Its easy to make the place your full-time home. Roatan, the largest and most well-known of the Honduras Bay Islands, has often been referred to as the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. Views of the beach and that salty sea breeze will remind you why you decided to move this beautiful Caribbean paradise. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. Although most locals in the more populated areas will speak English, Island Englisha kind of creolewill be much more common. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. Waiting out the long winters in Ontario, Canada for the too-short boating season each year, had my husband, John, and me dreaming of heading south. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. You can find out a bit more about Honduras residency program here. In general, real estate prices are quite affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations. There is so much that makes Roatn special. Ours was not a direct path from A to B. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. It escapes the guiding air currents that direct these huge storms toward other Caribbean islands. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. Many visited by cruise ship, fell in love, and returned for an extended stay. Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century and how you can join the movement. One silver lining is that you can get fresh fish or lobster for a fraction of North American prices. Be prepared to pay a little extra for those journeys later in the day. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. At the end of the process, you'll likely have a pretty good handle on how you like to live. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. While living in Washington, you may find yourself catching a game at one of the various venues like Climate Pledge Arena, Lumen Field, and T-Mobile Park. In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. Nearby, the West End is a hip, funky village situated along Halfmoon Bay. The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida Here are 2 different pros and con lists of what it's really like to live in Florida full-time. Heres an example of a monthly budget for a couple living on Roatn: In International Livings March issue, Roatan was named as one of the best islands to retire to in 2015. Ocean breezes were great except when the salt spray blew into your windows from the coast. Before going to Honduras, do some research online to find out if the medication you are taking is legal there. 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. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. Despite that, theres a little something for everyone. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. But we fell in love with the second property immediately. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. Flights Holiday Rentals . I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Roatan is a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Swim, snorkel, and kayak right off the deck of your private, over-the-water cabana. Many homes offer water access too, whether its a community marina or dock, or even a private dock. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. Plenty of musicians in Roatan are expats themselves. Consider beachfront lots in established developments for under $100,000. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. $2,909 / month. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Most rentals will have to be made at the airport or at a rental place next to it. Medical care is good and affordable. Next came a horse. Beer and rum are quite cheap as well. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. Heading east on the main road youll come to Sandy Bay, a local neighborhood thats gradually transitioning. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. 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. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. And, of course, just spending an afternoon on the clear turquoise water is nice too. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. These arrangements often provide students with increased access to specialized opportunities, resources, and programs as well as more . Since the government has experienced its fair share of fraud and embezzlement, the public health sector isnt exactly in tip-top shape. It has a totally different feel, more reminiscent of Roatan country living, before cruise ship tourists regularly flooded the island. If youre looking for a tropical escape, Roatan is the perfect place to explore. 4. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Making a good income 5. There is one main road that stretches from one side of the island to the other. The word "hurry" has no use; life is run on island time. Moreover, you ought to be very cautious about driving after significant rainfall. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. Rich history. Not only is the island fun and beautiful, but it's extremely affordable and accessible as well. All we had to do was feed the owners two dogs and watch the property while he was away. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. Is living in a city unhealthy? We have a large and vibrant group of both expat and local friends. At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? In one word, living in Roatan is paradise. I hope you enjoyed . How to Get to Roatn Your bill could be between $120 $160 if you live alone or with another person. If you decide a short term stay suits you better, be prepared to cough up a bit more especially if its high season. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. Eager for a new cruising adventure, we jumped at the chance to follow our marina mates across the Gulf of Honduras in search of this exotic land. Then we added a second dog, a rescue. But watersports arent the only thing to do. With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras, Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise, Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun, Honduras - Below the Radar and Above the Rest. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. Photos may be taken with personal cameras or purchased from professional photographers on site. Most centers give you credit for your introductory lesson, so remember to ask about it. No matter which part of the island you visit, you will be sure to find venues that showcase local musicians, providing entertainment while you soak in the scenery. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. For the surgery, one night in the hospital, prescription drugs, and accommodation and meals for 12 days while I recovered, the total cost was $5,000. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. When you fly in youll see volunteers, mostly retirees, helping confused tourists get through the customs and immigration area of the airport. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. If you have an accident or fall ill, you need to know how healthcare works on the island when medical attention is required. Internet Speed and coworking space Here is a list of the best instagrammable cafes in Hanoi 6. You can also expect to have access to dentists and chiropractors on the island as well. Youre in luck as Roatan has quite the bustling expat community. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. And if you see a friend or neighbor out and aboutyoull always stop to chat. A big favorite among expats and visitors alike is Franks Cigar Bar. Great food When it comes to food, Honduras has a lot to offer. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. The bottom line is that you have to review the facts for yourself and see if Roatan is your ideal match. Get a quote from a few healthcare providers to see which package best fits your needs. Great job market. If you dont understand or speak Island English, then Spanish will be your saving grace. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. These rental rates are much cheaper than you will find in many other locations, and many of these rentals include all utilities paid, but when the utilities are separate . You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. Plenty of visitors and expats have described short wait times and almost instant help from doctors and nurses. North American airlines like Delta, American, and IBC have regular flights to Roatan. Theres always something going on here. If youre an experienced diver, youll be able to appreciate the beauty of Roatans marine ecosystem. One point of contention is the infrastructure. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. The pros of living in the USA 1. The beers are $2. However, despite its similarities to other Caribbean islands, Roatan is considerably more affordable than some of its neighbors. So, we took to the water. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. You can get fresh off the boat fish (snapper, tuna, and mahi-mahi, for example) and lobster for a fraction of what youd pay in the U.S. or Canada. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. We dropped our hook in French Harbour, Jonesville, West End, and Port Royal. From ranches in Austin, Texas, to houses for . As far as grocery shopping, you have plenty of choices here. Everyone applying for Honduran residency is required to be in good standing with their tourist visas. 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. Several of the larger resorts are located along this long stretch of powdery white sand. When you are able to navigate your way through the island easily, youll feel grateful for your Spanish skills. Like everywhere on this planet, there are going to be pros of where you live. Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. Both towns are situated, as their names suggest, at the west end of the island, where daily sunset-watching becomes addictive. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. Healthcare. It is cheaper to live in Missoula as its living cost is below the average living cost of the state. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. While Roatans real estate market has a shady past, the market today has vastly improved. If you fish, youll be in heaven. These are on the top of our short list and we realize October is not ideal but it's the only time that works for us. We have a good medical clinic in the town of Oak Ridge, where we can see a doctor without an appointment and obtain most drugs without a prescription. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. The explosion of population growth 2. 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. After a snorkeling session, you will travel to the village of Chachahuate for lunch. This is one of the pros of living in America if you are an entrepreneur. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. Try your luck catching the saltwater grand slam species bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Living In Roatan is great! There is plenty of entertainment, dancing, and live music to enjoy. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. The weather in Roatan is boring. Conversely, others who only came for vacation and ended up staying simply cant bring themselves to leave the Honduran diamond of an island. We visited 3-4 years ago OMG West Bay!!! While a retirement visa on Roatan requires you have at least $1500 each month, a couple could live off of $1,200 a month here, per the Global Retirement Index for cost of living. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. But the property prices on the Virgin Islands were already excessive. In fact, I met some folks whose normal attire is a swimsuit every day. As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. Theyll be able to guide you towards a trusted rental agency. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. Know that most buses stop at 6 pm right when taxi prices go up. However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. For an apartment or condo just a short walk from the beach, you could pay $500 a month. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. Homestwo or three bedroomswith views or close to the beach will run you $1,000 and up. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. Some sections of the main road near West Bay and Flower are riddled with potholes that only worsen after the rain. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. You will start out on the dock with a briefing about the gear, safety rules, and underwater behavior (some instructors/schools will use a pool). Youre more likely to get a better interest rate and have a better overall lending experience. The Immigration Process isn't Exactly Easy. Pros of living in Missoula. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. Youll need to be prepared and keep your house stocked with blackout gear like flashlights and matches, and a propane stove is ideal for cooking in these situations.
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