Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. However, there can be some health disadvantages. Some might have one little beach restaurant. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. Not to mention, it is also home to acres upon acres of untouched nature and wild jungles that will make you feel like youre in an Indiana Jones movie. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. Sitting off the coast of Honduras, the island paradise has something for everyone. It is cheaper to live in Missoula as its living cost is below the average living cost of the state. 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. 21h 31m RTB - LAX. Living in Roatan: a Guide to the Honduras Bay Islands - Nomad Capitalist Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. 12h 22m RTB - LAX. 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. Just for the winter, we thought. Pros and cons of living in Italy? You'll wanna read this. Those looking to live the island life have found solace in the beach towns of Roatan. Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). Cost of living for local. In fact, I met some folks whose normal attire is a swimsuit every day. 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 . Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Located along the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere, Roatan is best known for scuba diving. The cost of living in Houston is lower than the national average, overall. 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. PRO: Affordability. If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. Pineapple Villas, an off water condominium development in French Harbour, has a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo unit for sale for $179,000, with a distant harbor view. And the fisherman might be your neighbor! What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? 1. And if you see a friend or neighbor out and aboutyoull always stop to chat. 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. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. There is one main road that stretches from one side of the island to the other. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison. The farther you go east, theres less development. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". On the West End side, the road is in excellent condition whereas on the Punta Gorda side youll find yourself on a broken gravel road. It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. Healthcare. Living in Las Vegas Pros and Cons You Need to Know In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Roatan is also home to some of the worlds most stunning beaches. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. If you are looking for a slower pace of life, Roatan might be just what you need. Pros Easy to get to - Roatan is easily accessible from the US. Sometimes, three airliners arrive, one after another, and the small customs and immigration processing area become backlogged. The cost of living is low. However, if youre looking to explore the water on your own, consider snorkeling, sub-wing, or scuba diving. Great food When it comes to food, Honduras has a lot to offer. Those hoping to bust a move should look no further than Booty Bar & Caribbean restaurant. Then, a boat will take you to your final diving destination. Whats the catch? Get up close to see the details and its even more beautiful, especially along the coastal areas. December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast. The entire island is surrounded by a shallow reef offering a spectacular view of thousands of marine creatures for divers and snorkelers. We are only making a three-month commitment, John assured me as we fastened our lines to the dock at Oak Ridge Point. Ours was not a direct path from A to B. For a place right on the water, $800 to $1,000 is the going rate. Crowded City . In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Washington State | Redfin The entire East Side of the island is spread out and remote as compared to the West End. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. Boating around Roatn and nearby islands is also popular, as is fishing. As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. And, if youre feeling adventurous, you can explore the nearby islands or take a daytrip to the Honduran mainland. Last updated on Feb 18, 2023 Summary: The pros of living in Honduras include its tropical climate, its diverse culture, and its affordable cost of living. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. It offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world, and there are many dive shops where you can rent and buy gear. With its beautiful beach, cozy cafs, fun beach bars, and gorgeous homes perched on panoramic hills, the West Bay is perfect for expats who can afford a chic beach lifestyle. 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. And then depending on your business model, you will have to pay a fee. There are two main ways to get to the island: water and air. $1,011. Living in Honduras Pros and Cons - Think Real State John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. If you want to be on your own to enjoy the tropical forest and your own patch of private beach and the clear Caribbean, you have your pick. But dont forget that you will almost always receive credit for the money you spent on your introductory dive. Instead of thinking in general about what makes you happy, think back to your most joyful moments. However, there are plenty of local bars where you can have a drink and dance the night away. But this is an island, and everything is imported. 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Washington State - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. There is plenty of entertainment, dancing, and live music to enjoy. And, that's it. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In San Diego (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. Vietnamese people are nice Try your luck catching the saltwater grand slam species bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Oftentimes, locals think that newcomers to the island are taking away jobs and taking food out of Roatanian mouths. Save. A residence visa for retirees, known as the pensionado, requires only $1,500 in income for life from Social Security, a pension, or some other similar guaranteed source. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. If it is your lucky day, you may even spot the gentle giant of the seas, the whale shark. You can always look around for deals, but dont hold your breath too long especially if youre booking during summer months. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. 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. Youll pay around $800 to $1,000 for something right on the water. The median rental prices of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are $1,200 and $1,620, respectively, making Houston cheaper to rent in than over 40 major U.S. cities. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on Roatan. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. American expats looking for some financial help should consider a loan or second mortgage from an American lending company. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. Additionally, you may have trouble catching a minibus on cruise ship days as theyll all be at docks picking up newly arrived tourists. Whether you are chilling on the top-rated Central American beach in West Bay, deep-sea or flats fishing in the calm water of the Bay of Honduras, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zip line, or enjoying local musicians while savoring the delicacies of the sea, Roatan will not disappoint. And if youd rather get a lock-and-leave condo in a resort-style community on something like popular West Bay beach, you can get a one-bedroom unit for well under $200,000. There is also a branch of the top hospital in Honduras here, staffed with specialists. Why 2 lists? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. We viewed a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on the beach listed for only $179,000. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. Some are virtually deserted. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. Pros and Cons of Living in Honduras | Expat Exchange The pros of living in the USA 1. Its still the principle tourist attraction. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. Houses that need a little love and fixing upsell for anywhere between $70,000 to $80,000. However, if youre looking to try your hand at diving, rest assured knowing that there are plenty of classes available. Our lifestyle is quite physical for our golden years, as is that of most of our friends. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. I returned to Thailand last July and after living here for 6 m. Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. I know of a couple of properties for sale up in Port Royal, she said. But its important to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. 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. Plants and animals live much more freely on mountains, where populations are less dense and there are considerably fewer buildings. Its totally off the grid, she warned. Rich history. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Dive sites are situated on every part of the island, with each one offering a unique experience. People from all over the world come to the island to call it their new home. If iguana is not your cup of tea, theres always their world-renowned snail soup that went so far as have to a song written about it in the early 1990s. Gentle, well-trained horses and knowledgeable and dedicated guides make this a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages and experience levels. People looking for more comprehensive health services wont be disappointed. Youll have to plan ahead to make sure youre not left in the dark or without a stove to cook with. But this island, 48 miles long and about five miles at its widest, off mainland Honduras, is also a great place to live long-term. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. Roatan is a destination that is made for expat living. Hailing a cab from the airport or ferry dock will be relatively easy. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Making a good income 5. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Some sections of the main road near West Bay and Flower are riddled with potholes that only worsen after the rain. Take a boat a few minutes from the shore and see dozens of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral in a rainbow of colors, and more underwater wonders. Communicating with realtors and property managers will be a breeze, and youll feel more at home on the island when youre able to communicate effectively with locals. After 6pm, a taxi ride will cost you more. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Three Places to Live in Roatan; Two to Avoid - International Living This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. However, be prepared to stay somewhere overnight when coming in from Europe. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland - Wandering Crystal Guests descend to a sandy bottom, 60 feet below the surface where they interact with dolphins in a natural setting for 45 minutes. So, what're the pros and cons of living in Roatan? When the rum flows like water and the clear blue sea stretches for miles all around you, its hard not to want to stay forever. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. How Being an Expat Has Changed Me (or, I Never Knew I Could Drink This The bottom line is that you have to review the facts for yourself and see if Roatan is your ideal match. Plus, learning the local language can only benefit you. So it really surprised me to find that Roatan properties are still affordable. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Message Board - Tripadvisor Yup, just another one of the pros and cons of living in Canada. Its easy to make the place your full-time home. Island life means learning to work with what you have. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. Living in Honduras - Expat Exchange Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. We decided to sell our house and move onboard Diamond Lil. Explore the scenic fishing villages of Jonesville and Oak Ridge. If you want to try before you buy, two-bedroom homes and condos, walk to the beach or in beachfront communities, are generally $1,000 a month and up. But a growing number are settling in French Harbour, or the East Side, which are both on the south side of the island. Is living in a city unhealthy? Homes on the water, built to North American standards, can be had from $200,000. 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. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. Great public education: 2. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Plenty of visitors and expats have described short wait times and almost instant help from doctors and nurses. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. The Galaxy Wave, a recommended ferry company, shuttles passengers back and forth in a charming catamaran. Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Medical care is good and affordable. I worked in the web printing industry and was laid off from Transcontinental Printing when my plant closed in 2004. Conversely, others who only came for vacation and ended up staying simply cant bring themselves to leave the Honduran diamond of an island. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. To be that close to the water, youll easily pay $100,000. 7 Pros of Living in Honduras You Can't Afford to Miss. The island, at 48 miles long and 5 miles across (at its widest point), has a variety of towns and regions to choose from, and each appeals to a different type of lifestyle. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. $2,528 / month. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. 4. Unless you stop off in the Cayman Islands along the way, theres almost no way to avoid spending the night to catch a connecting flight the next day. If youre thinking about moving to Roatan, Honduras, you should always consider the above factors before packing your bags. This is an excellent week to visit the island. Google "americans who live on Roatan." You'll find sites that speak to expats with pros and cons on living in "paradise." But remember, the real estate agents want to sell you on the pros. 14 Pros and Cons of Living in Japan While living in Roatan is considerably more affordable than living in big cities in the US or Canada, there are some facts youll have to face. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Florida: Truth of Florida Life About 38 miles long, and 5 miles wide at its widest, it takes a couple of hours to get from one end to the other thanks to roads that wind around its hilly and mountainous interior. Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, you may have to wait for some transport to Roatan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. At this point, I realized that we were not leaving Roatn. Although locals will be friendly, dont expect them to always be happy to see you. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. When your days arent filled with great outdoor adventure, you can visit local attractions or wind down with a drink in the West End. We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. There is a major con of living in Mexico, however, that everyone needs to be aware of, and that's safety. From my beachfront resort on the west end of the island, I simply waded, waist deep, into the gin-clear water and found myself surrounded by large schools of rainbow-infused fish and sprays of purple fan coral clinging to coral heads. However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. The Pros and Cons of Living in Houston - The Zumper Blog Its free. Like other tropical locations, exposure to the sun needs to be monitored and sunscreen is mandatory to reduce the chances of skin problems later. Just like any other hospital, hospitals in Roatan are open 24/7 with services ranging from emergency to maternity. 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Montana For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Beautiful nature in abundance 3. $727. The beers are $2. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. Beachfront condosone- and two-bedroomscan be found for under $200,000, while hilltop homes with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered hills and Caribbean start from $150,000. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. BJs is an icon on the east end of the island, serving as a hub for both residents and east end resort owners picking up guests from the airport. Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, which . Accommodation is inexpensive, either hotels or small apartments. Great job market. The explosion of population growth 2. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. 5. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. Pros and Cons of living in Portugal | GCS - Global Citizen Solutions 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Alabama - Redfin In the major cities, summer temperatures rarely exceed 90s and you can count on sunshine from mid-May through mid-September. North American airlines like Delta, American, and IBC have regular flights to Roatan. She spent time as a young woman in Key West, back when Jimmy Buffett played for free drinks in bars. $722 / month. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan offers a truly unique experience. And, if youre looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. A local grocery store chain has plenty of items imported from Europe and North America. Cost of living for expat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. Living on Diamond Lil provided the flexibility to explore the island. When you start living in the Bahamas, you will notice immediately that the environment is warm and friendly from a social standpoint. Luxury homes and condos run $400,000 and up. The popularity of cruise ships and the influx of people it brought to the island was what forced the market to get its act together. With its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, its no wonder that many people are considering living in Roatan. We didnt stick around long. 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. However, keep in mind that there is still a noticeable lack of infrastructure on the island. So I've come up with a simpler approach. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. The Honduran Embassy in the United States provides a list of legal medication online. West End is the funky village by the sea, with waterfront restaurants (from Thai to sports bar fare) and bars, several docks full of dive boats, and plenty of affordable beachfront or off the beach condos and homes. Pros and Cons of Living in the South - Deep South Magazine We had never heard of Roatn. Alongside overpopulation and increased car ownership, there are many cars on the road, poor road infrastructure and undeveloped public transport. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. It offers a lot of job opportunities than any other country can. 7 Things Roatan Expats Want You to Know - Viva Tropical The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand - YouTube Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. All electricity on the island comes from diesel generators that are run by an electric company. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Ready to build lots on the water go for around $100,000, or a lot with a sea view will start from $50,000. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. 5. Lets start with housing. Any other small roads you encounter will most likely be dirt or gravel roads, but as the island grows, conditions are improving. Photos may be taken with personal cameras or purchased from professional photographers on site. This popular day trip, offered by several tour companies, will immerse you in the lifestyle of the Garifuna, the original settlers on the island of Roatan. What are the pros and cons of living in Honduras? - Quora For those who are seeking a sophisticated beach town environment, West Bay is a fantastic spot, but its pricey when compared to other spots. 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. Although most locals in the more populated areas will speak English, Island Englisha kind of creolewill be much more common. Most centers give you credit for your introductory lesson, so remember to ask about it. The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. To qualify for a Pensionado visa, an applicant and spouse must be able to demonstrate a combined minimum monthly income of $1,500 for life from Social Security, a pension or a similar guaranteed source. There is an ability to be happy on these islands even when someone doesn't own much. Opportunities The United States of America will not be known as the land of opportunity for nothing. Roatan has that kind of power. The boating is excellent, with plenty of smaller islands in the surrounding area to visit. If you prefer to relax in the shade, with your toes in the sand, there are dozens of beaches to enjoy. We continued to live on Diamond Lil while we began the next chapter of our lives building our dream retirement home while remaining ecologically responsible. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. A retired couple can expect to spend about $2,000 to $2,500 a month for all their needs on Roatn. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. If you decide a short term stay suits you better, be prepared to cough up a bit more especially if its high season.

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