Expert: Andy Mendyk - 1/20/2006

Question
Hello,
My name is Paige. I am in my late 20's and my husband and I are thinking about moving to Aruba from the East Coast.  My husband works for Valero, the refining company which has a refinery on Aruba.  A job has opened up that he may get...

Our questions are:  What is Aruba like?  What do you think it is like to live there?  How would it be for an educated, late 20's couple to fit in, find things to do, make friends, etc?  We LOVE the beach and can spend endless hours there, but I am worried about being lonely.  

Also, I am concerned about living outside the U.S.  How is the legal system, the medical system, etc?

What is real estate like?  What is life like for the regular people who just live there...not tourists?

I am a teacher (english)... how are the schools?

Sorry to bombard you with so many questions.  I really appreciate your time and any help you can offer.

Thanks again
Paige from Delaware

Answer
Hi Paige!! The answer is easy. Thousands of people would love to live in Aruba. It does take work permits and some red tape, but with your husband having a position at Valero makes it very easy. Aruba has just about everything to offer as in the States. Modern Hospital, Banks, Schools. Beaches are the finest in the Carribean, are owned by the Government and accessable to everybody. Real Estate prices are on the high-end, but the homes are fantastic from the ones I have seen. Most Arubans talk english, so language should not be a barrier. Their majore cities ( Oranjestad and San Nicholas) have shopping, food stores, malls and such. Not as large as you may be accustomed to, but have what you need. Water is de-salinated sea water..very pure and safe. It is really developed quite more than most think. I am going on my 24th trip there in August. It is my only destination for my vacations. Dutch law is a bit different then U.S. law. It works for them as ours does for us. Just the investigation and arrest techniques are a bit different. Safety...I, and most consider Aruba to be the safest of all the Islands, however, some isolated incidents happen. Common sense prevails as it does here. Do not leave items of worth exposed, don't flash currency, etc. I would suggest going to www.aruba4u.com  and www.aruba.com and browse around. There is tons of information there as you plan your move. However, if there is anything you may need to know in particular, please do not hesitate to contact me again!!!   If  you are there in August, maybe we can have a morning coffee together!!!