Where to move for a family?

ashley020781 New member

5POSTS

5 years ago

Hello all!
We are a family of 5 who homeschool our children in Florida. We own a thriving business, but because its so hard to find employees who will work, my husband has been working the job of 4 people for YEARS, and the toll it has taken on him is immense.
We have decided to get rid of nearly everything and relocate to a slower pace of life where our children can experience different cultures and not be so darn privileged. My husband and I grew up very different from our kids and want them to learn and earn their way, so to speak.
I have been researching anything and everything on Belize, and it seems to be the place we are most interested in.
Can anyone tell me the safest and best areas for families that may have an expat community for us to help integrate? Ive looked at Placencia real estate, but Im not sure about being on the beach long term as well as the higher cost of living.
The Cayo region looks very hopeful, as it is cheaper and we could have a small bit of land to grow some of our own food and lessen our costs, and it seems like being near the mennonite and farmers market would be helpful in food growing, trading, buying things. I read however that Cayo is best left to more seasoned Belizeans.
Can anyone offer insight to narrow down our search for when we come to visit and start deciding what we want?

As a side note, I know there are different restrictions on working and not taking jobs away from native Belizeans. Our goal is to work as little as possible and raise our family in peace without blowing through the savings we have. I will have a bit of income from book and painting sales, but thats an ever changing area. If we become residents, eventually opening a small business could possibly be on the table if the economy and government permits it, but were really just looking to survive and not make money.

Im sorry this is soooo long!

1 member reacted to this post

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karenjoe Serial expat

384POSTS

5 years ago

Aside from Spanish Lookout, which is primarily Mennonite, and some areas in the south that are primarily Mayan, I don't see a lot of real differences from area to area, in terms of the people. I would say you would be 'safe' in any of the areas in Cayo or Stann Creek, and most areas of the other regions as well. We have property just off the Hummingbird Hwy near 2 small villages. Beautiful, quiet, peaceful, friendly people. Areas around San Ignacio would probably be good for you, as many things are more easily available. Lots of expats in the area as well.
If you move here and start a business and hire Belizeans, you shouldn't have any issues regarding work.
Visit first for a few weeks, or several times, before you take the plunge.
Good luck in your quest.

BelizeLube New member

6POSTS

5 years ago

My wife and I just got back from a place in Cayo that we intend to move to. The place is called Carmelita Gardens and has a web site. It is a planned community and is just wonderful. There will be over 200 families when completed, just getting off the ground at this time. The houses are all off grid, solar power, natural organic gardens for the residents, permaculture inspired, etc.

I understand a family with 7 children are starting to build their home and plan to home school. People are all wonderful and mostly from the US and Canada. The developer is an architect originally from Florida and went to Florida State,

My wife and I cannot wait to go back. Hope this will help you.

2 members reacted to this post

ashley020781 New member

5POSTS

5 years ago

My understanding is that unless you have an associates degree, you cannot homeschool.
Now I dont know the legal ramifications of that or if it is even inforced there. It was something for us to take into serious consideration though

Bzpal9 Member

13POSTS

5 years ago

I highly recommend you plan to spend a year here first, before making a commitment. There are so fewer opportunities for young people, it would be a disservice to your children to force them into a lifestyle that they don't enjoy. Surely there are ways of teaching ethics and values in less harsh circumstances. And if you think they are 'privileged' in the US, they will seem 10 x more privileged here, where every child dreams of going to live in the US. Try watching 'Mosquito Coast' to see how kids feel when being forced into a harsh way of life.

1 member reacted to this post

ashley020781 New member

5POSTS

5 years ago

I appreciate your candidness. We have actually moved on from the idea of moving to Belize for the very reasons you're speaking of. We are looking for a country with a better economy and more opportunity

Bzpal9 Member

13POSTS

5 years ago

In this day and age, I very much doubt you will find any better place than where you already are. Perhaps Russia, if you can stand the cold. Why not rural Florida, which seems to be the most 'free' of all states, with some very beautiful areas? Stop believing the propaganda that the US is a horrible place. The only thing making it horrible is the Left's socialist agenda, and you should stay and fight against it, and teach your children to fight against it.

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wscarey47 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

I am from Florida and live in Cayo BZ near the Village of Santa Familia. Unless your priority is the beach, then Cayo is your best area to investigate. Suggest Carmelita Gardens and nearby Maya Spring Estates as expat communities to visit.

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BelizeLube New member

6POSTS

4 years ago

wscarey47, where are you from in Florida and do you live in one of the expat developments that you mention now? We are considering moving to Cayo as well and would like to hear your impressions and info that could help us decide. Thanks!

ashley020781 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#10

I DO believe that the US is a wonderful place, but has its share of issues along with every other country. The change Ive seen in the last two decades is becoming scary, however.
We do live in a more rural area of Florida, but the recent influx of people moving here has caused a huge amount of building and a change in the mentality of the people here. It is becoming ever increasingly difficult to deal with people in business. There seems to be no making anyone happy. Along with my husband quite literally working himself to death, we need to change our way of life, and prefer a warm climate.
These are SOME of the reasons we are THINKING about an eventual move to another country. It honestly isn't anyone's place to judge why or where we may move. I'm simply asking for people to give me an idea of why they like or dislike places they live so I can get an idea of what life in other places is like. There's nothing wrong with being informed.

1 member reacted to this post

BelizeLube New member

6POSTS

4 years ago

#11

Ashley, I agree with you. I also live in a fairly rural part of Florida and I too have been working myself into some health issues. Same with my wife. There is more to life than piling up money for the federal government to spend for me after I am dead.

I am getting really close to buying a small place in the Cayo district of BZ, at least a sort of Plan B place to bug out to if I need to or just want to. I do not expect to cut off all ties to the US and my life in Florida.

But I think you are correct, the reasons do not matter, everyone has their own reasons for where they live, what they do, and how they get there. Good luck to you and your family! Hope to see you all in Belize some day!

wscarey47 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#12

I am from Key West FL and currently have a small home in Palmetto, FL , mostly visit for medical residence. My wife and I spend most of our time at our hill top home in Maya Spring Estates near Santa Familia Cayo. We have friends in the nearby riverfront community of Carmelita Gardens. We had a place on Cay Caulker for years and loved it. I suggest that you visit several areas of Belize and decide what is best for you.

wscarey47 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#13

2 members reacted to this post

BelizeLube New member

6POSTS

4 years ago

#14

My wife and I are seriously considering a place in Carmelita Gardens but had not considered Maya Springs. Can you tell me why you chose Maya Springs over other locations such as Carmelita Gardens?

Thank.

wscarey47 New member

5POSTS

4 years ago

#15

Carmelita Gardens is on the river and has more lots creating a close community. CG is entirely solar powered.
Maya Spring Estates, 2 miles away, is uphill from the river with only 20 homesites on 100 acres. The 10 unsold MSE lots are 3-5 acres and all have electricity making solar an option.
Some people want larger space for animal pasture, large workshop, or a Bed & Breakfast business.
Other people want the community feeling offered by CG.

BelizeLube New member

6POSTS

4 years ago

#16

Thanks for the great info. Can you tell me who I would contact about the remaining lots for sale in Mayan Spring Estates? I hope to meet a fellow Floridian some day however things turn out. Thank you.

Elizabeth An BellÃ³ Member

2POSTS

4 years ago

#17

My son and I LOVED visiting Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, and Dangriga. I want to move to Belize! Right now we live in La Mision, Baja Norte, Mexico but the murder rate has gone way up recently. Yes Belize has a few issues but NEVER did we feel in danger. We did not like the mosquito poison they spray in town though. They need to import animals that eat mosquitos so other insects can thrive and people don't get poisoned. Blessings on your search for a new country!

natifain Member

1POSTS

4 years ago

#18

Hi, i really appreciated this thread as we are planning on moving there with my family. We both work independent and remotely on online services , and are looking for a different lifestyle at least for a few years. We have a 2 and a half year old daughter. We are from Argentina, currently living in Buenos Aires, already lived in Europe a few years, but now wanting something different. Ambergris Caye has been on our radar greatly, as we understand there is a big expat community there, with Mahogany Bay (that has an international school within the gated community) with the benefit we could rent our home while traveling. We will go visit the area this December.
Any information you have either in this site, or elsewhere is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Nati

CocoHer Active member

72POSTS

4 years ago

#19

wscarey47 wrote:
Carmelita Gardens is on the river and has more lots creating a close community. CG is entirely solar powered.
Maya Spring Estates, 2 miles away, is uphill from the river with only 20 homesites on 100 acres. The 10 unsold MSE lots are 3-5 acres and all have electricity making solar an option.
Some people want larger space for animal pasture, large workshop, or a Bed & Breakfast business.
Other people want the community feeling offered by CG.

Hi, I recently bought a home and moved here in Sittee river. We are considering install solar power in our home as an option. Do you happen to know who is the contractor installing solar power for both communities?

Thanks

Coco

Kaylast8 New member

3POSTS

3 years ago

#20

@ashley020781 did you end up moving anywhere? Looking for the same experience with my husband and 2 year old!

Kaylast8 New member

3POSTS

3 years ago

#21

@natifain Hi! My family sounds very similar to yours. My husband works remotely and I am looking for a remote teaching position. We have a 2 year old son. Did you end up making this move? Would love to discuss.