Looking for Expat Friends

[Streamwader]

Hi everyone!

I will be visiting Aruba for the first time next week. I'll be arriving on the 3rd of Dec. for a seven-day visit.

The purpose of my visit is to determine whether or not to relocate to Aruba from my current home in California. I would love to connect with others who have made the transition to share your experiences and get your advice.

I am a retired psychologist (an educational psychologist who works primarily with school-aged children and young adults), and although California has nice weather (Ventura County), the relationships here are "a mile wide and an inch thick!"

So, I'm looking for a new home and Aruba meets all of my criteria. I grew up in south Florida (Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale area) and have had enough of extreme humidity. That is why Aruba has made it to the top of my list of places to explore.

However, I am single and I feel a need to connect with "community" before making any final decisions. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the posting side!

if you think that aruba has no humidity, think again!

aruba is quite humid, but is not as noticeable as the humidity in Florida because of the Tradewinds.
when the Tradewinds die, which is not terribly often....the humidity is very apparent.
often times the Tradewinds are missing for days during Sept thru Dec.

obtaining Aruba residency is not especially easy, but there are folks that make their services available for a cost.

there are numerous forum members that are Aruba residents and I hope they have more information for you!

Hi everyone!

I will be visiting Aruba for the first time next week. I'll be arriving on the 3rd of Dec. for a seven-day visit.

The purpose of my visit is to determine whether or not to relocate to Aruba from my current home in California. I would love to connect with others who have made the transition to share your experiences and get your advice.

I am a retired psychologist (an educational psychologist who works primarily with school-aged children and young adults), and although California has nice weather (Ventura County), the relationships here are "a mile wide and an inch thick!"

So, I'm looking for a new home and Aruba meets all of my criteria. I grew up in south Florida (Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale area) and have had enough of extreme humidity. That is why Aruba has made it to the top of my list of places to explore.

However, I am single and I feel a need to connect with "community" before making any final decisions. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[Streamwader]

Thanks for the reply Andrea. I assure you I do not expect "no humidity"; just a step up from "extreme" humidity. :-)

What would be the best way to connect with expats when I am there? There is nothing like speaking with folks who have been there for awhile.

[Andrea J.]

I would wait a bit to see if any reply here on this forum.
Do Canadians count?
What about folks that own condos/homes but are snowbirds for 6 months or less per year?

Thanks for the reply Andrea. I assure you I do not expect "no humidity"; just a step up from "extreme" humidity. :-)

What would be the best way to connect with expats when I am there? There is nothing like speaking with folks who have been there for awhile.

[cpjones]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your visit. Where are you staying? I'm confident that some expats will reach out to you. Good luck!

[Streamwader]

Thanks for the warm welcome, cpjones. I will be staying at the Swiss Paradise Aruba.

Is there an area of Aruba that has more expats?

[cpjones]

Thanks for the warm welcome, cpjones. I will be staying at the Swiss Paradise Aruba.

Is there an area of Aruba that has more expats?

I cannot answer that.... but I'm confident someone will.

[WaltVB]

Welcome to the posting side. Good luck in your search.

[SueGardner]

My husband and I lived in Aruba for 18 months, having completed the residency background checks/paperwork/interviews etc., (a long process - we went through an agency and made it easier for us), which has to be renewed annually. Whilst we loved our time there having recently sold a business and retired, if you encounter any medical issues you are not in the best place. We had to return to the States for this reason and we had run a business for 30 years with zero health issues! We too are from California (San Diego county) and are back here now - perfect climate in our opinion. We still take trips to Aruba which we still love (what's not to love about this safe island?). Feel free to ask any questions and I will be happy to answer if I can. Enjoy your stay - it is a wonderful island.

[robin]

We own a condo at Oceania and are there for 3 months at a time.