Home / Areas
Where to buy in Aruba
Eight areas, honestly described — what each one is actually like to live in, who buys there, and what it costs.
Choosing an area
The northwest coast — Noord, Palm Beach, Malmok, Tierra del Sol — holds most of the international market. The south and the capital are quieter, more Aruban, and noticeably better value.
Aruba is small enough to drive end to end in under an hour, which makes area choice feel low-stakes. It is not. The difference between Malmok and San Nicolas is the difference between two entirely different lives, at two entirely different prices.
| Noord | The broad residential district behind the hotel strip — and where most people who move to Aruba actually end up living. 2 in this collection. |
|---|---|
| Palm Beach | The high-rise strip — condos, restaurants and the busiest stretch of sand on the island. 1 in this collection. |
| Malmok | Low-density villa territory on the northwest tip, beside the calmest water on the island. 2 in this collection. |
| Tierra del Sol | The gated golf community on the northwest tip — planned, consistent, and priced for it. 2 in this collection. |
| Oranjestad | The capital — Dutch colonial facades, the cruise port, and the most urban living on the island. |
| Savaneta | Aruba's oldest settlement — a quiet fishing village on the south coast, and the island's best value. |
| Eagle Beach | Low-rise, wide sand, and the fofoti trees — consistently rated among the best beaches anywhere. |
| San Nicolas | The second city — the old refinery town, now Aruba's street-art capital, with Baby Beach nearby. |
What buying involves, wherever you choose
Foreigners buy in Aruba without restriction. Budget 4–7% above the price: transfer tax of 3% on the first AWG 250,000 and 6% above it, plus notary fees of about 1–2%. Allow six to eight weeks from signed agreement to transfer of title.
Not sure which area?
Tell Nicolás how you want to live — walk to dinner, or wake up to nothing. He will tell you which part of the island that actually is.
Ask which area suits youSee prices by area