---
title: "Which non-US cities do you think are as yet unrecognized "gems in the…"
date: 2017-09-30
source: facebook
type: Archer T. Ships updated his status.
---

# Which non-US cities do you think are as yet unrecognized "gems in the…

*September 30, 2017 · Facebook*

::: {}
Which non-US cities do you think are as yet unrecognized \"gems in the rough\"? Maybe they\'ve been in the midst of a civil war that is now over. Maybe they\'re in a \"third world\" country that is rapidly developing. Maybe they\'re in a former Eastern Bloc country.\
\
Some that come to mind for me include:\
\
Medellin, Colombia\
Tallin, Estonia\
Gurgaon, India\
Manta, Ecuador\
\
You\'re thoughts? What is it that you like about the city?\
\
For example, the reasons I like Manta, Ecuador include:\
\
\* Ecuador has the most liberal visa and immigration policy of any country in the world. The citizens of most countries can get a 90 day visa on arrival.\
\* It\'s equatorial, with a mild climate year round (76 - 90 degrees year round).\
\* Low hurricane risk.\
\* Active night life with several large hotel chains.\
\* Second largest port in Ecuador, capable of handling large cruise ships.\
\* A small international airport nearby that can handle 747\'s.\
\* Widely varying terrain, from mountain to the Galapagos islands nearby.\
\* Population: 200+ K; large enough to support most modern amenities (hospitals, movie theaters, grocery stores), yet not so large to be oppressive.\
\* Great beaches, fishing, and windsurfing.\
\* Inexpensive real estate.\
\* Low cost of living.\
\* Nearby shipbuilding industry\
\* Socially liberal (at least on paper). Prostitution is legal, and psychedelic drug use is tolerated.\
\* Central time zone, so not out of sync with US businesses\
\
Downsides:\
\
\* Petty crime\
\* Polluted tap water\
\* Industrial pollution\
\* Remote\
\* Socialist / kleptocratic government\
\* Poor - average income is about \$5700/year
:::