I visited Aruba last week—a small island with big beauty, warm people, and an even warmer sense of community. And while the beaches, sunsets, and Dutch-Caribbean charm are all unforgettable, what stood out to me the most… was the way families live.
In the U.S., we often think of real estate in terms of independence—one house, one lot, one family. But in Aruba, real estate is about connection, continuity, and care. It’s common for multiple homes to be built on the same property—parents, grandparents, grown children, and even close cousins all living just steps away from each other.
One Lot, Many Lives Intertwined
While touring neighborhoods and speaking with locals and real estate professionals, I learned that these multi-dwelling setups aren’t just practical—they’re cultural. Families build homes next to each other to:
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Help raise children together
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Look after aging parents or grandparents
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Share resources and responsibilities
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Strengthen generational ties
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Create a lasting sense of place and belonging
I saw lots with three or four homes tucked into lush courtyards—grandma’s front porch just a few steps from the kids’ trampoline, cousins playing together after school, and dinner tables that spanned generations.
The Hidden Value: Human Wealth
In the U.S., we’re often so focused on square footage, ROI, and resale value that we forget real estate is about how we live. Aruba reminded me that sometimes the greatest luxury isn’t a home theater or a four-car garage—it’s family next door, built-in support systems, and a lifestyle where no one is left behind.
Honestly, I wish more of the U.S. embraced this model.
Can you imagine what life would feel like if we raised kids with grandparents nearby or helped aging parents without having to drive across town? If instead of isolating into neighborhoods of strangers, we clustered around those we love?
A Legacy That Can’t Be Appraised
In Aruba, land is legacy. Homes are built with purpose and passed down with pride. And while their real estate market includes high-end vacation villas and investment properties, at its heart, it’s about people. That’s a lesson I won’t forget.
Thinking about owning a slice of paradise—or just rethinking what home means for your own future?
Let’s talk about your next move—whether it’s local or international.
Wyatt Poindexter
The Agency Oklahoma
405-417-5466
www.WyattPoindexter.com
