She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. 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. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. From ranches in Austin, Texas, to houses for . About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. We used Alex Poirier, a buyers agent, and Cristiana Carbajal as our lawyer. They come and go from town in their boats. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. 25 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Australia Pro: No Language Barrier for Americans Con: You'll Still Pay US Taxes Pro: High Standard of Living Con: High Cost of Living Pro: Very Warm Climate Con: Bush Fires & Dangerous Weather Pro: Amazing Work-Life Balance Con: Christmas in Summer Pro: Good Quality Education Con: Travel is Much Harder Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. 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. There are some people who see the state of Montana as a rugged wonderland that is filled with many outdoor adventures that are available throughout the year. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. All visitors have their photo taken and their fingerprints collected. Roatan is a haven of beauty and tranquility, making it a prime destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A few pairs of shorts, a handful of tops, and some rubber flip-flops fill out the wardrobe of most island dwellers. Next came a horse. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. 20. From the crystal-clear waters of West Bay Beach to the powdery white sands of West End Beach, the island offers a truly unique experience. Its relaxed and casual. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. 1. 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. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. I hope you enjoyed . Clean air quality. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. 5. 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. There are two main ways to get to the island: water and air. Local resorts and dive centers normally offer introductory lessons and the prices are hard to beat. 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. So, what're the pros and cons of living in Roatan? We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. 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. So any thoughts on a good place to buy . Its recommended that you speak to your hotel or property manager to find the best rentals on the island. In under 4 hours you can be there. Some had come to be certified to scuba dive and never left. But we fell in love with the second property immediately. Expats on Roatn also give back. After a day of diving, the 20-year-olds hit the bars, cafs, and discos, looking for evening diversions. For those who prefer to be autonomous, there is also the option to rent a car, scooter, or motorcycle. One point of contention is the infrastructure. The City of San Diego is the 8th largest in the US and second-largest in California. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. You are guaranteed to get a better deal if you sign a long-term contract of three months or more. Roatan is a beautiful, rolling verdant island with lush green jungles covering peaks and valleys and flowing across hillsides. Plenty of entrepreneurs who are searching for a way into the Honduran lifestyle first set up their companies in Honduras and utilize their business as a way to help them get their residency. 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. Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. Remember to be respectful. Quality healthcare. And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. The island has a minibus fleet that can get you from point A to point B. Minibusses have to be flagged down, so dont expect them to stop for you just because youre standing patiently on a corner. A popular route is from mainland Honduras and a town called La Ceiba. Most expats will tell you that island time takes some getting used to. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. Roatan is a sunny place for shady people. For many, the appeal of Roatan is evident. U.S. citizens can travel with a passport without the need to apply for a special visa. So, we took to the water. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. The reef is a few minutes offshore, teeming with sea life. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. 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. For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. Fortunately, gas and water are much more affordable and only cost about $40 a month. Next, youll head to a shallow, confined water area to practice skills and add confidence and control, followed by a short swim around the area. From its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches to its lush jungles and vibrant culture, the island has something for everyone.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-banner-1-0'); Roatan is home to a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking, horseback riding, and zip-lining. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. Yup, just another one of the pros and cons of living in Canada. The beers are $2. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! Houses that need a little love and fixing upsell for anywhere between $70,000 to $80,000. Property tax is relatively low as well. Then theres Coxen Hole, the capital, where most hospitals and offices can be found. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. No matter what you decide, Roatan is an incredible island paradise with something for everyone. The cost of living is low. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. I know of a couple of properties for sale up in Port Royal, she said. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. Its paradise. Ocean breezes were great except when the salt spray blew into your windows from the coast. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. 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. Living In Roatan is great! However, be prepared to stay somewhere overnight when coming in from Europe. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more action, the West End offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment aimed at tourists. There are many dive shops located along the sea. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. People looking for more comprehensive health services wont be disappointed. And then depending on your business model, you will have to pay a fee. This can make communicating with locals more challenging. The atmosphere is extremely dry 3. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. The Galaxy Wave, a recommended ferry company, shuttles passengers back and forth in a charming catamaran. Medical care is good and affordable. 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. Roatan is considered one of the best sportfishing destinations in the Caribbean. Here are 5 Cons of Living in Mexico. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Healthcare in South Korea is cheap and affordable. Honduran law favors locals when it comes to real estate. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. When your days arent filled with great outdoor adventure, you can visit local attractions or wind down with a drink in the West End. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. And expats regularly pointed out that it takes quite a bit of their time to shop on Roatan, since expats favorite stores are spread around the island. At our east end, a nice meal with a couple of drinks costs under $50. And, if youre looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. What is Living in Roatan Like? Once youve rented your transport of choice, remember to do plenty of research on the best routes. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. To give you a rough idea, we're able to get a spacious, luxury two-bedroom apartment that includes a garage for $1550. It's also easy to reach other places from Roatan like Belize and Cuba, a huge plus! One silver lining is that you can get fresh fish or lobster for a fraction of North American prices. But things have changed since 1999Ambergris Caye was voted the best island two years running by Trip Advisor members and the cost of property has consistently increased since 2010. Making a good income 5. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. If you have an accident or fall ill, you need to know how healthcare works on the island when medical attention is required. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. You can also join in on boat parties, dinners out, and big social functions. 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. Kid's are not all high/school and college age. So I've come up with a simpler approach. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Located along the longest coral reef in the western hemisphere, Roatan is best known for scuba diving. 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. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. You would be on your own up there. The boating is excellent, with plenty of smaller islands in the surrounding area to visit. Life on the island is easy, and while your new uniform may become shorts and sandals, that doesnt mean that everything will always be sunshine and roses. Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. Much like the rest of the Caribbean, this island has ideal weather year-round that rarely dips below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Pros Easy to get to - Roatan is easily accessible from the US. Once youve secured your residency, you can start focusing on purchasing your new island home. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. Pros And Cons Of Living In Upstate New York The top 10 advantages and disadvantages of living in upstate New York are Easy access to New York City Natural beauty Four season living Multiple lifestyle options Reasonable cost of living High tax burden Rough winter weather Limited transportation options Lackluster economy Depending on your departure city and flexibility, you can find a price that works for you. Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, lobster, wahoo, and more are abundant in the surrounding water. 1. Our lifestyle is quite physical for our golden years, as is that of most of our friends. Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. They live in spots like Mango Bay, Port Royal, and Calabash. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. Snapper, wahoo, tuna, and more are abundant in these waters. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. You may find yourself eating out regularly and enjoying local favorites like baleadas several times a week because you dont have to break the bank to do so. It was a smooth process. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. 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. We had grown roots, too. ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. The Honduran Embassy in the United States provides a list of legal medication online. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. Youll find a good selection of rental homes and condos priced from $1,000 to $1,500a month in most areas of the island. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. Some people make small talk about the weather, Roatanians talk about how much they hate RECO (Roatan Electric Company). As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The people in the Bahamas are exceptionally friendly. 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. Conversely, if youre more interested in swimming or diving, youll also have an excellent opportunity to have an underwater adventure. 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. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. We met expats in communities from one end of the island to the other. Okay, I promised to provide both the pros and cons of living in Scotland. 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. Since the government has experienced its fair share of fraud and embezzlement, the public health sector isnt exactly in tip-top shape. 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. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Of course, there are still those Caribbean classics like fresh coconut water to quench your thirst and fried plantain, or tostones, to fill your stomach. For kidney infection medication, people have paid as low as $15! The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Dreams do come true, however. However, if youre looking to explore the water on your own, consider snorkeling, sub-wing, or scuba diving. High-speed internet works well and there is reliable cellphone service.