats are? check out this yelp list for local eats. planning gigs? peep the expat scene on r/quito. thinking about escaping to the clouds? tripadvisor has some hot spring options near baños. just remember: quito doesn't do 'easy.' it does 'interesting.' and expensive sometimes. pack light, keep your wits about you, and maybe invest in good earplugs.
p.s. if you see a drummer lugging a massive case down calle reina victoria? buy him a tinto. he's earned it.
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