So lots of pros and cons, but ultimately we ended our visit after 3 1/2 months. Its easy to make the place your full-time home. Quality healthcare. It has a totally different feel, more reminiscent of Roatan country living, before cruise ship tourists regularly flooded the island. 4. Being a major industrial city, everything from rent, food, and social amenities is expensive in Japan. The pros of living in the USA 1. A spacious parking lot accommodates vehicles owned by those island residents whose homes are water-only access in points east such as Calabash Bight, Port Royal, and St. Helene. While you will be able to get internet at home, you shouldnt expect it to be the fastest connection in the world. I got talking to a friend who knew we were searching for a place to set up home. Traffic can often come to a standstill during rush hour, and we'd recommend expats find accommodation near their workplace. Pros And Cons Of Living In Upstate New York The top 10 advantages and disadvantages of living in upstate New York are Easy access to New York City Natural beauty Four season living Multiple lifestyle options Reasonable cost of living High tax burden Rough winter weather Limited transportation options Lackluster economy At this point you will be ready to go diving. It is relatively easy to purchase property and obtain residence. Getting through customs is quick and only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Low taxes - Corporate and personal income tax 4. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. If youre looking to have a late one, stop by Nova for a great DJ and dance music. Before you make your way to Roatan, brush up on your Spanish or take a Spanish course. Although most locals in the more populated areas will speak English, Island Englisha kind of creolewill be much more common. In fact, you may find that the service you receive is quite quick and efficient. But, if youre not ready to make that commitment yet, you can always find yourself a place to rent. So, we took to the water. 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. Enjoy miles of the sandy, white beach after your ride, with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking available. In communities like West End and West Bay, beach bars line the water, offering tasty cocktails and cold beers with views of the Caribbean. Scotland is the perfect country for anyone looking to move abroad. Yup, just another one of the pros and cons of living in Canada. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. London is generally a more affordable route; some travelers have even found round trip tickets for as low at 500 GBP. Part of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis worlds away from the mainland. We didnt stick around long. Reserve your spot ahead of time and save yourself the headache. Beautiful beaches: Honduras has some of the best beaches in the world, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. Although Honduras exports plenty of fruits, finding good quality fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. The West End feels like a hot spot for younger generations. Specialists are located on the mainland of Honduras, so we travel by plane or ferry. In a beautiful state. But before you make the move, its important to explore the pros and cons of island life so you can make an informed decision. Our application cost for residency also cost $2,750. Its relatively easy to purchase property. Sandals and shorts are the uniformseven for nice dinners out. There are no servicesno electricity, no mains water, and no garbage pickup. Be prepared to pay a little extra for those journeys later in the day. While you are waiting for everything to be finalized, be sure not to overstay your 90-day limit. You can get fresh off the boat fish (snapper, tuna, and mahi-mahi, for example) and lobster for a fraction of what youd pay in the U.S. or Canada. Knowledgeable guides will take you fly fishing or spin fishing on the turtle grass flats nearby. With perfect weather and beautiful vistas, its obvious why most visitors enjoy the outdoors in Roatan. We visited 3-4 years ago OMG West Bay!!! After youve managed to find the perfect home, youll most likely want to link up with any expat communities around. There are many dive shops located along the sea. While Roatans real estate market has a shady past, the market today has vastly improved. Picture white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, surrounded by a sea of azure, impossibly clear water. Ready to build lots on the water go for around $100,000, or a lot with a sea view will start from $50,000. 10 Things to Do in Roatan, Honduras Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. There are plenty of flights coming into Roatan from all over the world. Hailing a cab from the airport or ferry dock will be relatively easy. 13 Pros and Cons of Living in Houston, Texas - Fixin Texas Healthcare. 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. The local Rotary Club holds their weekly meetings on-site. 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. Living In Roatan is great! Watch the children swim and play in the sea while you savor a cold rum punch or margarita. Its a tropical paradisewithout the high costs you might expect from a Caribbean destination. The west side of the island, including communities like West End and West Bay, is the most developed and most frequented by tourists. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. The historic Fort Myers River is also very touristy. It all got fixed in the end, though, as these things do. Waiting for the season to die down will mean cheaper flights and more affordable housing. Once youve rented your transport of choice, remember to do plenty of research on the best routes. Its low-key and a bit rough around the edgeswhich makes it fun (and still perfectly safe). When you are able to navigate your way through the island easily, youll feel grateful for your Spanish skills. The farther you go east, theres less development. BJs is an icon on the east end of the island, serving as a hub for both residents and east end resort owners picking up guests from the airport. Getting active is also a great way to pass the time on the island. 5. But its not all about partying. 25 Cons of Living in San Diego. I had major surgery in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. If, like me, you find the Caribbean Seas aquamarine hues and vibrant sea life irresistible, this article was written with you in mind. Also, youll save yourself the headache of running through the airport to catch another flight. There is an ability to be happy on these islands even when someone doesn't own much. $1,011. Roatan is famous for its iguana and coconut stew. What are the pros and cons of living in Vietnam? Not to mention, it will be much easier for you to negotiate prices and inform yourself about any necessary paperwork you need to complete. While living in Washington, you may find yourself catching a game at one of the various venues like Climate Pledge Arena, Lumen Field, and T-Mobile Park. Property tax is relatively low as well. Pros and cons of living in Italy? You'll wanna read this. You may find yourself eating out regularly and enjoying local favorites like baleadas several times a week because you dont have to break the bank to do so. Average yearly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) come in under 10,000, even in cities like Rome and Milan. Even now that they know I live and work here, some people still seem to think I'm a magical money fountain. December to April sees an increase of visitors on the island, and places get booked up fast. Also, consider learning some Spanish while youre at it. The ad offered free dockage and electricity in the historic fishing village of Oak Ridge, Roatn. Herbys Sports Bar, and Pineapples Restaurant are located on-site, as well as a spa and gym. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Youll find a good selection of rental homes and condos priced from $1,000 to $1,500a month in most areas of the island. The next morning, John and I hopped in our skiff and went for a ride to Port Royal. The spray would blow continuously into your windows for hours depending on the wind and sea at that time. But you can rent a house on a hill, with an exceptional view, for $1,000 a month for a long-term rental. The Philippines doesn't disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month. Several of the larger resorts are located along this long stretch of powdery white sand. In West End you can swim, snorkel, and parasail (jet skis are still frowned upon on Roatn), attend a baseball game, enjoy a massage or yoga or simply lie back and soak up this tropical paradise. We had become part of a large and thriving community of expats. I have been coming to Thailand since 1998. Those hoping to bust a move should look no further than Booty Bar & Caribbean restaurant. We dropped our hook in French Harbour, Jonesville, West End, and Port Royal. About 38 miles long, and 5 miles wide at its widest, it takes a couple of hours to get from one end to the other thanks to roads that wind around its hilly and mountainous interior. It can take an hour or more to clear processing so bring plenty of patience with you. If youre in Europe and are hoping to make it to Roatan, there are travel options for you as well. Local restaurants offer affordable meals for as low as $6 per plate. Cerulean waters, white sand, and gorgeous reefs make Roatan, Honduras, a scuba divers paradise. About a million tourists come each year, drawn by the tropical beach fun, world-class scuba diving, and relaxed attitude. Their favorite watering hole is BJs, in Oakridge, for the Friday afternoon jam session. Roatan has that kind of power. Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Missoula is relatively affordable compared to other cities. Most expats will tell you that island time takes some getting used to. Summer in Roatan lasts from December until July every year. ROATAN: Pros and Cons of Moving and living here and the - YouTube We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. How to Retire in Roatan - 7th Heaven Properties Dreams do come true, however. First is that being on an island means you wont have all the same luxuries as home. Most ferry services to Roatan have two daily departures. You can explore wrecks, reefs, steep walls, holes, and crevices. The Pristine Bay golf course is located nearby. Plenty of visitors and expats have described short wait times and almost instant help from doctors and nurses. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and vibrant culture, the island is a great place to relax and enjoy life. Word gets around. Just like any other hospital, hospitals in Roatan are open 24/7 with services ranging from emergency to maternity. However, because of its size, chances are that the trip may cost you a pretty penny. Living in Honduras Pros and Cons - Think Real State It offers a lot of job opportunities than any other country can. Just for the winter, we thought. Most rentals will have to be made at the airport or at a rental place next to it. If youre looking for comfort, then you can enjoy the resort-style West End that hosts plenty of relaxing activities for its visitors. While foreigners can own three-fourths of an acre, only companies and Honduran residents are allowed to own property in Roatan. 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. Roatn Retirement Information Go inland and you pay closer to $50,000, or less. Then, you will move into waist-deep water, kneel down and experience your first underwater breaths. Most one and two bedroom apartments rent for $1490 or less per month. The verdant, jungle-covered hills of Roatn rise suddenly from the vivid blue sea. It's truly an incredible place for foreign workers, whether you visit as part of your gap year with a working holiday visa, as a student studying at one of the universities or even . Youre more likely to get a better interest rate and have a better overall lending experience. 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. Living in Roatan is an incredible experience, but its important to consider the pros and cons before making the move. For those who prefer to be autonomous, there is also the option to rent a car, scooter, or motorcycle. Although the road situation is improving, its better to be safe than sorry when driving around Roatan. Americans living on Roatan - Roatan Forum - Tripadvisor With great cocktails and decent specials, you may end up spending the rest of the night toasting with friends at Booty. The Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland. Is living in a city unhealthy? Roatan or Utila: Which Honduras Bay Island is Better? The reefs begin in as little as 20 feet with drop-offs up to 100+ feet. Travelers and especially divers can take advantage of the rainy season to score for some lower rates in hotels and Airbnb rentals. Three Places to Live in Roatan 1. 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. All that you need to sign yourself up as a resident of Honduras is to get yourself an attorney to help you submit all relevant paperwork to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And the real estate prices vary considerably from one to another. Each of the villages, towns and developments evoke a different feel and lifestyle. Home prices start around $250,000. Re: Renting a car in Roatan pros and cons. A local grocery store chain has plenty of items imported from Europe and North America. Also, good luck finding deodorant! Some people live for months at a time, then go "home" to another paradise. But don't worry; Helsinki's temperature typically doesn't drop below a balmy -30C (-22F). Here's How To Have A Happy Life Abroad