The beautiful Caribbean nation of Belize has enjoyed a reputation as a vacation beach getaway for decades, but there’s a lot more than just the sand and sea — and even the beach towns and cayes each have their own sense of personality. This pint-sized country has a lot more diversity than you might initially imagine. If you’re considering making the move, here are five towns bursting at the seams with opportunities for expats.
San Ignacio Town
The Cayo District is often known as Belize’s “Wild West” thanks to the fact that it’s rich with unspoiled wilderness, but it was once a critical hub of activity in the Maya Empire. The relatively cozy San Ignacio Town is considered the cultural capital of the Cayo District, and it’s the best place to settle down if you’re looking to explore the interior.
Belmopan
Also located in the Cayo District, Belmopan was created as a planned community in 1970 and now serves as the capital of the country. Belmopan is actually the third largest city in the country behind San Ignacio Town, and it’s typically off the beaten path for vacationers. That makes it a great place to settle down if you’re looking to avoid the chaos and irritations of tourist season but still have access to the beauty of the Cayo District.
Hopkins
The Garifuna first arrived in Belize in 1802, and these Afro-Caribbean migrants have left a lasting impact on the culture and values of the country ever since. Hopkins Village is one of the more prominent Garifuna communities along the coast, but it’s also been informally recognized as the friendliest village in Belize. The absolutely stunning beaches likely have something to do with the gregarious nature of the locals.
Placencia
If you never want the beach to be out of sight, you couldn’t pick a better place to live than Placencia. This peninsula stretches 16 miles from north to south, but it’s only half a mile from east to west. As a result, beachfront real estate is the rule rather than the exception — and the small Placencia Village has a great, laid-back vibe with an adorable downtown.
Punta Gorda
Despite offering some of the best fly fishing in the country, Punta Gorda has a tendency to be overlooked by tourists. That’s something that will appeal to a certain breed of retiree. Despite that, it’s an incredibly diverse town with Maya roots that run deep but a blend of Indian, Creole, Garifuna, and Lebanese influences as well.
Many Places to Choose From, One Belize Real Estate Agency to Guide You
Belize’s real estate market is generous to expats from other countries, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make use of the best tools at your disposal. Hesed Realty Ltd pairs focused knowledge of regional markets with an expansive infrastructure that helps you maximize your options. Reach out today to discuss making Belize your new home.
