After my first trip to the Virgin Islands, my mind kept leading me back to the idea of investing in a property on the Caribbean Sea. So what exactly makes this island so special? Roatan is a stunning island paradise located off the coast of Honduras. Living in Roatan PROS Living in Roatan CONS It seemed too good to be true. Or head to the highlands. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. The beers are $2. A monthly insurance plan could cost you $100 a month. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. With temperatures ranging from about 75 F in the winter months and climbing into the low 90s F in the heat of the summer, your need for clothing is minimal. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. You will feel like you are in the Venice of the Caribbean as you wind through the picturesque waterways connecting several communities along the south shore. All that you need to sign yourself up as a resident of Honduras is to get yourself an attorney to help you submit all relevant paperwork to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you. Snowfall can be quite heavy, and raging snowstorms are common as well. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. Pros Roatn Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the best in the world. Colorado job market and economy: 3. However, there are plenty of local bars where you can have a drink and dance the night away. I was chatting with a friend at BJs Backyard, a small restaurant/ bar on the water. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. They share 32 square miles of white-sand beaches, undeveloped natural areas, funky tourist-oriented beach towns, traditional fishing villages, bustling market towns, and more. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. People looking for more comprehensive health services wont be disappointed. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25. Opportunities The United States of America will not be known as the land of opportunity for nothing. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 2. I returned to Thailand last July and after living here for 6 m. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. But the overall scene is still attractive, with the glorious reef waves within view. Although the West End runs along the sea its beach cant compare to that of the West Bay. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. I'd recommend one of the Cayes in Belize over Roatan, where an upsurge in crime and some unrest have been nagging problems since the summer. Still, it gets a fraction of the visitors that you would see in other Caribbean destinations and much of the development is small-scale and manageable. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Above all, there is a great sense of community here. An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. 5. Youre in luck as Roatan has quite the bustling expat community. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. Homes on the water, built to North American standards, can be had from $200,000. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. Local restaurants offer affordable meals for as low as $6 per plate. Pros And Cons of Living in Colorado: Perks of Living in Colorado 1. Just for the winter, we thought. Those looking to live the island life have found solace in the beach towns of Roatan. Foreigners are walking targets for locals to try to somehow get money from. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Just off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is a thin stretch of land that measures only 40 miles long and a mere 3 miles wide. But before you make the move, its important to explore the pros and cons of island life so you can make an informed decision. When you fly in youll see volunteers, mostly retirees, helping confused tourists get through the customs and immigration area of the airport. Soar like an eagle from the top of the mountain range down to the sea. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. It's also easy to reach other places from Roatan like Belize and Cuba, a huge plus! Since the water is crystal clear and the worlds second-largest reef is just off the coast, there are plenty of beautiful things to see. Qualified guides ensure your safety as you zip from one platform to another. There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. Its recommended that you speak to your hotel or property manager to find the best rentals on the island. Roatan is also home to some of the worlds most stunning beaches. So, dont expect to get a bargain at the supermarket. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. Alongside overpopulation and increased car ownership, there are many cars on the road, poor road infrastructure and undeveloped public transport. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This can make communicating with locals more challenging. If you feel ready to embrace the Caribbean lifestyle, dont hesitate and book your travel before its too late! Get a quote from a few healthcare providers to see which package best fits your needs. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. Or, you can embrace the Caribbean Sea and float in on that crisp blue water. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. Air Canada and Cayman Airlines also regularly serve Juan Manuel Galvez International. Will be staying in the parrot tree plantation area and checking on taxis from there to different parts of the island from there. Animal rescue is another opportunity, as is working in a health clinic that provides low-cost care for those in need. Pro: It's a natural paradise From forested slopes to desert peaks, if you're living in the mountains, you're living in a place of idyllic beauty. Flights are also increasing day by day with the highest volume of flights arriving in between the months of November and April. They depended on the ocean breezes. $722 / month. For example, Lisbon averages ten hours of sunlight during wintertime, which is an absolute blast compared to the Northern European nations. In communities like West End and West Bay, beach bars line the water, offering tasty cocktails and cold beers with views of the Caribbean. And eventually, lack of safety can create greater issues. Beautiful beaches: Honduras has some of the best beaches in the world, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. Despite its size, it is home to a plethora of natural beauty and boasts the worlds second-largest barrier reef. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. Many expats will tell you its just as pricey as back in Canada or the States. West Bay/West End West Bay and West End are the main tourist areas in Roatan. Once on Roatan, you can immediately feel the island vibe soothing your soul as the fresh, salt air cleanses away the stress of the mainland life you left behind. You are guaranteed to get a better deal if you sign a long-term contract of three months or more. It was a smooth process. Renting or buying a home in such a beautiful location in Roatn is a fraction of what you pay in North America or other Caribbean islands. We used Alex Poirier, a buyers agent, and Cristiana Carbajal as our lawyer. While you will be able to get internet at home, you shouldnt expect it to be the fastest connection in the world. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? We visited 3-4 years ago OMG West Bay!!! Some had come to be certified to scuba dive and never left. With deep water beyond the reef so close to shore, you need not travel far to fish for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, white marlin, sailfish, and barracuda. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. While Roatans real estate market has a shady past, the market today has vastly improved. Come for the islands undeniable beauty and stay for the comfortable, idyllic lifestyle. In fact, I met some folks whose normal attire is a swimsuit every day. A full time vet - in addition to the traveling vets which come every couple of months there's a vet full-time on the island. Answer 1 of 12: Visiting in March and wondering what the pros and cons of renting a car. Most expats will tell you that island time takes some getting used to. In communities like Sandy Bay on the northern shore, which is mostly residential, as well as those further east you can still find beachfront lots and homes, some with their own dock for your boat. Living In Roatan is great! Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. But you can rent a house on a hill, with an exceptional view, for $1,000 a month for a long-term rental. Usually, these classes provide a four-hour session under the close, direct supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructor. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. Quality healthcare. In the event that youre coming from another part of Honduras or Latin America and are looking to transport more significant items like a car, a ferry might be your best bet. Even if you live alone, expect to pay a lot to keep your lights on, and centralized air conditioning may also drive your electric bill up, which is why plenty of islanders only use fans or the sea breeze to keep their homes cool. Youre much better off shelling out a little extra from the get-go. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The retirees and other expats who have made it their home (joining the 80,000 or so Hondurans and native islanders there too) have found a great quality of life, with a low cost of living, warm weather year-round, that classic island vibe, and tropical atmosphere, great restaurants, white-sand beaches, modern conveniences like high-speed internet, and, with the opening of a new hospital, good quality medical care. What Are the Pros? The prices are reasonable, starting around $110 for a four-hour session supervised by a certified instructor. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Youve got to take it easy and relax. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. Like everywhere on this planet, there are going to be pros of where you live. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. In the case of a Rentista visa, applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of at least $2,500 from an investment such as a . However, keep in mind that there is still a noticeable lack of infrastructure on the island. Fares can be anywhere between 20 to 50 Lempira (which equates about $1-$2) depending on how far youre going. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. Summer in Roatan lasts from December until July every year. Work is also another way for you to get your residence. Roatn Retirement Information For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. Roatan is a sunny place for shady people. Sold 17 years ago. Having just returned from an exploratory trip of Roatan, that didnt surprise me. Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. As far as grocery shopping, you have plenty of choices here. You may find some diving buddies or even friends to go fishing with. While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. But overall housing and transportation are much lower, so the result is you will be spending less in comparison to the U.S. and Europe. Pros And Cons of Living in Fort Myers Florida: Pros: This place is best for people who are looking for an affordable and cheap place. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. Some people live for months at a time, then go "home" to another paradise. However, if youre looking to explore the water on your own, consider snorkeling, sub-wing, or scuba diving. The word "hurry" has no use; life is run on island time. There are a wide variety of adventure tours available for all age groups and experience levels. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. While many people on the island speak some English, its not nearly as common as Spanish. She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. Dreams do come true, however. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. However, getting around the island isnt too hard since its so compact. Cost of living for expat. Living in Roatan is an incredible experience, but its important to consider the pros and cons before making the move. Consider starting your own garden if you follow a plant-based diet. We didnt stick around long. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Depending on your departure city and flexibility, you can find a price that works for you.

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