Ever since settling in the Toledo district of the country in 2005, Chris and his wife Sue have been surrounded by a tropical wonderland of flowers, trees and animals. Life is simpler in Belize. Unobtrusive government, healthy food, a friendly, laid-back population, and a cheap standard of living make life easier all-around, says Chris.
Walk down any street or narrow village lane in tiny Belize (only about the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island) and you’ll hear any one of a half dozen or more languages—pretty remarkable in a country that’s less-populated than many U.S. cities (320,000 inhabitants).
On this, my second trip to Belize, in 1980, I’d come to dive the world’s second largest barrier reef, just offshore the small towns of Seine Bight and Placencia in southern Belize. Flying by tiny sea plane was the easiest and fastest way to get here…as the dirt road from Belize City was perilously rutted and would take an entire day (if you were lucky and popped only one tire).
Whatever you’re looking for in a tropical paradise: diving…real estate…connecting with top attorneys…Caribbean beaches…the retiree program that sweetens the deal for anyone over 45-years-old…rich mountain pastures…offshore wealth protection strategies…and much, much more…this video has it all.
Belize has a lot going for it. For a tiny country, it packs a big wallop when it comes to charm and scenery. For the would-be expat—especially if you’re looking for real value—there are many places deserving of your attention. Places where you can live the laid-back, Caribbean lifestyle of your dreams.
Of course, cost of living alone does not make a well-rounded retirement. In fact, affordable beach is only a small part of the real Belize story. It’s easy to fit in…everyone speaks English…they don’t levy taxes…and consistently defend their asset protection laws in international courts.
Times were good until the economy began its downturn, crashing the real estate market. We were concerned that our retirement savings wouldn’t see us through, so we began looking overseas for a place where our ever-shrinking nest egg might last longer.
In Belize, more than 40% of the country is protected as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves. But this lush ecological paradise is not just a haven for wildlife. Belize encourages offshore business and welcomes foreigners as local residents, too. In fact, if you’re looking into your residency options, Belize should be high on your list.
People are like shoes. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. And one size never fits all. The more research I do about living, working, retiring, and doing business overseas…the more apparent it becomes that this is not a “one size fits all” idea. Everyone has different dreams, perceptions, and lifestyle requirements.
In 2004—the day after returning from a sailing adventure in Placencia, Belize—Lucky made a routine trip to the doctor’s office. “His blood pressure was normal. The doctor was shocked,” says Erin. Belize was the reason. That helped focus the couple on a permanent move. They sat down and made out a five-year plan, developed a strict budget, and began downsizing.
Grab your bathing suit and flip flops (that’s all you’ll need) and head for Belize—the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Expats here report that the monthly cost of living in Belize, on average, is about $1,800 (about $60/day). In Belize you don’t need much…
Fresh air makes you hungry, of course. Just an hour south of Belmopan we stop for lunch. Beneath a giant open-air palapa we’re served more food than we can possibly eat…grilled shrimp and heaping mounds of the coconut rice and beans Belize is famous for. All this for $5 each—and washed down with deliciously cold Belikin beer.
“I was a California business owner and completely stressed out by all the laws, regulations, and the failing economy. Plus, I had a dream of living in a different country that was culturally stimulating. Overall, I just didn’t feel in control of my destiny in the States, and I felt there must be a better way.” There was a better way, and Sharon found it in Belize.
Belize is the Caribbean’s last secret. The country should be heaving with North American tourists and residents. But the rich and famous seem to have the place mostly to themselves. When you realize how low the prices are here, you can see that almost anyone can afford a Caribbean beach house.
Ambergris Caye is by far the biggest tourist draw in Belize, with white sandy beaches, clear Caribbean waters, and a magnificent living reef just offshore that makes the island a fishing, snorkeling, and diving paradise.
Yvette Dalton was already looking for a new direction in life when a visit to her aunt in Belize set her on a new course. She liked Belize so much that she took a second vacation there later that year. “I met many new friends, experienced much of the country and decided this was where I should spend some of my lifetime.” Now she lives part-time in the Cayo district of Belize.
International Living editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins have just returned from a two-week, in-depth exploration of Belize. They covered every inch of this English-speaking Caribbean playground, from the mountains to the mainland to the islands. From popular cayes to beautiful, low-cost alternatives. In fact, they’ve been coming to Belize for almost 20 years.
The graceful beauty of stingrays, multi-colored tropical fish, swaying sea grass, dawdling giant sea turtles…and yes, even the sand-papery skin of nurse sharks…are all part of the dive experience of Belize.
In this video, you’ll see the beautiful views from up in the hills in the Cayo district. Dan and Suzan are about to go and look at a property there and the video shows the view you’d have if you lived there.
I hesitate to reveal how wonderful the little village of Placencia in southern Belize really is. If the secret gets out, then that may spoil what makes it so unique—its small town atmosphere.
Stunningly beautiful, cheap and English-speaking…it’s no wonder Belize is drawing Americans in ever increasing numbers.
Being raised in Mexico City and writing extensively about the Caribbean, and Belize in particular, has given Don a unique insight into the benefits of living abroad.
“I suppose you’re going to tell everyone about our little beach town?” It was said with a smile by the woman from Texas who had lived here for 10 years. But it sounded slightly more like an accusation than a question.
When the pirates of the Caribbean were done stealing Spanish gold in the 17th century, they founded Belize.
First of all, I should disclose my bias. I love Caye Caulker, my home since May 2010. However, I also love visiting San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
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