5. There is another one, farther up in Port Royal, across from Fort Morgan Cay. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. Continue east through historic Port Royal, past Fort Morgan Cay, the pirate stronghold of early days. So let's jump into the negatives. 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. Healthcare. Local resorts and dive centers normally offer introductory lessons and the prices are hard to beat. This Caribbean paradise offers a great variety of things to see and do. We met expats in communities from one end of the island to the other. 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. The marine life is also stunning with plenty of species like rainbow fish, coral, and even Moray eels. Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. Summer in Roatan lasts from December until July every year. She spent time as a young woman in Key West, back when Jimmy Buffett played for free drinks in bars. The airport overlooks the sea, and as recent arrivals deplane directly onto the tarmac, the salty sea air gives them a Caribbean welcome. The bus fare has to be paid in Lempira, so make sure youve got the right money for the ride. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. In fact, statistically, Roatan has only been impacted by hurricanes about once every 25 to 26 years. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. 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. Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. You will need to fill up some required papers by the state. Expatriate medical insurance can be a good option for those who have the opportunity to receive it. While you will be able to get internet at home, you shouldnt expect it to be the fastest connection in the world. This is the place to come for both amenities and services. Many expats here live in condos close to the water or up on the hill, with spectacular views, which come with hefty price tag. You can always look around for deals, but dont hold your breath too long especially if youre booking during summer months. 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. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. 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. Fishing charters with experienced guides, including the use of professional rods, reels, and tackle, are available on all parts of the island. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. 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. If youre a fan of seafood, keeping your eyes peeled for that connection may be well worth your while. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. With its low cost of living, its possible to live comfortably without breaking the bank. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. Unfortunate but true. 25 Cons of Living in San Diego. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. From ranches in Austin, Texas, to houses for . Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. Most one and two bedroom apartments rent for $1490 or less per month. They come and go from town in their boats. Safety. 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. Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, you may have to wait for some transport to Roatan. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. 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. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. Youll be able to bop along all night with the crowds in this late-night local. The weather is delightful, and the Honduran people are warm and inviting. Okay, I promised to provide both the pros and cons of living in Scotland. 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. 10 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras Its just a short walk to Baggage Claim and the Arrivals gate after that. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. 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. Answer 1 of 2: Anyone been to either in October and willing to share the pros and cons? As mentioned before, RECO doesnt provide the best service. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. 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. 1. Quality of Medical care Cons of Living in Colorado 1. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. Much like the rest of the Caribbean, this island has ideal weather year-round that rarely dips below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. But this is an island, and everything is imported. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. So, we took to the water. Massachusetts is a green state. Its still the principle tourist attraction. The cost of living in Houston is lower than the national average, overall. That may be because Roatan has an extremely low crime rate of 0.05%. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. You can snorkel a reef full of tropical fish right from the beach. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. 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. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. Now, this may sound just too good to be true: a beautiful, safe island that has affordable housing and perfect weather. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Consider starting your own garden if you follow a plant-based diet. Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. Beachfront condosone- and two-bedroomscan be found for under $200,000, while hilltop homes with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered hills and Caribbean start from $150,000. Also, top quality fresh fruits and vegetables (at least what isnt growing on your property), though cheap at local markets, are more difficult to come by. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. This is one of the pros of living in America if you are an entrepreneur. Some expenses are the same or higher, such as groceries and electricity. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. Enjoy some of the tours to the nearby islands of Santa Helena and Morat. As an island, its no surprise that life on Roatn revolves around the beach and the Caribbean. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan is the only international airport in the Bay Islands. What Are the Pros? But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. I'd recommend one of the Cayes in Belize over Roatan, where an upsurge in crime and some unrest have been nagging problems since the summer. She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. A monthly insurance plan could cost you $100 a month. But a growing number are settling in French Harbour, or the East Side, which are both on the south side of the island. Money makes the world go 'round, and it seems like the prices are always rising. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. Most centers give you credit for your introductory lesson, so remember to ask about it. Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. Great public education: 2. Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone and plenty of family fun to be had. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Grocery stores and specialty markets carry imported goodsmust-haves from home, albeit with a markup. American expats looking for some financial help should consider a loan or second mortgage from an American lending company. Roatan is a sunny place for shady people. The journey between La Ceiba and Roatan lasts just over an hour. The regular crowd was out to enjoy music. Many visited by cruise ship, fell in love, and returned for an extended stay. There is therefore much pure untouched land and the majority of the population is centred in county seats. 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. Most expats dont live here. However, be prepared to stay somewhere overnight when coming in from Europe. Best of all is that there is no industry on Roatn, which minimizes air pollution, traffic, and noise. Living in Honduras PROS 1. It's still inexpensive enough to have a good life, yet has a good amount of modern convenience to make it comfortable. Traveling from Canada to Roatan is most comfortable between the months of December to April. 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. The beach is free and chairs are available to rent. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. So, if youre ready to take the plunge, consider all the pros and cons of living in Roatan before making the move! But some retirees enjoy living here and frequent their own hangouts. Its relaxed and casual. Re: Renting a car in Roatan pros and cons. In fact, the commonly used phrase, come back tomorrow, can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the speaker and the context. I know of a couple of properties for sale up in Port Royal, she said. Roatan is considered one of the best sportfishing destinations in the Caribbean. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. Swim, snorkel, and kayak right off the deck of your private, over-the-water cabana. Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Nearby, the West End is a hip, funky village situated along Halfmoon Bay. Some favorite water activities are fishing, jet-skiing, and sailing. And, if youre looking for a job, there are plenty of opportunities on the island.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-box-4','ezslot_1',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-box-4-0'); Of course, there are some drawbacks to living in Roatan. The City of San Diego is the 8th largest in the US and second-largest in California. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. 2. Manage Settings 7 Pros of Living in Honduras You Can't Afford to Miss. Thailand is one of my favorite places in the world. 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. Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, which . The reef is a few minutes offshore, teeming with sea life. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fortunately, gas and water are much more affordable and only cost about $40 a month. If the area youre eyeing has a view of the beach, you can expect to pay $1,000 or more. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. Galway City Roatn is the place many envision when they hear Jimmy Buffet singing about one of his tropical paradises. Living In Roatan is great! It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind and make lifelong friends on the most budget-friendly of the Caribbean Islands. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In a beautiful state. It does not store any personal data. However, if youre looking to try your hand at diving, rest assured knowing that there are plenty of classes available. One of the most popular dishes is baleada, a soft tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and avocado. However, there are plenty of local bars where you can have a drink and dance the night away. 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 Beautiful beaches: Honduras has some of the best beaches in the world, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Air Canada and Cayman Airlines also regularly serve Juan Manuel Galvez International. So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. 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. Schools of large fish darted through crystal-clear water. There are a wide variety of adventure tours available for all age groups and experience levels. Any other small roads you encounter will most likely be dirt or gravel roads, but as the island grows, conditions are improving. $2,909 / month. Ottawa residents enjoy living in a city with great living standards. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. There are many dive shops located along the sea. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Theres always something going on here. But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you.