I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. They come and go from town in their boats. Now, this may sound just too good to be true: a beautiful, safe island that has affordable housing and perfect weather. Be sure to try to the signature Roatan cocktail, Monkey La La! From its stunning beaches and lush jungles to its laid-back atmosphere and affordable cost of living, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. And if you see a friend or neighbor out and aboutyoull always stop to chat. Traveling from Canada to Roatan is most comfortable between the months of December to April. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. All that you need to sign yourself up as a resident of Honduras is to get yourself an attorney to help you submit all relevant paperwork to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 5. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. 4. And, that's it. 1. This Caribbean paradise offers a great variety of things to see and do. No shirt, no shoesno problem. The Island is an amazing place to make great friends for life and take in the Caribbean culture. Come for the islands undeniable beauty and stay for the comfortable, idyllic lifestyle. Fares can be anywhere between 20 to 50 Lempira (which equates about $1-$2) depending on how far youre going. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. 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. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. Treat yourself and your family to the thrill of a lifetime while getting a birds eye view of the island from 60-feet up in the jungle canopy. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. The bus fare has to be paid in Lempira, so make sure youve got the right money for the ride. 5. Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. These days a small but active group of retirees and other expats live on this long and narrow island, whose total population is about 80,000. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. 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. 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. Waiting out the long winters in Ontario, Canada for the too-short boating season each year, had my husband, John, and me dreaming of heading south. Japan is ideally not a cheap place to call home. If iguana is not your cup of tea, theres always their world-renowned snail soup that went so far as have to a song written about it in the early 1990s. As mentioned above, while there are many pros and cons of living in Mexico, several might not apply to everyone. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Our lifestyle is quite physical for our golden years, as is that of most of our friends. Vietnamese people are nice Quality healthcare. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. List of the Pros of Living in the Bahamas 1. The explosion of population growth 2. Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. In a real sense, Roatan is a prime example of an ancient observation: We do without doing and it all gets done. While you are waiting for everything to be finalized, be sure not to overstay your 90-day limit. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Getting through customs is quick and only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. Naturally, such dense vegetation could not exist without sufficient rain. Once you get there, you become absorbed in the island life. However, despite its similarities to other Caribbean islands, Roatan is considerably more affordable than some of its neighbors. Being one of the best beaches in Roatan, it is worth the $3 water taxi ride to West Bay Beach. Unless you stop off in the Cayman Islands along the way, theres almost no way to avoid spending the night to catch a connecting flight the next day. Dreams do come true, however. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. We didnt stick around long. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. 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. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. Although locals will be friendly, dont expect them to always be happy to see you. I worked in the web printing industry and was laid off from Transcontinental Printing when my plant closed in 2004. It was time to buy ourselves a permanent place, but our criteria made it a challenge. Cost of living is high: The cost of living in Japan is among the highest globally. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. So it really surprised me to find that Roatan properties are still affordable. Local restaurants compete for prizes offered for the best lionfish dishes. Instead of thinking in general about what makes you happy, think back to your most joyful moments. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. 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. But this island, 48 miles long and about five miles at its widest, off mainland Honduras, is also a great place to live long-term. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. Roatan, the largest and most well-known of the Honduras Bay Islands, has often been referred to as the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. 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. Answer 1 of 12: Visiting in March and wondering what the pros and cons of renting a car. Why 2 lists? We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. Its a busy place. Youll also have a chance to get up close and personal with Honduran wildlife. Enjoy some of the tours to the nearby islands of Santa Helena and Morat. 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. Low Cost of Living. 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. Island life means learning to work with what you have. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Explore the scenic fishing villages of Jonesville and Oak Ridge. 1. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. Alabama has a plethora of white sandy beaches. Their favorite watering hole is BJs, in Oakridge, for the Friday afternoon jam session. Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. Heading east on the main road youll come to Sandy Bay, a local neighborhood thats gradually transitioning. To give you a rough idea, we're able to get a spacious, luxury two-bedroom apartment that includes a garage for $1550. Cons: Bad roads with huge holes, unsigned speed bumps that can launch you into space, no awareness by locals of traffic rules or driving behavior that you might expect or anticipate, total and complete liability that can drain your wallet and easily get you in jail, marginal and . You can also work with local school kids doing sports activities or teaching English. Pro: High Quality of Life. 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. And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. We also needed enough property for our horse to graze on, with access to riding trails. Your lights may go out for hours at a time. Buying a house in Roatan is much cheaper than buying a home in the majority of North America. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. Those seeking permanent residency must make an application according to Honduran regulations. In recent years, an annual lionfish tournament has also been held. Foreigners are walking targets for locals to try to somehow get money from. Leave the crowds behind when you tour the east end of the island by boat. Those hoping to bust a move should look no further than Booty Bar & Caribbean restaurant. These are on the top of our short list and we realize October is not ideal but it's the only time that works for us. 4. And then depending on your business model, you will have to pay a fee. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. Any other small roads you encounter will most likely be dirt or gravel roads, but as the island grows, conditions are improving. Pros of living in Missoula. The choice is still up to you, of course. 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. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. The Dolphin Dive, which requires visitors to present a certification card to participate, begins with a 5-minute boat ride to the reef wall. With its low cost of living, its possible to live comfortably without breaking the bank. For a cheap night out on the town, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts a range of free shows, including classical music . Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. Whatever you decide to munch on, youll feel revived and ready to explore this small island. There are plenty of activities on the island, as well as many good restaurants, bars and cafs. Pros Easy to get to - Roatan is easily accessible from the US. Know that most buses stop at 6 pm right when taxi prices go up. Opportunities The United States of America will not be known as the land of opportunity for nothing. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. Cost of living for nomad. Recent one-way flight deals. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. So any thoughts on a good place to buy . Pros And Cons of Living in Fort Myers Florida: Pros: This place is best for people who are looking for an affordable and cheap place. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. 5. Although the road situation is improving, its better to be safe than sorry when driving around Roatan. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. But watersports arent the only thing to do. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. When your days arent filled with great outdoor adventure, you can visit local attractions or wind down with a drink in the West End. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. 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. 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. $1,011. 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. 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. 50 Intense Pros and Cons of Dropping the Atomic Bomb, 20 Intriguing Pros and Cons of Becoming a State National, Pros And Cons Of Higher Education For Police Officers. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. There is an ability to be happy on these islands even when someone doesn't own much. Other cities like Milan and London have flights to Roatan, too. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. If it is your lucky day, you may even spot the gentle giant of the seas, the whale shark. 1. Its relatively easy to purchase property. 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. If you feel ready to embrace the Caribbean lifestyle, dont hesitate and book your travel before its too late! There is one main road that stretches from one side of the island to the other. Most expats dont live here. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast. Lots in Roatan can sell for as little as $45,000. John worked as an automobile and marine mechanic. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. You can expect to shell out big bucks for rent if you want to live anywhere near a Japan city Centre. One of the biggest perks of living in Washington state is the dreamy summer weather. 12h 22m RTB - LAX. Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. Advantages Of Living In Arkansas Cheap cost of living Reasonable property taxes Excellent state universities Pleasant 4 season weather Abundant outdoor activities Choose from small towns 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. The first one is the what we think it will be like to live in Florida when we move there for the pros (the perception), usually based on many 1 week vacation visits. It is cheaper to live in Missoula as its living cost is below the average living cost of the state. While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. The rainy period on Roatan begins in October and ends in January with the heaviest rains falling in November and December. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. Living in Roatan PROS Living in Roatan CONS Roatan has that kind of power. Sold 17 years ago. 1- Warm climate If you're a nature lover and are constantly dreaming of living in a place full of sunlight and warm weather, well, Portugal is your destination. 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. Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. Soar like an eagle from the top of the mountain range down to the sea. There are so many pros and cons of moving to Scotland. 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. Flights Holiday Rentals . There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. North American airlines like Delta, American, and IBC have regular flights to Roatan. Accommodation is inexpensive, either hotels or small apartments. The Immigration Process isn't Exactly Easy. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. Its low-key and a bit rough around the edgeswhich makes it fun (and still perfectly safe). 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. Plants and animals live much more freely on mountains, where populations are less dense and there are considerably fewer buildings. As mentioned before, RECO doesnt provide the best service. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. Youll be able to bop along all night with the crowds in this late-night local. As I mentioned previously, your utilities will be expensive in Roatan. For expats averse to traffic, driving in Lagos will not be fun. This can make communicating with locals more challenging. Youre more likely to get a better interest rate and have a better overall lending experience. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Before you move away to an extremely remote area of the island, there are a few things youll need to consider. 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. "Expats bar and reataurant, downtown La Ceiba, or, . If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. And, if youre feeling adventurous, you can explore the nearby islands or take a daytrip to the Honduran mainland. The median rental prices of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are $1,200 and $1,620, respectively, making Houston cheaper to rent in than over 40 major U.S. cities. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. Living in Roatan includes great food, Welcoming and friendly people, Low cost of living, natural beauty, and Great weather. We rarely travel to the busy, tourist area of the island. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. The Island is an amazing place to make great friends for life and take in the Caribbean culture. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. And the Dream. Or, you can embrace the Caribbean Sea and float in on that crisp blue water. She spent time as a young woman in Key West, back when Jimmy Buffett played for free drinks in bars. The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. It was a smooth process. Like everywhere on this planet, there are going to be pros of where you live. A local grocery store chain has plenty of items imported from Europe and North America. Missing your connection and having to stay in a hotel overnight and pay the transport to and from the airport will end up costing you the same. Be sure to bring your prescription along with you. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. Italy has a reputation for being an expensive place, but once you actually live there, you'll find that monthly costs aren't too exorbitant. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. If youre an experienced diver, youll be able to appreciate the beauty of Roatans marine ecosystem. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are lots of options for you to be able to schedule your perfect journey. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. 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. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. If youre a fisherman or diveror just like to get out on the water, you are in luck as oceanfront lots can be had for $100,000. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. Here you have mostly seaside villages. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. The High Living Cost. I even saw a Moray eel guarding the entrance to her home. But a growing number are settling in French Harbour, or the East Side, which are both on the south side of the island. Although it may be tempting to save some coin and get a flight to Honduras and then jump on a connecting flight to Roatan, its not recommended. There is also a branch of the top hospital in Honduras here, staffed with specialists. Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). Local resorts and dive centers normally offer introductory lessons and the prices are hard to beat. Most islanders have a good grasp of English, but not all of them will. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. The reefs begin in as little as 20 feet with drop-offs up to 100+ feet. If you fish, youll be in heaven. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. The inlets and bays on the southern shore of the island that once attracted European pirates and loggers now attract scuba divers, drawn by the reef just offshore. 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. The Dolphin Snorkel, in addition to the initial 25 minutes with one dolphin, offers an additional 30 minutes of snorkeling time with a dozen or more dolphins. From ranches in Austin, Texas, to houses for . Its all here in Roatn. Whats the catch? 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. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts (Post Summary) In sum, here's a quick roundup of the pros and cons of living in Massachusetts. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. The Pros of Living in South Korea. Most people take the time to stop for a cold drink before making the last leg of their trip home. And eventually, lack of safety can create greater issues. If you want to be on your own to enjoy the tropical forest and your own patch of private beach and the clear Caribbean, you have your pick. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. 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. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Fresh snapper and lobster are grilled and served with rice and plantains. Some people live for months at a time, then go "home" to another paradise. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! Scotland is the perfect country for anyone looking to move abroad. Answer 1 of 2: Anyone been to either in October and willing to share the pros and cons? Pros And Cons of Living in Colorado: Perks of Living in Colorado 1.