Belize's Best Retirement Havens

Belize is a popular retirement destination for several reasons. The country has a low cost of living, stunning natural landscapes, a warm climate, and a range of attractions and activities. English is the national language, making it an attractive option for English-speaking retirees. The cost of living in Belize is roughly 31% lower than in the US, and the average cost of rent is around 75% lower.

There are several desirable locations to retire to within Belize, each offering its unique advantages. Ambergris Caye, for example, is the most popular place to retire and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lively social scene. Corozal offers a peaceful atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and affordable living costs. Placencia, a charming village on the southeastern coast, boasts sandy beaches, palm trees, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe. San Ignacio is ideal for those who enjoy adventure and nature, with surrounding rainforests, Mayan ruins, and caves to explore.

Belize also offers attractive residency options for retirees, such as the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program, which provides tax advantages, flexible entry and exit, and the ability to import goods and vehicles duty-free.

Ambergris Caye

If you're seeking a tropical paradise to retire to, look no further than Ambergris Caye, Belize. This Caribbean island boasts stunning turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, surrounded by the Mesoamerican barrier reef, creating a haven for divers, snorkelers, and fishermen. With its laid-back and welcoming vibe, English-speaking community, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye is an ideal retirement destination.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Cost of Living

While Ambergris Caye is not the cheapest place to retire, it offers a comfortable and rich retirement option. A reasonable budget for a couple is around $3,000 per month, including rent, with the option to buy a condo or home to reduce monthly costs. The cost of living largely depends on your lifestyle choices, and there are ways to cut costs by being a careful shopper.

Infrastructure and Amenities

Healthcare

While Belize isn't known for its advanced healthcare system, Ambergris Caye offers basic medical services. For more specialized care, Belize City is around a two-hour boat ride away. Medical care on the island is affordable, with doctor visits ranging from $20 to $30, and prescriptions are reasonably priced and mostly sold over the counter.

Climate

The weather on Ambergris Caye is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 94°F throughout the year. The Caribbean Sea breeze moderates the heat, except for August and September when the breeze diminishes. The dry season runs from November to May, with the lowest rainfall from February to May, making it an ideal time to visit or settle in.

Residency and Community

Belize's Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program makes retiring to Ambergris Caye even more appealing. If you're 45 or older and have a monthly income of at least $2,000, you can qualify for benefits like duty-free importation of personal goods. The island's community is tight-knit and welcoming, with expats regularly socializing, contributing to charity events, and volunteering.

Whether you're seeking a simple and relaxed lifestyle or an active and engaged retirement, Ambergris Caye offers the best of both worlds, making it a top choice for retirees seeking sun, sand, and the Caribbean Sea.

Corozal

One of the biggest draws of Corozal is its low cost of living. The town has a population of just under 10,000 and offers a simple, relaxed lifestyle. The official language of Belize is English, making it an easy place to settle down. The town has a pretty main square and a lovely central park, with delightful cafes and eateries. There's also a library, two churches, and a farmer's market where you can find fresh produce and homemade goods.

For retirees looking for a quiet life by the water, Corozal is ideal. It is located on the Bay of Chetumal, known locally as Corozal Bay. While the water is a darker green compared to the typical turquoise of the Caribbean, it is perfect for fishing, sailing, and swimming. The town also has a green parkland along the bayfront malecón, providing plenty of beautiful water views.

In addition to its natural attractions, Corozal also offers a variety of social activities. There is an active expat community with groups such as the Women's Forum, the Rotary Club, and the Corozal Bay Sailing Club. The town's proximity to Mexico also makes it a great place for duty-free shopping and accessing familiar retailers.

The cost of living in Corozal is significantly lower than in other Caribbean or Latin American destinations. A couple can live comfortably on a budget of $1,500 to $2,200 a month, depending on their location and rental situation. Real estate prices are also very competitive, with homes available at much lower prices than in the United States or Canada.

Overall, Corozal offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and an affordable cost of living, making it an excellent choice for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in a tropical paradise.

Placencia

One of the main attractions of Placencia is its natural beauty and pristine beaches. The peninsula boasts white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, with palm trees lining the shore. The area has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 79 F to 86 F, and lows between 71 F and 79 F, providing the perfect weather for outdoor pursuits. The peninsula is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and a freshwater lagoon to the west, offering a steady flow of cool breezes.

The town itself has a laid-back and easygoing vibe, with a walkable village centre offering shopping, dining, and other amenities. The village buildings are colourful, mostly blue, yellow, and pink, housing barefoot bars, Creole clubs, open-air markets, and trinket shops. The streets are covered in sand, and hand-painted signs add to the charm. The pedestrianized Placencia sidewalk is a funky stretch lined with coffee shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

San Ignacio

For nature enthusiasts, San Ignacio offers a range of outdoor activities. The surrounding area is home to steep hills covered with stately trees, and residents can enjoy activities such as swimming, birdwatching, hiking, and cultural exploration. The town is also known for its nearby natural wonders, including rivers, waterfalls, and Maya ruins.

In addition to its natural attractions, San Ignacio provides access to modern conveniences and amenities. Retirees can take advantage of upscale stores, restaurants, spas, yoga studios, elegant resorts, and quaint markets. The town also has banks and government agencies, ensuring that practical matters can be easily managed.

The expat community in San Ignacio is sizeable and friendly. This makes it ideal for those who want to connect with others while still enjoying a quiet, relaxed lifestyle. The area is also perfect for real or hobby farmers, as the fertile land is ideal for various agricultural pursuits.

For accommodation, retirees can choose between houses in town or countryside homes surrounded by nature. The real estate options in San Ignacio cater to different budgets, with rentals starting from $500 per month and houses for sale ranging from $115,000 for a small cottage to $250,000 for a larger home.

Cayo District

The Cayo District in Western Belize is a quiet and laid-back alternative to the busier Ambergris Caye or Placencia. The region is home to the twin cities of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, which are joined by the Hawksworth Bridge over the Belize River. The Cayo District 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 home to 90,000 people, roughly a quarter of Belize's population, and is the commercial centre of the country. The Mennonite community in Spanish Lookout are major suppliers of goods familiar to Westerners, from vehicles to hardware and building supplies. The twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena are the second-largest in the country, with about 20,000 residents. San Ignacio is home to banks, the country's largest farmers' market, and government agencies.

The Cayo District is one of the more affordable places in Belize. A couple can live comfortably in San Ignacio on about $1600 a month, and real estate tax bills average $100 annually. You can rent a two-bedroom home in Cayo with a fenced yard for as little as $275 per month, and a spacious, North American-standard, all-solar house for $850 per month.

The Cayo District is ideal for nature lovers, with lush jungles, waterfalls, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, cave tubing, and exploring Mayan ruins. The Maya Mountains also provide ample opportunities for hikers and climbers. The Cayo District is the fastest-growing district in Belize for ecotourism, with a growing emphasis on environmental conservation.

The social fabric of the Cayo District is diverse and welcoming, with Mestizo, Maya, Creole, Mennonite, and expat communities. The expat community is sizeable, with estimates of more than 1,000 expats in Cayo alone. The community is friendly but also self-sufficient, ideal for those who can create their own entertainment and still work part-time online or commute intermittently to the U.S. or elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions