Best Cities For Expats In The Caribbean part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
A major tourist destination, the Caribbean is home to numerous luxury resorts. With beautiful beaches and warm waters, the region is also one of the most popular regions for retirees looking for a life of sun and relaxation.
However, it’s important to know which cities will make you feel most at home in order to ensure that your stay goes as smoothly as possible. What’s more to enjoy? A scenic beach or an early-morning jog in the park? Maybe making new friends or getting good grades at school? While there are people who thrive on change, others prefer stability.
That’s why when you ask ex-pats living in the Caribbean about what they like about where they live; it’s no surprise that different cities get mentioned equally. There are pros and cons to every place you go, but generally speaking, the quality of life is good all over the Caribbean, with most people saying that they are treated well wherever they are.
“Just enjoying my morning coffee on the balcony!” said one expat in St Lucia. “I love my new home,” another added. The weather is one of the things you hear about, with expats raving over how great it is to live where there are blue skies and warm water all year round
This guide will give you an overview of the popular destinations for expats in the Caribbean, including pros and cons for each so that you can make an informed decision about where to settle down. Are you ready to check what we’ve compiled for you? If that sounds like a yes, Read further!
Pros and Cons of Living in the Caribbean
Many people dream of moving to an exotic island where they can relax on a beach all day without any worries. Many Caribbean islands meet these criteria, including Barbados, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Grenada.
While there are tons of positives of living in the Caribbean, some negatives need to be addressed as well. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons below.
Pros
Easy To Find Jobs
Many people have moved to live in the Caribbean specifically for easy access to job opportunities. They are offered positions due to the lack of skilled workers available on this side of the continent. Many companies are marketing their businesses here as potential new opportunity zones.
There is a wide range of possible jobs to be found in this area. Tourism and service industries are dominant, so expect working conditions similar to those existing in locations with similar profiles. That being said, there are also opportunities to find highly paid job offers as an expat if your background or ambitions meet certain requirements.
Great Weather Conditions
The tropical climate of the Caribbean has a huge impact on the lives of those who choose to work and live here. It is definitely one of the top reasons why people keep visiting this area repeatedly, as these pleasant weather conditions provide an easy-going way of life, without too many demands or needs that cannot be handled with ease and comfort.
Beautiful and Exotic Nature
Another aspect that attracts many expats to the Caribbean is its unique geographical location – beautiful landscapes, beaches, amazing coastlines – all these characteristics make a living an unforgettable experience for those who decide to take it on.
Even if you are not a typical beach lover or holidaymaker, there’s still a lot to admire and appreciate considering its geographical position. And if you ever need a proper break from work, no other place will provide as much relaxation as the Caribbean islands.
Inexpensive Living
In terms of living costs, it is true that buying an apartment or renting a home in this area is more expensive than in other parts of the continent. But, it is only logical to expect such a price increase considering the environment and what you can find around.
Taking into consideration food, utilities, and healthcare, among all other possible expenditures, this area is an excellent choice if you are planning to live here long-term or even make it your new home.
Easy to Retire
Expats who decide to retire in this area will not have to worry about living costs or other expenses. The Caribbean climate and the fact that life here is all about enjoying every single day of the year makes it an ideal destination for those looking forward to spending their retirement in a pleasant environment, meeting new people, making friends, and sharing their life experiences.
Cons
When you think about living in an island paradise, it sounds wonderful, but there are some downfalls to life on an island. Even though I absolutely love where I live and would not want to be anywhere else, here are some things that are good to consider before moving or visiting a tropical climate.
Hurricanes
It is hurricane season from June 1-November 30th. In the Caribbean, they are called hurricanes; in Mexico, they are cyclones; and typhoons in Australia. These storms can do a ton of damage to your home and even take lives. They usually have sustained wind speeds over 74 mph but can reach up to 150 mph.
Bugs and Animals
You may love having a pet, but it can be challenging to have one from home because they do not like the heat or humidity. In addition, many bugs can pose a threat to your health. There are many no-see-ums in the Caribbean, just a small sand fly that bites you and causes swelling.
Losing Electricity
I would not recommend living somewhere where there are frequent power outages unless you have an alternative source of energy stocked away for emergencies. Also, this is something to consider if you need a certain type of equipment for your job. Several people I know have lost their high-paying jobs because they could not work without electricity or the internet.
Transportation
It is common in the Caribbean that there are no rules for driving, and cars do not come with seat belts. Also, public transportation can be very unreliable and crowded. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time for delays or be prepared to take a cab instead.
Language Barriers
It is common practice in the Caribbean to speak Creole, so visitors are often confused about what people are saying. Additionally, they do not have the same caliber of English teachers in school, so learning the language can be difficult. Even though I have been here for many years, people still laugh at me when I speak Creole because it is not very good.
