But this is an island, and everything is imported. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. 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. 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. Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. Teams compete for prizes for both the most and the largest of this invasive species of fish. It's still inexpensive enough to have a good life, yet has a good amount of modern convenience to make it comfortable. Thats another reason why so many people on the island are so merry. $1,904 / month. However, getting around the island isnt too hard since its so compact. Plus, learning the local language can only benefit you. Above all, there is a great sense of community here. Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. Its no wonder that the islanders are so happy and at ease! Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. North American airlines like Delta, American, and IBC have regular flights to Roatan. If youre a fan of seafood, keeping your eyes peeled for that connection may be well worth your while. Japan is ideally not a cheap place to call home. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. 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. 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. So let's jump into the negatives. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. The prices are reasonable, starting around $110 for a four-hour session supervised by a certified instructor. Once youve secured your residency, you can start focusing on purchasing your new island home. The permit process with the municipality was laidback and inexpensive. For example, Lisbon averages ten hours of sunlight during wintertime, which is an absolute blast compared to the Northern European nations. Ready to build lots on the water go for around $100,000, or a lot with a sea view will start from $50,000. And the good far outweighs any inconveniences in Roatn. 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. In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. About 38 miles long, and 5 miles wide at its widest, it takes a couple of hours to get from one end to the other thanks to roads that wind around its hilly and mountainous interior. With fixer-uppers starting as low as $70,000, its no surprise why people flock to the island. Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. Be prepared to pay a little extra for those journeys later in the day. If youre renting short term, rates will generally be higher during the high season (December to April). All electricity on the island comes from diesel generators that are run by an electric company. Ive experienced many seas during my many travels. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Island life means learning to work with what you have. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. But its important to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. I supplemented Johns pension by writing magazine articles, which led to the writing of four books. Waiting for the season to die down will mean cheaper flights and more affordable housing. There are local places with local fare for much less. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. Its relatively easy to purchase property. It does not store any personal data. As in other Caribbean islands, electricity prices are exorbitantly high, and service is underwhelming. Three months became three years. Massachusetts is a green state. Digital nomad. So far we've lived in LA, San Diego, Portland, and NYC, and the cost of living in Las Vegas is low in comparison. Fishing charters with experienced guides, including the use of professional rods, reels, and tackle, are available on all parts of the island. Plenty of entrepreneurs who are searching for a way into the Honduran lifestyle first set up their companies in Honduras and utilize their business as a way to help them get their residency. Dont worry, there are other options if youre not flying in from stateside. Sometimes, three airliners arrive, one after another, and the small customs and immigration processing area become backlogged. Additionally, healthcare is limited and the island can be prone to power outages and water shortages. Diving class starts out slow, first on the dock with an in-depth explanation of gear and diving protocol. Internet Speed and coworking space Here is a list of the best instagrammable cafes in Hanoi 6. Luckily, down South, the value of a dollar still goes a long way. Youll have most of the basics, and for the rest, youll need to learn just to wing it. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. The High Living Cost. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If youre thinking about moving to Roatan, Honduras, you should always consider the above factors before packing your bags. Living in Roatan is a dream come true for those who love the ocean and the outdoors. Get Your Free Report on Roatn. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan offers a truly unique experience. You'll meet a wide variety of interesting people, including expats, native islanders and locals who migrated from the mainland. We concluded that Roatan was " a great place to visit, but you don't want to live there". $1,011. Accommodation is inexpensive, either hotels or small apartments. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. Save. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. However, keep in mind that there is still a noticeable lack of infrastructure on the island. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. 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. Next, a trip along the famous Rio Dulce in Guatemala, another dream of ours, came true. 25 Cons of Living in San Diego. Next, youll head to a shallow, confined water area to practice skills and add confidence and control, followed by a short swim around the area. Just for the winter, we thought. You can even snorkel from right off the beach in some spots, including the famed West Bay beach. 21h 31m RTB - LAX. Then we added a second dog, a rescue. West Bay/West End West Bay and West End are the main tourist areas in Roatan. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. 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. Night dives are available for those who wish to observe nocturnal marine life when it is most active. Remember to be respectful. Public transport is more developed on Roatan than some of the other Bay Islands. We had almost no restrictions as to what we could or could not build. There is one main road that stretches from one side of the island to the other. 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. When you fly in youll see volunteers, mostly retirees, helping confused tourists get through the customs and immigration area of the airport. American citizens need not renounce their citizenship to obtain residency. For kidney infection medication, people have paid as low as $15! You are guaranteed to get a better deal if you sign a long-term contract of three months or more. 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. 1. Missing your connection and having to stay in a hotel overnight and pay the transport to and from the airport will end up costing you the same. 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. An enormous disclaimer here: These are my cons and they might not be yours at all. The worlds second-largest reef system lies just offshore and slipping beneath the surface is like immersing yourself into an immense tropical aquarium. 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. Work-related injuries earned him a workers compensation pension, enabling him to retire at an early age. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. A trip-and-a-half around Americas Great Loop on Diamond Lil, our 38 Bayliner, began our adventure. We visited in 1999 and could afford to buy there at that time. We viewed a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on the beach listed for only $179,000. Rents start at about $500 a month for an apartment or condo within walking distance of the beach. Enjoy the tournament and take in the land-based activities in the charming seaside town of West End. Pros Roatn Scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the best in the world. In the major cities, summer temperatures rarely exceed 90s and you can count on sunshine from mid-May through mid-September. Lets start with housing. High quality of life. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. Re: Renting a car in Roatan pros and cons. But don't worry; Helsinki's temperature typically doesn't drop below a balmy -30C (-22F). Those interested can find more information at www.roatanclearwater.com. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. The choice is still up to you, of course. This includes food, board and lodging with personal maid and driver and dining out occasionally. So it really surprised me to find that Roatan properties are still affordable. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. It is difficult to find all these requirements in one property. Living costs in Japan have long been one of the highest in the world, and while in recent years the country has become more affordable, it is still not a cheap place to call home. It was time to buy ourselves a permanent place, but our criteria made it a challenge. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. Theyll be able to guide you towards a trusted rental agency. 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. 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 We spend most of our waking hours outdoors. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. 1. If you require medication or have a health condition, having your own healthcare plan might be in your best interest. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. This is a great chance to meet and speak with both locals and ex-pats who have decided to make Roatan home. In general, real estate prices are quite affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. As mentioned before, RECO doesnt provide the best service. 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. When someone says tomorrow, they dont actually mean tomorrow. Come for the islands undeniable beauty and stay for the comfortable, idyllic lifestyle. Its a busy place. Theres one property for sale down by Lost Isles. 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. I hope you enjoyed . One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure on the island. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. Moreover, you ought to be very cautious about driving after significant rainfall. Fortunately, gas and water are much more affordable and only cost about $40 a month. If youre looking to have a late one, stop by Nova for a great DJ and dance music. Be sure to try to the signature Roatan cocktail, Monkey La La! Montana is a renowned state for its natural beauty. 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. And, if youre feeling adventurous, you can explore the nearby islands or take a daytrip to the Honduran mainland. With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty. Keep in mind that an entire family would consume much more electricity. People in urban environments are more likely to suffer from anxiety and mood disorders than people in other locations. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For those who prefer to be autonomous, there is also the option to rent a car, scooter, or motorcycle. 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. I returned to Thailand last July and after living here for 6 m. Crowded City . Youll find multiple housing options on the island, from lots to homes to condos. 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. Today, theres no need to worry when searching for the right Honduran home for you or your family. Cost of living for expat. 6 years ago. If youre looking for a tropical escape, Roatan is the perfect place to explore. Conversely, if youre more interested in swimming or diving, youll also have an excellent opportunity to have an underwater adventure. With so much to see and do, Roatan has become a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. And, if youre looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Roatan is the perfect place to call home. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. 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. 4. 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. Your lights may go out for hours at a time. At this point you will be ready to go diving. The pros of living in the USA 1. Johns pension was a godsend but would not allow us to retire in Canada, with its high cost of living. Working on Roatan is quite different than being retired on Roatan. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. First is that being on an island means you wont have all the same luxuries as home. Roatan has become extremely popular as a dive destination and the small airport at Coxen Hole services thousands of passengers each week. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Word gets around. Is living in a city unhealthy? 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. We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. Another pro of living in Washington is the ample job opportunities. 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. After a trip home to Canada to get our finances in order, we returned to the island and bought that little piece of paradise in Port Royal, with 2.33 acres and a 90-foot long dock already in place. BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. Alabama borders the Gulf Coast, which . 2. There are many dive shops located along the sea. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale are other big cities that have a good connection to this Caribbean island. Living in Roatan PROS Living in Roatan CONS Most expats would recommend that you get your own private insurance to keep you covered during your time on the island. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. Then theres Coxen Hole, the capital, where most hospitals and offices can be found. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. Sample the wide variety of local dishes while chilling to the island vibes. For those looking for a quieter venture, retreat to calm Punta Gorda to eat local grub in a house on stilts. The Honduran Embassy in the United States provides a list of legal medication online. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on Roatn. While you wait for your ride into town, you can always have a cup of coffee in the main lobby. The cost of living in Roatan is, for sure, lower than the cost of living in North America or Europe. What are Living-Learning Communities? So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. The farther you go east, theres less development. Air Canada and Cayman Airlines also regularly serve Juan Manuel Galvez International. Resorts and diving centers both offer introductory classes for those seeking to give scuba diving a try. Although the road situation is improving, its better to be safe than sorry when driving around Roatan. These rentals are usually on the sea, or have a sea view. However, there can be some health disadvantages. It has a totally different feel, more reminiscent of Roatan country living, before cruise ship tourists regularly flooded the island. Below are some of the things I absolutely loved about living in South Korea. Go inland a bit, but still a quick walk to the water, and you could pay half that. But the lower cost of living is seen in your everyday expenses, too. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. But we fell in love with the second property immediately. The airport overlooks the sea, and as recent arrivals deplane directly onto the tarmac, the salty sea air gives them a Caribbean welcome. A full time vet - in addition to the traveling vets which come every couple of months there's a vet full-time on the island. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. The beach is free and chairs are available to rent. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. For a house right on the water that is designed to North American standards, expect to pay $200,000 or more. And full-time residents appreciate the rain and understand its importance. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. 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). The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Additionally, you may have trouble catching a minibus on cruise ship days as theyll all be at docks picking up newly arrived tourists. $2,528 / month. Many expats will tell you its just as pricey as back in Canada or the States. Before you move away to an extremely remote area of the island, there are a few things youll need to consider. Pros And Cons of Living in Colorado: Perks of Living in Colorado 1. But its not all about partying. Some sections of the main road near West Bay and Flower are riddled with potholes that only worsen after the rain. On the West End side, the road is in excellent condition whereas on the Punta Gorda side youll find yourself on a broken gravel road. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. Leave the crowds behind when you tour the east end of the island by boat. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. In the west and central parts of the island you will find the most development. For those looking for a tropical getaway, Roatan is a great choice. Adventurous Outdoor. Plenty of musicians in Roatan are expats themselves. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. To give you a rough idea, we're able to get a spacious, luxury two-bedroom apartment that includes a garage for $1550. But remember that peak season means higher prices and plenty of tourists. For those who are seeking a sophisticated beach town environment, West Bay is a fantastic spot, but its pricey when compared to other spots. But you can rent a house on a hill, with an exceptional view, for $1,000 a month for a long-term rental.