Venezuela is one of the best places to visit in South America. It offers a wide variety of scenery, from the majestic Andes Mountains to tropical beaches along the Caribbean coast and wild safaris.
If you’re looking for a place to call home, look no further. Venezuela is one of the best tropical vacation spots, so living there will be an experience. Every city and town offers a different mix of possibilities. From the peaceful beauty of Mérida’s mountains to the lively city settings of Caracas, there is something for everyone.
Although the country has political and economic issues, which may play a role in deciding whether to move, Venezuelan’s warm hospitality and diverse culture contribute to the appeal of the various places across the country. The country offers peace of nature and the coziness of the coastal area.
Read on to find the top places to live in this country.
Best Places to Live in Venezuela for…
- Expats: Valencia
- English Speakers: Caracas
- Digital Nomads: Mérida
- Solo Travelers: Barquisimeto
- Couples: San Cristóbal
- Groups: Maracaibo
Top 10 Places to Live in Venezuela
1. Valencia
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living: $
Situated in the heart of Venezuela is a stunning city, Valencia. It is home to over 1.5 million residents and is the second-biggest city in the region. The city is renowned for its mouth-watering cuisine, friendly residents, and lively atmosphere. It has various activities, including fun nightlife and shopping, as well as touring the city’s parks and museums.
Tip: When enjoying the nightlife, keep an eye on your beverages. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. Criminals will spike your unattended drink to rob you.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Students
Pros:
- Industrial hub with economic opportunities.
- Affordable cost of living.
- Warm tropical climate throughout the year.
Cons:
- Security concerns.
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
- Challenges in accessing certain medical services and supplies.
2. Caracas
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$
Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela. The town is bustling with beautiful natural surroundings and a thriving cultural scene. It has a wide variety of delectable cuisine. Caracas is the ideal destination for those who want to see the finest of Venezuela, thanks to its distinctive fusion of modern life and history.
Tip: Residents are generally welcoming and friendly, however, approach discussions about politics and other sensitive topics with caution, as opinions can vary.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Job Seekers, Families, Couples, Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Provides networking opportunities.
- Modern urban amenities cater to diverse needs.
- Diverse cuisine combining Venezuelan dishes and international cuisine.
Cons:
- Economic instability.
- The city’s political environment may be erratic.
- Inflation and currency issues.
3. Mérida
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $
Mérida is a charming city tucked away in the Andes Mountains. This beautiful region is the best choice for your new home since it perfectly balances natural beauty, cultural diversity, and modern conveniences. It’s the ideal destination for digital nomads, with a remarkable fusion of adventure and peace.
Tip: Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help interact with locals.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Families
Pros:
- Low cost of living.
- University town, packed with students.
- Natural beauty of the mountains surrounds it.
Cons:
- Language barrier if you don’t speak Spanish.
- Public transportation options are limited.
- Infrastructure issues such as power outages and limited internet reliability.
4. Barquisimeto
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $
Barquisimeto is the capital of the Lara state in northwestern Venezuela and is known as the “Capital Musical de Venezuela” (Musical Capital of Venezuela). It has its yearly Barquisimeto International Guitar Festival, which attracts guitarists from around the globe. This city is entirely built of history and delicious food ready to be indulged.
Tip: Embrace the local culture, attend festivals, and connect with the community to enhance your experience in Barquisimeto.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers, Couples, Musicians
Pros:
- Low cost of living.
- Friendly locals.
- Offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking.
Cons:
- Limited English speakers.
- Safety concerns.
- Limited public services.
5. San Cristóbal
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Nestled in the Andean Mountains is San Cristóbal. A stunning city that presents a rare combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and economic opportunity. It has a much colder climate and breathtaking views of the mountains. This city has a wealth of job prospects in business, industry, and government service.
Tip: Avoid ATMs, as criminals may obtain your card information electronically or rob you after withdrawing.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Expats, Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Affordable to live.
- Easy to do business.
- Very LGBTQIA+-friendly.
Cons:
- Freedom of speech is weak.
- Not very safe.
- Quality of education is low
6. Maracaibo
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living: $$$
Maracaibo is the third-biggest city in Venezuela. It’s situated on the banks of Lake Maracaibo in the northwest region. The city is the oil capital of Venezuela, making its economy robust and offering a wide range of employment options. The city thrives with a vibrant nightlife and mild weather year-round.
Tip: Combining digital and real currency might be helpful here because street sellers, an outdoor marketplace, and cash-based transactions are frequent occurrences.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Families, Solo Travelers, Couples
Pros:
- The city’s oil provides job opportunities.
- It’s a haven for food enthusiasts.
- Enjoy warm temperatures all year.
Cons:
- Economic challenges have led to inflation and a fluctuating job market.
- The city has infrastructure issues like power outages and transportation difficulties.
- There are safety and security issues.
7. Maracay
Best Place to Live for Cultural Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$
Maracay is located in the center of Aragua state. It provides people with a perfect blend of modern life, culture, and nature. This vibrant city has breathtaking scenery and museums with a rich history that cultural enthusiasts like the renowned Opera de Maracay will love. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking through rainforests and exploring diverse parks and plazas in Maracay’s year-round warm weather.
Tip: It might be difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad guys, so only use cabs that have been pre-booked, as picking one on the street may put you at risk.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Cultural Enthusiasts, History Lovers, Nature Lovers
Pros:
- Affordable to live.
- High quality of education.
- Spacious and not crowded.
Cons:
- Very humid.
- Not family-friendly.
- Not LGBTQIA+-friendly.
8. Maracaibo
Best Place to Live for Agriculturists
Cost of Living: $$
Maracay is a commercial and agricultural center of the Venezuelan state of Aragua. It’s a significant producer of coffee, sugarcane, cacao, and tobacco. Some residents work in gardening and livestock farming. There are also perfume, paper, and textile factories in the city.
Tip: Tap water is not drinkable in the city. You should opt for bottled water or purified water.
Who Would Like to Live There: Agriculturists, Farmers, Business Owners, Expats, Families
Pros:
- High-quality education.
- Affordable cost of living.
- Safe for women.
Cons:
- Safety concerns are high.
- People don’t speak English well.
- Political instability and corrupt police.
9. Coro
Best Place to Live for Historians
Cost of Living: $
Coro is found along the Carribean coast, formerly known as Santa Ana de Coro. It is the capital of the northwest Venezuelan state, Falcon. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous attractions include the Cruz de San Clemente, Iglesia San Francisco, and Museo Guadalupano Casa del Tesoro. Coro has a vibrant scene with festivals, museums, and traditional events celebrating diverse history.
Tip: It is advised not to travel through the city at night as it is unsafe.
Who Would Like to Live There: Historians, Expats, Scholars
Pros:
- Low cost of living.
- The city has a vibrant cultural heritage.
- Tight-knit community.
Cons:
- It can be dangerous.
- Hospitals are not always accessible or safe.
- Power outages and inadequate transportation are shared.
10. La Guaira
Best Place to Live for Sea Lovers
Cost of Living: $$$
Situated in the Vargas state is the port city of La Guaira. It’s tucked away between the Caribbean Sea and the Avila mountain. It’s approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Caracas. The city is known for its maritime history dating back to the 1500s.
This history has gone on to reflect its culture with events, festivals, and traditions celebrating the coastal heritage. The city provides a unique blend of city comforts and beach charm along the Caribbean Sea, allowing residents to participate in water activities.
Tip: Expect to see visible economic inequalities. It’s crucial to address the enormous difference between wealthy areas and economic disadvantages with sensitivity and awareness.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Sea Lovers, Historians
Pros:
- The scenery is breathtaking.
- Being close to the capital city means more access to more services and employment opportunities.
- The culture is fantastic.
Cons:
- There is instability in the government.
- Safety concerns.
- You may encounter infrastructure problems that impact public transportation and services.