Looking to meet Canadian/US expats in Placencia

Hello All!

My hubby and I are Canadians from Ontario considering retirement in Belize.  We are travelling to Placencia on Sept 3, 2022, looking to potentially purchase land & build in a new development by Holistica Belize (the company is out of Costa Mesa California).

Neither of us have been to Belize before but love the idea of Central America as a retirement destination.

We will be arriving 5 days ahead of the "tour" to explore, and would like to meet with some local expats to find out what "the real deal" is regarding living in Belize (either part or potentially full time in the next 3-5 years). At the end of the "tour" (which I suspect is 5 days of schmoozing and telling us how great Belize is) we will be expected to sign on the dotted line.  We would really like to meet up with folk who would be willing to answer questions, provide guidance and offer advice on the realities of living in Belize.

We would be very grateful to folks willing to respond.

Leah
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@LeahB123

Hi Leah😊

We are also fellow Canadians!!  From Ontario.. just outside of Trenton.. if you know it. My hubby, sister & I are also considering making a full time move to Belize. We are coming down for the 1st time in November for 6 months. Unfortunately, we are staying in Corozal, so a bit from where you will be.
If, at anytime during both our stays, & in the same area, we would love to meet up & chat about what we both have found
Hoping to meet soon!!

Terry
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@terrysnewglc Hi Terry!  Thanks for your response...today is the day I signed up on this sight & haven't stopped clicking and reading! I do know where Trenton is (we live in Cambridge). Please do stay in touch with anything you discover and I will do the same....I've really been enlightened this afternoon just on this site alone!

It seems we may need to rethink our expectations....nothing bad, but it seems some of the things we take for granted like our cars and how easy it is to maintain them could be a real change.  Should we purchase the land & build, we were expecting to import one of our vehicles (probably mine since its new & an SUV) but it doesn't sound like the locals maintain their cars?!?!?!  That was a shocker

Stay well & Stay in touch...Leah

(ps...is GLC for Mercedes GLC???)
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@LeahB123

Yes!!!  The GLC is for Mercedes
we use to live in KW… so know Cambridge well!!  I've been on this site for about 1 1/2 years… we have done LOTS of research!!!  Found that with a vehicle, it's is about 80% of the blue book value for duty!!!  Unless you go through the retirement program… then there is no duty on anything you bring in.
Vehicles are on the list to research for ourselves when we get there… they are quite pricey… especially for what your getting… not at all like home!!  Same goes for golf carts!!  Expensive too… too buy there   Oh well, almost everything else is cheaper… & no tax!!!!  That's the best part!!!
Currently, we are looking to be in a resort… type place…. Gated, expats, pool & all the amenities…at least for now.

Our friends just got back from Corozal, & loved it!!
They stayed right beside where we are staying, so lots of juicy tidbits… lol
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I grew up in Kitchener!  Maybe we know each other!  I went to Eastwood from '83-88, then to U of Waterloo!

Your plan is similar to ours....we got interested in Belize via an Instagram ad (if you can believe it!).  We were also considering a development in Costa Rica, but after digging in on the details it was WAY beyond what we want to spend to own and live in Central America.

In comes Holistica developments....they are starting a new development - gated community as well- marketed as a "healthy lifestyle community"  there will be an organic farm, yoga studio, olympic sized pool, riding stable (tres chi chi1f609.svg) and apparently focused on preserving the natural environment within the property.  The smallest property available to purchase is 1/8 acre, then 1/4 & the largest is 1/3 of an acre.

If this happens, we will be applying for the QRP and will be importing EVERYTHING ( or as close to as possible). We both drive high end imported cars, (his a BMW M5 & mine's a Porche Macan)....sounds like we'll be leaving all that home in Canada and possibly importing something North American of considerably less risk to be stolen.....(sadly, I've read in the last half hour that you don't want to advertise yourself as possibly being a "rich American)

I don't expect I will struggle  much with the "lifestyle change" and all the things that will not be easily available, but my hubby certainly like the "finer things"....he could get a real "awakening" 1f602.svg.  Are you willing to share the name of the community you will be staying at? (since your message, I've looked at the location, and kind of like the proximity to Chetumal......I hear it actually has a Sam's Club!!!)
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Hey Leah,

We are staying at a private condo that we rented directly from the owner. We are about a 15 min walk down the beach into Corozal town.
We looked all over & thought “for now””… lol we would like to consider Corozal…. Close to the Mexico boarder… & yes a Sams club, & a mall of America!!!!  Lol plus from what I understand… a really good major hospital
The town of Corozal itself has quite a bit… casino, bingo, hospital, restaurants, golf courses…Which is very important to my hubby🥴🥴….lol & nail salons which is important to me!!!!  😂😂
plus an airport.. which at some point…good grief… there are plans for it to become international

The finer things in life…. I hear that… us too!!!!!
Might take a bit to get use too…. Apparently, a lot of expats say that you will tend to forget about those things… the lifestyle is so different…. We will see

My major thing is trying to get use to the NO TIME THING!!!!!
Im NOT a patient person.. lol… trying to get more laid back with the thought by November
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Hi!

After our chats yesterday, and more "exploring" on this site today, I feel like there isn't a lot going on in the south of Belize.  Lots of communication threads about Corozal, AC and the northern towns.  I'm wondering if we're considering something too far south...especially now that you said the magic "G" word...golf!!!

My hubby loves golf, and from what I've found so far....there isn't much (read: no) golf in the southern part. ...this could be an issue for us.  I understand you on the NOT patient issue....Its definitely an "area of growth potential" for me as well!  Oddly, I'm super patient about some things, but others.....yesterday isn't soon enough. 
Because we're heading to Belize 5 days before the "tour", I'm thinking we should consider spending at least a couple of those days in the Corozal or Consejo Shores area (it kinda sounds like it offers more "north american" type amenities) - I know that sounds snobby but I'm getting the feeling that in the south, we're going to have to "really adapt" (read: give up a LOT of things that we take for granted).  I don't know if my hubby will survive retirement without golf!!!

..hope you've had a great long weekend!
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My hubby loves golf, and from what I've found so far....there isn't much (read: no) golf in the southern part. ...this could be an issue for us.  I understand you on the NOT patient issue....Its definitely an "area of growth potential" for me as well!  Oddly, I'm super patient about some things, but others.....yesterday isn't soon enough. 
Because we're heading to Belize 5 days before the "tour", I'm thinking we should consider spending at least a couple of those days in the Corozal or Consejo Shores area (it kinda sounds like it offers more "north american" type amenities) - I know that sounds snobby but I'm getting the feeling that in the south, we're going to have to "really adapt" (read: give up a LOT of things that we take for granted).  I don't know if my hubby will survive retirement without golf!!!

Golf in Belize? LOL  There have been several DEVOLPERS put up signs saying coming soon. I know one is near the NEW  International Airport that like the golf course will not open in the next ten years. LOL

There is one just outside of Belmopan, that friends play a couple times a year, water hazards have Crocodiles swimming in it. It was built near the Capital city of Belize for the diplomats of the embassy's located there. A few miniature courses come and go in the country.

I think most folks that end up in Belize long term have a far more adventurous personality than most folks. There is so much to do in this country. I started going to Belize on vacations about 2009. Bought a Place in Placencia when i retired 6 years a go. Now I'm a part timer, When it gets too cold in Texas, we go to our house in Placencia  when it gets too hot in Texas, we go to our house in Placencia. Before Covid about 6months in each over 3-4 trips. Getting back to that pattern this year.

Over the years I have seen  enough folks move down then move back within two years to back up my "one needs to be adventures" theory.  In Texas we have a Condo on a lake, its in a Golf course gated community. two courses, a country club, a pool, tennis and volley ball courts. i haven picked up a golf club since high school....62 years ago. Guess id rather be out fishing on the lake. Or helping out with the EAA Young Eagles program at the local airport. When in Belize on the beach, perhaps a little fishing or swimming, socializing with Belizean friends, fixing the house, seeing the many diverse sights. Watching wild life from our deck. Walking around.... Two totally different life styles, and we love both of them.  😁
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Good Gosh Miss Molly! Looks like the number of Golf courses in Belize has doubled.

Seems one has come back from the dead.

Here is a link to the other one.

By searching google with the term "golf courses in Belize", one can pull up a complete list with reviews. 😉
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@LeahB123

Hi Leah, Tom and I moved to Belize last year. We live at Sittee River and about 45 mins from Placencia. We will be happy meet with you and talk about Belize when you come. Just hit me up when you come.



Coco
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@CocoHer Hi Coco!

Thank you for your generous offer! We are looking at purchasing in a new development that will be between Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa. Right now, we are planning on arriving in Placencia over the Labour Day weekend.  We welcome all feedback...good stuff, bad stuff, the realities of Belizean life (when all your friends leave after coming to "visit")...what to watch out for...all that stuff.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!
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@Aerodex  Hi Aerodex!

Thanks for taking the time to share some valuable input!  The google search was on the list, but because golf is not my priority, it's kinda "not at the top" 1f60f.svg. I'm curious, what did you find was the biggest surprise about living in Belize? Good or Bad?

Leah
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@LeahB123

Evening… your right… the south side doesn't have much plus it gets way more rain in the rainy season than Corozal
Yes Golf!!!!!  I think there is something like 5 different courses, plus a “golf & country” club. Might make him feel a bit better..lol lol
One thing I have learned from friends who were just there…. Apparently there is ALOT of 1/2 completed resorts!!!!  They all were either a scam or ran out of money…personally for us, even though we prefer “new” & have built 3 homes over the years, I think we are looking for something already there…. At least for now until we have been there fir a few years….& know everything!!!!…… not that we already don't..😂😂

How long is your stay down there?
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@CocoHer Hi Coco!

Thank you for your generous offer! We are looking at purchasing in a new development that will be between Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa. Right now, we are planning on arriving in Placencia over the Labour Day weekend.  We welcome all feedback...good stuff, bad stuff, the realities of Belizean life (when all your friends leave after coming to "visit")...what to watch out for...all that stuff.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!
- @LeahB123
Leah, we live about 20 mins from Santa Cruz, we go there shopping all the time. Nice little town (or more like a village). 
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@LeahB123

Evening… your right… the south side doesn't have much plus it gets way more rain in the rainy season than Corozal
Yes Golf!!!!!  I think there is something like 5 different courses, plus a “golf & country” club. Might make him feel a bit better..lol lol
One thing I have learned from friends who were just there…. Apparently there is ALOT of 1/2 completed resorts!!!!  They all were either a scam or ran out of money…personally for us, even though

LOL, If shopping in big stores is ones thing, then you are correct about not having much. 😉
But actually every part of Belize offers a tremendous abundance of adventure and things to do.

However I wouldn't trade my Great Beaches and Village for A Sams a Costco and A Target. I can always get that stuff they sell, just takes longer. I do know, one thing for sure, Can't ship in miles of wonderful Beach. 😁

Now I have no idea what Real Estate Salesmen or Politician you are getting your weather info from, lets just say it doesn't match facts very well.  Try this link comparing 3 areas. https://weatherspark.com/compare/y/1464 … nd-Corozal

It might have been a fluke, but the year (2015) I retired, I flew in to BZE mid September, rented a car to explore the Norther areas. I had been to Placencia a number of times, so wanted to see more of the country before buying a place. Drove to orange walk, explored the area in the rain, next week stayed at a nice hotel on the river, had a couple sunny days. Then slowly drove through blinding rain to Corozel area, looked at a few homes. wanted to look at the Belize Free Zone. when we got there found out it was NOT free was going to c0st $40 each US, just to walk there for 30 min. Which is also what it cost expats (for at least a couple of years) every time they go shopping in Mexico.

Back in Corozel, tried for three days to drive to the area of  Consejo Shores. Each day the water across the flooded road receded a little so was able to get further in the rental car. Gave up on the third day when hit a deep spot and almost stalled out from flood waters. Turned around drove to sunshine in Placencia, finished my trip there and next time down bought my little place in the Village.




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Yes Golf!!!!!  I think there is something like 5 different courses, plus a “golf & country” club. Might make him feel a bit better..lol lol
One thing I have learned from friends who were just there…. Apparently there is ALOT of 1/2 completed resorts!!!!  They all were either a scam or ran out of money…personally for us, even though we prefer “new” & have built 3 homes over the years, I think we are looking for something already there…. At least for now until we have been there fir a few years….& know everything!!!!…… not that we already don't..😂😂
"5 different courses, plus a “golf & country” club." Really??  Can you provide any more info?

Prior to yesterday, I knew of, and could only find a link one. I did come across a Facebook page saying a second course was being reopened. But 5????  If you consider a cabin to stay overnight in, then I guess the one outside of Belmopan might be the country club you referred to...

What your friends likely saw, was two, four story concrete shells rotting away next to the casino near the top of the Peninsula. A real eyesore to be sure. This was from the same Italian that  built a 10,000 foot long runway about 3 miles north, and wanted to open a golf course in the same area. Seems he never got all the environmental impact stuff he was supposed to, or clear it with the Aviation branch of the Belize government, so was shut down.  Others came along and scammed millions out of would be investors. fantastic runway almost finished. I have driven on it, but now nature is reclaiming it. Fortunately there is enough jungle between the runway and the highway, most never see it....except from the air. There are a couple of other rotting concrete shells of large private dwellings were folks got over eager and did not realize Belize is far too different long term and pulled the plug leaving the mess. I wish Belize could charge a Yuppy Tax on these kind of folks to be used to tear their crap down when they move on. 

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@Miss_L

Hi there… wow Brighton!!!  That's close
where abouts are you living in Belize?  Did you move there permanently? Or do you go back & forth?
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Has anyone been to Holistica  yet?  I just came across it a it and it is intriguing.  Any info on costs?  How much is the tour?  Thanks
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Hi Karen,
I talked to sales guy. He is very nice. I am researching . I am concern about if this is a scam or no. Still working on more info. Please, contact me if you need any information.
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@LeahB123 I'm also planning to do tour and that's my wish also to see what the real Belize is like and not just areas chosen  by the seller.  Whomever goes first, please share

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@LeahB123

I will be doing the tour at Holistica next week. Has anyone responded to this thread? I'm a little nervous.
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My hubby & I are going the first week of September…we'd love it if you shared your thoughts after you've been
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@LeahB123

Well, I was all ready to make some serious inquires to good friends while we were back over Lobster fest during June and July.  However since you chose to not return my calls, I gave up on you. Figured you were no longer interested...

I wish you well and hope my gut feeling of un-sustainability of the TWO simultaneous developments on the same property is wrong for the investors sake. Please see my previous posts here.

We will be back down to our home in Placencia for the winter in early December. Hope I am wrong.
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@kotchrashelle

HI,

Did you do the tour at Holistica? We were planning to go for the Sept 8 tour, but have decided to gather more information before making any commitments like a tour.
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Hi!
That's the one we're booked for. You do need to book through Holistica, and can only do so after you've put a refundable deposit  on a lot. There is a cost to do the tour, and should you decide to proceed with the purchase, it's credited towards the purchase of the lot.
That's all the high level info I have for now.
Leah
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I did the Holistica tour two weekends ago and pulled the trigger and am in lot 356.  I like he idea of living in a development where I am surrounded by like minded people.  Financing options were flexible, so I was comfortable with my terms. How did the tour go? @LeahB123

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I did do the tour and really like the concept. I pulled the trigger because after visiting I like the idea of being in a development with like minded people. The financing options are pretty accommodating and fit what I am comfortable with. If you have more questions, you can call me at ***. @Patricia Ost

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@LeahB123 Just curious did you end up going on the tour? And what did you think. i have been to Belize a couple times off a cruise ship and it is y favorite. We are retiring next year and would love to look around

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