Carmelita Gardens, Belize: A Community For Freedom Seekers

I’d like to introduce you to a little-known escape in Belize…

As well as a fellow reader who’s already made the move here.

Last year amid simultaneous crises of the pandemic, civil unrest, and political upheaval in North America, this little slice of paradise saw a massive boom in interest.

It was as if an entire continent had an “aha! moment,” and suddenly realized that a self-sufficient community in Belize could be the perfect “Plan B”… or, what has turned out to be the case for many, the perfect “Plan A.”

To start, this community is surrounded by tropical rainforests, the majestic Maya Mountains, and the Belize River Valley…

It’s a nature-lover’s paradise, with wide-open spaces crisscrossed by rivers for swimming and kayaking, rainforests for exploring and hiking, and Mayan ruins for climbing…

It’s the perfect haven for anyone who wants to reclaim their independence while leaving the bills, cold winters, and rat race behind.

Meet Tony—He’s One Of My Neighbors Here…

As way of full disclosure, I’ve purchased a lot in this community…

I have known Phil, the developer, a long time now and have seen this parcel of land grow into a thriving riverside village with residents of all ages and backgrounds… from retirees to young families, from ex-military to former ER nurses, and from arborists to tax attorneys…

Carmelita Gardens is a place where folks live simply, enjoying the everyday freedoms many places back home have lost.

It offers a more relaxed, healthier pace of life.

One of the residents here, Tony, moved from the Bronx to Carmelita Gardens. He likes to show people his old driver’s license with a photo of him looking stressed and gaunt, then comparing it to his healthy energetic glow now in his simple yet elegant cottage in Carmelita Gardens.

Tony was kind enough to record a short video, to walk us through his home, and new life in this welcoming community. You can take a listen here:

Tony went looking for warmer weather, a lower cost of living, and the ability to spend more time outdoors…

Tony Found His Perfect Home In Belize—Plus A Piece Of Property
For US$35,000

Your home here is less than a two-hour drive from Belize City and the international airport…

And only a short distance from San Ignacio, a charming, bustling town with a hospital, grocery stores, hotels, cafés, restaurants, and the largest Farmer’s Market in the country.

This is a peaceful riverside community that boasts sustainability and independence at the core of its ethos.

Gardens and orchards are interwoven with the housing lots, providing fresh and organic food.

Each home here is self-sufficient, too. Houses here have solar panels, rainwater harvesting, filtration systems, and productive gardens.

And this isn’t your parents’ idea of off-grid living… self-sufficiency technology has improved so that you can enjoy all the comforts of back home—big screen TV, washer and dryer, high-speed internet.

Want a skype call with the family back home, or need to take a zoom call for business?

That’s no problem here.

This Is No Cookie Cutter “One Size Fits All” Plan…

Phil tells me his motto is “Independent Together,” which applies to our community of individualists as well as to the homes and facilities they build.

Planned as a traditional town, the neighborhoods around the Town Square have garden lots with cottages, then radiating from there are larger village and estate properties.

All houses regardless of size and style are handcrafted using quality materials and methods. The off-grid systems are custom designed for each owner’s lifestyle and budget—they all have luxury finishes to the owner’s specifications.

Finishes include granite counter tops, beautiful exotic hardwoods, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools, or a myriad of other choices.

While I have always valued my independence and freedom, I certainly didn’t foresee just how important this project would become when I bought here back in 2018.

For many people, reclaiming an independent lifestyle has become a top priority for their move overseas…

And nowhere in the world serves up a better opportunity for that way of life than this corner of Belize.

Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, In Focus: Belize