Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Belize Expat Forum

Where to live

New Topic Newest First
msrmg7
  7/3/2015 00:11 EST

I plan on visiting Belize in the near future and I need input from you all. I will be retiring at the end of 2016. I have a friend from Belize and she suggested that check out Orange Walk, Ladyville and Belmopan. I am a single female and I want to move someplace that has security or a least a safe neighborhood. I don't have to live near the beach.

FredAr
  7/3/2015 08:55 EST

I would recommend looking at at least Cayo (mountains, cultural), Belmopan (mid point where capital is) and Placencia (beaches, outdoor scene). All three definitely safe. Hopkins up the coast from Placencia is up and coming, and still very funky.

FredAr
  7/3/2015 09:10 EST

Orange Walk struck me a bit dull and 'commercial'. One very strong point - its proximity to Chetumal (just across the border in Mexico side) which is one cool, very nice progressive town with everything.

bobbyveee
  7/3/2015 09:11 EST

Agree with Fred, accept Belmopan was created to be the home of all the embassies and the Belizean Gov. Its a pretty boring place

johndeverteuil
  7/4/2015 04:54 EST

I am in a similar boat as yourself except retire this year. My plan is a little simpler, where NOT to live is my goal. Belize has a lot of great locations to settle and only a one or two that I will not even consider. Belize City and Ladyville due to petty crime and I do not like cities. With that being said, I simplified my search. Step 1 Mainland vs Islands. I like the islands because of the location (beach) and I love to fish and scuba dive. The mainland on the other hand provides ease of access to everything and is a lower cost of living. I decided on which one I thought was better for me and have now picked a few locations to live in for 6-12mths each and then I will decide on a final decision, which may of course change once I get there. I may even decide that Belize is not for me, but in my initial research and the fact I have lived there before and travel there continuously I think it will be my choose. I have two other criteria, something to keep me occupied and of course the people but those are not physical more emotional and can be almost anywhere.

bobbyveee
  7/4/2015 17:54 EST

John, unfortunately crime of all types is on the rise, 8 murders on Ambergris Caye this yr alone. Its not so much the town you live in but where in that town you live..The Cayes are also getting overrun with carts and tourists, especially during the high season. But your approach is the best way to find out what and where the best places are

johndeverteuil
  7/5/2015 06:04 EST

Thanks Bobby, and you are correct crime is on the rise and people need to be aware that as well as the continuing rise in crime where ever they decide to live.
They should also realize that their first choose may not be what they think they need either. Bobby you of all people know this as you lived in BZ for many years and then decided to move to USVI as that best suited you and your wife.
They key is identify what the is most important then find the location.

bobbyveee
  7/5/2015 08:27 EST

Hi John. We actually have bought in Fl. but spent time on St Lucia. Spent nearly a yr there , going back in Oct. A different world to Belize. Good luck to you John

hannakenney
  7/5/2015 15:08 EST

And this is why i have made so much money off dreams this last 30 years, they just never stop coming….visit first stupid

Mytimenow
  7/5/2015 15:17 EST

Wow thanks for being so friendly and helpful.

hannakenney
  7/5/2015 15:18 EST

Just bring that retirement check to me

FredAr
  7/6/2015 00:46 EST

There is an excellent book namne "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie that I would HIGHLY recommend to someone here. (Looking at you hannakenny).

ezeebe
  7/6/2015 01:37 EST

Hi BV, do you think that crime is on the rise only in Belize???? are you checking the news daily? do you hear /see whats happening in the US that you love so much and also Canada??? or are you just concentrating only on Belize??? just asking, as for what i read on the news and also the net crime is on the rise in every country, you have chosen to buy in FL and have a home in st Lucia I have been to both places ,it depends on your preference, bobby , for you Belize is not liveable but to others its a good place, I think its what one want out of life and you seems to have gotten what you want, let others seek what they want and if Belize suite them then let it be.

ezeebe
  7/6/2015 01:43 EST

My Time : don't depend on anyone to make a decision for you, there are a lot of neg people out there, some have lived in Belize and don't like it cause they cant seem to live with things they cant control, As for my experience in Belize it was all good ,its what you want out of life, visit, make friends , check out the whole Country then make a wise decision on what you really want and go for it, every one experience is not the same, don't let anyone try and live your life for you.

Lillymac
  7/7/2015 09:14 EST

I disagree with the crime areas. True Belize City is not a good place to live for expats or even Belizeans but Ladyville. Come on every area has petty crime in some more then others but I have lived in Ladyville for 8 years and love it. Close enough to the city but far enough away as well.
I suggest to anyone who wants to move here, land and stay in a few areas and then decide for yourself where you want to live. What's comfortable for some is hell to others!
Dan and Cathy at the Bamboleo Inn are great expats that are very helpful on the country and they are very close to the airport in Ladyville.
Good luck.
Lilly Mac.

dwak
  7/7/2015 09:37 EST

Lone attitude, hannakenny! Not the sort of individual I'd like to do business with in Belize. Big chip on the shoulder. Negative vibes. There are lots of great people to meet and work with in Belize but just pick wisely and heed your gut feelings as you would in North America.

bobbyveee
  7/7/2015 09:38 EST

Hi Ezeebee. On Caye Caulker just a few wks ago, the police murdered an innocent man in the police station, causing the locals to riot. Two officers have been charged with murder and other 'removed' . The quality of policing in Belize leaves an awful lot to be desired.

bradinbelize
  7/30/2015 01:06 EST

John,

Come try out funky, weird and wonderful Hopkins for a few months. We have decent beaches, it's one of the cheapest areas of Belize, tons of nature (over 100k acres from us all the way to Guatemala border), close to rainforest and it's own charm from $6 gar iguana meals to some of the nicest restaurants and resorts in the country. Hit me up privately and I can tell you more.

bradinbelize
  7/30/2015 01:06 EST

John,

Come try out funky, weird and wonderful Hopkins for a few months. We have decent beaches, it's one of the cheapest areas of Belize, tons of nature (over 100k acres from us all the way to Guatemala border), close to rainforest and it's own charm from $6 gar iguana meals to some of the nicest restaurants and resorts in the country. Hit me up privately and I can tell you more.

bradinbelize
  7/30/2015 01:10 EST

Retiring soon in Belize - try to stay in each place AT MINIMUM one month ,then pick two "finalists" and live in each for 3 months MINIMUM BEFORE you buy. Many ppl buy, then find out they either don't like it, can't survive (this is a 3rd world country), while I'm on the internetmy neighbors have no electricity or running water and some wouldn't know what that even was. Be honest with yourself and RENT while y ou explore - this one piece of advice might save you HUnDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars. Write privately if we can help further & good luck.

ezeebe
  7/30/2015 03:11 EST

Hi BV In Texas last week the police did a traffic stop with a black woman for no reason, she was smoking a cigaret and he told her to put it out, she refuse and was arrested 3 day later she was found dead in her cell they haven't charge any one for her death , in Cincinnati, a police did a traffic stop the white officer shot a black man for no reason he is charged with murder so what is your point???.

ezeebe
  7/30/2015 03:13 EST

your are broke and this is the way you spend your time Hanna be useful and stop the nonsense,

bobbyveee
  7/30/2015 08:01 EST

Ezeebe, what is YOUR point, I quite agree, I think police brutality in USA is terrible, but has nothing to do with Belize nor have any other individual cases outside Belize, this forum is about Belize, not other countries, I just use recognized statistics to compare. I think you have a chip on your shoulder. IMHO

FredAr
  7/30/2015 09:51 EST

(I have officially given up trying to figure out hannakenny, perhaps because my mind is incapable of visiting the dark corner in which he exists)

bobbyveee
  7/30/2015 10:00 EST

Theres many a loose screw running around Belize, if you have the money, you could come here and basically set up your own 'kingdom' , much like McAfee

ezeebe
  7/31/2015 00:45 EST

BV I don't have a chip you have been saying for the past year and a half that Belize have a problem and you did and is still doing it comparing Belize to Texas, England ,St Lucia and Florida, you guided this forum in that direction and gave me the choice to defend a Caribbean Country, Belize is not a poor country, it is not a third world country from my point of view, the food is healthy the people are friendly its not polluted as much , Every where is corrupted just as you say Belize is , just remember you lead by example and what example has the first world shown Belize???,if you have noting good to say about a place you called home for so many years, just don't say anything.

ezeebe
  7/31/2015 00:47 EST

I dont have much money but i think Belize is a good place from what i have experience there, you get back what you put in that's my thought.

bobbyveee
  7/31/2015 07:05 EST

Hi Ezeebe. You have visited Belize and love it, that's great im happy for you. We lived on and off for nearly 16 yrs, lived not visit, big difference, my wife has Belizean residency. This forum is about helping expats with there questions and querries, which covers the good the bad and the ugly. I give factual facts and figures, its then upto people, like you, to come and judge for themselves. Im sorry, but it is a 3rd world country and it is poor and is in severe financial difficulties. This is not my opinion its fact, published by major . non political institutions , and can easily be found by searching the internet. I truly hope you have a wonderful life in Belize.

FredAr
  7/31/2015 09:47 EST

Just like to add, that Belize is a bit incongruent, meaning not all its parts fit one mold: some parts are 3rd world, others 1st world and everything in between.
I saw something yesterday that I never seen: two tricked-out police vehicles with radar (!!) and new speed limit signs and a public electronic speed counter to inform motorists of their speed, on the Belmopan-Belize City highway. What is going on here? LoL

ezeebe
  7/31/2015 14:58 EST

Hi Fred it seems like progress,lol I guess it is a good thing don't know for sure , we will be there in the next couple of months and for my self i will feel at home cause there is noting in America that i crave for , when the craving stops and only the needs apply life could be wonderful.

FredAr
  7/31/2015 15:27 EST

Aye ezeebe. You know I often wonder. Sometimes it takes TWO places to make one 'perfect' one.

bobbyveee
  7/31/2015 16:40 EST

Fred, its quite funny, they have two hand held radar guns on AC , theres a max island limit 15mph , of the 5000 carts, 99% have no speedometer, yet the cops were stopping, but could only warn. Reason can only warn. There are no written laws governing speed limits . This covers the whole of Belize, so assume , showing drivers what speed they are doing is the only option. You could always make a donation of a 'Stinger' , wow that really would work.

ezeebe
  8/4/2015 17:13 EST

you are so right Fred,

bobbyveee
  8/4/2015 17:53 EST

Fred, I think two places is right, one to live one to visit. or maybe 2 or 3 or 4,5,6 to visit lol.
American politics mean nothing to me, US medical is even more out of touch with providing older citizens with free good medicine. Being a Brit/US family , gives me the best of all worlds, IMHO

phantone
  8/5/2015 10:01 EST

OK let's get something straight here. Orange walk is a never never land. As in don't ever plan to live there. It is called "rumbletown" for a reason. Nowhere in Belize is safe in the sense you mean it. It is like a big city . . . there are certain places you just don't go after dark. Period. This is true in Placencia, Cayo and yes, San Pedro too. Ten years absolutely no issues anywhere because I heed this mantra. I live in Succotz, a small village 3 miles from Guatemala and a quick ten minute drive to San Ignacio. I lived in San Pedro for two years and BZE city for one. I got burgled in San Pedro but only because I left my window open on the balcony. Never got burgled in BZE city or San Pedro, though the cleaning lady stole some frozen chickens. The key to living safely in BZE is to maintain a low profile. Poverty is a strong motivator and most folks in BZE think gringos have trees that bear money instead of fruit. Many do not even consider taking from gringos wrong as they rationalize that we have plenty more where that came from. Establish respect and you can survive anywhere in the country. Project weakness and you will be victimized. Get yourself a dog wherever you live and that will keep most of the riff raff away. Most locals are scared poopless of dogs. Don't be ostentatious, be frugal. Though you may be tempted to make friends fast, don't. Take your time. Everyone is on the take in BZE including the expats who prey on trust. Avoid David Paulson (cayo realty) like the plague. He is a thief and so are most of his, so called "friends". There is one like him in nearly every town. Treat everyone like they just cheated on you and are trying to earn back your trust. Whatever you do if you go, don't stay home. Belize is awesome. Get out there. Go everywhere. Go to Guatemala, it does not deserve its bad reputation. The people are warm and beautiful. Take the dive.

FredAr
  8/5/2015 13:25 EST

Well you sound like you know, from experience. As to Placencia? Outside of the occasional petty theft of anything not nail down, this is as safe a place you will find anywhere. At least that has been my experience.

msrmg7
  8/5/2015 17:01 EST

Thank you phantone for breaking it down for me, you covered most of the places that I have been researching.

bradinbelize
  8/22/2015 00:30 EST

I like it when Fred says "Hopkins is funky" - I call us (herein Hopkins) "Wild, Weird and Wonderful" - it is a great little place to live, local folks and feel and you get to live in the "Real Belize", while being close to any ammenities that you might be used to in the states (kind of - as close as you can get in Belize), without feeling like you just moved to another gated community inside the states - EXCEPT, it's in Belize. People do that, but I personally don't understand why as there are dozens of those little neighhborhoods in every state in the US - come experience Belize! And Hopkins is close to the mountains, parks, beaches, Placencia, Belmopan and only a 30 minute plane ride to Ambergris Caye when you need a little "US style "city-esque, beach vacation fun"

We run a guesthouse in Hopkins and own a condo on Ambergris Caye as well - if we can help or you want to come stay, check us out -

www.allseasonsbelize.com

FredAr
  8/22/2015 02:08 EST

You really described Hopkins so well brandin. Hopkins has a cool (aka funky) feeling to it, in fact, I have some nice acres near it by a beautiful creek and will do a few 'ranchettes' for myself and some friends. I miss the days of having one own's orchard, the chickens, a wood shop, a tractor, etc like I grew up in the Caribbean long, long ago. Its the next chapter.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Belize GuideLiving in Belize Guide

Anyone thinking about moving to Belize should carefully consider the pros and cons of expat life in Belize. The article includes insight from expats about the cons (crime, limited healthcare, poor road conditions and more) and the pros (beautiful beaches, friendly people, low cost of living and more).

Belize Forum Belize Forum
Join our Belize forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Belize.

Contribute to Belize Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.

Best Places to Live in Belize Best Places to Live in Belize

If you're considering a move to Belize, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Belize in 2023.

Healthcare in BelizeHealthcare in Belize

Expats in Belize share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Belize. While some expats advise those with serious health issues not to move to Belize, other expats choose Corozal for its proximity to doctors and clinics over the border in Chetumal, Mexico.

Cost of Living in BelizeCost of Living in Belize

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Belize.

Moving to BelizeMoving to Belize Guide

Expats that move to Belize learn to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful setting without some of the essentials they may have taken to granted in their home countries.

Real Estate in BelizeReal Estate in Belize

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Belize.

Pros Cons of Living in BelizePros & Cons of Living in Belize

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Belize.

Retiring in BelizeRetiring in Belize

Advice for people retiring in Belize.

10 Tips for Living in Belize10 Tips for Living in Belize

If you've recently arrived in Belize, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Belize.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute to Belize Network Contribute
Help others in Belize by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal