We just returned, a few hours ago, from our vacation in Aruba, which we dedicated a large amount of time to looking at properties and land. We have been planning to buy a home or land and build a home.
We did not buy this time because we were really taken back with the condition of
Aruba this time! We have been going to Aruba for 25 years...and know the Island well. But this time I have to say...Aruba was filthy. We were shocked. Beer bottles and debris were all over the island. Even floating in the water at Baby beach. Everywhere. AND...the downtown area was dingy and SO MANY stores are empty! This trip, Aruba lost some of it's charm. We were very upset to see this. We heard the goverment ran out of money and this week, the entire Island is shutting down for a strike on Tuesday. Which means things will be even dirtier.
Tourism is there number 1 income. If they don't paint and spruce up the downtown areas, no one will want to shop there. We didn't.
The 'red light district' in San Nicolis advertises now and has an entire page in the daily local paper that is eye popping!!! They even supply transportation to the 'sexual experience' of your choice.
The condo and time share building has gotten out of control. People were complaining that they are sitting 6 " from each other on eagle beach! There are construction sites everywhere. eyesores. What happened to the quiant clean colorful Aruba?
And the worst....the homeless area...behind mainstreet has gotten huge. We could not believe the amount of men and women sitting against the buildings smoking crack IN PLAIN DAYLIGHT as you drove by. There had to be at least 25 of them along the block. And in the night, they hang out in the public parking lots by the casinos downtown and approach you asking for money as you walk to your car. very creepy. The police ignore them because they have no where to put them.
My bubble is shattered. Aruba has lost some of it's charm for us. And by the way...some of the homeowners we met were selling because they needed to get better healthcare. They said the healthcare is horrible! Especially emergency care. (and if you plan on retiring there, as we did, this is a big concern)
So we decided to sit back and watch what happens in the next couple years with the country before we buy. We hope it can handle all this developing, but with all this developing, it's not Aruba-one happy island anymore. It's one crowded island.