The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Even if you live alone, expect to pay a lot to keep your lights on, and centralized air conditioning may also drive your electric bill up, which is why plenty of islanders only use fans or the sea breeze to keep their homes cool. If the area youre eyeing has a view of the beach, you can expect to pay $1,000 or more. Oftentimes, locals think that newcomers to the island are taking away jobs and taking food out of Roatanian mouths. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . It can get a bit crowded at times because of the large resorts that hug the beach line, so be warned. Despite that, theres a little something for everyone. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may not be able to buy all your usual comforts at the store like youre used to. Since the water is crystal clear and the worlds second-largest reef is just off the coast, there are plenty of beautiful things to see. Now, this may sound just too good to be true: a beautiful, safe island that has affordable housing and perfect weather. Our lifestyle is quite physical for our golden years, as is that of most of our friends. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. Most of us head there after the hurricane season.. List of the Pros of Living in the Bahamas 1. Most islanders have a good grasp of English, but not all of them will. The choice is still up to you, of course. Living costs in Japan have long been one of the highest in the world, and while in recent years the country has become more affordable, it is still not a cheap place to call home. Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. No matter what you decide, Roatan is an incredible island paradise with something for everyone. Island life means learning to work with what you have. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. 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. I used to own at Sundancer. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. It has a totally different feel, more reminiscent of Roatan country living, before cruise ship tourists regularly flooded the island. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. There are countless events, and we receive more invitations to outings than we can accept. Although most locals in the more populated areas will speak English, Island Englisha kind of creolewill be much more common. Roatn Retirement Information 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. Id written a newsletter for a Canadian company for 13 years, so I knew how to write a newsletter for a Roatn real estate company when that job came up. ROATAN: Pros and Cons of Moving and living here and the Challenges Ahead - YouTube Estos son los pros y los contras de mudarse a #ROATAN #HONDURAS #BYRONJKP ROATAN: Pros and Cons. There are so many pros and cons of moving to Scotland. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale are other big cities that have a good connection to this Caribbean island. You may save as much as 10% to 20% during this time. Usually, these cruise ships stop off in the busier spots of the island, like Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and vibrant culture, the island is a great place to relax and enjoy life. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. Work is also another way for you to get your residence. Not only is the island fun and beautiful, but it's extremely affordable and accessible as well. Homestwo or three bedroomswith views or close to the beach will run you $1,000 and up. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its all here in Roatn. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. It was time to buy ourselves a permanent place, but our criteria made it a challenge. Roatn is the place many envision when they hear Jimmy Buffet singing about one of his tropical paradises. Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. Alongside overpopulation and increased car ownership, there are many cars on the road, poor road infrastructure and undeveloped public transport. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. You would be on your own up there. At this point you will be ready to go diving. If you dont understand or speak Island English, then Spanish will be your saving grace. Picture white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, surrounded by a sea of azure, impossibly clear water. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. Theres always something going on here. The budget airline Air Europa has a direct flight from Madrid to San Pedro Sula airport on the Honduran mainland. With plenty of hospitals that have American-educated staff, they are in no shortage of healthcare professionals who will be able to help you in your time of need. 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. If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. 1. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. If you fish, youll be in heaven. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. Roatan is a beautiful, rolling verdant island with lush green jungles covering peaks and valleys and flowing across hillsides. Several of the larger resorts are located along this long stretch of powdery white sand. Still, getting acclimated to the island lifestyle wont take too long as the quality of life can convert even the biggest skeptics. Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. Making a good income 5. Living in Honduras PROS 1. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. This is the place to come for both amenities and services. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, the cons of living in Honduras include its high crime rate, its lack of economic opportunities, and its inadequate infrastructure. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. I'm simply presenting some food for thought so you know what you're getting into should you move to Scotland someday soon. There are a wide variety of adventure tours available for all age groups and experience levels. In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. 7 Pros of Living in Honduras You Can't Afford to Miss. Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise 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. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure on the island. What is Living in Roatan Like? Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, you may have to wait for some transport to Roatan. Houston to Roatan is a typical route that can land you on the island in no time. As its only 30 miles off the mainland, Roatan is rather well-connected. When you are able to navigate your way through the island easily, youll feel grateful for your Spanish skills. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. A popular route is from mainland Honduras and a town called La Ceiba. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. Its free. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. 1. That was in the fall of 2006. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and make lifelong friends on the most budget-friendly of the Caribbean Islands. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. Another pro of living in Washington is the ample job opportunities. Friday afternoon jam sessions at BJs are an open invitation to guests and tourists to join the house band, a group of expats called The Banditos. Just like any other hospital, hospitals in Roatan are open 24/7 with services ranging from emergency to maternity. PRO: Affordability. Answer 1 of 12: Visiting in March and wondering what the pros and cons of renting a car. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine Pros and cons of living in Laos 2. Cons: Public transportation is a huge problem; therefore, you have to own a car. Weather in Roatn Most expats will tell you that island time takes some getting used to. American expats looking for some financial help should consider a loan or second mortgage from an American lending company. We used Alex Poirier, a buyers agent, and Cristiana Carbajal as our lawyer. At our east end, a nice meal with a couple of drinks costs under $50. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. Plenty of musicians in Roatan are expats themselves. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Chances are you will get a better rate if you pay in Lempiras. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. If youre looking to have a late one, stop by Nova for a great DJ and dance music. Lifestyle in Roatn As an island, its no surprise that life on Roatn revolves around the beach and the Caribbean. Roatan is a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Property tax is relatively low as well. In the tourist town of West End, there is a wide variety of choices at a wide variety of prices. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. Local restaurants compete for prizes offered for the best lionfish dishes. I know of a couple of properties for sale up in Port Royal, she said. 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. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. But watersports arent the only thing to do. However long you decide to stay, take your time getting to know the island and take it easy, Roatanian style. $727. There is a major con of living in Mexico, however, that everyone needs to be aware of, and that's safety. Plus, the currents are quite tame, so you dont have to worry about being swept away with the tide. We didnt stick around long. If youre renting short term, rates will generally be higher during the high season (December to April). However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. Kid's are not all high/school and college age. Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. 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. Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. London is generally a more affordable route; some travelers have even found round trip tickets for as low at 500 GBP. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. 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. The weather in Roatan is boring. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. 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. Our application cost for residency also cost $2,750. Nearby, the West End is a hip, funky village situated along Halfmoon Bay. It stretches almost 37 miles, but is only about five miles wide at its widest point. Photos may be taken with personal cameras or purchased from professional photographers on site. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. From its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush jungles to its laid-back atmosphere and affordable real estate, Roatan is the perfect place to enjoy an island lifestyle.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'ablison_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',618,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. For those looking for a quieter venture, retreat to calm Punta Gorda to eat local grub in a house on stilts. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. 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.