As we get older, we start to ask ourselves where we dream of spending the rest of our lives, where the best place to retire is, and where can we have a real adventure overseas…
Close to home, nestled below Mexico on the turquoise Caribbean seaboard, is a near-perfect paradise.
It’s English-speaking, has subtropical weather year-round, and is situated at the confluence of the Yucatán, Caribbean, and Central American cultures…
Belize has it all. It’s blessed with natural wonders, like warm waters, the Mesoamerican barrier reef, jungles teeming with fauna, and the spectacular Blue Hole—a 407-foot-deep cenote off the Belize coast that is a scuba divers’ mecca.
The cost of living here is lower than the States: it’s possible to live a fulfilling life for as little as US$1,200 per month, or you can live a life of luxury for less than most other Caribbean nations will cost.
Average year-round temperatures are in the mid-80s, and when it does rain here, it’s mostly warm showers. On top of all this, Belize is a tax haven, and just a stone’s throw from the States…
Yet many can’t find this little jewel of a country on a map…
It doesn’t make international news headlines but if often ranks as one of the best places in the world to retire.
With a tiny population, everywhere in Belize has a small town feel. Strangers smile and say good morning, happy to stop and chat when they pass each other on the street.
Belize has little history of political unrest. In fact, it’s one of the most stable countries in the region, politically and economically…
In northern Belize, some of the best areas to live are Corozal and Consejo Village.
Corozal
Corozal is both the name of a district and a town in northern Belize. Nestled on the Bay of Chetumal, Corozal Town is only a nine-mile hop from the Mexican city of Chetumal, the state capital of Quintana Roo.
It’s a lovely, laid-back, inexpensive place and home to the biggest population of expats in this part of the country. Yet even with 13,000 people, it has a small-village feel. It offers all the services, amenities, and community activities of a much larger town.
The weather here is better than the south, too: it gets 57 inches of rain per year—half that of Toledo, the most southern district of Belize.
Corozal is the recommended basecamp for anyone exploring northern Belize. It lies 84 miles north of Belize City and 68 miles from the international airport.
Many start their Belize adventure at Tony’s Inn & Beach Resort, which you pass as you drive into Corozal from the direction of Belize City. It’s one of the original expat hangouts and a great place to meet people and get local advice.
There are plenty of other places to stay while exploring the area, too, like Scotty’s, Jamrock, Tortuga’s, Mars Caribbean Gardens (for great Belizean food), and Corozal Blues.
Property In Corozal
Nearly three times as many people live in the villages of Corozal District compared to Corozal Town.
Rentals in Corozal are much more reasonably priced than in the other waterfront destinations in Belize… But finding them is difficult; the best value ones aren’t listed with a realtor or on rental websites. In fact, the only rentals that realtors bother to handle are the high-end ones.
The best option for finding great value accommodation is to ask locals and expats or drive around looking for rental signs.
Renting a big American-style house in a private development on the water will cost much more than good-quality local housing…
Some love living in an expat community; others prefer the savings and adventure of living in a local village. It depends on your preferences and your budget.
Rent a basic, local-style house for US$200 per month; with US$300 to US$500 you can rent a nice, medium-sized local-style home in Corozal with sea views.
For US$800 to $1,000 per month, you can get a local rental overlooking the water.
Basic health care services are reliable and inexpensive at local hospitals and clinics in Corozal, but serious issues are sent to the public Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City.
Consejo Village
Seven miles northeast of Corozal and two miles from Chetumal is Consejo Village. It’s popular among expats for restaurants like Smugglers Den, an upmarket restaurant that does American and Caribbean cuisine, and Buccaneers Palapa Restaurant, which serves local food at reasonable prices.
Consejo Shores is a successful and thriving residential development close to Consejo Village. It boasts 1.25 miles of oceanfront, a nine-hole golf course, and over 120 established homes.
Many expat friends living here believe it’s the best location in Belize. Another expat development in this area is Mayan Seaside—a popular but quiet development. The main activities here are water volleyball on Thursdays and drinking beers on the dock.
Expats in northern Belize are welcomed by the local communities, and in turn, treat locals with respect and consideration.
Remember that as an expat living in Belize, you’re a guest: treat people with respect, and don’t try to change the habits of people of Belize.
Things will take longer than you expect here, and stressing about it won’t make any difference…
The cost of living in northern Belize is lower than in the States.
Certain items like gasoline, imported processed foods, imported liquor and wine, and electronics cost significantly more in Belize.
With this in mind, it’s easy to tailor your habits to keep costs down. Swap your scotch for one of the dozens of great local rums available. As single man, I spend less than US$50 on groceries and household items per week, not including alcohol.
Electricity costs more than in the States but you find that the major appliances often are designed to use a lot less power than U.S. models.
Water is metered in the towns but is most often a flat rate of US$5 or US$7.50 per month in the villages. Water outages happen semi regularly in the villages, so investing in a water vat and pressure system is a good idea.
A main course in a basic local eatery starts around US$3.50, and a beer or rum and coke costs US$2.50.
Higher-end restaurants serving international cuisine can run from US$7.50 to US$15 for all but the most expensive imported foods. A fancy cocktail in a nice bar or hotel with imported liquor will cost you US$6 to US$10.
One of the great advantages of Belize is the low cost of general labor. You can hire a house-cleaners for as little as US$2 per hour, but I always pay the person who has access to my home a bit more.
Therefore, ask around for references when hiring someone, and pay more if you find someone who can also cook.
Yard maintenance or outdoor help is available for as little as US$17.50 per day, but I pay US$20 to US$25 for someone who is good. If your worker has to bring their own equipment, they charge more. Investing in your own equipment pays off quickly.
If you’re a laid-back, nature-loving person with a sense of adventure, you’ll love northern Belize.
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