Typical Belizean Forest Home

Seaside Cottage, Corazol Town, Belize

Belize, compared to Cuba, is as laidback as you can ever want. Both coastal and inland cities and towns move on a slow cruise control way of life. No hustle or bustle; "everything will be done when it needs to be done."

Rental cars are easily available; taxis run nearly 24/7. The Belizean dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar: $2 BZ for one $1 US. Resorts can be expensive, however, there are many small hotels or pensions that charge as little as $21 per night for a room with a bath and a modest view. Restaurants abound with a heavy emphasis on seafood. Belize is well known for its beaches and cays with spectacular sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Less well known are the highlands and jungle areas which teem with wildlife -- birds, howling monkeys, panthers and the ever present crocodile. 

Land prices vary considerably. Towns such as Placentia, Belize City and others are rapidly growing and prices are escalating. Farther away from the beaches, prices are more reasonable, for example, $10,000 US for 2-3 acres which has already been cleared. Hiring local labor is relatively easy. Many farmers opt for small jobs, i.e., land clearing, fence building, road grading, etc. for a reasonable daily wage. Building permits, septic tank reviews and real estate transactions obviously require a local bank account and the usual paperwork. 

Farmer's markets abound, and fresh produce and fruit are abundant. Growing your own vegetables and fruits are relatively easy, also. Belize derives its water from the mountains of Guatemala. The tropical hurricanes that begin in the eastern Pacific strike Guatemala and Mexico, and the water floods eastward through Belize to Caribbean. Rain collection systems are very popular, and easy to build. 

At the northern end of Belize, sits a growing community called Corazol Town, just across the border from Chetumal, QR, Mexico.  Chetumal is the state capital of Quintana Roo, and is a bustling, modern city. Housing there is a bit more expensive than Corazol Town, however, crossing back and forth on the border provides no difficulty.

I'll be visiting both locations to view possible retirement locations: either land or some pre-built accommodation to escape the cold and damp of winter.  More later.  Here are some links on both places:

https://www.belize.com/corozal 

https://www.belize.com/chetumal