A street and sidewalk improvement plan has been approved, as has a program to provide additional security to this area, a long-time favorite of both locals and tourists.

Palermo: This is a trendy neighborhood...and a tranquil and safe one...and hence prices are relatively higher than in other areas of the city. Current prices in Palermo range between $120 and $180 per square foot, with the higher values for new construction or premium location and the lower values for older properties.

Recoleta: Recoleta is one of the most desirable areas in Buenos Aires. In the northern part of the city, it is home to a fashionable residential area, elegant restaurants, deluxe hotels, fine museums, some of the city is finest shops, and The Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of the beloved (depending on your point of view) Eva Perón. Current apartment prices in Recoleta range between $160 and $190 per square foot. A local realtor says that brand-new apartments in Recoleta have not appreciated in price yet, although everyone expects that this year (2005) will see an approximate price increase of 15%. It is expected that older properties will maintain current values but would not see a lot of appreciation. If you were to compare Buenos Aires to New York City, you would say that its Recoleta and Palermo neighborhoods are akin to Fifth Avenue and the Upper West Side...and San Telmo is its Greenwich Village.

Some say this spectacular, unspoiled wilderness is like the Grand Tetons and Yosemite rolled into one. Beginning in central Argentina and stretching to the Strait of Magellan, the vast region of Patagonia represents almost 30% of the nation territory. Just two of its national parks add up to over 2.5 million acres of nature preserves. A haven for naturalists, Patagonia is filled with unusual flora, unique animals, astonishing sunrises and sunsets, and a night sky dripping with stars.

In the Patagonia Lake District, prices for lakefront property range from about $1 to $12 dollars per square foot for lots ranging in size from 20,000 square feet to 30 or more acres. The low prices apply to a few large sections and the higher prices to regular sized, residential lakefront lots or locations with the best views.

Rarely will you find great houses on these properties. And if you do, their value, if any, is not factored into the sales price, which is based on the land value. Building costs for very good to high-end stone and solid wood alpine style houses are between $35 and $60 per square foot and they last a lifetime or two. And remember,fishing, skiing, biking, boating, surfing, rafting, horseriding, and all other outdoor activities start wherever you leave your home in Northern Patagonia.

Breathtaking Iguazú Falls

Probably South America is the  most breathtaking site, Iguazú Falls boasts more than 275 separate cascades that create a deafening roar and mist the surrounding lush subtropical forests. The world largest and most beautiful falls span a distance of two miles and plummet more than 200 feet, pounding the rocks below in a tempest of intensity. Higher than Victoria Falls and wider than Niagara Falls, these spectacular waterfalls are best seen April to October; there are fewer people then and less humidity. 

This lovely country looks like Europe, yet feels like Latin America. Plus it is home to the world-class city of Buenos Aires, a thriving, cosmopolitan metropolis that is at the forefront of an unprecedented political, cultural, and economic renaissance.

You will find all the same amenities you will find in Paris, New York, or London, theaters, outdoor cafés, shaded parks, art exhibits, trendy new restaurants, live music, and much, much more.

The economic crisis is not over, but the worst of it appears to be. The politics are a mess, but getting better. The economy has been decimated, but a recovery is underway.

It means that, until there are sure signs of Argentina economic recovery, there are still opportunities in this country for savvy investors. And, if you are thinking of relocating here, either full or part-time now is the time to grab your foothold.