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Looking for Suggestions for Island Style Caribbean Living?

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readytoescape
  7/5/2017 20:48 EST

My wife and I are searching for places to retire in the Caribbean. We have a few requirements. We need somewhere with a reasonably flat topography because I am a paraplegic who is a full time wheelchair user so the less hills the better. We like the water and would like to live on a sea or ocean that has few waves, lots of fish, and coral reefs close to the shore so that we can simply flop into the water and go snorkeling. We have been to the east end Grand Bahama twice (Pelican Point) and we like it there but Grand Bahama seems a bit run down and there are not many expats there. We are going to Abaco in September and I think we might like it better there but I have noticed the prices and cost of living is high in the Bahamas and this is something to consider if retiring. After doing some research online I think my next adventure might be to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico on the Caribbean side. Also the island called Utilla in Honduras looks interesting.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a place to retire either in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean? Remember we are looking for flat topography so this rules out some of the volcanic islands. And if the people speak English that is a plus as I do not know Spanish although I am not against learning it if I found a perfect place that was less expensive that the Bahamas...? I like the thought of an island... The Bay Islands in Honduras look interesting. Are there many or any Expats there? What about Antigua? I just found a place called Culebra and Vieques Puerto Rico that looks nice but the people all speak only Spanish there it seems.. Any suggestions? Oh we are American by the way. If there were at least a few American Expats there I know my wife would enjoy that... But I do not want to live in an expat "community" and certainly not a condo. We are not a big fan of tourists so I really do not want to live where a bunch of people are coming and going such as a cruise ship port. One last thing to consider is taxes? I plan to still run my business in the USA from afar so a favorable tax situation would be nice. Thank You for your help and have a good day!! Cody and Kate

bobbyveee
  7/6/2017 12:30 EST

The cayes are as flat as pancakes, only problem is the roads are congested and there are no pavements for wheelchairs and most restaurants and shops are not wheelchair friendly, plus healthcare is very poor. I think you may need to look elsewhere as you are already doing.

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waljoa
  7/6/2017 16:26 EST

you might check Bocca Del Torres in Panama not sure if spelling is correct , It might be what you want.

readytoescape
  7/9/2017 12:13 EST

Thank you for the reply. If you think of any other places that may be OK please let me know? I understand that most Caribbean islands are not accessible I have been to the Bahamas a couple of times so I understand somewhat what I'm getting into ...

readytoescape
  7/9/2017 12:14 EST

Thank you for the suggestion I will check out the place in Panama that you speak of.

waljoa
  7/9/2017 12:19 EST

There are quite a number of motorized options for sand or off path you might want to check , this might help your options

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