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Introduction and interested in retiring in Belize

Last activity 03 October 2010 by katz30

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GySgt Paul

I will be retiring in two years with Social Security and a small retirement pension. I'm widowed very recently. It's more than ample, based on what I've read, so far, but I do have a couple of questions.

I'm a hobbiest-turned pro knifemaker.  Any chance for making a part-time income?

Are their ex-pat communities (outside of the very expensive Cayes and Islands) where "just average folks" live or are most ex-pats simply "spread around"?  I am just beginning my inquiries and wondered if anyone could make suggestions.

As time goes by, I'll have more questions, I'm sure.

Much thanks,
Paul

p.s.  I believe I will rent for my first 6 months to a year.  What are current rents in average areas, outside of the Cayes and Islands?

Sheetul

Hi Paul! Welcome to Expat-blog!

Maybe you could check out the Network of Americans in Belize an why not have a look at Accomodation in Belize Classifieds to have an idea of the prices for rentals?

All the Best!

Sheetul.

gmabrown

Hi Paul! I think with your knife making skills you could probably do ok here. If you made matchees, you will do fine everyone owns one! It is a must have here. Also knife sharpening would be good. Filet knifes my husband says should be in demand here, maybe with lessons on fileting fish. The localls usuall cook them whole. The expats are scattered pretty much everwhere. You would need to come and stay for a while and decide on what you want. Ocean, Mountains, jungle. Different strokes for different folks you know. We live 2 miles out of the town of Dangriga. 2 hours from Belize City. We have the ocean about 300 yards in front of us and the mayen mountains to the west of us. Its a view we could never afford in the US. We like to fish, dive and snorkel so we decided to make the move almost 1 year ago now. It's deffinatly been a adventure, totally different then the states.Well all for now see you in BELIZE?

corozal dave

Hi Paul, you seem to have thought this out very well.  Belize is not for everyone, but where is a place for everyone?  I happen to have a house near Corozal, in northern Belize.  It has a very healthy expat community, mainly from Canada and the USA, there are also a few from Europe.  Off the top of my head I'd say there has to be around 250 living in the area of Corozal, Consejo Village and Consejo Shores and it is growing quickly.  It is a small but very friendly group, we're always looking for new folks to move down.
As for working at your hobby, I guess you could do it on a one to one basis, but without a work permit it is forbidden.  You can not take a job away from a Belizian.
Corozal is on the Bay of Chetumal.  If you prefer the mountains then San Ignacio has a lot of expats as well.  These two places are perhaps the less expensive places to live.  You can rent a nice house full furnished for $500.00 UDS per month or less. There are also bigger homes that go for more, lots of places to choose from. Checkout belizeforum.com/belize/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm  there are answers to all your question there.

katz30

Hello Paul, I live here in Bullet Tree village in the Cayo area and there is a large expat population here. There are a few houses for rent in the village they run around $300us a month for nice one bedroom. I have lived in Belize for forty years and choose this village to live. Renting before one buys is a good idea a small pick up is a good idea. contact me at marykcariddi@yahoo.com

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