Recife - Post Report Question and Answers
What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Beach front apartments are the norm. There are some other nice areas to live, but for those who have kids in the American School or CIEC (more on both of these later), the commute balance makes the most sense from Boa Viagem. - Aug 2020
Consulate housing is all apartments, along Boa Viagem beach. Apartments are generally spacious, but bedrooms are small, and kitchens generally have little counter space, so just not always the best use of space. Most of us, but not all, have beach views. From the north end of the beach, the commute is 15-30 minutes most days. Many people live on the south end, and their commute is a bit longer. Traffic can be a problem, and if you leave the office at the wrong time, be prepared to sit for a while trying to get home. Consulate hours are different than the rest of the mission to let employees out ahead of the worst traffic. - Jun 2014
Mostly high-rise apartments. The US Government mostly leases 4-5 bedroom apartments in southern Boa Viagem right across from the beach. The apartments have terraces with ocean view, a small gym, a children's playground, and a pool. There are a few apartments in Pina as well. The Boa Viagem commute is 15-20 minutes in the morning and 30-60 in the afternoon. From Pina it's 10 minutes in the morning and 15-20 in the afternoon. - Jan 2011
