Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. Guests descend to a sandy bottom, 60 feet below the surface where they interact with dolphins in a natural setting for 45 minutes. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. There are plenty of flights coming into Roatan from all over the world. We viewed a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on the beach listed for only $179,000. So, if youre ready to take the plunge, consider all the pros and cons of living in Roatan before making the move! If iguana is not your cup of tea, theres always their world-renowned snail soup that went so far as have to a song written about it in the early 1990s. At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. 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. Snapper, wahoo, tuna, and more are abundant in these waters. Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. And by boring, I mean it is almost perfect every day. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. It has been for sale for years. Many companies have regional and national offices in Washington including: Amazon; Boeing . Getting through customs is quick and only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For those who prefer to be autonomous, there is also the option to rent a car, scooter, or motorcycle. If you prefer to relax in the shade, with your toes in the sand, there are dozens of beaches to enjoy. In the west and central parts of the island you will find the most development. Living in Roatan includes great food, Welcoming and friendly people, Low cost of living, natural beauty, and Great weather. The living index here is 107.8 which is much higher than the national average of 100. We had almost no restrictions as to what we could or could not build. It was perfect for us. A local grocery store chain has plenty of items imported from Europe and North America. Roatan is a destination that is made for expat 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. There are two main ways to get to the island: water and air. The Dolphin Dive, which requires visitors to present a certification card to participate, begins with a 5-minute boat ride to the reef wall. Making a good income 5. In a real sense, Roatan is a prime example of an ancient observation: We do without doing and it all gets done. Homes further from the beach, go for around $130,000. Afterward, youll make your way into the water to practice some essential diving skills and swim around to get a feel for the water. ; The second is how many of us will see living in Florida after actually moving to . We met expats in communities from one end of the island to the other. There is a major con of living in Mexico, however, that everyone needs to be aware of, and that's safety. Some expenses are the same or higher, such as groceries and electricity. Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop United Airlines. Even if you don't have insurance, you're not gonna go broke. Many dive centers offer the opportunity to become certified while enjoying a diving vacation. It was a smooth process. U.S. citizens can travel with a passport without the need to apply for a special visa. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Public transport and taxis are reasonably priced, too. The choice is still up to you, of course. After a day of diving, the 20-year-olds hit the bars, cafs, and discos, looking for evening diversions. It is difficult to find all these requirements in one property. However, be prepared to stay somewhere overnight when coming in from Europe. Most people take the time to stop for a cold drink before making the last leg of their trip home. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. Interest rates are outrageous and always require some kind of collateral. Japan is ideally not a cheap place to call home. 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. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. You'll meet a wide variety of interesting people, including expats, native islanders and locals who migrated from the mainland. Friday afternoon jam sessions at BJs are an open invitation to guests and tourists to join the house band, a group of expats called The Banditos. Cost of Living in Roatn Schools of large fish darted through crystal-clear water. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. One of the biggest perks of living in Washington state is the dreamy summer weather. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. However, there are plenty of local bars where you can have a drink and dance the night away. The Pros of Living in South Korea. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. This is one of the pros of living in America if you are an entrepreneur. Some are residential and virtually privatebut its a quick walk for you if you live in the community. Most of this work was done online, while sitting on Diamond Lil, rocking with the motion of the water below me. This is the place to come for both amenities and services. But its not all about partying. 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. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. Depending on how close you want to be to the water, youll find a good range of prices that are surprisingly affordable. Cost of living for local. Rush and hurry are words that do not exist in the Roatanian vocabulary. Local restaurants offer affordable meals for as low as $6 per plate. This includes food, board and lodging with personal maid and driver and dining out occasionally. Ride through the magical mangrove tunnels, a series of man-made channels that form this inland waterway. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. A residence visa for retirees, known as the pensionado, requires only $1,500 in income for life from Social Security, a pension, or some other similar guaranteed source. The bus fare has to be paid in Lempira, so make sure youve got the right money for the ride. As most real estate deals are done in cash, you may consider taking out a loan. The west side of the island is almost always perfectly calm as it is sheltered from the prevailing trade winds. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more action, the West End offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment aimed at tourists. The budget airline Air Europa has a direct flight from Madrid to San Pedro Sula airport on the Honduran mainland. If you dont understand or speak Island English, then Spanish will be your saving grace. Ours was not a direct path from A to B. Do this over a period of a month or so, and make a list. The further east you go the more off-grid it gets, with dirt and gravel roads and small fishing villages. This is an island where its best to have a car to get around. Great food When it comes to food, Honduras has a lot to offer. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. Instead of thinking in general about what makes you happy, think back to your most joyful moments. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It stretches almost 37 miles, but is only about five miles wide at its widest point. Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone and plenty of family fun to be had. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. The country's tropical climate means that fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and seafood is also popular. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. Others, like West Bay and West End, are packed with people, with resorts, condos, beach bars, and vendors abundant, with a soundtrack of Latin music and reggae. To be that close to the water, youll easily pay $100,000. Homes, condos, and ready-to-build lots on Roatn are much more affordable than what you can get on other Caribbean islands. 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. Digital nomad. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on Roatn. All that you need to sign yourself up as a resident of Honduras is to get yourself an attorney to help you submit all relevant paperwork to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If youre looking for comfort, then you can enjoy the resort-style West End that hosts plenty of relaxing activities for its visitors. While living in Washington, you may find yourself catching a game at one of the various venues like Climate Pledge Arena, Lumen Field, and T-Mobile Park. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. I even saw a Moray eel guarding the entrance to her home. If youre in Europe and are hoping to make it to Roatan, there are travel options for you as well. But here are five of the reasons you might want to make it your home. In West End you can swim, snorkel, and parasail (jet skis are still frowned upon on Roatn), attend a baseball game, enjoy a massage or yoga or simply lie back and soak up this tropical paradise. John and I were sitting on the little bench outside BJs Backyard one Friday afternoon. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. PRO: Affordability. This area is less developed, wilder, and has maintained its natural habitat. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. 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. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Our general cost of living includes rent and utilities, gas, and eating out. Though almost across the board the general cost of living here is quite similar to that of the other states, it is the housing expenditure that makes all the difference and renders the place obnoxiously pricey. Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. Youve got to take it easy and relax. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. They live in spots like Mango Bay, Port Royal, and Calabash. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Home prices start around $250,000. 6 years ago. Learn more about Honduras and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. So I've come up with a simpler approach. Relax on the beach 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. Dreams do come true, however. Re: Renting a car in Roatan pros and cons. Being one of the best beaches in Roatan, it is worth the $3 water taxi ride to West Bay Beach. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Treat yourself and your family to the thrill of a lifetime while getting a birds eye view of the island from 60-feet up in the jungle canopy. Medical care is good and affordable. And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. Most islands are surrounded by a seabut not all are created equal. For the surgery, one night in the hospital, prescription drugs, and accommodation and meals for 12 days while I recovered, the total cost was $5,000. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. If youre concerned about the environmental repercussions of the diesel-powered generators, you can always incorporate some sustainable energy options into your home. The quality of the care you will receive in Roatan is excellent, and many expats are surprised by this. This covers the applicant and a spouse as a dependent. In Roatan, there was little air conditioning anywhere. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. Anything from going to the bank to ordering in a local restaurant can require even the most basic Spanish. 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. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. Because of its location and immense beauty, there are plenty of cruise lines that make regular stops in Roatan. Many homes offer water access too, whether its a community marina or dock, or even a private dock. 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. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Here you have mostly seaside villages. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? Its easy to make the place your full-time home. There are so many pros and cons of moving to Scotland. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Several of the larger resorts are located along this long stretch of powdery white sand. 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. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. 1. Enjoy miles of the sandy, white beach after your ride, with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking available. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. And, if youre looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. Unfortunately, this particular company doesnt let you transport vehicles, so be sure to read over company policies before booking. For a cheap night out on the town, Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts a range of free shows, including classical music . At this point, I realized that we were not leaving Roatn. Pros of living in Alabama 1. Then, a boat will take you to your final diving destination. 1. For expats who enjoy living in a locals neighborhood, there are some exceptional deals in this area. Whether you are chilling on the top-rated Central American beach in West Bay, deep-sea or flats fishing in the calm water of the Bay of Honduras, soaring through the jungle canopy on a zip line, or enjoying local musicians while savoring the delicacies of the sea, Roatan will not disappoint. Moreover, the service they received help at a bargain price. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun There are many dive shops located along the sea. Plus, learning the local language can only benefit you. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. High-speed internet works well and there is reliable cellphone service. Residents of urban areas may struggle with their mental health. You can find live music, often from expat musicians, at bars and restaurants in places like West End and Sandy Bay. 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. Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It's also easy to reach other places from Roatan like Belize and Cuba, a huge plus! Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. Usually, these cruise ships stop off in the busier spots of the island, like Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay. However long you decide to stay, take your time getting to know the island and take it easy, Roatanian style. The Honduras Bay Islands, a fellow boater said. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. You can even take a boat tour of the wild Mangrove Tunnels and see the real Roatan. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It seemed too good to be true. Sample the wide variety of local dishes while chilling to the island vibes. I returned to Thailand last July and after living here for 6 m. If youre a fan of seafood, keeping your eyes peeled for that connection may be well worth your while. 5. Trip Advisors list of the top 10 beaches in Central America rates West Bay Beach in Roatan as #1. 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. Hailing a cab from the airport or ferry dock will be relatively easy. Get Your Free Report on Roatn. 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. While you can still find a bargain here and there, your biggest decision will be how you want to reach the island. Roatan is a stunning island paradise located off the coast of Honduras. The Dolphin Snorkel, in addition to the initial 25 minutes with one dolphin, offers an additional 30 minutes of snorkeling time with a dozen or more dolphins. Get up close to see the details and its even more beautiful, especially along the coastal areas. In Missoula, transport, health care, miscellaneous goods, and utilities are cheaper, which results in low . 25 Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Australia Pro: No Language Barrier for Americans Con: You'll Still Pay US Taxes Pro: High Standard of Living Con: High Cost of Living Pro: Very Warm Climate Con: Bush Fires & Dangerous Weather Pro: Amazing Work-Life Balance Con: Christmas in Summer Pro: Good Quality Education Con: Travel is Much Harder Some homes are even boat access onlythe ultimate in privacy. But some retirees enjoy living here and frequent their own hangouts. $1,011. Lifestyle in Roatn The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. The entire East Side of the island is spread out and remote as compared to the West End. Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale are other big cities that have a good connection to this Caribbean island. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. Whats the catch? Having just returned from an exploratory trip of Roatan, that didnt surprise me. The High Living Cost. 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. Pros & Cons of Living in Massachusetts (Post Summary) In sum, here's a quick roundup of the pros and cons of living in Massachusetts. Living in Roatan PROS Living in Roatan CONS Ottawa has been ranked as "the best place to live in Canada" for over 10 years now. 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. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. Cost of living for nomad. When you start living in the Bahamas, you will notice immediately that the environment is warm and friendly from a social standpoint. In recent years, an annual lionfish tournament has also been held. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. In general, real estate prices are quite affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. Roatan is a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). In one word, living in Roatan is paradise. 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. So, we took to the water. Pros Easy to get to - Roatan is easily accessible from the US. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. Naturally, such dense vegetation could not exist without sufficient rain. First is that being on an island means you wont have all the same luxuries as home. You can also join in on boat parties, dinners out, and big social functions. Top notch public education. Cozumel International. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. With its low cost of living, its possible to live comfortably without breaking the bank. We had become part of a large and thriving community of expats. Galway City 4. The atmosphere is extremely dry 3. But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you. 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. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and vibrant culture, the island is a great place to relax and enjoy life. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. Nobody is in a rush. Some are virtually deserted. The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida Here are 2 different pros and con lists of what it's really like to live in Florida full-time. Another pro of living in Washington is the ample job opportunities. 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. Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Most ferry services to Roatan have two daily departures.