From Ocala, Florida to Loja, Ecuador: Finding Tranquility and Safety in a New Home
In March of 2024, my wife Randy and I made a life-changing decision. After years of living in Ocala, Florida, I retired, and we moved to Loja, Ecuador. Our journey to find the perfect place to spend our retirement was not without its challenges, especially regarding concerns about safety. However, Loja offered us a beautiful, tranquil, and relatively safe environment compared to both our experiences in Florida and other parts of Ecuador.
Before settling in Loja, we took an exploratory trip to the coastal cities of Ecuador, visiting San Clemente, San Jacinto, Bahía, Manta, Santa Christi, and Salinas. Everywhere we went, security and safety were prominent concerns. Despite the allure of the beaches and coastal lifestyle, the constant need to be vigilant overshadowed the beauty of these places. The turning point came in January 2024, during a trip back to Bahía. At the time, narco-terrorists had taken over a TV station in Guayaquil, highlighting the growing instability in the country. The increasing violence and security threats prompted us to cut our visit short and look for a safer place to settle.
Our research led us to Loja, which is reputed to be one of the safest cities in Ecuador. Upon our arrival, we were immediately struck by the difference. The sense of tranquility and the absence of the pervasive safety concerns we felt on the coast were palpable. Loja’s crime index is significantly lower than many other parts of Ecuador, making it a haven for those seeking peace of mind. As of 2024, Loja’s crime index stands at 31.56, with a safety index of 68.44, indicating a relatively low level of crime compared to other Ecuadorian cities and even many U.S. cities: Numbeo, Travel Safe – Abroad.
The move to Loja was not just about finding safety but also about embracing a new lifestyle. Loja offers a beautiful climate, nestled in the southern highlands of Ecuador. The weather is mild year-round, which is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city. We found that Loja, with its scenic beauty and welcoming community, provided a stark contrast to the hustle and sometimes chaotic life in Ocala.
While we are fully aware that Ecuador as a whole has its safety challenges, particularly with rising gang violence and drug trafficking, Loja stands out as an exception. In the first half of 2024, Ecuador recorded approximately 3,568 violent deaths, resulting in a homicide rate of about 45 per 100,000 inhabitants: Human Rights Watch. This is a significant contrast to the declining murder rates in the U.S., which had about 6.3 per 100,000 people in recent years: Pew Research Center, The Trace, USAFacts. Despite these national statistics, Loja has managed to maintain a sense of security and calm, making it an ideal place for us to retire.
In Loja, we feel that we have found a place that offers not only safety but also a high quality of life. The cost of living is affordable, allowing us to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain we might face in other parts of the world. From the affordable housing and fresh local produce to the rich cultural activities and friendly locals, Loja has everything we need for a fulfilling retirement.
Reflecting on our journey from Ocala to Loja, it is clear that this decision has brought us the peace and safety we were seeking. While Ecuador has its challenges, Loja offers a unique blend of tranquility, beauty, and relative safety that has made our retirement both enjoyable and secure. We are grateful to have found this hidden gem in the heart of Ecuador, where we can live our retirement years to the fullest.
