5 Years in Ecuador and We Might Be Moving (Kind Of)

Family and Property

Blake and Brittany have lived in southern Ecuador for five years with their four children. They are considering renting a home in town for a few years—not leaving Ecuador or selling the rural property they love, but exploring whether town life might suit their family better as the children grow older.

Their mountain property in Loja Province has five acres, fruit trees, banana plants, coffee, space for animals, and a home they built for their family. The children can walk to school, but getting to activities and friends in town—and especially walking back uphill—can be difficult.

Why They’re Considering a Move

• Their children are now teenagers and have more school projects, activities, and social plans.
• Living in town could make it easier for the children to walk to activities, see friends, and gradually gain independence.
• Blake spends many afternoons driving the children around, so even a one-hour activity can take much longer.
• Taxi trips up the mountain are more expensive. During a month without their car, the family spent hundreds of dollars on taxis.
• The family would like easier everyday access to their town’s community and events.

Reasons They May Stay

• They love their house, land, views, neighbors, and mountain lifestyle.
• Moving could mean managing two homes, as well as the expense and effort of renting and relocating.
• Town life could bring more noise, visitors, and social demands, with less control over when the children are available to play.
• Suitable rentals are scarce, and the few possibilities they know about may not fit the family or their budget.
• They expect they might eventually return to their rural home full-time.

Practical Takeaway

When choosing where to live with children, consider how their needs may change over time—not only which property and lifestyle suit the family now. Rural living can be rewarding, but it’s worth accounting for transportation, activity schedules, taxi costs, and how easily children can reach friends and community life.

Blake and Brittany say they don’t regret buying their property, even as they reconsider what works best for this stage of life.

Notable Locations and Speakers

• Location: Loja Province in southern Ecuador; the family’s mountain property and nearby town
• Speakers: Blake and Brittany of Average Family Abroad
• Products or health routines: None discussed