Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. Other cities like Milan and London have flights to Roatan, too. Herbys Sports Bar, and Pineapples Restaurant are located on-site, as well as a spa and gym. Healthcare in South Korea is cheap and affordable. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. Instead of thinking in general about what makes you happy, think back to your most joyful moments. Here is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of living in the USA. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Relax on the beach Americans living on Roatan - Roatan Forum - Tripadvisor Google "americans who live on Roatan." You'll find sites that speak to expats with pros and cons on living in "paradise." But remember, the real estate agents want to sell you on the pros. 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. Whats the catch? As mentioned before, RECO doesnt provide the best service. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. The popular Dolphin Encounter, which is held in waist-high, crystal clear water, is a 25-minute personal petting session with one of the friendly mammals. 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. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! Houses that need a little love and fixing upsell for anywhere between $70,000 to $80,000. 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. I bet you could get it at a good price.. Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. Home prices start around $250,000. While many people on the island speak some English, its not nearly as common as Spanish. Moving to Roatan Roatan Tourism Bureau 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. Its a busy place. However, becoming a resident isnt too difficult. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. 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. For a family of two adults and two children, you would need a combined income of $118,551 per year or $9,879 every month to live comfortably in Stamford, the most expensive city of Connecticut. Although the road situation is improving, its better to be safe than sorry when driving around Roatan. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The prices are reasonable, starting around $110 for a four-hour session supervised by a certified instructor. The journey between La Ceiba and Roatan lasts just over an hour. 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. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. And they also make a point of coming to town to socialize. When the rum flows like water and the clear blue sea stretches for miles all around you, its hard not to want to stay forever. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. Consider beachfront lots in established developments for under $100,000. Fares can be anywhere between 20 to 50 Lempira (which equates about $1-$2) depending on how far youre going. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. 6 years ago. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. But dont forget that you will almost always receive credit for the money you spent on your introductory dive. Take a boat a few minutes from the shore and see dozens of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, coral in a rainbow of colors, and more underwater wonders. The average population per 1 square mile is 6.86. How to Get to Roatn Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. And if youre a boater, you even have the option of getting a boat-access only home for under $200,000. And the Dream. Here are ten pros and cons of living in Alabama to consider before making this state your home. PRO: Affordability. Still, getting acclimated to the island lifestyle wont take too long as the quality of life can convert even the biggest skeptics. Cost of living for family. Depending on how close you want to be to the water, youll find a good range of prices that are surprisingly affordable. If youre a fan of seafood, keeping your eyes peeled for that connection may be well worth your while. Everyone applying for Honduran residency is required to be in good standing with their tourist visas. Anything from going to the bank to ordering in a local restaurant can require even the most basic Spanish. 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Florida: Truth of Florida Life List of the Pros of Living in the Bahamas 1. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. Expats get together at local expat hangouts like JavaVine, Bananarama, Sundowners, or BJs. Here's How To Have A Happy Life Abroad These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. The reefs begin in as little as 20 feet with drop-offs up to 100+ feet. Adventurous Outdoor. Many expats here live in condos close to the water or up on the hill, with spectacular views, which come with hefty price tag. Hailing a cab from the airport or ferry dock will be relatively easy. Be sure to try to the signature Roatan cocktail, Monkey La La! We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. After lunch, explore the island, meet the locals, and observe a Garifuna dance to African drums. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. The farther you go east, theres less development. Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world. 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 . Island life means learning to work with what you have. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan is the only international airport in the Bay Islands. But watersports arent the only thing to do. If you fish, youll be in heaven. At the end of the process, you'll likely have a pretty good handle on how you like to live. 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. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on Roatan. You can even take a boat tour of the wild Mangrove Tunnels and see the real Roatan. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. 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. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. Plus, the currents are quite tame, so you dont have to worry about being swept away with the tide. To be that close to the water, youll easily pay $100,000. Flights Holiday Rentals . 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. 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. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. But its important to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. Most expats dont live here. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. To give you a rough idea, we're able to get a spacious, luxury two-bedroom apartment that includes a garage for $1550. In Missoula, transport, health care, miscellaneous goods, and utilities are cheaper, which results in low . 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. The job market is booming. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. Grocery stores and specialty markets carry imported goodsmust-haves from home, albeit with a markup. There is an ability to be happy on these islands even when someone doesn't own much. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. As its only 30 miles off the mainland, Roatan is rather well-connected. Because of its location and immense beauty, there are plenty of cruise lines that make regular stops in Roatan. I worked in the web printing industry and was laid off from Transcontinental Printing when my plant closed in 2004. 1. ROATAN: Pros and Cons of Moving and living here and the - YouTube Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. If you dont understand or speak Island English, then Spanish will be your saving grace. Oftentimes, locals think that newcomers to the island are taking away jobs and taking food out of Roatanian mouths. 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. Living In Roatan is great! At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There are lots of excursions that you can go on to discover different areas of the island, such as the charming Oakridge Harbor, the very tropical Buccaneer, or the enchanting Maya Key Mayan ruin replicas. So any thoughts on a good place to buy . It was a smooth process. And there are plenty of dinners out, sailboat trips, parties, and other get-togethers. This town centers around an industrial harbor where fishing, shipping, and shrimp boats dock. If youre looking for a tropical escape, Roatan is the perfect place to explore. Both Miami and Houston offer direct flights with several carriers but most flights have one stop before landing at Coxen Hole airport on Roatan. For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. 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. Qualified guides ensure your safety as you zip from one platform to another. 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. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. Living in Honduras - Expat Exchange BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. Answer 1 of 12: Visiting in March and wondering what the pros and cons of renting a car. 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. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. Top 21 Advantages & Disadvantages of Living Alone - Wisestep The Pros and Cons of Living in South Korea - Gina Bear's Blog Word gets around. One point of contention is the infrastructure. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. You may find some diving buddies or even friends to go fishing with. Youve got to take it easy and relax. 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. So, dont expect to get a bargain at the supermarket. Living In Roatan is great! You can find live music, often from expat musicians, at bars and restaurants in places like West End and Sandy Bay. 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. Medical care is good and affordable. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. They come and go from town in their boats. From the Cayman Islands, regular departures to Roatan are scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays. 7 Things Roatan Expats Want You to Know - Viva Tropical Keep in mind that an entire family would consume much more electricity. Roatn, Honduras: Cost of Living, Retiring & Lifestyle Information 2023 Sundowners Beach Bar is the perfect place to start the night as it closes early. What Are Living-Learning Communities All About? - CollegeXpress For example, Lisbon averages ten hours of sunlight during wintertime, which is an absolute blast compared to the Northern European nations. Hi all, this has probably been asked before, if anyone knows of a thread about this topic please let me know. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. $727. Be prepared to pay a little extra for those journeys later in the day. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. Despite its size, it is home to a plethora of natural beauty and boasts the worlds second-largest barrier reef. 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 road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. Although locals will be friendly, dont expect them to always be happy to see you. The further east you go the more off-grid it gets, with dirt and gravel roads and small fishing villages. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. Their favorite watering hole is BJs, in Oakridge, for the Friday afternoon jam session. But its not all about partying. Some people make small talk about the weather, Roatanians talk about how much they hate RECO (Roatan Electric Company). Its free. In one word, living in Roatan is paradise. Great public education: 2. The entire island is surrounded by a shallow reef offering a spectacular view of thousands of marine creatures for divers and snorkelers. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. Little Roatn has its share of visitors. If you require medication or have a health condition, having your own healthcare plan might be in your best interest. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. Roatan is a destination that is made for expat living. Cons: Public transportation is a huge problem; therefore, you have to own a car. 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 also expect to have access to dentists and chiropractors on the island as well. If youre in Europe and are hoping to make it to Roatan, there are travel options for you as well. Safety. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. And a specialty market stocks good wine and gourmet meats, cheeses, and more. Enjoy the tournament and take in the land-based activities in the charming seaside town of West End. They depended on the ocean breezes. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. Our application cost for residency also cost $2,750. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. First is that being on an island means you wont have all the same luxuries as home. Its easy to make the place your full-time home. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. All we had to do was feed the owners two dogs and watch the property while he was away. The cost of living isn't too bad. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Message Board - Tripadvisor About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Bear in mind that some parts of Roatan are more developed than others. No matter which part of the island you visit, you will be sure to find venues that showcase local musicians, providing entertainment while you soak in the scenery. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. Youll find a good selection of rental homes and condos priced from $1,000 to $1,500a month in most areas of the island. Nearby, the West End is a hip, funky village situated along Halfmoon Bay. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. Be sure to bring your prescription along with you. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. With its beautiful beach, cozy cafs, fun beach bars, and gorgeous homes perched on panoramic hills, the West Bay is perfect for expats who can afford a chic beach lifestyle. We visited 3-4 years ago OMG West Bay!!! 25 Pros And Cons Of Living In San Diego (Updated 2023) - Home Mindset The Island is an amazing place to make great friends for life and take in the Caribbean culture. 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. While living in Roatan is considerably more affordable than living in big cities in the US or Canada, there are some facts youll have to face. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. There are a wide variety of adventure tours available for all age groups and experience levels. Know that most buses stop at 6 pm right when taxi prices go up. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. The cost of living is low. Homes on the water, built to North American standards, can be had from $200,000. For a cheap night out on the town, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts a range of free shows, including classical music . However, despite its similarities to other Caribbean islands, Roatan is considerably more affordable than some of its neighbors. 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. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. Living in Scotland: Pros and Cons from a US Perspective If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts (Post Summary) In sum, here's a quick roundup of the pros and cons of living in Massachusetts. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Three Places to Live in Roatan; Two to Avoid - International Living American expats looking for some financial help should consider a loan or second mortgage from an American lending company. In the major cities, summer temperatures rarely exceed 90s and you can count on sunshine from mid-May through mid-September. Is living in a city unhealthy? Most islands are surrounded by a seabut not all are created equal. Why Roatan, Honduras Is The Perfect Place For Nature Lovers Making a good income 5. We viewed a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on the beach listed for only $179,000. Also, be sure to make it clear how you will be paying. Depending on your departure city and flexibility, you can find a price that works for you. Whatever you decide to munch on, youll feel revived and ready to explore this small island. Or head to the highlands. There are local places with local fare for much less. When talking about Roatn, its important to understand the different lifestyles and characteristics of each section, as it changes along its 48 miles of length (its five miles across at its widest). Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. There are lots of fishermen around, and one of them may be your neighbor. One of the biggest perks of living in Washington state is the dreamy summer weather. And, that's it. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. 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). Should You Vacation in Roatn, Honduras? - Ounce of Salt North American airlines like Delta, American, and IBC have regular flights to Roatan. Conversely, others who only came for vacation and ended up staying simply cant bring themselves to leave the Honduran diamond of an island. So, we took to the water. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. Decide on a song and sign up fast because the request list fills up quickly. But we spoke with an expat couple, who live outside of French Harbour in the home they own, who spend less than $1,200 a month. 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. I used to own at Sundancer. Its relatively easy to purchase property. Those hoping to bust a move should look no further than Booty Bar & Caribbean restaurant. Some might have one little beach restaurant. 17 Pros and Cons of Living in Montana - Vittana.org With its low cost of living, its possible to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Youll find multiple housing options on the island, from lots to homes to condos. Pros Easy to get to - Roatan is easily accessible from the US. Flights are also increasing day by day with the highest volume of flights arriving in between the months of November and April. Kid's are not all high/school and college age. Think back to your worst moments. Pros And Cons Of Living In Upstate New York The top 10 advantages and disadvantages of living in upstate New York are Easy access to New York City Natural beauty Four season living Multiple lifestyle options Reasonable cost of living High tax burden Rough winter weather Limited transportation options Lackluster economy However, it is advisable not to do so in Roatan. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. 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. We visited in 1999 and could afford to buy there at that time. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. Affordable cost of living: Honduras is one of the most affordable countries in Central America. It had 141 feet of clean, sandy beach, and an artesian well with a cistern. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. The choice is still up to you, of course. Living in Roatan: Your Ultimate Guide to Existing in Paradise Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun From ranches in Austin, Texas, to houses for . Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Retiring To Roatan Honduras-A Woman's Perspective Colorado job market and economy: 3. The explosion of population growth 2. A big favorite among expats and visitors alike is Franks Cigar Bar. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations.