It’s not hard to start tallying up the advantages of living in Belize, but it can be a little more difficult to quantify the downsides. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, but the combination of English being the national language, the generous tax breaks and exemptions for retirees, and the beautiful weather have made it one of the best choices for retirees from North America. The downsides, by contrast, are more things that require some lifestyle changes rather than necessarily negative altogether. Before you decide to buy a house in Belize, here’s what you need to know about the downsides.
The Weather
Perpetual summer may sound great until you actually have to experience it. Then again, people tend to find ways to adapt. With averages hovering in the 70s to 80s throughout the year, the heat is never really too bad. But the jungle humidity can be another case. But people in Belize find ways to adapt. Whether it’s spending the hotter peaks of the day out in the ocean or just making sure the air-conditioning is up and running, people find ways to make the lack of seasons work for them. And if you’re just using your Belize property as a vacation home, it’s a moot point anyway.
The Pace
In many ways, Belize’s infrastructure is underdeveloped by the standards that Americans have come to expect — but part of that is simply reflective of the fact that life tends to move slower in Belize. With many of the major population centers located on islands or in the middle of the jungle, the notion of “Island Time” is a standard that persists throughout much of the country. Wi-Fi isn’t an expectation everywhere — but if you’re the type of professional who needs to be in the loop, you can always look beyond the travel brochures and turn your attention to major destinations like Belize City, Belmopan, and San Ignacio Town.
The Isolation
For a majority of retirees, moving to Belize is motivated by a desire for some peace and tranquility. But that can also mean giving up on some of the luxuries you’ve come to expect from back home. Thanks to a more isolated road and infrastructure system, golf carts and bicycles are more common in many communities than cars. And naturally, retail and dining options aren’t always as varied as you’ll find in a more developed country. But that’s starting to change as more foreigners move to Belize — and you’ll increasingly find expat communities within the country that are designed to offer all the fundamentals in one place.
Dealing with the downsides of living in Belize requires a certain type of personality, but any one of them can be rendered harmless by just finding the right property in the right place. Hesed Realty Ltd can assist with that. Reach out today to learn more about how you can transform these cons into pros.
Questions about buying real estate in Belize? Contact us by email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp +501 664-1692.
