Many expats who live here first came on dive tripsand either never left or put it at the top of their retirement list. We had grown roots, too. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Like everywhere on this planet, there are going to be pros of where you live. If you dont understand or speak Island English, then Spanish will be your saving grace. A Final Thought on the Pros and Cons of Living in Montana. You may save as much as 10% to 20% during this time. It was a question we had heard several times during our six-month stay at Marios Marina on the Rio Dulce. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. Its a busy place. This is the place to come for both amenities and services. Below are some of the things I absolutely loved about living in South Korea. One of the biggest perks for retirees and other expats from North America is the fact that as an English protectorate, English is widely spoken, even as mainland Hondurans come for work and bring their native tongue. Although most locals in the more populated areas will speak English, Island Englisha kind of creolewill be much more common. You can also explore some of the amazing wildlife on the island. Of course, beachfront lots will be much more sought after with a heftier price tag to boot. Plenty of musicians in Roatan are expats themselves. $1,904 / month. Massachusetts is a green state. We have a large and vibrant group of both expat and local friends. The people in the Bahamas are exceptionally friendly. Its easy to make the place your full-time home. Some had come to be certified to scuba dive and never left. Usually, these cruise ships stop off in the busier spots of the island, like Coxen Hole or Mahogany Bay. From the crystal-clear waters of West Bay Beach to the powdery white sands of West End Beach, the island offers a truly unique experience. Any other small roads you encounter will most likely be dirt or gravel roads, but as the island grows, conditions are improving. Most expats would recommend that you get your own private insurance to keep you covered during your time on the island. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. Youll need to be prepared and keep your house stocked with blackout gear like flashlights and matches, and a propane stove is ideal for cooking in these situations. The budget airline Air Europa has a direct flight from Madrid to San Pedro Sula airport on the Honduran mainland. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. To qualify for a Pensionado visa, an applicant and spouse must be able to demonstrate a combined minimum monthly income of $1,500 for life from Social Security, a pension or a similar guaranteed source. Pro's and Con's suggestions on where to live as semi-retired, part And, if youre looking for a job, there are plenty of opportunities on the island.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ablison_com-box-4','ezslot_1',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ablison_com-box-4-0'); Of course, there are some drawbacks to living in Roatan. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. A big favorite among expats and visitors alike is Franks Cigar Bar. Some people make small talk about the weather, Roatanians talk about how much they hate RECO (Roatan Electric Company). At the end of four hours, you will be swimming freely about the confined area. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. At our east end, a nice meal with a couple of drinks costs under $50. With its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, its no wonder that many people are considering living in Roatan. French Harbour is a good size town with several nearby developments, high-end grocery stores, and the islands only shopping mall, the Mega Plaza. What Are the Pros? 10 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. Pros And Cons Of Living In Roatan 2023 - Ablison Its all here in Roatn. What is Living in Roatan Like? One silver lining is that you can get fresh fish or lobster for a fraction of North American prices. This pristine beach has soft sand and calm shallow waters where you could spend all day here. Heres an example of a monthly budget for a couple living on Roatn: In International Livings March issue, Roatan was named as one of the best islands to retire to in 2015. I used to own at Sundancer. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Where is the Island of Roatn Dublin is a great place for people who come to Ireland to work, as well as being home to Ireland's top 2 universities Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. In addition, Roatan is an incredibly affordable destination. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. 6 years ago. Below youll find some key points to consider when planning your move to one of the Caribbeans most-loved islands. We planned and built our dream retirement home, using various ecologically sound methods. BJ herself has a colorful past and some juicy stories to share. Its an easy drive from Sandy Bay to the main town of Coxen Hole, or back to the West End, for shopping. It does not store any personal data. Opportunities The United States of America will not be known as the land of opportunity for nothing. Island life means learning to work with what you have. But the Caribbean Sea is my all-time favorite. Why 2 lists? Cost of living in Vietnam is cheap and it is safe 4. Get Your Free Report on Roatn. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras, Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, Video: Roatan, An Affordable Caribbean Paradise, Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun, Honduras - Below the Radar and Above the Rest. Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Missoula is relatively affordable compared to other cities. Living costs in Japan have long been one of the highest in the world, and while in recent years the country has become more affordable, it is still not a cheap place to call home. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. In one word, living in Roatan is paradise. When the rum flows like water and the clear blue sea stretches for miles all around you, its hard not to want to stay forever. Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale are other big cities that have a good connection to this Caribbean island. If you are looking for a slower pace of life, Roatan might be just what you need. East End expats are an independent, self-sufficient lot. Roatans laid-back atmosphere is one of its biggest draws. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Before long, we watched as many of them began property shopping. As its only 30 miles off the mainland, Roatan is rather well-connected. Should You Vacation in Roatn, Honduras? - Ounce of Salt Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE HONDURAS REPORT: Island-living at an Affordable Price in Honduras. There is a major con of living in Mexico, however, that everyone needs to be aware of, and that's safety. On the other hand, the cons of living in Honduras include its high crime rate, its lack of economic opportunities, and its inadequate infrastructure. 50 Intense Pros and Cons of Dropping the Atomic Bomb, 20 Intriguing Pros and Cons of Becoming a State National, Pros And Cons Of Higher Education For Police Officers. Your options are American dollars and the local currency of Lempiras. From my beachfront resort on the west end of the island, I simply waded, waist deep, into the gin-clear water and found myself surrounded by large schools of rainbow-infused fish and sprays of purple fan coral clinging to coral heads. Rich history. Of course, there are still those Caribbean classics like fresh coconut water to quench your thirst and fried plantain, or tostones, to fill your stomach. Lack of safety: When a person decides to live alone in their place, then they need to be sure of safety in that particular place and that is because it is the first and foremost thing to consider while living alone in one place. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado in 2023 - Budget Travel Buff Crowded City . In our 13 years in Roatn, we have needed special medical care only a few times. We spend most of our waking hours outdoors in the fresh air. Cost of living for expat. Work-related injuries earned him a workers compensation pension, enabling him to retire at an early age. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. For a friendly reminder of home, there will be plenty of expats around for you to link up with. Fishing charters with experienced guides, including the use of professional rods, reels, and tackle, are available on all parts of the island. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. We had never heard of Roatn. Best of all, the dishes are available for guests to sample. The bottom line is that you have to review the facts for yourself and see if Roatan is your ideal match. Know that most buses stop at 6 pm right when taxi prices go up. $2,528 / month. One downside will be finding a home Dublin's rental prices are high, with the city found to be the 6th most expensive in the world for renters in 2021. Roatn has plenty of modern conveniences. Low Cost of Living. 1. The first way to get your Honduran residency is through a Rentista application. Its relatively easy to purchase property. And the fisherman might be your neighbor! We explored the neighboring islands of Utila and Guanaja. There are lots of excursions that you can go on to discover different areas of the island, such as the charming Oakridge Harbor, the very tropical Buccaneer, or the enchanting Maya Key Mayan ruin replicas. Roatn, Honduras: Cost of Living, Retiring & Lifestyle Information 2023 Living in Honduras Pros and Cons - Think Real State Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. Guests descend to a sandy bottom, 60 feet below the surface where they interact with dolphins in a natural setting for 45 minutes. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. And there are plenty of dinners out, sailboat trips, parties, and other get-togethers. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. Think back to your worst moments. Some favorite water activities are fishing, jet-skiing, and sailing. If you want to take advantage of the lush scenery, there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in the area of Helene. For an apartment or condo just a short walk from the beach, you could pay $500 a month. They were the planners, those who carefully studied various Caribbean retirement options and settled on Roatn. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. There are many dive shops located along the sea. Views of the beach and that salty sea breeze will remind you why you decided to move this beautiful Caribbean paradise. Roatan may arguably enjoy the best weather in the Caribbean as it lies just south and west of the major hurricane highway. Here are 5 Cons of Living in Mexico. Expect to see parrotfish, rays, sharks, lobster, tangs, puffers, jacks, eels, conch, damselfish, just to name a few species. Most of us head there after the hurricane season.. The retirees and other expats who have made it their home (joining the 80,000 or so Hondurans and native islanders there too) have found a great quality of life, with a low cost of living, warm weather year-round, that classic island vibe, and tropical atmosphere, great restaurants, white-sand beaches, modern conveniences like high-speed internet, and, with the opening of a new hospital, good quality medical care.