There is plenty of entertainment, dancing, and live music to enjoy. Remember to be respectful. 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. As Roatan is an island, the majority of the goods on the island are imported. 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. But watersports arent the only thing to do. All electricity on the island comes from diesel generators that are run by an electric company. Just because you are on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean doesnt mean that you wont be able to look after yourself. It's still inexpensive enough to have a good life, yet has a good amount of modern convenience to make it comfortable. 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. It was a smooth process. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Still, it gets a fraction of the visitors that you would see in other Caribbean destinations and much of the development is small-scale and manageable. The High Living Cost. Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Forum. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. Quality healthcare. First, we added a cat to the family. Dont forget to update your Netflix subscription while youre at it! The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. Getting to Roatan is no bargainunless of course you happen to find a great airfare deal somewhere. Its diving that first brought the worlds attention to Roatn decades ago. Before going to Honduras, do some research online to find out if the medication you are taking is legal there. Quality of Medical care Cons of Living in Colorado 1. There is also a branch of the top hospital in Honduras here, staffed with specialists. We have a large and vibrant group of both expat and local friends. From Glacier National Park in the northern part of the state to the border of Yellowstone in the south (with 3 of the park's 5 . This is the place to come for both amenities and services. Think back to your worst moments. Youll also have a chance to get up close and personal with Honduran wildlife. It was perfect for us. The popularity of cruise ships and the influx of people it brought to the island was what forced the market to get its act together. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Roatan has that kind of power. Heading east on the main road youll come to Sandy Bay, a local neighborhood thats gradually transitioning. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. You can also join in on boat parties, dinners out, and big social functions. So any thoughts on a good place to buy . The Island is an amazing place to make great friends for life and take in the Caribbean culture. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. They depended on the ocean breezes. Despite that, theres a little something for everyone. Whatever you decide to munch on, youll feel revived and ready to explore this small island. 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. $1,904 / month. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Great food When it comes to food, Honduras has a lot to offer. Many dive centers offer the opportunity to become certified while enjoying a diving vacation. Galway City While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. If you are like most and want to continue into the open water certification phase, that usually takes an additional two days and costs about $400 dollars. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. From the Cayman Islands, regular departures to Roatan are scheduled on Thursdays and Saturdays. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine Pros and cons of living in Laos 2. The choice is still up to you, of course. 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. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. But this is an island, and everything is imported. Enjoy the tournament and take in the land-based activities in the charming seaside town of West End. Usually, these classes provide a four-hour session under the close, direct supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructor. Japan is ideally not a cheap place to call home. Cost of living for family. Most islands are surrounded by a seabut not all are created equal. It offers a lot of job opportunities than any other country can. 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. Roatan is also home to some of the worlds most stunning beaches. There are plenty of flights coming into Roatan from all over the world. 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. Manage Settings 1. 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. Verdant jungle-covered mountains and rolling hills rise from the spine of the island. Because of its location and immense beauty, there are plenty of cruise lines that make regular stops in Roatan. 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. 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. So, what're the pros and cons of living in Roatan? A monthly insurance plan could cost you $100 a month. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. We had almost no restrictions as to what we could or could not build. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. Gumbalimba is home to lots of exotic birds, Capuchin monkeys, indigenous lizards, and over two thousand species of insects! Many expats will tell you its just as pricey as back in Canada or the States. Boating around Roatn and nearby islands is also popular, as is fishing. There is a major con of living in Mexico, however, that everyone needs to be aware of, and that's safety. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Youve got to take it easy and relax. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. I returned to Thailand last July and after living here for 6 m. However, there can be some health disadvantages. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. Homestwo or three bedroomswith views or close to the beach will run you $1,000 and up. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. Rush and hurry are words that do not exist in the Roatanian vocabulary. Cons: Public transportation is a huge problem; therefore, you have to own a car. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan is the only international airport in the Bay Islands. 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. If it is your lucky day, you may even spot the gentle giant of the seas, the whale shark. She and her husband had built a house in Port Royal, to the east of Oak Ridge. Cristiana assisted us with our residence application, for which she charged us $2,750. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. Although by networking on the ground, you can find even better deals. 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. There are many dive shops located along the sea. Since the government has experienced its fair share of fraud and embezzlement, the public health sector isnt exactly in tip-top shape. That may be because Roatan has an extremely low crime rate of 0.05%. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. You can even take a boat tour of the wild Mangrove Tunnels and see the real Roatan. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. For an apartment or condo just a short walk from the beach, you could pay $500 a month. If youre an experienced diver, youll be able to appreciate the beauty of Roatans marine ecosystem. Even if you don't have insurance, you're not gonna go broke. Traveling from Canada to Roatan is most comfortable between the months of December to April. 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. Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century and how you can join the movement. At this point, I realized that we were not leaving Roatn. We concluded that Roatan was " a great place to visit, but you don't want to live there". At our east end, a nice meal with a couple of drinks costs under $50. But things have changed since 1999Ambergris Caye was voted the best island two years running by Trip Advisor members and the cost of property has consistently increased since 2010. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. Living in Roatan PROS Living in Roatan CONS Consider starting your own garden if you follow a plant-based diet. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. 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. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. 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. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Kid's are not all high/school and college age. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It's still inexpensive enough to have a good life, yet has a good amount of modern convenience to make it comfortable. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . Pros of living in Alabama 1. When your days arent filled with great outdoor adventure, you can visit local attractions or wind down with a drink in the West End. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. 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. Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Missoula is relatively affordable compared to other cities. Its low-key and a bit rough around the edgeswhich makes it fun (and still perfectly safe). Its essential to agree upon a price before the drive begins as some drivers take advantage of newcomers. Those hoping to bust a move should look no further than Booty Bar & Caribbean restaurant. We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was less keen on spending time tied to a dock than he was. 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. Keep driving and on the south side of the island youll come to the port town of French Harbour, another expat favorite. The cost of living isn't too bad. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Landscape and beautiful scenery 5. With that being said, living in Roatan is much cheaper than many of its Caribbean counterparts, which makes it a highly attractive option for many expats. Visiting with neighbors and friends at BJs before heading home becomes part of the routine. The Dolphin Dive, which requires visitors to present a certification card to participate, begins with a 5-minute boat ride to the reef wall. Decide on a song and sign up fast because the request list fills up quickly. 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. Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. Local resorts and dive centers normally offer introductory lessons and the prices are hard to beat. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. Both towns are situated, as their names suggest, at the west end of the island, where daily sunset-watching becomes addictive. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. While there are still plenty of Western comforts around, like steaks and diners, you must indulge in some of the local delicacies. 7 Pros of Living in Honduras You Can't Afford to Miss. 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). There is so much that makes Roatn special. However, keep in mind that there is still a noticeable lack of infrastructure on the island. One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure on the island. The Island is an amazing place to make great friends for life and take in the Caribbean culture. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. However, getting around the island isnt too hard since its so compact. Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. We continued to live on Diamond Lil while we began the next chapter of our lives building our dream retirement home while remaining ecologically responsible. 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 airport overlooks the sea, and as recent arrivals deplane directly onto the tarmac, the salty sea air gives them a Caribbean welcome. There are only 1.07 million people living there being the 4th largest state by area. From poor roads to limited public transportation, Roatan is still very much a developing destination. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. Where is the Island of Roatn The beach is free and chairs are available to rent. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. Most expats would recommend that you get your own private insurance to keep you covered during your time on the island. Its relatively easy to purchase property. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Still, you can get yourself hooked up to the world wide web for around $50-$60 a month. Trip Advisor's list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. 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. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison. For many, the appeal of Roatan is evident. Additionally, healthcare is limited and the island can be prone to power outages and water shortages. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. And if you see a friend or neighbor out and aboutyoull always stop to chat. The Galaxy Wave, a recommended ferry company, shuttles passengers back and forth in a charming catamaran. It's truly an incredible place for foreign workers, whether you visit as part of your gap year with a working holiday visa, as a student studying at one of the universities or even . A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. The Pros of Living in South Korea. Many expats here live in condos close to the water or up on the hill, with spectacular views, which come with hefty price tag. Some are virtually deserted. $1,011. Flippered enthusiasts from across the globe, flock to Roatan for its nearly perfect diving conditions. Honduran law favors locals when it comes to real estate. The Immigration Process isn't Exactly Easy. Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, which . Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Most resorts in the West End have some kind of seaside bar or patio for you to enjoy. Answer 1 of 12: Visiting in March and wondering what the pros and cons of renting a car. However, you shouldnt come to the island expecting the locals to be great timekeepers. If you are already planning a cruise, combining a vacation with a move to a relaxing island could be a win-win situation. The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. The air is clean, the water is safe to drink and the living standard here is higher than in most other cities. Once you get there, you become absorbed in the island life. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Views of the beach and that salty sea breeze will remind you why you decided to move this beautiful Caribbean paradise. Or, you can embrace the Caribbean Sea and float in on that crisp blue water. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. For the chance to live in a Caribbean paradise, expats take the good with the bad. Plants and animals live much more freely on mountains, where populations are less dense and there are considerably fewer buildings. Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. But its not all about partying. For those who are seeking a sophisticated beach town environment, West Bay is a fantastic spot, but its pricey when compared to other spots. 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. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. The entire East Side of the island is spread out and remote as compared to the West End. Much like the rest of the Caribbean, this island has ideal weather year-round that rarely dips below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The road between West End to Coxen Hole is significantly better and can handle everyday traffic. Cost of Living in Roatn Are you going to the islands for the winter?. And, that's it. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. 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. High quality of life. Like everywhere on this planet, there are going to be pros of where you live. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. Low taxes - Corporate and personal income tax 4. Qualified guides ensure your safety as you zip from one platform to another. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. People from all over the world come to the island to call it their new home. You can always look around for deals, but dont hold your breath too long especially if youre booking during summer months. However, it is advisable not to do so in Roatan. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun But before you make the move, its important to explore the pros and cons of island life so you can make an informed decision. Sitting off the coast of Honduras, the island paradise has something for everyone. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. 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. High-speed internet works well and there is reliable cellphone service. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. The island, at 48 miles long and 5 miles across (at its widest point), has a variety of towns and regions to choose from, and each appeals to a different type of lifestyle. Then, you will move into waist-deep water, kneel down and experience your first underwater breaths. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. I used to own at Sundancer. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. Any other small roads you encounter will most likely be dirt or gravel roads, but as the island grows, conditions are improving. In recent years, an annual lionfish tournament has also been held. Many visited by cruise ship, fell in love, and returned for an extended stay. Buying a house in Roatan is much cheaper than buying a home in the majority of North America. Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. The beers are $2. Tourists haul their bags from vans, buses, and taxis and load them into boats leaving from BJs. In a beautiful state. Healthcare in South Korea is cheap and affordable. And, if youre feeling adventurous, you can explore the nearby islands or take a daytrip to the Honduran mainland. But we fell in love with the second property immediately. Two winters in the beautiful Bahamas followed. 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. Keep in mind that an entire family would consume much more electricity. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. There are a wide variety of adventure tours available for all age groups and experience levels. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on Roatan. Cost of living for nomad. Lifestyle in Roatn Or head to the highlands. Re: Renting a car in Roatan pros and cons. Its a busy place. When you approach Roatn from the mainland by sea or from the air, its a striking sight. 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. Snapper, wahoo, tuna, and more are abundant in these waters. Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. One of the most popular dishes is baleada, a soft tortilla filled with beans, cheese, and avocado. Unlike most Port Royal properties, we also have road access. Some might have one little beach restaurant. 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. Anything from going to the bank to ordering in a local restaurant can require even the most basic Spanish. 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. Roatn is the place many envision when they hear Jimmy Buffet singing about one of his tropical paradises. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. Roatn is the perfect place for an active retirement in many other ways too. In the west and central parts of the island you will find the most development. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. 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. But the property prices on the Virgin Islands were already excessive. 21h 31m RTB - LAX. 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. While you will be able to get internet at home, you shouldnt expect it to be the fastest connection in the world. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. Long-term monthly rents start at $600 a month. For a house right on the water that is designed to North American standards, expect to pay $200,000 or more. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan is the perfect place to explore and enjoy life. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. Should you decide to continue your learning, you can sign up for a certification class that will cost you around $400. What are Living-Learning Communities? East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. Crowded City . Pros And Cons: Arkansas If you are looking for a cheap place to live. $2,528 / month. What Are the Pros? And if youre a boater, you even have the option of getting a boat-access only home for under $200,000. For a place right on the water, $800 to $1,000 is the going rate. Interest rates are outrageous and always require some kind of collateral. Most centers give you credit for your introductory lesson, so remember to ask about it.