10 Best Places for Families to Live in Jamaica
Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Jamaica.
If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Jamaica and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Jamaica.
Kingston
Kingston is a vibrant city that offers a plethora of activities and amenities for international families. For children, the city is home to the Natural History Museum of Jamaica, which offers interactive exhibits and educational programs designed to engage young minds. The city also boasts several parks and recreational areas, such as Emancipation Park and Hope Botanical Gardens, which provide ample space for outdoor activities and family picnics. For those interested in athletics, the National Stadium Complex houses a swimming pool and gym facilities that are open to families. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in the city that cater to children, including the Liguanea Club, which offers tennis, swimming, and other sports programs for kids. Kingston's rich culture, combined with its family-friendly amenities, make it an ideal place for international families to reside.
"Jamaicans are like every other people. Some you wouldn't want to make friends with, others that you will wonder just how you managed o live your life without having had that person in it. Most Jamaicans are warm, friendly, hospitable and helpful. In the time that I have been here, for the most part I have experienced nothing but warmth in my interactions with people. This is not to say that you will never encounter some mean, bad-minded people, but bad-minded people exist everywhere," said one expat living in Kingston.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay is a fantastic destination for international families seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle. For children, the Montego Bay Marine Park offers educational programs and activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation. The city is also home to the renowned Doctor's Cave Beach, a perfect spot for family outings with its calm waters and beautiful sandy beach. For recreational activities, the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex provides a variety of sports facilities, including a swimming pool and gym that are family-friendly. The Montego Bay Yacht Club is another notable establishment that offers sailing programs for children, fostering a love for water sports. Furthermore, the city hosts the annual Reggae Marathon, which includes races for all ages, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. With its blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and family-oriented amenities, Montego Bay is an ideal choice for international families.
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Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is a great place for international families to settle down. For children, the Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain offers a variety of fun and educational activities, including a bobsled ride, a canopy zip line, and a butterfly and hummingbird garden. The city also features the Turtle River Park, a beautiful green space with waterfalls, gardens, and a variety of bird species, perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities. For athletic facilities, the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort has a comprehensive fitness center and several swimming pools that are open to families. Additionally, the city is home to the Ocho Rios Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. With its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Ocho Rios is a wonderful choice for international families.
Negril
Negril is a good location for international families to reside. For children, the Kool Runnings Water Park offers a variety of fun and exciting water-based activities, including water slides and a lazy river. The city also features the Negril Lighthouse Park, a beautiful area with a historic lighthouse and stunning views, perfect for family outings and picnics. For athletic facilities, the Couples Swept Away Resort has a comprehensive fitness center and several swimming pools that are open to families. Additionally, the city is home to the Negril Scuba Centre, which offers scuba diving programs for children and adults, promoting water safety and marine life appreciation. Furthermore, the Negril Golf Club provides golfing programs for children, fostering a love for the sport and physical fitness. With its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Negril is a good choice for international families.
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Port Antonio
Port Antonio is a fantastic place for international families to settle down. For children, the Folly Lighthouse and Great House offer a glimpse into the history of the area, with guided tours and educational activities. The city also boasts the beautiful Frenchman's Cove, a stunning beach area perfect for family outings and picnics. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Goblin Hill Villas at San San has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the city is home to the Port Antonio Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours. The city also hosts the annual Portland Jerk Festival, a family-friendly event that celebrates local cuisine and culture. With its combination of historical sites, natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Port Antonio is an excellent choice for international families.
Mandeville
Mandeville is an excellent choice for international families looking to relocate. For children, the Manchester Parish Library offers a variety of educational activities and programs, fostering a love for reading and learning. The city also features the Cecil Charlton Park, a beautiful green space perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Manchester Club has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the city is home to the Mandeville Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Marshall's Pen Great House and Nature Reserve is a must-visit, offering opportunities for bird watching and nature walks. The city also hosts the annual Mandeville Art Fair, a family-friendly event that celebrates local art and culture. With its combination of educational resources, natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Mandeville is an ideal place for international families to live.
Falmouth
Falmouth is a great place for international families to settle down. For children, the Falmouth All Age School offers a variety of educational activities and programs, fostering a love for learning. The town also features the Water Square, a historic site with a beautiful fountain, perfect for family outings and picnics. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Falmouth United Football Club has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the town is home to the Falmouth Cricket Club, which offers cricket programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Martha Brae River is a must-visit, offering opportunities for rafting and nature walks. The town also hosts the annual Falmouth Food Tour, a family-friendly event that celebrates local cuisine and culture. With its combination of educational resources, historical sites, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Falmouth is a great choice for international families.
Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay is an excellent place for international families to live. For children, the Columbus Park Museum offers a variety of educational activities and programs, fostering a love for learning and history. The town also features the Puerto Seco Beach Park, a beautiful beachfront area perfect for family outings and picnics. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Discovery Bay Recreation Club has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the town is home to the Discovery Bay Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Green Grotto Caves are a must-visit, offering opportunities for exploration and nature walks. The town also hosts the annual Discovery Bay Fish Fry, a family-friendly event that celebrates local cuisine and culture. With its combination of educational resources, natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Discovery Bay is a good place for international families to live.
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Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is an ideal location for international families to settle down. For children, the Seville Great House and Heritage Park offers a variety of educational activities and programs, fostering a love for learning and history. The town also features the Cardiff Hall Beach, a beautiful beachfront area perfect for family outings and picnics. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Runaway Bay Heart Hotel has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the town is home to the Runaway Bay Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Green Grotto Caves are a must-visit, offering opportunities for exploration and nature walks. The town also hosts the annual Runaway Bay Jerk Festival, a family-friendly event that celebrates local cuisine and culture. With its combination of educational resources, natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Runaway Bay is a great place for international families to live.
Spanish Town
Spanish Town is a fantastic place for international families to live. For children, the St. Jago de la Vega Cathedral offers a variety of educational activities and programs, fostering a love for learning and history. The town also features the Emancipation Square, a historic site with beautiful Georgian architecture, perfect for family outings and picnics. For those seeking athletic facilities, the Spanish Town Cricket Club has a comprehensive fitness center and a swimming pool that are open to families. Additionally, the town is home to the Rivoli United Football Club, which offers soccer programs for children, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Caymanas Park is a must-visit, offering opportunities for horse racing and nature walks. The town also hosts the annual Spanish Town Carnival, a family-friendly event that celebrates local culture and music. With its combination of educational resources, historical sites, recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities, Spanish Town is a great choice for international families.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Jamaica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Jamaica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Jamaica
- Best Places to Live in Jamaica
- Real Estate in Jamaica
- Guide to Real Estate in Jamaica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Jamaica
- Cost of Living in Jamaica
- Top Hospitals in Jamaica by Specialty
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Jamaica (Plus, Itineraries)
- Moving with a Pet to Jamaica
- Understanding Mental Health in Jamaica
- 2024 Guide to Living in Jamaica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Jamaica 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Jamaica