Belize Siti: Best Places To Live

Belize is a small country in Central America, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west. It is a popular destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads, due to its laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, and natural beauty.

The country offers a range of lifestyles, from tranquil beach living in Placencia to the buzzing, non-stop party atmosphere of Ambergris Caye. Belize is also known for its slow pace of life, with people taking their time and enjoying the warm, tropical climate all year round.

With English as the official language, expats can easily transition to life in Belize, conducting business and socialising with locals and other expats. The country also has a stable currency, with the Belize Dollar pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 2:1, making it convenient for Americans and Europeans.

However, it's important to note that Belize is not a perfect paradise. The country faces challenges such as petty crime, a fragile financial system, and a lack of advanced medical care. Nevertheless, with its stunning natural attractions, welcoming people, and convenient location, Belize remains a top choice for those seeking a new life in a tropical paradise.

Ambergris Caye: a buzzing, popular place for expats with ample leisure activities

Ambergris Caye is Belize's most popular destination for tourists and expats alike. Known as 'Isla Bonita' (beautiful island), it is famed for its turquoise seascapes and white sands.

The largest of Belize's 200 islands, Ambergris Caye is 25 miles long and sits less than a mile from Belize's Barrier Reef. This makes it a prime spot for divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and sailors. The island's only town, San Pedro, is a bustling hub, with plenty of action, including trendy restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and grocery stores.

Golf carts are the preferred mode of transport for expats, but some still opt for bicycles, walking, or taxis. The island's roads have been paved in recent years, making travel much easier.

Ambergris Caye has a wide range of leisure activities on offer. For those who enjoy outdoor and health-oriented pursuits, there are sailing groups, scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, kayaking, and fishing groups and competitions. There are also several yoga schools, and plenty of beautiful beaches for beach walks or runs.

For those who enjoy socialising, there are regular festivals and fundraising events, as well as beach BBQs, and live music at beach bars. There are also several volunteer organisations, including the Saga Society (the local Humane Society), churches, and school organisations.

With so much on offer, it's no wonder that Ambergris Caye is a buzzing, popular place for expats.

Caye Caulker: a tranquil Caribbean island with a large expat community

Caye Caulker is a tranquil Caribbean island located off the coast of Belize. With a population of just over 1,000 people, it offers a laid-back lifestyle and a strong sense of community. The island's motto, "Go Slow", is reflected in the slow pace of life and the lack of cars on the island. Golf carts and bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

Caye Caulker is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The island is a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, with the Great Blue Hole just a short boat ride away. The cost of living on the island is relatively low compared to other Caribbean islands, and it is possible to live comfortably on a modest budget.

The island has a mix of locals and expats, with a small community of expats from various countries. The official language of Belize is English, making it easier for expats to integrate and communicate with locals. The sense of community is strong in Caye Caulker, and it is easy to get to know your neighbours. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, often gathering for potluck dinners and beach barbecues.

However, there are also some challenges to consider when moving to Caye Caulker. The island's isolation can be a downside for those who crave variety and convenience. There are limited shopping and dining options, and residents must travel to Belize City for more extensive needs, which can be time-consuming and expensive. The infrastructure can also be a challenge, with power outages and spotty internet service.

Despite these drawbacks, Caye Caulker offers a tranquil and laid-back lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty and a friendly community. It is an ideal destination for expats seeking a simpler life, close to nature and the Caribbean Sea.

Cayo: a calm, nature-filled area with high-speed internet and cell phone coverage

Cayo, in Western Belize, is a calm, nature-filled area with high-speed internet and cell phone coverage. It is a quiet, laid-back, and affordable alternative to the busier areas of Ambergris Caye and Placencia. The area is dotted with Maya ruins, some of them quite accessible, and herbal medicine trails can be found at many resorts. Cayo is also home to a sizeable expat community.

Cayo is traversed by three rivers—the Mopan, the Macal, and the Belize River—and backs up to the jungle-covered Maya Mountains. The Cayo District is the largest in Belize, spreading over nearly a million acres, and it contains the capital, Belmopan. The district is primarily agricultural, with chief crops being citrus fruits and bananas. Recently, oil was found in Spanish Lookout and is now in production. There are two major highways in the district, and ecotourism is an integral part of the region's economy.

The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are the most popular stops for travellers. San Ignacio is home to banks, the country's largest farmers' market, and government agencies. The border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen is home to many Mayan settlements.

Cayo is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. It is a great destination for those who love water activities and offers countless leisure opportunities, including canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, and exploring Mayan sites and natural attractions. The district is also culturally diverse, with Mestizos, Maya, Mennonite, Creole, and even pockets of Lebanese and Chinese populations.

Cayo has a variety of housing options, from budget-friendly campsites and hotels to luxurious award-winning eco-resorts. Houses can be found in town or in the surrounding countryside, with prices quoted in US dollars. Food is more affordable in Cayo than in the beach towns, with fresh produce available at great prices.

Placencia: a 16-mile-long peninsula with the island feel, connected to the mainland by an isthmus

Placencia, a village on the tip of Stann Creek’s 16-mile-long peninsula in southern Belize, is a popular beach destination. It is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, with some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The peninsula has a laid-back, island-like feel, and is connected to the mainland by an isthmus.

Placencia has successfully retained its charm and character as a former quiet Creole fishing village, despite the growth of luxury beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars. Golf carts remain a popular mode of transportation, and the village's 4,000-foot-long "main street" is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork.

The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east. Placencia is a gateway to the southern reef, a mecca for maritime activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. It also offers easy access to mainland tours and attractions, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park, which offer incredible hiking opportunities just an hour away by car.

Placencia has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly spots, and is renowned for its great food and restaurants. It is a charming, low-key destination, perfect for a family vacation, destination wedding, or romantic honeymoon.

Corozal: a less expensive living space than Ambergris Caye, with affordable options along the coast and inland

Corozal: A Less Expensive Alternative to Ambergris Caye

If you're looking for a more affordable place to live in Belize than Ambergris Caye, consider Corozal. Located in northern Belize, Corozal is about a 2-hour drive from Belize City. It is a great option for those seeking a less touristy and more affordable place to live, with a laid-back, small-town vibe.

Affordable Living Along the Coast and Inland

Corozal offers a range of living options, from the coast to inland areas, all at a lower cost than Ambergris Caye. A couple can comfortably live in Corozal Town for $1,500 a month if they own their home, or $1,800 a month if they rent. For a more remote location, expat communities like Consejo Shores or 4 Mile Lagoon offer beautiful modern homes with bay views, but the cost of living is higher than in town.

Advantages of Living in Corozal

In addition to its affordability, Corozal has several other advantages. The town has a pretty main square and a Latin feel due to its proximity to Mexico. It is also less rainy than other areas of Belize, so you can enjoy the tropical climate with less tropical rain!

Corozal is also known for its Mayan history and culture. The town was built on the foundations of a Mayan ceremonial centre, and many of the town's old buildings are constructed from stones taken from the ruins of Santa Rita, a popular tourist attraction.

Easy Access to Mexico

One of the biggest perks of living in Corozal is its proximity to Mexico. The Mexican city of Chetumal is just a 30-minute drive away, offering shopping and nightlife. This makes Corozal an excellent choice for those who want the small-town life but still want access to big-city conveniences.

Outdoor Activities and Entertainment

There are plenty of outdoor activities in Corozal to keep residents entertained, including sailing, fishing, swimming, and visiting historic Mayan sites. The town also has a local museum and activities in the local park. Entertainment and food are affordable, with plenty of restaurants serving Belizean, Mexican, and American dishes at reasonable prices.

A Growing Expat Community

Corozal is gaining popularity among expats, with several hundred living there full-time and numbers swelling during colder months in their home countries. The expat community is very social, with groups like the Women's Forum, the Rotary Club, and the Corozal Bay Sailing Club offering opportunities to connect and participate in volunteer activities.

In summary, Corozal offers a less expensive and more laid-back alternative to Ambergris Caye, with a range of affordable living options along the coast and inland. Its proximity to Mexico, rich Mayan history, and outdoor activities make it an attractive option for those seeking a small-town vibe in Belize.

Frequently asked questions