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Belize: Hopkins:
@shasset
We came to Hopkins for a 2 week SCUBA and snorkeling vacation 2 years ago to check it out because of the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
2 years later we have our house almost finished and planning on coming there twice a year for vacation. When time comes, we will probably retire there.
I have never felt unsafe in Hopkins, even after dark.
You have to keep in mind that Hopkins is essentially 3 different areas.
First is the village itself where the locals leave. It has several small resorts and houses / cabanas for rent as well as “supermarkets” and small bars / restaurants. There is a school and you will see a lot of children in uniforms before and after school loitering around. Some of them are of very young age and unsupervised – nobody is worrying about them being abused. They do feel safe. I think on the contrary, Chinese store owners are more concerned about 6 years olds walking out of the supermarket with unpaid coke can or a candy bar.
Second area is the resort area where several decent size resorts are located (south and north, like Hamanasi and Jaguar Reef) along with more upscale restaurants. All the resorts welcome people to have breakfast, lunch or dinner even if you are not staying at the resort. The meals are pricy though, but good.
The third area, further south, is a development area where mainly foreigners / expats live (there are several parts to this area as well). We have met Americans, Canadians, Germans, South Africans, and Russians. Everyone we met were very nice people and are trying to live relaxed life style. I have not met anybody who I would consider being racist, narrow minded or ignorant. People usually come here with a particular goal: having relaxed life style and enjoy the nature.
Regarding crime. This is 99% crime of opportunity – break ins (I leave 1% to something I have not heard of). If a house is standing uninhabited for quite some time – they will try to break in and steal electronics, booze or whatever is easy to sell. I do not know if the thieves are local or coming from Belize City. Also, if you leave your house unattended for extended periods of time, you do not have bars on your windows, no security alarm and no care taker – this is an inviting proposition for petty thieves (even in the US or Canada).
Now, regarding racism, bias and narrow mindedness. I was born in Russia, lived for several years in Scandinavia, immigrated to Canada and got a Canadian citizenship. Later in Canada I met my wife who had her parents living in the US, we moved to the US, and I am now an American citizen as well. Granted I am white, I have experienced racism stupidity only once in the US when one dumb a## told me that he hates immigrants. In my more than 20 years in North America I have not seen any serious racism towards me. There are dumb people but most of the people I met are not that bad as destiny56 describes. Again, she is black, and she probably has deeper experience in seeing racism.
Hopkins does not have big supermarkets. There are small (by American standards) stores owned by Chinese and they have pretty much all you need to live. Quality sometimes is questionable – pretty much everything is made in china. Again, it is a Caribbean country and you have to adjust your expectations. If you want to have all the conveniences of the US – stay in US and buy a property in Florida. The downside it a crap load of property taxes and insurances. Also, try to find a parcel of land 60 ft. from the Caribbean Sea for 100K in Florida with property taxes about $10 US per year.
Nevertheless, I like Hopkins and cannot wait to go there in April to inspect my new house.
Belize: Sale Prices:
Frosty Mug – should be frosty brains though.
My friend, the capitalism works its magical ways in such a way that it’s a balance of demand and supply. If you cannot afford this condo– stop bitching and wining. Get yourself a nice spot in Florida trailer park next door to bobby. You will be happy!
Let Belize go, dude! We have had enough of your wining!
Belize: My move:
@terrific
What set of documents did you have to submit for your application to Scotia? Did you have to notarize anything here in the US?
I guess you have to go the the branch in Belize in person?
Belize: bobbyveee Gude to Florida - Forget Belize!:
"Its amazing how certain cretins make up stories and talk total drivel" - Just proves my point that you are an arrogant and disrespectful jerk.
Belize: A 6 month experience:
I used SevenCorners for some of my trips. You can get an online quote here, which will give you up to date info:
https://www.insuremytrip.com/
Belize: This is just way to funny:
Regarding Belizians living in the US, about 55,000 (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belizean_American)
But, seriously, I really feel sorry for you. It must be really difficult to live being so bitter and negative. You must be really screwed up.
Belize: Builders in Hopkins:
I am planning on building a house in Sittee Point Phase 2.
Would be very interested to hear opinions about builders in this area.
Thanks.
Belize: Good place to move?:
I hope you guys know what GOOGLE is?
But in case you do not,check this out:
http://www.belizeproperty.com/Belize-City.html
Belize: Wire Transfer from US:
We have sent a downpayment for the lot that we are trying to buy via wire transfer. It has been a week and the lawyers have not received it yet. The lawyers account is at BoA.
Does anybody has some experience on how long it usually takes for the wire to reach destination in case of buying a property in Belize?
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