I'm retiring in Belize any DUers have feedback for me

[alwynsw]

Since I'm now a Qualified retired Person (QRP), I can go to Belize permanently as an expatriate, maintain my U.S. citizenship, and live a very slow paced, subtropical life while I'm still young enough to enjoy it.

Any feedback about Belize would be helpful. I think I have the picture after several prolonged visits, but welcome any input.

[TakebackAmerica]

1. WHY?

[alwynsw]

4. Several reasons

Cost of living on the whole is about half of here.

My wife, a retired teacher, can help with local kids reading, etc. (Education is a big push in PM Musa's plan. English is the official language.)

As a retired entrepenurial type, I can help locals get businesses going.

(Neither of us can be paid for thee things as QRP's)

Americans can own property there. They can't in Mexico and many other countries.

Our household goods plus one car can be taken in duty free.

The cost of a NEW 840 sq. ft. house is about $30,000 U.S. $100,000 away from the coast will buy almost a mansion.

The best part? NO WAL MART!

[ret5hd]

2. my only feedback is...

buy the lot next to yours so my wife and i can move in next to a fellow du'er in 15 yrs or so.

[alwynsw]

7. We'll keep an eye out!

we're currently considering a 30 acre parcel near Corozal Town. We'll build.

[La_Serpiente]

3. Where is Belize?

I might move to Northern Brazil.

[alwynsw]

5. It borders Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean

It's just below Yucatan.

[alwynsw]

9. We old farts knew it as British Honduras

[BrotherBuzz]

6. No Feedback

other then to say that Belize would be on my short list along with Costa Rica and Jamaica. Enjoy!

[alwynsw]

8. Thanks and congrats!

I am humbled that you would make you 5ooth post in reply to my question!

[ret5hd]

15. just got back yesterday from 4 days in Jamaica...

UN...believable!
Absolutely the best place i have ever been in my life.

Tried to ask the locals about their politics...they didnt seem to want to talk about it a lot...maybe it is just my gringo openness to discussion of any subject, but they just seemed kind of closed mouth on it.

Their education system is probably exactly what bush* wants for the US...pay for everything past grade 7 or 9 (i forget)...get the peons ready for manual labor and kick 'em out. Only the rich get a decent ed.

Also, learned that Rastas are some of the largest landholders in Jamaica, and that class lines do not necessarily follow race...some of the richest are black.

[Noordam]

10. ONLY problem is most Guatemala's maps do not show

Belize.

I am looking at Costa Rica and like their Health Insurance of around $600 PER YEAR for a 50s sometime person.

What made you pick Belize over CR. I have not heard much about CR on Health Insurance and living.

[alwynsw]

12. guatemala maps do not show Belize because

Guatemala doesn't recognize Belize. Since Belize did a Canada and is noe independent, Guatemala claims it owns Belize. It's a peaceful diplomatic dispute. Belize has treaties with the U.S., U.K., and several other nations to assist in protecting its borders. No blood has been shed and none is expected.

If you want, I'll look up the link, but you can get health insurance comparable to a U.S. PPO for about $2,000.00 per year as an expat. It even covers you on visits to the U.S. Downside, it does not pay for med evacs to the U.S.

[Noordam]

13. I plan to move to CR or maybe Belize

BUT I love the country down there.

I like CR for the diving and the mountains. And I like the 75 year round temps in the San Jose valley.

[MuseRider]

16. Ahh but the diving

is also wonderful in Belize.

[flamingyouth]

11. Sounds wonderful

Friends of mine have a condo there and love it - in fact, they spend most of the year there. Good luck to you!

[mike_c]

14. I like Belize a lot....

Favorables:

1) English is the official language, although in the south and west there are often more spanish speakers than english speakers, and of course Garifuna and Mayan as well.

2) The currency is tied to the U.S. dollar at 1 USD = 2 BZD. That's convenient.

3) One of the lowest population densities in Central America, and a rather enlightened gov't attitude toward resource conservation.

4) The reef. Need I say more?


Unfavorables:

1) Rather high cost of living by Central American standards.

2) Belize city sucks.

3) The gringo influx has pretty much ruined places like Ambergris Cay, and several of the outlying islands.

4) Placencia is the only place on the mainland with good beaches.


Recommendations:

My favorite places in Belize are Punta Gorda in the south, Placencia, Hopkins, and Dangriga on the coast, and San Ignacio on the western highway, although the latter has become a bit too thoroughly beaten on the gringo trail for my tastes. The pine mountain ridge area is beautiful, though. Still, I prefer the southern part of the country-- it remains closer to it's Garifuna and Mayan roots, IMO.

Good luck-- Belize is a beautiful country!

[MuseRider]

17. The nicest people in the world.

I have spent more time in Honduras but have been to Belize and know a few people from there. Love it. Have a wonderful life there!