About JamLiving

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Jamaica: Building room/extension:

In Kingston area there's at least two building stores, one in Liguanea and one off Constant Spring Rd that you can get supply quotes from. The most useful info I can give you is my own experience which is that my family acquired an unfinished house in St Thomas and it has the walls etc but the roof and one room on the second floor need to be completed. The builder said it will be about US $1500 (approximately J$150, 000 ). Ofcourse, it may be more depending on whether we opt for luxury instead of the run of the mill which is solid since they use cement blocks. It's an 10x12 room and that was March for one of my sisters' house. Dainty

Jamaica: Moving to Ocho rios Area:

Yes, unlike the primary schools in Ocho Rios, which is has a high student to teacher ratio due to them being public - Marjam is a prep school that has lower ratio. It's private, and you pay each term typically. One thing to note is that at the end of grade 6, they have a higher percentage of students who sat the grade 6 GSAT exams getting higher scores. This is important because this isn't he deciding factor for getting into a top high school if you want to skip the private High School.

Jamaica: Nannies:

Yes there is an agency locally but it;s on the other side of the island but don't know the name right off. I can check though. One thing that will be useful is to do what many expats do and just advertise in the local newspaper. Most of us on the island always know someone trustworthy who will be a good nanny so don't hesitate to just ask for a local reference through someone you know there via church or school contacts. School contacts are a great resources for nannies. Hope this helped. Let me know if you need any more guidance on this. Thanks, Dainty

Jamaica: Best Local Schools:

I went to a reputable high school locally (and currently home school), and Campion College is the best High School in Kingston/St Andrew area for both girls and boys. Most of the 'good' schools' are either all girls or all boys (or private and very expensive for the average person). However, Campion -based on the annual CXC results has consistently placed #1. My niece attended Ardenne and that is also a good school, it is one of the top tier but only in the last 5 years or so I would say. There are other factors to consider too, but nothing too difficult to navigate by yourself or with minor help. Hope this helps! Contact me if you need any more feedback that I can help with. Dainty

Jamaica: hoping to move to Oracabessa, Jamaica:

My sister lives in Oracabessa for 30 years and loves it. I have visited but not for a while since my Tour and Apt Finder office is not too close. I agree with Christine, contact a LOCAL realtor and you will be in good hands. I find rentals/tours and local services for expats and other natives (also Homeschool which is rare here) but do not do real estate sales. Good hunting and it's a peaceful community there. Dainty

Jamaica: Will I really save money if i move to Mandeville?:

Yes, lala718 that is pretty high. I am wondering if it was a quote given by the person you rented from, or from a legal meter. Hmm. Re: MDMoore, Mandeville is a parish in which you should settle in nicely. There is excellent internet access as long as you're not in the 'Boondocks', houses around town center and the upscale Ingleside area and surroundings should have utility costs that are on par with any developed side of the country esp since there are a large number of expats in Mandeville. Hidden costs sometimes is gas rate especially if you are driving a lot around town as well as touring other areas frequently. However, with your office being at home, that hidden cost (which surprises a lot of visitors who are up and down every where) should not be a huge issue for you. Hope this helped. Dainty

Jamaica: Transportation to schools:

Did you secure reliable transportation? If not, let me know. Just so you know, there's not much car pool unless privately arranged. But I can help with transportation pick up and drop off at Hillel as well as references for An Au Pair or Nanny Service.

Jamaica: Looking to retire w/ questions:

That's more than enough to live on for a family of 3 there. And in a Safe community.

Jamaica: Living in Negril:

6-700 monthly for rent is definitely doable in Negril, even on the "West End" and opposite the 7 mile beach strip. Re, safety, the other answer is pretty accurate, since there is no huge safe communities in Negril, there are more like safe 'pockets' of an area, and just be aware like in any other third world country about your life style and you should be fine. People are warm and Negril folks appreciates the diversity.

Jamaica: Move to Jamaica:

What an honest, yet respectful post.

Date Joined:

5/9/2015

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13

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