great update.. we've been here now almost 3yrs and absolutely love it..very friendly ppl..low cost of living.. beautiful scenery combined with awesome weather really do make this little country special
I moved here in Sept 23. I moved here with $6000 USD in my pocket and a single backpack. I rent a nice cottage in Santa Elena. This area is fantastic. The total cost to live here including $200 a month for Visa extensions is just under $900 USD. That's everything , cell phone ,internet, water,gas,rent ($400 USD) insurance for my motorcycle. I bought my bike on day 2. (came out of my $6000.) electric and food. Soon I will be able to get a bank account and my residency. Life gets better every month. I love this place and can't wait to see what adventure comes today. For every scorpion,snake,lizard, fire and creepy crawlers here, there are 100 great things to do and see.
Santa Elena here. I moved here in Sept 23. I moved here with $6000 USD in my pocket and a single backpack. I rent a nice cottage in Santa Elena. This area is fantastic. The total cost to live here including $200 a month for Visa extensions is just under $900 USD. That's everything , cell phone ,internet, water,gas,rent ($400 USD) insurance for my motorcycle. I bought my bike on day 2. (came out of my $6000.) electric and food. Soon I will be able to get a bank account and my residency. Life gets better every month. I love this place and can't wait to see what adventure comes today. For every scorpion,snake,lizard, fire and creepy crawlers here, there are 100 great things to do and see.
English is the official language but what's spoken is english, creole and Spanish. Also crime is bad in a few areas in the bigger cities. Just ask the locals where not to go. Belize City and Belmopan it's the south side that you need to stay clear of. Some of the smaller cities can have issues also. Gang wars pop off even in those. The local law enforcement is usually pretty active and on top of those quickly. Be vigilant and ask the locals and treat them with respect. Respect is key. They are friendly and laid back. They give respect and expect it in return.
Thanks for the informative video. Admittedly, Belize checks many boxes for North American Expats. We spent two weeks touring Cayo, Placencia and Ambergris Caye last year. Conspicuously absent from LIOS' ranking info on Belize is health care. After our boots on the ground trip last year, we concluded that there does not exist anything close to 1st world health care, even in Belize City. I'd love to be wrong about this. Would be interested to learn of LIOS' position on health care in Belize, as it does get included in your rankings for other destinations, such as your recently issued "Top 9 Locations within Panama."
Thanks for watching! Indeed, your findings match ours, Belize is many good things and recognized for many advantages and attractions, but medical care is not typically one of them. An exception to this is dental tourism, with good results and reasonable fees. If your heart is set on Belize, one option is to base yourself in northern Belize, around Corozal, specifically the Bay of Chetumal. Here, you’re near enough to Chetumal, Mexico, to count on the top-notch medical facilities in that city for care when you need it. Elsewhere in Belize, though, the available medical services can be limited and basic. If international-standard health care is a top priority for you, you are best to look beyond Belize. In our 2024 Overseas Retirement Index, health care in Belize scored a C-. If you’re looking for a destination that scored an A+ then check out Valencia, Spain; Braga, Portugal; and Gascony, France.
Your comment about health care services is valid. If you have a serious pre-existing condition or require specialized treatment, Belize is probably not your best choice.
We built our place in Carmelita Gardens about five years ago and I’m happy to share our experience with anyone who might be interested..
Awesome info! We're thinking of living pt maybe full time there, but unsure
Considering a move? This video helps. Friendly vibes and great insights. Thanks for sharing!
great update.. we've been here now almost 3yrs and absolutely love it..very friendly ppl..low cost of living.. beautiful scenery combined with awesome weather really do make this little country special
I moved here in Sept 23. I moved here with $6000 USD in my pocket and a single backpack. I rent a nice cottage in Santa Elena. This area is fantastic. The total cost to live here including $200 a month for Visa extensions is just under $900 USD. That's everything , cell phone ,internet, water,gas,rent ($400 USD) insurance for my motorcycle. I bought my bike on day 2. (came out of my $6000.) electric and food. Soon I will be able to get a bank account and my residency. Life gets better every month. I love this place and can't wait to see what adventure comes today. For every scorpion,snake,lizard, fire and creepy crawlers here, there are 100 great things to do and see.
Yes, the West is best. And San Ignacio is the place.
Santa Elena here. I moved here in Sept 23. I moved here with $6000 USD in my pocket and a single backpack. I rent a nice cottage in Santa Elena. This area is fantastic. The total cost to live here including $200 a month for Visa extensions is just under $900 USD. That's everything , cell phone ,internet, water,gas,rent ($400 USD) insurance for my motorcycle. I bought my bike on day 2. (came out of my $6000.) electric and food. Soon I will be able to get a bank account and my residency. Life gets better every month. I love this place and can't wait to see what adventure comes today. For every scorpion,snake,lizard, fire and creepy crawlers here, there are 100 great things to do and see.
English is the official language but what's spoken is english, creole and Spanish. Also crime is bad in a few areas in the bigger cities. Just ask the locals where not to go. Belize City and Belmopan it's the south side that you need to stay clear of. Some of the smaller cities can have issues also. Gang wars pop off even in those. The local law enforcement is usually pretty active and on top of those quickly. Be vigilant and ask the locals and treat them with respect. Respect is key. They are friendly and laid back. They give respect and expect it in return.
Thanks for the informative video. Admittedly, Belize checks many boxes for North American Expats. We spent two weeks touring Cayo, Placencia and Ambergris Caye last year. Conspicuously absent from LIOS' ranking info on Belize is health care. After our boots on the ground trip last year, we concluded that there does not exist anything close to 1st world health care, even in Belize City. I'd love to be wrong about this. Would be interested to learn of LIOS' position on health care in Belize, as it does get included in your rankings for other destinations, such as your recently issued "Top 9 Locations within Panama."
Thanks for watching! Indeed, your findings match ours, Belize is many good things and recognized for many advantages and attractions, but medical care is not typically one of them. An exception to this is dental tourism, with good results and reasonable fees. If your heart is set on Belize, one option is to base yourself in northern Belize, around Corozal, specifically the Bay of Chetumal. Here, you’re near enough to Chetumal, Mexico, to count on the top-notch medical facilities in that city for care when you need it. Elsewhere in Belize, though, the available medical services can be limited and basic.
If international-standard health care is a top priority for you, you are best to look beyond Belize. In our 2024 Overseas Retirement Index, health care in Belize scored a C-. If you’re looking for a destination that scored an A+ then check out Valencia, Spain; Braga, Portugal; and Gascony, France.
Your comment about health care services is valid. If you have a serious pre-existing condition or require specialized treatment, Belize is probably not your best choice.