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Expat Exchange - The Essential Guide to New Providence 2024
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The Essential Guide to New Providence

By Betsy Burlingame

Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis Bahamas

Summary: Living it Up in New Providence: Your Insider's Guide to Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Discover the Best Recreational Activities, Connect with Friendly Locals, and Experience the Charm of the City.

Experience New Providence - The Essential Guide to New Providence

Welcome to New Providence! If you're planning to move to New Providence, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that New Providence has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in New Providence.

New Providence is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions and activities for both tourists and locals alike. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters and white sand. Popular beaches include Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach, and Love Beach. Cable Beach is the most popular beach on the island, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing. Cabbage Beach is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, while Love Beach is a great spot for a romantic stroll.

The island is also home to a variety of historical sites, such as Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and the Queen’s Staircase. Fort Charlotte is a large fort built in the 18th century, offering stunning views of the harbor. Fort Fincastle is a smaller fort built in the same era, and the Queen’s Staircase is a set of 65 steps carved into the limestone by slaves in the 18th century.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in New Providence is vibrant and diverse. Some of the most popular restaurants include Graycliff Restaurant, Café Matisse, and The Poop Deck. Graycliff Restaurant is a fine dining establishment located in a historic mansion, offering a variety of international dishes. Café Matisse is a French-inspired restaurant, serving up classic French dishes with a modern twist. The Poop Deck is a casual seafood restaurant, offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes.

When it comes to nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some of the most popular bars include The Balcony, The Deck, and The Fish Fry. The Balcony is a rooftop bar with stunning views of the harbor, offering a variety of cocktails and live music. The Deck is a beachfront bar, offering a variety of drinks and a lively atmosphere. The Fish Fry is a popular spot for locals, offering a variety of local dishes and drinks.

When it comes to recreational activities, New Providence has plenty to offer. Popular activities include golfing, fishing, and sailing. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at the Ocean Club Golf Course, a championship course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Fishermen can enjoy a day of fishing at the Nassau Harbour, where they can catch a variety of fish such as snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Sailors can enjoy a day of sailing at the Nassau Yacht Club, where they can rent boats and explore the waters of the island.

Insider Tips from Expats in New Providence: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"There is a large expat community in New Providence so it is easy to find others with the same interests as you. We have met most of our friends through the school which our children attend but there are also women's clubs, a Foodie group, running clubs, rugby leagues, a ball hockey league, sailing groups a kiwi club, a humane society that you can volunteer at and all other kinds of clubs and organizations. In addition you can find groups on Facebook of people living here on the island. There are also club houses on the island that you can purchase memberships at and meet people through as well, these tend to be more expensive then the cost of a similar club in North America," said one expat living in New Providence.

"One way to meet people in New Providence is to join local clubs and organizations like community sports teams, religious organizations, or book clubs. You can also attend local events, such as festivals, concerts, art shows, or meet-ups that are hosted in the area. Networking and attending professional conferences or seminars related to your field of work can also grant the opportunity to meet people in New Providence. Additionally, taking classes at the local community college, libraries, or through hobby groups can increase your chances of meeting new people in the area. Finally, get involved in volunteer activities or community service projects which are great ways to make new connections," wrote a member in New Providence.

"Expats in New Providence often join clubs and activities such as sailing, fishing, golfing, and tennis. Expats can also join local book clubs, art classes, and language classes. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and farmers markets. Expats can also meet people by attending church services, joining a gym, or volunteering with a local charity," commented one expat who made the move to New Providence.

"It is a vast range of differences. The range is from very hardworking individuals that are employed by the banks, hotels etc which get very little time off to enjoy the island to the ultra rich with family money that spend most of their time living up the easy life and everything in between. We are considered a medium class family back home in Canada and so we are somewhere in the middle and spend most of our free time with our three children visiting and attending youth sports and clubs. Their is a vibrant night life scene but it can become fairly expensive quickly. The beach is a big draw in the warm months but locals do not swim in the winter months and so they are normally fairly empty at that time of the season," commented an expat living in New Providence.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in New Providence is generally quite pleasant. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and laid-back atmosphere. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors and take part in a variety of activities. The cost of living is relatively low, and the local people are friendly and welcoming. There is a good selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment options. The island is well-connected, with good internet access and a reliable public transportation system. All in all, New Providence is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle," said an expat in New Providence.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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