Gascuez
I've lived here 6 months and I love it. $12K pesos/mo, 1bdrm, furnished. I'm 2 blocks away from the Jaragua Casino and 1 block from the Malecon. There is a 24 hour resturant behind the Jaragua called Manolo's, decent food. I can also walk three blocks to everything else one could need; supermarket, bank, tele & elec co, etc. The colonial zone/El Conde is about 1 mile away. All of the malls and other areas that people like, Bella Vista, Arroyo Hondo, are 5-10 minutes away by car. The main reason I am really happy here on Independencia is becuase the lights never go out. There is a 24 plant here in my building, but it has only turned on around 5 times THIS YEAR. Compared to my other friends who live in the other upper end areas, this is a miracle. Even here in Gascuez there are daily blackouts, but never on this street. I suppose the reason is the 3 high-end hotels here, but I really don't care why. Also, I walk those 2 blocks to Jaragua every night, sometimes very late, and never had or seen a problem. The other areas offer nicer housing, but apartments here are great. Also, if you really feel like spending, there are some new buildings on the Malecon west of Jaragua that are incredible.