GirlieGirl
8/3/2014 19:48 EST
I’m VERY excited about a likely move to from the UK to the Bahamas by January 2015. Although my husband and I are not British (I’m black American and he’s Irish) we’ve been living in the UK for 3 years now. Life is comfortable here, but his new job allows him to work remotely. We’re also just ready for the big change. My mom lives in Florida just north of Miami. We’re making the move to be closer to her while living the island dream. I cannot wait to make the big move! :-D
I visited the islands a couple weeks ago to explore the terrain and view some homes. We can afford to spend enough to let us apply for residency, so not too worried about that side of things. My biggest concern is whether to live in Nassau or one of the out islands. I’ve done big city living and think I’m ready for a much slower pace of life right by the beach. But am I? And will the people coming to visit us be? I don’t want to live on a crime ridden Nassau of I don’t have to, but just how much am I giving up if I go with Eleuthera or Hope Town or Harbour Island?
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breija
8/6/2014 08:43 EST
If you are thinking about a quieter life, the out islands are definitely the way to go. Nassau is really not "big city," and yet it is not small town either. There are not a lot of amenities, although there are definitely MORE restaurants and grocery options than the out islands. However, it is easy enough to get to Nassau from the out islands, with numerous flights per day at under $200 return.
While the out islands have fewer dining and grocery options, they have other amenities to offer - quieter life, safer life, more beautiful beaches, scuba diving, and waters, etc..
As for your visitors - it really depends upon what they are looking for. If you have a boat, you can go where you want to go. If you live on an out island, there are beautiful places to relax, and wonderful marine areas to see things like swimming pigs. :-)
If you are thinking about an out island, start by checking out the website myoutislands.com for more information about each island.
Good luck and have fun!
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GirlieGirl
8/7/2014 07:31 EST
Thanks for the reply breija! I am looking to the outer islands of Abaco. Stuck between hopetown/elbow cay and treasure cay. Know I'm giving up a lot but hope to get lots of snorkeling, diving, water sports in and a quieter life tbh. Seems everyone is suggesting staying away from Nassau.
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breija
8/7/2014 12:10 EST
Well, if you are looking for a quieter life, then it does not make any sense to move to Nassau. Unfortunately, I don't know a lot about the out islands, so hopefully you will get more feedback from others here. That said, not many expats move to Abaco, so you may not get a lot of response here.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other general questions. :-)
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Allie0318
8/7/2014 12:15 EST
My mother in law lived in Marsh Harbour, Abaco for a few years and loved it but grew tired of the such slow pace. I have visited and it is BEAUTIFUL! There is Hope Town, Treasure Cay and other places to visit but not much to do outside of the beach, reataurants, and small bars. Very quiet and safe for the most part. Abaco does also have some issues with illegal immigrants and shanty towns but not to the point where it's dangerous. There's no movie theater or mall. Pretty much just small shops, a KFC, grocery store, furniture store, a health clinic. Needless to say most people travel to Nassau or Florida for major shopping, etc. If you like fishing there's marinas and lots of boating activities also. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and if it wasn't so expensive I would consider either Abaco or Eleuthera to start my family with the hubby. Gas is $6.50 a gallon plus! :-(
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GirlieGirl
8/10/2014 09:22 EST
Hi Allie and thanks for your response. Yes this hits on my fears of living in the wrong area. Me and the husband would like things to do, although the environment does seem to be absolutely beautiful in Abaco. So torn!
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breija
8/10/2014 22:22 EST
Ah, if you need things to do, then the out islands may not suit you. There is little to do in the out islands. The out islands have few dining options, almost no shopping options, and everything is much more expensive because there is not much call for anything. The need for an electrician, AC tech, carpenter, etc. may render you feeling ready to tear your hair out.
However, if you are looking for the quieter life, then it may be important to really determine for yourself what a "quieter life" looks like.
Nassau and Freeport have more amenities, but these amenities are not as you would likely know in the UK. Nassau has more amenities, and if you do not NEED to engage with the rest of the population here, you could live here in Nassau and be in your own little world. :-) We have been here 8 1/2 years and have been able to protect our quiet life and need for solitude, despite our busy work lives. Those who "need" and/or want more social connections are easily satisfied here, but so are those who are happy with the company of themselves and a few close friends.
Think about what you need/want out of your new lifestyle. If you may have a boat, then regardless of whether you want a quieter life or a social life, you are good to go on New Providence (the island on which Nassau is located). There are many who live in gated, canal communities who find that it is just what you want. Your boat in the backyard in a safer environment.
If you are not really interested in having a boat, then you may choose not to live in a canal community, and there are many options.
Bottom line - what do you think you want out of your time in the Bahamas, and is it about socialization or not?
Think about it.
Meanwhile, feel free to PM more about these thoughts.
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clcizme
8/11/2014 09:19 EST
My two cents. I think that Freeport would be a great option for you. Large expat community, gated, canal properties ( if that's what you want). Things to do when you want it, dining, bars, etc. in all levels and beautiful beaches, water sports, etc. the best thing to do is research online your living choices, and then pick a few options and visit them. If you are looking for Freeport, GBI info, I would love to help you out. : )
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GirlieGirl
8/12/2014 09:30 EST
Hi clcizme, thanks for your input. Actually looking at youtube videos about GBI right now. Seems like a pretty good option now. My mom is in a wheelchair so visiting me on other islands would be hassle for her. But its an easy ferry ride to Freeport from Miami. So now I'm looking at homes on GBI, see how the prices and neighborhoods look. :-)
Question... what would you say is the prime location/neighborhood/community to live in GBI?
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clcizme
8/12/2014 21:19 EST
Lol, depends on what you consider prime. Most beautiful houses on Princess Isles. Lovely Spanish styled home for sale, marked down to 9 million usd. Fortune bay area is nice too. Lucaya are is nice, depends on what you have a budget for and if you want to be on the water. Bahamia has some great places and Shannon a estates, one close to town, one not, neither on the water. Look on the internet and then come and see all the different areas. GBI is a beautiful place and you will love it here.
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