There are a lot of reasons you might want to be in Belize right now… For a tiny little country (only about the size of Massachusetts), it has much to offer, especially when it comes to scenery. Turquoise waters and white, silky sand beaches… Fertile farmland… Rolling hillsides dotted with pine forests… Amazing Maya ruins…
If you’re thinking of relocating to Belize—and you’re looking for real value—there are many places in the country deserving of your attention. Places where you can live the laid-back lifestyle of your dreams.
In no particular order, check out:
- The Islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker:
(“Caye” is pronounced as “key” in Belize, by the way.)
If white sands and turquoise waters are your idea of paradise, either one of these will be your dream come true. La Isla Bonita (beautiful island) of Ambergris Caye may be the most popular destination in Belize for U.S. and Canadian expats (and its stunning little sister, Caye Caulker isn’t far behind)…so you’ll have plenty of company at the plentiful and lively beach bars overlooking those warm gin-clear waters. And if you’re a diver or fisherman or love to snorkel, you’ll be in heaven here.
Real estate prices here are among the most affordable in the Caribbean, although you’ll find prices a bit high for imported goods like Pringles and Snickers bars.
Word of advice: learn to love the local fare, like the delicious fresh seafood, rum and the tasty national beer, Belikin.
- Placencia:
Fast becoming Belize’s most desirable location, the charming peninsula of Placencia juts off the coast of mainland Belize about three hours south of Belize City. You’re never more than a few minutes from the water here, with the gorgeous Caribbean Sea to the east and a resplendent freshwater lagoon, full of wildlife and with a view of the gorgeous Maya mountain chain, to the west.
The laidback lifestyle here is unsurpassed, and there are still real estate bargains to be had, although my advice would be to get there soon.
- Corozal:
In northern Belize near the border with Mexico, Corozal is your low-cost option if you’re looking for waterfront property. Not technically on the Caribbean but instead on the Bay of Chetumal, you’ll find prices for just about everything…from real estate to local grocery items…will be less in Corozal.
- The Cayo District:
If you love lazy rivers, vast rolling hills, and fertile farmland where you can test your gardening skills, Cayo is the place for you. At the heart of this area are the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, which both enjoy a rustic “frontiers-y” feel…but in a tropical Rasta-man way that you’ll find only in Belize. Bargains can be found here, too—not just on real estate but on the loads of produce grown here and fresh cheeses made by the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout.
There’s more to Belize, of course. There are dozens of other seaside villages…and pine-covered mountains, rainforests, and hundreds of tiny islands that dot the coast. But with these locales on your list of places to check you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice and then some…
This article was written by Susan Haskins and was originally published here.
See also: Vacationing in Belize
