18.04.2008
Altiplano
Altiplano overlooks
Cabo Branco, Miramar, Tambauzinho, Castelo Branco and part of Expiditionarios but it isn’t the
highest bairro in the area. That honour goes to Tambauzinho. It is, however,
neighbour to one of the largest reserves of Altlantic forest remaining in the
north east namely the Jardim Botanico B.Maranhao or Mate do Buraquinho. The
forest covers an area of 515 hectares and is open to the public.
Buying one of the few high rise apartments here gives
you panoramic views of the sea, sunrise and sunset and the city of Joao Pessoa.
At the moment there are not many high rise blocks though several are being
built, mainly on land overlooking Cabo Branco and the sea. Housing still
dominates and new build continues at a frenetic pace. A new three bedroom (all
en-suite) detached house can be had for R$170k and less if paying cash ( now on the market at R$155k so cash could bring the price down even further).
There are several builders who will build anything,
within reason and contract, for R$250k including land. We spoke to one who
offered us the same deal in Tambauzinho and Mirimar. Properties overlooking the
forest were available for R$220k , R$300k,R$450k, R$550K and R$750k with a
reduction for cash. Apartments run at anything from R$550k mid block to R$1,2
million for a cobertura (top floor).
Several streets have mini markets, bars and padarias
(bakeries) but it isn’t close to the sea like Cabo Branco and the nearest
supermarket is Pao de Açucar in Miramar. There is also flea market on the central praça as you enter Altiplano. The bairro is served by a bus route but there
are no established taxi ranks. Several areas have only earth roads and that
includes those roads serving the higher end properties. A car would be
essential for a family wanting to live here. None of the main private schools
are in Altiplano nor are there any restaurants etc. It is , however, quiet and
takes advantage of the famous breeze. Land is available but it is being bought
up and people are building there. As of May 2008 a 15 x 30 plot was going for R$150,000 but that is dependant on location within the bairro.