Belize: The Worst Places To Live

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000. It is a beautiful country with a diverse ecosystem, friendly people, and a low cost of living. However, there are several places in Belize that expats may want to avoid living in.

Belize City, for example, is the biggest city in Belize and also the crime centre of the country. While the government has been actively working to address gang-related violence through the Gang Suppression Unit, it still has a long way to go. Most expats only visit Belize City for day trips and choose to live elsewhere for safety reasons.

Additionally, remote and off-grid living in Belize can be challenging and is only recommended for seasoned Belize expats who are familiar with the country. While the idea of living off the grid in a picturesque location may be appealing, the reality is that it can be tough and isolating.

When considering where not to live in Belize, it is also important to take into account factors such as the quality of healthcare, infrastructure, and crime rates in specific areas. It is always a good idea to rent before buying property and to spend some time in an area to get a sense of whether it is a suitable place to live.

Belize City

The U.S. State Department advises citizens to reconsider travel to Belize City, particularly the Southside, which is south of Haulover Creek Canal and continues south to Fabers Road. This area is known for gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. Tourists are not usually targeted, but they could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you do travel to Belize City, it is advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly after dark. It is recommended to head back to your hotel before dark and always travel in groups. Other advice includes:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk or drive at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.
• Carry valid ID at all times.
• Maintain a charge on your cellphone.

Overall, while Belize City offers access to healthcare, shopping, and other amenities, the high crime rate makes it a less desirable place to live in Belize.

Remote locations

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000. Its remote resorts are located far from towns, but they provide everything you need for a getaway, including restaurants, bars, and guest accommodations with kitchens and living areas.

Remote living in Belize can be tough, and it is only recommended for seasoned Belize expats who have spent considerable time in the country. Dirt roads can lead to endless adventures, but if you want to live off-grid, with no neighbours for miles, you will need to be prepared for a challenging lifestyle.

The Cayo region is perfect for homesteading expats. It is wild, with tumbling rivers, mysterious Mayan ruins, and awe-inspiring rainforests.

If you are looking for a more quaint lifestyle, Caye Caulker may be for you. It is a laid-back, smaller version of Ambergris Caye, measuring just five miles long by one mile wide. There are no cars on the island, just a few golf carts, and the streets are unpaved.

Placencia is a 16-mile-long peninsula located in southern Belize. It has been called “The Island You Can Drive To” as it has the island feel, but is connected to mainland Belize. Although Placencia continues to grow as one of the top tourist destinations in Belize, it has retained much of the laid-back charm of the little fishing village it once was.

If you are looking for a tranquil, laid-back beach lifestyle, Placencia could be the place for you.

Ambergris Caye

While the island offers a sophisticated lifestyle, combining casual beach life with upscale amenities, it is one of the more expensive places to live in Belize. The increase in tourism, infrastructure, and amenities has led to a higher cost of living and real estate prices.

The island's only town, San Pedro, has a population of at least 20,000 residents. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, but some residents still use bicycles, walk, or take taxis. The island's main streets have been paved, making travel easier during the rainy season.

While Ambergris Caye offers a range of activities and amenities, it is important to note that it may not be for everyone. The island has a busy, touristy atmosphere, and the cost of living is higher compared to most other regions of Belize. Additionally, as with any small town, there may be limited options for certain activities and clubs.

However, for those seeking a lively, beachside community with a range of amenities and a tight-knit expat community, Ambergris Caye could be a suitable option.

Corozal

Pros

• Close proximity to the Caribbean Sea.
• Low cost of living.
• Diverse culture.
• Less rainfall than in most areas to the south.
• Close to the Mexican city of Chetumal, where shopping and nightlife are abundant.
• Beautiful scenery, including the Corozal Bay and nearby Mayan ruins.
• Warm climate and opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and fishing.
• Good transport links to the rest of Belize.
• Laid-back lifestyle.
• Friendly locals.
• Good food options, including local Belizean, Mexican, and American dishes.
• Good healthcare options, with a local hospital and private healthcare available in nearby Chetumal.

Cons

• Limited job opportunities.
• Lack of public transportation.
• Limited access to modern amenities, such as high-quality healthcare facilities and shopping options.
• Underdeveloped infrastructure, including roads.
• Unreliable internet connectivity.
• Language barrier – while English is widely spoken, Spanish is also commonly used.

Cayo

The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are the second-largest town in the country, with about 20,000 people. San Ignacio is home to banks, the country's largest farmers' market on Saturdays, and government agencies. There is also a sizeable expat community.

However, if you are a city person dependent on social or cultural events every weekend, you may get bored quickly. Bar hoppers might find the expat community too small, and shopping is not likely to be rewarding.

• While Cayo is the second most visited tourist destination in Belize, it can be a hassle to get to the cayes from the mainland. An exciting but expensive hop on Tropic or Maya Air is required, or a ferry from Belize City.
• Trips to the rather charmless metropolis of Belmopan can be necessary on occasion, especially if you are staying longer than 30 days on a tourist visa, as the immigration office is located there.
• While there is a sizeable expat community, those who do best in Cayo are those who can create their own entertainment.
• If you are looking for a beachside location, Cayo is not the place for you, as it is located inland.

In conclusion, Cayo is a great place to live if you are seeking a quiet, laid-back, and affordable lifestyle, surrounded by nature and with a small but friendly expat community. However, if you are looking for a more bustling and social atmosphere, or beachside living, then Cayo may not be the best place to live in Belize.

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