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. Traveling from Canada to Roatan is most comfortable between the months of December to April. Usually, these cruise ships stop off in the busier spots of the island, like Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay. 1. There are lots of excursions that you can go on to discover different areas of the island, such as the charming Oakridge Harbor, the very tropical Buccaneer, or the enchanting Maya Key Mayan ruin replicas. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . Still, getting acclimated to the island lifestyle wont take too long as the quality of life can convert even the biggest skeptics. Low taxes - Corporate and personal income tax 4. Most resorts in the West End have some kind of seaside bar or patio for you to enjoy. Unlike most Port Royal properties, we also have road access. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There are local places with local fare for much less. The marine life is also stunning with plenty of species like rainbow fish, coral, and even Moray eels. Several of the larger resorts are located along this long stretch of powdery white sand. Residency Is Easier Still Obtaining a retiree residency on Roatan is very straightforward. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. Its just a short walk to Baggage Claim and the Arrivals gate after that. Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone and plenty of family fun to be had. We decided to sell our house and move onboard Diamond Lil. Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. From the top of the hills you have the perfect vantage point to gaze upon the slopes that cascade down to the water and lead out to the huge reef that encircles the island. 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. 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 . It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. For a cheap night out on the town, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts a range of free shows, including classical music . And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine Pros and cons of living in Laos 2. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. 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. West Bay/West End West Bay and West End are the main tourist areas in Roatan. The west side of the island is almost always perfectly calm as it is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. Gentle, well-trained horses and knowledgeable and dedicated guides make this a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages and experience levels. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. Colorado job market and economy: 3. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. The explosion of population growth 2. BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. If you're looking to escape to a tropical oasis without a crowd, you'll need to check out one of Alabama's white sandy beaches. So what exactly makes this island so special? Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. Those looking to live the island life have found solace in the beach towns of Roatan. For a house right on the water that is designed to North American standards, expect to pay $200,000 or more. People looking for more comprehensive health services wont be disappointed. 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. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. Naturally, such dense vegetation could not exist without sufficient rain. We had grown roots, too. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. Sundowners Beach Bar is the perfect place to start the night as it closes early. Nobody is in a rush. Snowfall can be quite heavy, and raging snowstorms are common as well. The word "hurry" has no use; life is run on island time. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. 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. 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. Although living on the beach in Roatan is more expensive than in other parts of the island, it will still likely be cheaper than renting an apartment in Los Angeles or Hong Kong. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. We dropped our hook in French Harbour, Jonesville, West End, and Port Royal. Great job market. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Here is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of living in the USA. While you are waiting for everything to be finalized, be sure not to overstay your 90-day limit. Both towns are situated, as their names suggest, at the west end of the island, where daily sunset-watching becomes addictive. One point of contention is the infrastructure. Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event. Its all here in Roatn. Sometimes, three airliners arrive, one after another, and the small customs and immigration processing area become backlogged. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. An annual fishing tournament coincides with Honduran Independence Day on Sept 15th. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan offers a truly unique experience. Most islands are surrounded by a seabut not all are created equal. 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. The thought of living the Southern California lifestyle can be alluring, but remember to weigh the disadvantages as well before deciding if San Diego is right for you and your family. Gumbalimba is home to lots of exotic birds, Capuchin monkeys, indigenous lizards, and over two thousand species of insects! And then depending on your business model, you will have to pay a fee. In Roatan, there was little air conditioning anywhere. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. 20. Fourteen years later, were living on the island of Roatn, the best-known of the three major islands that form the Bay Island archipelago of Honduras. Another pro of living in Washington is the ample job opportunities. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. The City of San Diego is the 8th largest in the US and second-largest in California. In a beautiful state. Plus, the currents are quite tame, so you dont have to worry about being swept away with the tide. Roatan is a beautiful, rolling verdant island with lush green jungles covering peaks and valleys and flowing across hillsides. Property tax is relatively low as well. The journey between La Ceiba and Roatan lasts just over an hour. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. Since the government has experienced its fair share of fraud and embezzlement, the public health sector isnt exactly in tip-top shape. Landscape and beautiful scenery 5. It can drop to -50C (-58F) in the northern part of the country, so be sure to pack a parka or three if you are planning on emigrating to Finland. Home prices start around $250,000. Living In Roatan is great! Its essential to agree upon a price before the drive begins as some drivers take advantage of newcomers. It escapes the guiding air currents that direct these huge storms toward other Caribbean islands. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. So, if youre ready to take the plunge, consider all the pros and cons of living in Roatan before making the move! So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. Its free. This Caribbean paradise offers a great variety of things to see and do. The permit process with the municipality was laidback and inexpensive. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. There are many dive shops located along the sea. Everyone applying for Honduran residency is required to be in good standing with their tourist visas. And a specialty market stocks good wine and gourmet meats, cheeses, and more. 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. Unfortunate but true. If you want to take advantage of the lush scenery, there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in the area of Helene. While Roatans real estate market has a shady past, the market today has vastly improved. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In one word, living in Roatan is paradise. The popular Dolphin Encounter, which is held in waist-high, crystal clear water, is a 25-minute personal petting session with one of the friendly mammals. While many people on the island speak some English, its not nearly as common as Spanish. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Our general cost of living includes rent and utilities, gas, and eating out. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. From perfect white-sand beaches, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, to beach bars where you can enjoy a cold beverage and watch the glittering sea. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. 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. High quality of life. You would be on your own up there. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. Most one and two bedroom apartments rent for $1490 or less per month. 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. For many, the appeal of Roatan is evident. However, the island is still developing, and this means it has limited infrastructure and healthcare. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on 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. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. Dreams do come true, however. 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. 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. Being an owner or key employee of a Honduran company and applying for this residency is a tested way to get cement your resident status. Lack of safety: When a person decides to live alone in their place, then they need to be sure of safety in that particular place and that is because it is the first and foremost thing to consider while living alone in one place. Great public education: 2. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. You can also join in on boat parties, dinners out, and big social functions. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. Many are actively involved in volunteer organizations such as the Humane Society, Rotary Club, or baseball leagues. It can get a bit crowded at times because of the large resorts that hug the beach line, so be warned. If you are already planning a cruise, combining a vacation with a move to a relaxing island could be a win-win situation. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot.