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TCKman
Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Location: Ohio, USA
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 Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 5:01 pm Post subject: recommended areas to live? |
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| My wife and I (both 50-ish) are going to Chiang Mai in July to begin teaching at an international school. We'll work out toward the airport, but haven't decided where we want to live. We welcome any comments on pros and cons of living in different areas - in the city, on the outskirts, etc. - as far as relative costs, safety, character of neighborhoods, convenience of transport and services. We don't want to be isolated in an expat enclave, but to meet a good mix of people - international and Thai. We are not party-ers, but very interested in arts and culture. We assume we'll buy a vehicle and will seek moderately priced housing. Your input is appreciated. |
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isanity
Joined: 05 Nov 2004
Posts: 179
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| Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2006 9:30 pm Post subject: |
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If you're thinking of buying, then around the university is said to be the up and coming area. It's quite a nice area to be in anyway, with lots of restaurants catering to the students and teachers, including foreigners.
Watch out for flooding. It can happen anywhere, but some places are worse than others. I'd check with someone neutral about any particular place you're thinking of.
CM's small enough that if you have a car, nowhere is particularly far, so I wouldn't worry about that, but the more central places are inevitably the most interesting areas to live in. |
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TCKman
Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Location: Ohio, USA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2006 1:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for your response. Good points to keep in mind. I hadn't thought to ask about flooding! |
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wix
Joined: 21 Apr 2003
Posts: 250
Location: Earth
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| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 3:30 am Post subject: |
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| Rent is usually very cheap in Thailand. I wouldn't rush into buying a house. I suggest renting for at least a year to get a better idea of where a good place in the city to live is and the ins and outs of the property market. |
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tirelesstravelerasia
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
Posts: 50
Location: Dalian, China
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| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 6:56 am Post subject: |
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| wix wrote: |
| Rent is usually very cheap in Thailand. I wouldn't rush into buying a house. I suggest renting for at least a year to get a better idea of where a good place in the city to live is and the ins and outs of the property market. |
Wix is right - while purchase prices have risen steeply in the past 3 to 5 years -- maybe more in Bangkok than in Chiang Mai -- rents have remained at virtually the same level as just after the 97 currency debacle; rent for a bit before you decide.
I personally prefer to live near work -- since I'm there 5 or 6 days a week. Most neighbourhoods have lots of restaurants and shopping, and it's easier to make any 'long hauls' the few times a month you want more civilization. |
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tedkarma
Joined: 17 May 2004
Posts: 1598
Location: The World is my Oyster
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| Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:43 am Post subject: |
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Chiang Mai has some areas where Japanese people have invested heavily. While prices might be elevated - the long term potential of those areas will be very stable. An important consideration.
However, remember that you CAN'T own the land your house is on. There are some legal shenanigans to do so - but you could end up forfeiting - should there be a strong shift in gov't tolerance for such evasive maneuvers. |
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TCKman
Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Location: Ohio, USA
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| Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for all those comments. Any areas you would want to avoid for certain reasons? |
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