Expert: Cintia - 7/1/2004

Question
Dear Cintia: Hi! I am a native New Yorker living in Mexico City. My wife is a Mexican national and works in film production. I am a writer and to earn my living I do journalism, and I am qualified to teach (I have a certificate). Since my wife cannot easily work in NY, and we are tired of living here, Buenos Aires is the other Latin American center for film and TV and we have decided to make a move there next year.
One of my problems with Mexico City is that it is a huge, sprawling city and you need a car for everything--to me it is like one giant suburb. So, my question has to do with the quality of life in Buenos Aires. I would love to once again live in a city where I can walk around and find things such as galleries, cafes, street life, etc. Is Buenos Aires that sort of place? Also, how much should we plan on spending for a one or two-bedroom apartment in a decent centrally located (middle-class) neighborhood (in US dollars).
If there's anything else you think I should know please tell me.
You can answer in Spanish if you want.
Thanks,
Albert

Answer
Estimado Alberto,

Thank you very much for your email. I apologise for not replying sooner, I was out of Buenos Aires on a business trip and returned yesterday.
As an argentinian, I feel proud you are considering my country as your new home, and I believe that the city of Buenos Aires certainly meets the requirements you have described such as galleries, street life, cafes, etc. Of course, it is important that you bear in mind this is a Latin country, with an unstable economy and with social problems as most countries in South America. Buenos Aires (the city, also known as Capital Federal) is cosmopolitan, complex and exciting. As all cities, some areas are better than others, and you should be careful as if you were in any other place. I strongly recommend you come for a short visit first, and see how you feel. I can tell you lots of things about Argentina, but your own experience is essential in order to make sure this is the place you want.
As for buying a property, the prices are completely varied depending on the area or "barrio", the characteristics of the building, etc. For example, a 1 room apartment in Palermo, near the shopping mall and subway station, may cost around USD 45,000 if it was built 15-20 years ago, but if it is brand new, it may cost USD 85,000.  A larger apartment in an area like San Telmo, which is the oldest part of the city, may cost less, maybe around USD 30,000 but the buildings are very old, 80 years old or more.
When you buy a property, the buyer must pay the real estate agent a percentage that is determined by him/her, and it may be around 3.5-5%.
I hope this information helps.
Kind regards,

Cintia Stella
Buenos Aires, Argentina