Chile was one of Latin America’s best kept secrets until it earned the distinction of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2018. The country’s capital, where nearly half of the population call home, is drawing in newcomers from all over the world. Safe, economically thriving and with a view of the Andes mountains, there’s much to love about Santiago, Chile. So with no further adieu, here are our 7 reasons to live in Santiago, Chile.
Chile has made real strides in development in the last few decades. Parts of Santiago could be mistaken for the United States, as tall skyscrapers have popped up along the Andes-filled city skyline. One of the best reasons to live in Santiago, Chile is the country’s economic stability and freedom from political corruption. Chile has also been recognized for its security, ranking as the 25th most peaceful country in the world and the most peaceful in Latin America, according to the Positive Peace Index (2017).
The long and narrow country of Chile is characterized by over 6,000 kilometers of coastline and two parallel sets of mountain ranges: the Andes mountains and the Chilean coastal range. Chileans like to say that in Chile you can ski and go to the beach in the same day. And that’s just the start of it. From the snow-capped mountains of Patagonia to the other-worldy lakes of the Atacama desert, living in Chile offers a whole host of stunning natural beauty to explore.
Santiago, Chile is a place an international professional could genuinely launch their career. The city has ample job opportunities out there for English speakers. Plus, the city’s growing technology and financial sectors often seek bilingual employees who can use their experiences back home to help improve and grow strategic international relationships. Gaining professional experience abroad in this Latin American job hub is one of the best reasons to live in Santiago, Chile.
From the Andes mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Chile is a small country that is separated from the rest of the world. “Chile is an island” you’ll hear locals say. But all of that has been changing rapidly over the past decade, thanks to an influence of expats and immigrants from around the world. As the country becomes less homogenous and more international, Santiago is starting to embrace multiculturalism, including interns abroad.
Way before avocado toast became a thing, Chileans were sipping tea and making delicious “pan con palta” (bread with avocado), a favorite local snack. The country is a major export of this fruit – along with a great deal of other produce, which makes a trip to the famous “La Vega” central market a chef’s paradise. Beyond the fresh market produce, the country also serves up a great deal of fresh seafood, thanks to its miles of coast. A tangy ceviche served along with a pisco sour is the best way to enjoy one of Santiago’s many restaurant patios.
Although it’s definitely not the easiest Spanish to learn – Chilean Spanish is definitely the most fun. With endless slang and jokes, Chileans really enjoy their word play. Plus, once you master the fast Chilean dialect, you’ll never have trouble understanding Spanish again.
Having Santiago as your base city makes it easy to see other countries nearby. Take a weekend trip to Mendoza or Buenos Aires to get to know Argentina. History and hiking lovers can cross off their bucket-list goal of hiking Machu Picchu when their internship ends. Whatever travel fits your taste, living in Chile gives you easier and more affordable access to it all.
Sources: http://visionofhumanity.org/app/uploads/2017/10/Positive-Peace-Report-2017.pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rankings_of_Chile,
Photos:
1. based on Castillo Hidalgo, by Deensel, CC-by-2.0
2. based on Viña del Mar, by Gustavo Minas, CC-by-2.0
3. based on mercado central, by Davidlohr Bueso, CC-by-2.0