All we had to do was feed the owners two dogs and watch the property while he was away. However, despite its similarities to other Caribbean islands, Roatan is considerably more affordable than some of its neighbors. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. You may save as much as 10% to 20% during this time. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. Nobody is in a rush. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. Scuba Diving in Roatn And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. Additionally, you may have trouble catching a minibus on cruise ship days as theyll all be at docks picking up newly arrived tourists. Japan is ideally not a cheap place to call home. Heres an example of a monthly budget for a couple living on Roatn: In International Livings March issue, Roatan was named as one of the best islands to retire to in 2015. 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. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. Animal rescue is another opportunity, as is working in a health clinic that provides low-cost care for those in need. Photos may be taken with personal cameras or purchased from professional photographers on site. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. If youre in Europe and are hoping to make it to Roatan, there are travel options for you as well. Most islanders have a good grasp of English, but not all of them will. High on the list of popular tourist attractions on the island is the Dive with the Dolphins Encounter at Anthonys Key Resort, one of the original resorts on the island, boasting more than 40 years in business. PRO: Affordability. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. Some people live for months at a time, then go "home" to another paradise. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The first property was tucked in behind some mangroves and was hot, still, and buggy. High quality of life. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. It does not store any personal data. 5. However long you decide to stay, take your time getting to know the island and take it easy, Roatanian style. Ottawa has been ranked as "the best place to live in Canada" for over 10 years now. 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. She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. Why 2 lists? But its important to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. With its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, its no wonder that many people are considering living in Roatan. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Cristiana assisted us with our residence application, for which she charged us $2,750. This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. Being one of the best beaches in Roatan, it is worth the $3 water taxi ride to West Bay Beach. The rainy period on Roatan begins in October and ends in January with the heaviest rains falling in November and December. Some are virtually deserted. Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Forum. 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. 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. For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Plus, learning the local language can only benefit you. However, that's 17% lower than Manhattan, New York. 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. Much like the rest of the Caribbean, this island has ideal weather year-round that rarely dips below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. 1. Oftentimes, locals think that newcomers to the island are taking away jobs and taking food out of Roatanian mouths. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. Alabama has a plethora of white sandy beaches. Combine the adventure of a horseback riding tour with a visit to one of the most stunning beaches along the north shore of the island. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Herbys Sports Bar, and Pineapples Restaurant are located on-site, as well as a spa and gym. Or head to the highlands. Provisions purchased down island are dragged along the dock and stowed aboard vessels. So after that first trip, in the 1980s, I began researching more affordable alternatives. Boats zip in and out of the bay, picking up divers and taking them to a favorite drop-off spot. Cost of living for family. Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. And if youd rather get a lock-and-leave condo in a resort-style community on something like popular West Bay beach, you can get a one-bedroom unit for well under $200,000. Still, getting acclimated to the island lifestyle wont take too long as the quality of life can convert even the biggest skeptics. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Conversely, others who only came for vacation and ended up staying simply cant bring themselves to leave the Honduran diamond of an island. All electricity on the island comes from diesel generators that are run by an electric company. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. A local grocery store chain has plenty of items imported from Europe and North America. 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. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. Roatn Retirement Information Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. Moreover, you ought to be very cautious about driving after significant rainfall. A monthly insurance plan could cost you $100 a month. In under 4 hours you can be there. We dropped our hook in French Harbour, Jonesville, West End, and Port Royal. The opinions expressed by guest contributors are theirs alone. Most expats would recommend that you get your own private insurance to keep you covered during your time on the island. As an island, its no surprise that life on Roatn revolves around the beach and the Caribbean. Try your luck catching the saltwater grand slam species bonefish, permit, and tarpon. There is another one, farther up in Port Royal, across from Fort Morgan Cay. 5 Reasons to Move to Roatn Okay, I promised to provide both the pros and cons of living in Scotland. Recent one-way flight deals. You can find live music, often from expat musicians, at bars and restaurants in places like West End and Sandy Bay. If youre an experienced diver, youll be able to appreciate the beauty of Roatans marine ecosystem. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. Dreams do come true, however. Our general cost of living includes rent and utilities, gas, and eating out. Roatn is the place many envision when they hear Jimmy Buffet singing about one of his tropical paradises. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. It's still inexpensive enough to have a good life, yet has a good amount of modern convenience to make it comfortable. There are two main ways to get to the island: water and air. This includes food, board and lodging with personal maid and driver and dining out occasionally. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. The beers are $2. This is an excellent week to visit the island. She spent time as a young woman in Key West, back when Jimmy Buffett played for free drinks in bars. Now, this may sound just too good to be true: a beautiful, safe island that has affordable housing and perfect weather. Just outside of the busy central village area we viewed several 1,500 square foot townhomes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a few blocks off the sea, selling from $150,000 to $200,000 each. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. Waiting for the season to die down will mean cheaper flights and more affordable housing. Be prepared to pay a little extra for those journeys later in the day. The Immigration Process isn't Exactly Easy. 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. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Making a good income 5. 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. Its totally off the grid, she warned. Its still the principle tourist attraction. Although the West End runs along the sea its beach cant compare to that of the West Bay. Once youve rented your transport of choice, remember to do plenty of research on the best routes. So, we took to the water. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. Also because of limited housing stock, it can be hard to find a rental, especially during the high season. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Then we added a second dog, a rescue. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Its a busy place. The job market is booming. For expats who want convenience, everything is within easy reach here. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. Whats the catch? However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Here are the Pros Low cost of living Many choose to retire overseas in order to find a lower cost of living. As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. Watch the children swim and play in the sea while you savor a cold rum punch or margarita. It stretches almost 37 miles, but is only about five miles wide at its widest point. Its low-key and a bit rough around the edgeswhich makes it fun (and still perfectly safe). To qualify for a Pensionado visa, an applicant and spouse must be able to demonstrate a combined minimum monthly income of $1,500 for life from Social Security, a pension or a similar guaranteed source. Some favorite water activities are fishing, jet-skiing, and sailing. Everyone applying for Honduran residency is required to be in good standing with their tourist visas. Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. I bet you could get it at a good price.. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. Most of us head there after the hurricane season.. Because of its location and immense beauty, there are plenty of cruise lines that make regular stops in Roatan. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. Roatan is a stunning island paradise located off the coast of Honduras. You will start out on the dock with a briefing about the gear, safety rules, and underwater behavior (some instructors/schools will use a pool). A Final Thought on the Pros and Cons of Living in Montana. As in other Caribbean islands, electricity prices are exorbitantly high, and service is underwhelming. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. Get Your Free Report on Roatn. We paid $130,000 for the property in 2014. For example, Lisbon averages ten hours of sunlight during wintertime, which is an absolute blast compared to the Northern European nations. $1,011. 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. Heading east on the main road youll come to Sandy Bay, a local neighborhood thats gradually transitioning. 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. Your lights may go out for hours at a time. The bottom line is that you have to review the facts for yourself and see if Roatan is your ideal match. From the Cayman Islands, regular departures to Roatan are scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. From its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches to its lush jungles and vibrant culture, the island has something for everyone.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-banner-1-0'); Roatan is home to a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking, horseback riding, and zip-lining. Its paradise. Local restaurants offer delicious and filling meals for around $6 a plate. How to Get to Roatn Roatan has that kind of power. While there are still plenty of Western comforts around, like steaks and diners, you must indulge in some of the local delicacies. We concluded that Roatan was " a great place to visit, but you don't want to live there". ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . Summer in Roatan lasts from December until July every year. 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. Hi all, this has probably been asked before, if anyone knows of a thread about this topic please let me know. The cost of living in Houston is much cheaper than it is in many other large cities around the country. But overall housing and transportation are much lower, so the result is you will be spending less in comparison to the U.S. and Europe. In high season, during the North American winter, it hosts multiple cruise ships each day. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and make lifelong friends on the most budget-friendly of the Caribbean Islands. Rush and hurry are words that do not exist in the Roatanian vocabulary. 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. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Youll have to plan ahead to make sure youre not left in the dark or without a stove to cook with. Some expenses are the same or higher, such as groceries and electricity. The weather in Roatan is boring. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. Tarpon, bonefish, snapper, lobster, wahoo, and more are abundant in the surrounding water. Scotland is the perfect country for anyone looking to move abroad. Anything from going to the bank to ordering in a local restaurant can require even the most basic Spanish. Most ferry services to Roatan have two daily departures. Grocery stores and specialty markets carry imported goodsmust-haves from home, albeit with a markup. It escapes the guiding air currents that direct these huge storms toward other Caribbean islands. If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. Most islands are surrounded by a seabut not all are created equal. 1. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. Cons: Public transportation is a huge problem; therefore, you have to own a car. Will be staying in the parrot tree plantation area and checking on taxis from there to different parts of the island from there. 21h 31m RTB - LAX. The farther you go east, theres less development. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping.