Both towns are situated, as their names suggest, at the west end of the island, where daily sunset-watching becomes addictive. You can even take a boat tour of the wild Mangrove Tunnels and see the real Roatan. Its affordability coupled with its undeniable beauty could be the reason why its become home to so many expats. A retired couple can expect to spend about $2,000 to $2,500 a month for all their needs on Roatn. The entire island is surrounded by a shallow reef offering a spectacular view of thousands of marine creatures for divers and snorkelers. You'll meet a wide variety of interesting people, including expats, native islanders and locals who migrated from the mainland. We decided to sell our house and move onboard Diamond Lil. From the top of the hills you have the perfect vantage point to gaze upon the slopes that cascade down to the water and lead out to the huge reef that encircles the island. Expat communities tend to be small, with homes on the hillside overlooking the water, or on a stretch of virtually private beach. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. Many expats here live in condos close to the water or up on the hill, with spectacular views, which come with hefty price tag. You can always look around for deals, but dont hold your breath too long especially if youre booking during summer months. Just for the winter, we thought. The cost of living on Roatan, for most expats, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 a month. To give you a rough idea, we're able to get a spacious, luxury two-bedroom apartment that includes a garage for $1550. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. After 6pm, a taxi ride will cost you more. This article was contributed by travel writer Ashuni Perez. Crystal clear water provides a beautiful setting for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Nobody is in a rush. Schools of large fish darted through crystal-clear water. We have a large and vibrant group of both expat and local friends. They value their privacy and enjoy living on remote bays or bight. Youre more likely to get a better interest rate and have a better overall lending experience. Keep in mind that these prices depend on the season and the length of your stay. In a real sense, Roatan is a prime example of an ancient observation: We do without doing and it all gets done. So let's jump into the negatives. Making a good income 5. 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. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Some expats enjoy their beach time, or participate in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating. Youll be able to bop along all night with the crowds in this late-night local. Depending on your departure city and flexibility, you can find a price that works for you. If youre looking to have a late one, stop by Nova for a great DJ and dance music. One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure on the island. The Honduran Embassy in the United States provides a list of legal medication online. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. Visit Santa Helena and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, caught mere hours before it is served. Houses that need a little love and fixing upsell for anywhere between $70,000 to $80,000. Verdant jungle-covered mountains and rolling hills rise from the spine of the island. Canadians Trade the White North for Roatns Sun With that being said, living in Roatan is much cheaper than many of its Caribbean counterparts, which makes it a highly attractive option for many expats. I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," explained one expat living in Roatan, Honduras. The roads seem to always be in need of repair, and there can be power outages. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida Here are 2 different pros and con lists of what it's really like to live in Florida full-time. Lets start with housing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Local residents tend to spend much of their time outdoors so being mindful of sun exposure is important. You can expect to shell out big bucks for rent if you want to live anywhere near a Japan city Centre. A large percentage of expats settle in the northwest villages of West Bay and West End and other northern beach communities. No matter what you decide, Roatan is an incredible island paradise with something for everyone. Once youve rented your transport of choice, remember to do plenty of research on the best routes. But we spoke with an expat couple, who live outside of French Harbour in the home they own, who spend less than $1,200 a month. Also, top quality fresh fruits and vegetables (at least what isnt growing on your property), though cheap at local markets, are more difficult to come by. List of the Pros of Living in the Bahamas 1. Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport in Roatan is the only international airport in the Bay Islands. The median rental prices of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are $1,200 and $1,620, respectively, making Houston cheaper to rent in than over 40 major U.S. cities. And, of course, just spending an afternoon on the clear turquoise water is nice too. An international airport, with direct flights every day to multiple destinations in the U.S. and Canada, means getting to and from home (or having visitors come down) is easy. London is generally a more affordable route; some travelers have even found round trip tickets for as low at 500 GBP. There is good availability for services related to pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, dermatology, and much more. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. Roatan is the perfect place to learn to dive. Waiting for the season to die down will mean cheaper flights and more affordable housing. Expats on Roatn also give back. On the other hand, the cons of living in Honduras include its high crime rate, its lack of economic opportunities, and its inadequate infrastructure. Cons: Public transportation is a huge problem; therefore, you have to own a car. The water is warm and crystal-clear without dangerous currents to complicate things. The marine life is also stunning with plenty of species like rainbow fish, coral, and even Moray eels. Honduran law favors locals when it comes to real estate. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine Pros and cons of living in Laos 2. Take advantage of the untouched nature and explore the jungle with a zip line tour. This is the largest and most populated of the Bay Islands 30 miles off the coast of mainland Honduras. Ocean breezes were great except when the salt spray blew into your windows from the coast. Most expats dont live here. Anything from going to the bank to ordering in a local restaurant can require even the most basic Spanish. What Are the Pros? Some streets are better than others, and locals will be able to provide you with plenty of insight in that regard. Then we added a second dog, a rescue. But with hospitals and medical clinics, banks, larger grocery stores, hardware stores, government offices, and other services, they often visit to run errands. You will need to fill up some required papers by the state. Its relaxed and casual. The inlets and bays on the southern shore of the island that once attracted European pirates and loggers now attract scuba divers, drawn by the reef just offshore. If youre looking for comfort, then you can enjoy the resort-style West End that hosts plenty of relaxing activities for its visitors. In communities like West End and West Bay, beach bars line the water, offering tasty cocktails and cold beers with views of the Caribbean. Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. There are many choices of fun restaurants and bars to be found, some with live entertainment on certain days of the week. Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century and how you can join the movement. Then Arkansas may be the place for you. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 3/31 Fri. 1 stop Multiple Airlines. Living in Roatan includes great food, Welcoming and friendly people, Low cost of living, natural beauty, and Great weather. Cell phone service runs around the same price, about $50 a month. Vietnamese people are nice Moreover, you ought to be very cautious about driving after significant rainfall. But that first breath of sea air is going to cost you. The reef is a few minutes offshore, teeming with sea life. Luxury homes and condos run $400,000 and up. Dont expect the supermarket to be fully stocked with all your favorite foods and brands. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer lovely cruise packages to the Bay Island strip. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. The island is also home to a vibrant culture, with plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore. But before you make the move, its important to explore the pros and cons of island life so you can make an informed decision. It had 141 feet of clean, sandy beach, and an artesian well with a cistern. However, for everyone else, paying health fees as they arise can be relatively affordable. If you are planning to spend much of your vacation diving underwater anyway, the rain wont matter much, right? The weather in Roatan is boring. Air Canada and Cayman Airlines also regularly serve Juan Manuel Galvez International. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In fact, you may decide that you never want to live anywhere else. While you can still find a bargain here and there, your biggest decision will be how you want to reach the island. The Dolphin Snorkel, in addition to the initial 25 minutes with one dolphin, offers an additional 30 minutes of snorkeling time with a dozen or more dolphins. In fact, I met some folks whose normal attire is a swimsuit every day. Roatan has about 80,000 residents. Once on Roatan, you can immediately feel the island vibe soothing your soul as the fresh, salt air cleanses away the stress of the mainland life you left behind. But its important to consider all the pros and cons before making the move. Pros And Cons of Living in Colorado: Perks of Living in Colorado 1. Usually, these classes provide a four-hour session under the close, direct supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructor. Plenty of expats who have graced Roatans shores will tell you that being creative is necessary. The thought of living the Southern California lifestyle can be alluring, but remember to weigh the disadvantages as well before deciding if San Diego is right for you and your family. So, dont expect to get a bargain at the supermarket. A full time vet - in addition to the traveling vets which come every couple of months there's a vet full-time on the island. If youre an experienced diver, youll be able to appreciate the beauty of Roatans marine ecosystem. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. Youll have to plan ahead to make sure youre not left in the dark or without a stove to cook with. Your lights may go out for hours at a time. Affordable cost of living: Honduras is one of the most affordable countries in Central America. Visitors were first drawn to Roatn because the worlds second largest barrier reef is just a quick boat ride offshore. This Caribbean paradise offers a great variety of things to see and do. Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event. With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty. One point of contention is the infrastructure. Living In Roatan is great! Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. Its the perfect place to enjoy sunset, preferably at famed beach bar hangout, Sundowners. Is living in a city unhealthy? Living on Diamond Lil provided the flexibility to explore the island. One silver lining is that you can get fresh fish or lobster for a fraction of North American prices. Or head to the highlands. If you are like most and want to continue into the open water certification phase, that usually takes an additional two days and costs about $400 dollars. With its stunning beaches and lush jungles, Roatan offers a truly unique experience. Before we knew it, we counted many more friends on the island than the number we had left behind in Canada. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. If you are looking for a slower pace of life, Roatan might be just what you need. Others join the local gym or take yoga classes. Are you going to the islands for the winter?. Once youre feeling merry, you can take a walk over to The Blue Marlin for a bit of karaoke. Then, you will move into waist-deep water, kneel down and experience your first underwater breaths. A Final Thought on the Pros and Cons of Living in Montana. There are lots of options for you to be able to schedule your perfect journey. Both Miami and Houston offer direct flights with several carriers but most flights have one stop before landing at Coxen Hole airport on Roatan. The bottom line is that you have to review the facts for yourself and see if Roatan is your ideal match. If you want to plan a private trip around the island, several companies will sail you around the Bay for a fair price. Pineapple Villas, an off water condominium development in French Harbour, has a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo unit for sale for $179,000, with a distant harbor view. Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, you may have to wait for some transport to Roatan. Gentle, well-trained horses and knowledgeable and dedicated guides make this a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages and experience levels. After several months on the move, John showed me an advertisement in the Chisme Vindicator, a Rio Dulce website that we followed. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Think back to your worst moments. And the laidback feeling isnt just in those areas. Everywhere on Roatn runs on island time. You would be on your own up there. We rarely travel to the busy, tourist area of the island. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Belize vs Roatan - Beach Vacations Forum. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Qualified guides ensure your safety as you zip from one platform to another. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. Your options are American dollars and the local currency of Lempiras. Some favorite water activities are fishing, jet-skiing, and sailing. It is quieter and isolated out east, with the nearest sizable settlement a 30- to 45-minute drive away. They share 32 square miles of white-sand beaches, undeveloped natural areas, funky tourist-oriented beach towns, traditional fishing villages, bustling market towns, and more. December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast. 4. Half Moon Bay, is calm and quiet. Its a haven for scuba divers, with sections of the Meso-American Reef, which is the worlds second largest, just offshore (it surrounds much of the island). If youre an expat living on Roatn, you can get the locals discountwith dive tours (boat, divemaster, equipment, and everything included) for $25. 1. When you start living in the Bahamas, you will notice immediately that the environment is warm and friendly from a social standpoint. Rich culture: Honduras has a rich cultural heritage, with diverse . No shirt, no shoesno problem. #9 Easy to Start a Business or Company: Another great thing about the USA is that you can easily start a business there. If youve ever dreamed of living on a tropical Caribbean island, you should consider Roatan. Pro: It's a natural paradise From forested slopes to desert peaks, if you're living in the mountains, you're living in a place of idyllic beauty. Their favorite watering hole is BJs, in Oakridge, for the Friday afternoon jam session. If youre a fisherman or diveror just like to get out on the water, you are in luck as oceanfront lots can be had for $100,000. With its beautiful beach, cozy cafs, fun beach bars, and gorgeous homes perched on panoramic hills, the West Bay is perfect for expats who can afford a chic beach lifestyle. Massachusetts is a green state. Its best to find and reserve something as early as possible. We needed deep water for our boat and preferably a dock. The country's tropical climate means that fruits and vegetables are plentiful, and seafood is also popular. Still, getting acclimated to the island lifestyle wont take too long as the quality of life can convert even the biggest skeptics. Most of us head there after the hurricane season.. Safety. Herbys Sports Bar, and Pineapples Restaurant are located on-site, as well as a spa and gym. ROATAN: Pros and Cons of Moving and living here and the Challenges Ahead - YouTube Estos son los pros y los contras de mudarse a #ROATAN #HONDURAS #BYRONJKP ROATAN: Pros and Cons. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). Pros of living in Alabama 1. Go to the middle of the island and you have larger towns like French Harbour and Coxen Hole. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. For about $110, most dive centers offer some type of introductory class. Believe me, the summer weather definitely makes up for the winter blues. But this island, 48 miles long and about five miles at its widest, off mainland Honduras, is also a great place to live long-term. Work is also another way for you to get your residence. I even saw a Moray eel guarding the entrance to her home. Some people live for months at a time, then go "home" to another paradise. Mango Creek Lodge, located in historic Port Royal, on the islands unspoiled east end, offers a unique flats-fishing experience. We also needed enough property for our horse to graze on, with access to riding trails. Island life means learning to work with what you have. $727. There is also the possibility of catching a flight from Quebec with Air Transat. Diving enthusiasts from around the world come to Roatan for its ideal diving conditions. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. And the Dream. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. While many people on the island speak some English, its not nearly as common as Spanish. We used Alex Poirier, a buyers agent, and Cristiana Carbajal as our lawyer. Roatan is a haven of beauty and tranquility, making it a prime destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Save. Normally, a roundtrip flight from any of the major hubs will run from $750 to $1,100. Those looking to live the island life have found solace in the beach towns of Roatan. They live in spots like Mango Bay, Port Royal, and Calabash. Continue east through historic Port Royal, past Fort Morgan Cay, the pirate stronghold of early days. Beautiful nature in abundance 3. You can either take the modern, jet-set option and fly into Roatans tiny airport. A big favorite among expats and visitors alike is Franks Cigar Bar.