So, if youre ready to take the plunge, consider all the pros and cons of living in Roatan before making the move! Living on Diamond Lil provided the flexibility to explore the island. And eventually, lack of safety can create greater issues. Provisions purchased down island are dragged along the dock and stowed aboard vessels. Expect to pay U.S. prices for staples at the grocery store. Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. Great public education: 2. Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. 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. Sold 17 years ago. You will need to fill up some required papers by the state. Most expats dont live here. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. Leave the crowds behind when you tour the east end of the island by boat. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. 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. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. $1,011. That may be because Roatan has an extremely low crime rate of 0.05%. An annual fishing tournament coincides with Honduran Independence Day on Sept 15th. Watching sunset with a cold beer in hand and surrounded by friends old and new is practically mandatory. You can find out a bit more about Honduras residency program here. However, there are plenty of local bars where you can have a drink and dance the night away. The job market is booming. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. Local restaurants compete for prizes offered for the best lionfish dishes. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Where is the Island of Roatn I was chatting with a friend at BJs Backyard, a small restaurant/ bar on the water. 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. I used to own at Sundancer. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. The Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands), a group of 15 small islands about halfway between Roatan and mainland Honduras, is a UNESCO world heritage site. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. Now, workers and Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean Sea. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. However, despite its similarities to other Caribbean islands, Roatan is considerably more affordable than some of its neighbors. Youll meet missionaries, environmentalists, photographers, scientists, explorers, and lots of others. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. Though almost across the board the general cost of living here is quite similar to that of the other states, it is the housing expenditure that makes all the difference and renders the place obnoxiously pricey. Cost of living for nomad. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. Living in Roatan is an incredible experience, but its important to consider the pros and cons before making the move. Its relaxed and casual. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Both Miami and Houston offer direct flights with several carriers but most flights have one stop before landing at Coxen Hole airport on Roatan. You will usually board a small boat for the ride to the nearby reef where you will follow an anchored line up and down a few times, getting more comfortable. 5 Reasons to Move to Roatn In a real sense, Roatan is a prime example of an ancient observation: We do without doing and it all gets done. Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. Communicating with realtors and property managers will be a breeze, and youll feel more at home on the island when youre able to communicate effectively with locals. The quality of the care you will receive in Roatan is excellent, and many expats are surprised by this. The explosion of population growth 2. 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. The spray would blow continuously into your windows for hours depending on the wind and sea at that time. Instead of thinking in general about what makes you happy, think back to your most joyful moments. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Then, you will move into waist-deep water, kneel down and experience your first underwater breaths. 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. 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. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. Youre in luck as Roatan has quite the bustling expat community. At the time Ambergris Caye was a little-known island and it was affordable. 5. Ottawa has been ranked as "the best place to live in Canada" for over 10 years now. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. But some retirees enjoy living here and frequent their own hangouts. Others, like West Bay and West End, are packed with people, with resorts, condos, beach bars, and vendors abundant, with a soundtrack of Latin music and reggae. The bus fare has to be paid in Lempira, so make sure youve got the right money for the ride. One of the biggest perks for retirees and other expats from North America is the fact that as an English protectorate, English is widely spoken, even as mainland Hondurans come for work and bring their native tongue. Unlike most Port Royal properties, we also have road access. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison. 4. You will feel like you are in the Venice of the Caribbean as you wind through the picturesque waterways connecting several communities along the south shore. Youll need to be prepared and keep your house stocked with blackout gear like flashlights and matches, and a propane stove is ideal for cooking in these situations. We had grown roots, too. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. 4. One of the biggest perks of living in Washington state is the dreamy summer weather. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. On top of relocating to an entirely different country - which can be difficult in and of itself - there's one thing that's absolutely one of the worst cons of living in Canada: bureaucracy. While there are still plenty of Western comforts around, like steaks and diners, you must indulge in some of the local delicacies. However, that's 17% lower than Manhattan, New York. Medical care is good and affordable. Many expats will tell you its just as pricey as back in Canada or the States. 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. Its no wonder that the islanders are so happy and at ease! But this is an island, and everything is imported. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. Roatan has that kind of power. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan offers a truly unique experience. The reefs begin in as little as 20 feet with drop-offs up to 100+ feet. Ride through the magical mangrove tunnels, a series of man-made channels that form this inland waterway. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. I hope you enjoyed . American expats looking for some financial help should consider a loan or second mortgage from an American lending company. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. And the fisherman might be your neighbor! Most one and two bedroom apartments rent for $1490 or less per month. As an island, its no surprise that life on Roatn revolves around the beach and the Caribbean. They depended on the ocean breezes. But its not all about partying. So any thoughts on a good place to buy . Trip Advisor's list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. One downside will be finding a home Dublin's rental prices are high, with the city found to be the 6th most expensive in the world for renters in 2021. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. Stretch out under a shady palapa or enjoy a meal at Lionfish Louies, the on-site restaurant, one of the best places to sample delicious lionfish. Healthcare in South Korea is cheap and affordable. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. Choose between a visit to an iguana farm, swimming with dolphins, relaxing with sloths in a sanctuary, or entering the wild world of Gumbalimba Park. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. For a house right on the water that is designed to North American standards, expect to pay $200,000 or more. Sandals and shorts are the uniformseven for nice dinners out. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. In fact, the commonly used phrase, come back tomorrow, can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the speaker and the context. 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. It offers a lot of job opportunities than any other country can. In the event that youre coming from another part of Honduras or Latin America and are looking to transport more significant items like a car, a ferry might be your best bet. 1. Some are virtually deserted. Dreams do come true, however. However, becoming a resident isnt too difficult. If you prefer to relax in the shade, with your toes in the sand, there are dozens of beaches to enjoy. London is generally a more affordable route; some travelers have even found round trip tickets for as low at 500 GBP. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. In Roatan, there was little air conditioning anywhere. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. Nearby West Bay, reached by road or water taxi for $5 from West End, is more of an active beach, the water lined with eateries, souvenir shops, hotels, and small resorts. It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. When you start living in the Bahamas, you will notice immediately that the environment is warm and friendly from a social standpoint. One point of contention is the infrastructure. With deep water beyond the reef so close to shore, you need not travel far to fish for wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, white marlin, sailfish, and barracuda. Lots in Roatan can sell for as little as $45,000. We visited in 1999 and could afford to buy there at that time. This covers the applicant and a spouse as a dependent. For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. Conversely, others who only came for vacation and ended up staying simply cant bring themselves to leave the Honduran diamond of an island. Usually, these cruise ships stop off in the busier spots of the island, like Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay. Chances are you will get a better rate if you pay in Lempiras. 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. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more action, the West End offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment aimed at tourists. However, the island is still developing, and this means it has limited infrastructure and healthcare. Weather in Roatn 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. All electricity on the island comes from diesel generators that are run by an electric company. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. PRO: Affordability. Its relatively easy to purchase property. Guests descend to a sandy bottom, 60 feet below the surface where they interact with dolphins in a natural setting for 45 minutes. Interest rates are outrageous and always require some kind of collateral. With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty. They share 32 square miles of white-sand beaches, undeveloped natural areas, funky tourist-oriented beach towns, traditional fishing villages, bustling market towns, and more. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. Affordable cost of living: Honduras is one of the most affordable countries in Central America. At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. I did find two tickets on one site for about $550 but the routing was painful. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. Here are ten pros and cons of living in Alabama to consider before making this state your home. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. As I mentioned previously, your utilities will be expensive in Roatan. Diving class starts out slow, first on the dock with an in-depth explanation of gear and diving protocol. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. Boats zip in and out of the bay, picking up divers and taking them to a favorite drop-off spot. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. Plus, the currents are quite tame, so you dont have to worry about being swept away with the tide. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. If youre searching for a warm-weather climate, a lower cost of living, slower pace, surrounded by natural beautywith plenty of services and amenities, retirement on Roatn could be worth a closer look. Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world. Most resorts in the West End have some kind of seaside bar or patio for you to enjoy. Why 2 lists? There is also a branch of the top hospital in Honduras here, staffed with specialists. 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. Here you have mostly seaside villages. 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. However, there can be some health disadvantages. There are local places with local fare for much less. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". While you can still find a bargain here and there, your biggest decision will be how you want to reach the island.