The Best Places to Live in South America range from promising emerging markets to countries that are going through presidential coups.  Every year publications from around the world list their top places to live and retire for the upcoming year.

Most of these expert reports are written by authors that have never visited most of the locations listed.

By calculating numbers and looking at other reports it is automatically decided where the best places to live in the world are.  Taking surveys of locals of how happy they are is faulty as well.  How many of those locals have actually step foot outside of their own homes?

Living in South America for a span of 10 years periodically throughout my life I have had the pleasure of living in every viable country on the continent.

At times living in countries that arent as stable which is one of the reasons this post is being written.

South America is now emerging as a unique place to visit, an incredible place to invest, and an exceptional place to live.  Many entrepreneurs have started looking for the best countries to invest in South America as well ( investment tracking software  c omes in handy for this) .  From the world renowned beaches of Brazil to the newly emerged city of eternal spring, South America holds splendors that are left to be explored.

Here are the best places to live in South America:

Hindu Temple in Paramaribo, Suriname

#5 Suriname:

The small country nestled in northeastern South America will impress you as much as any other country.  The diversity of religions and people is so vast one would have though it impossible in a place like Suriname. The most pleasant surprise is how well everyone respects the beliefs and feelings of the many different segments of the population.

Skip what the experts are saying and think about Suriname. The best infrastructure in the region (in the northeast not South America) and a government that hasnt had any major difficulties since the Dutch left in 1975.

Suriname impressed me thoroughly and was my favorite of all three countries in the Guianas.

Being such a small country there are limited opportunities.  For those that are looking for excitement Suriname may be not be the best option.  More than 80% of the country is Amazon rainforest and the heat and humidity is enough to make a beach sweat.  There is also limited connectivity to its neighbors and it possesses a currency that is not readily convertible.

Colonial Architecture in Lima

Living in Peru is the best bet for those that are budget conscious.  Even the capital city, Lima, is extremely affordable compared to other countries such as Chile and Brazil.

With the right mix of progress and conservation, Peru is now turning over a new leaf in its effort to join some its more prosperous neighbors.  The country has become more politically stable and it has rebuilt its reputation that was once marred by civil war and terrorism.

The country has an abundance of culture and the people are some of the nicest that one will find on the continent.

Great transportation networks are being built and Lima is a global airline hub thanks to LAN Airlines and the much visited iconic Machu Picchu.

While continuing my search for viable locations for day trading centers in South America, Peru is very high on my list of possibilities.

Moai Statues At Easter Island

Living in Chile for over 3 months allowed me to get acquainted to the model of prosperity in South America.  The only First World nation on the continent, Chile is an incredibly interesting country that has nothing  but open arms for foreigners.

It is one of the most expensive places to live in South America but one would be surprised at the low cost of housing.

A brand new 3 bedroom condo commanded only $800 a month for rent. An apartment that was centrally located overlooking the beautiful growing capital city of Santiago.

I did forget to mention the snow capped Andes mountains didnt I.

The country boasts a myriad of options of where to live; from the growing city skyline of Santiago, the adventure rich mountains, the unique coastline, all the way to the majestic south that gives Chile the moniker The Switzerland of the South.

Foreigners are flocking to live in Chile for not only opportunity but stability in a world which is becoming increasingly unstable.

Copacabana Beach in Rio De Janeiro

I couldnt say enough about living in Brazil. Day trading in Brazil from penthouses to lofts in the center of the city, there is something quite distinctive about Rio De Janeiro.

It is the only city that has it all; beaches, mountains, lakes, diversity, and opportunity. The World Cup and the Olympics have launched a massive flow of investment into the country which will only improve the viability and attractiveness for foreigners.

Brazil also is large enough to offer anyone exactly what they are looking for. Much like Rio De Janeiro, everyone from a family to a single man could find a place to call home in Brazil.

With investment rising and the countrys profile increasing around the world, prices unfortunately have increased substantially throughout the country.

The only challenges to Brazil is the language barrier and the cost.  Portuguese, while difficult, can be learned and there are ways to economize in the country. There are no cheaper options than Peru however.

Contrary to popular belief, living in Brazil will not be a safety concern. The government has focused on cleaning up bad neighborhoods and increasing security throughout the country. In the past police in Rio De Janeiro wouldnt enter many favelas (ghettos) but now are heavily armed to ensure trouble does not persist.

Bear in mind that Sao Paolo still bears safety concerns, use caution when visiting & living in the massive metropolis.

A Panoramic View of Medellin

#1 Colombia:

Now that Colombia has minimized terrorism and persistent drug problems, the positive aspects of the country far outweigh the disadvantages.  The new government has a strong focus on growth and progress has welcomed foreigners.

One of the best cities to live in South America, Medellin. has an incredible amount of civic pride and will leave you astounded by clean streets and nothing but gracious people.

Medellin is still haunted by its dangerous past but as a person that has lived in Medellin in for well over 6 months and plans to return, it is a very unique place to live.  Cost of living is still relatively low and there is perfect weather year round.

Tentative plans have been placed to open a day trading center in Medellin, Colombia as part of The Day Trading Academy.

There is a reason Medellin is called the City of Eternal Spring.

The city also is known as the city of flowers which attests to its beauty.  If an investor buys real estate worth over $200,000 they are granted automatic residency.  Also, if any investment is made over $100,000 the same rule applies.

Colombias economy is rapidly expanding with a focus on exports similar to Chile.  This alone can provide the country with an endless amount of opportunities for retirees and young persons as well.

There arent overlying dangers in Colombia but as with any Latin American country it is always best to remain cautious.  Dont enter into any suspicious behavior and there will be no issues in the country.  This rule applies to any city around the world.

Stay away from the coast as the culture is significantly different than that of interior cities.  The Pacific coast including the region outside of Cali should also be taken with caution.

Bogota is the only large cosmopolitan city in the country approaching 10 million residents (estimated).  If one plans to live in Bogota take cautionary measures that would be taken in any large city.