Retire in Belize – Overview
Belize is located just south of Mexico and bordering on Guatemala, The east coast bordering on the Caribbean Sea.
The major language in Belize is English so for people considering retirement here this is a huge bonus.
Belize has wonderful beaches and year-round temperature averages of 26C/78F. The rainy season is from June to November. Hurricanes are the biggest concern in Belize when it comes to weather; most construction is concrete to withstand the high winds associated with tropical weather. Like Panama, Belize provides mountainous areas as well.
The economy in Belize is quite strong, Tourism is its obvious money maker, but in 2006 oil deposits were discovered, so Belize now has the second highest per capita income in Central America.
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Healthcare
Healthcare is fair to good; Belize City offers the highest level of care in the country, there are 7 public hospitals in Belize. The system suffers from equipment problems and supply shortages. Hospital rates are very inexpensive under $50 per day. Private hospital care is available; the cost of private care is higher. Cancer care is nearly non-existent in Belize. If you’re considering to retire in Belize this is very important, you don’t want to be caught in a foreign country with middling health care services.
Is it safe?
In 2008 the murder rate was 33 out of 100,000, most of which were in city centers, given the high poverty. Belize is safe using your common sense.
Retire in Belize – Overall Potential
Belize, like Mexico as a rich history, the Mayan culture offers much in terms of activities to visit like the pyramids and scuba. Belize is very accessible and affordable, while modern conveniences like internet and television may be hard to come by in some of the newer coastal areas. I love Mexico so much when considering to retire in Belize it might be a better option to avoid the organized crime element.
Rents per month start at approx. $250 for a 1 bedroom and the cost of living is very low. Real estate prices have increased over the last 10 years as Belize is being discovered by more and more people. When looking to retire in Belize it is actually cheaper to build than it is to buy.
Building obviously gives you more options in terms of where you want to be located. Waterfront lots start at 40K. Concrete homes can be built for $125k including the lot.
The U.S. dollar is the accepted currency so check exchange rates if you from Canada. The Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Act exists to cater to people wanting to retire in Belize. The program has had some problems getting off the ground, it does show a that the government is willing to provide retirees with a program to apply to
and get advantages like importing high value you items like boats and aircraft.
English is the first language of Belize so it garners your consideration for that reason alone. I like the idea of retiring in Belize is enticing, the people are very friendly, a deep history like Mexico (but Cheaper!) and still very close to
North America.
It’s going to require a visit to “scope” it out but when you can rent for $250 to $350 a month… why not visit and see for yourself.
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As always if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to get in touch at theteam@wickedretirement.com