Expat Community > Belize

richmcintyre
Joined 2016
Posts: 93

Move and safety considerations

7 years ago

Looking for some veteran counsel from folks living in Belize... odd letter to write, as it is usually the other way around. We knew the country well, and operated a permit flyfishing operation out of Placencia in the 90's (Skip White at Turtle Inn was our partner). I've spent hundreds of hours bouncing in Pangas, and trained many guides. I miss the water (but not the sandflies).

In that sense we were there at the ideal time, right? I don't even recognize Placencia anymore--Kitty's Place, Rum Point, most of the locals gone to Independence C reek-- and would not even for a moment consider retiring there (in our view it has become everything we detest about the combination of US tourism and US/Belizian greed).

We have traveled extensively, and are comfortable in developing countries. Bottom line: we get it and we like it.

As we look for a place to move, Belize is still in us, albeit with some real provisios. The crime rate does worry me-you can say what you want about being aware and smart, but if some guy chops you in a home invasion it is a moot point. That stuff did not happen twenty years ago. I have a friend who was recently beaten and robbed at his hotel in San Pedro (big surprise) and I had years ago met the guy who girlfriend was killed in Corozal. They aren't stand alone stories.

We do not scare easily at all, but do not want to live our lives in fear. We really do not like gated communities, as they cut you of from the culture you are living in. I don't like the thought of sleeping with a machete, although I have.

It seems that it has really gone south in the past 15 years. I spent a month in PG last year and really liked it, but even there you watch yourself. So how bad is it?

I am coming to Corozal and Sarteneja next week to check, the last places the country we not stayed in. I have almost canceled the trip due to the news and blogs I have been reading. Consejo Shores sounds half deserted by people who came for the dream and split. The murders and robberies remain "unsolved." The vibe is tense, and news up here (which we take a with a large grain of salt) is almost universally bad.

So, please help us. Should I come and check it out, or head to Nicaragua or Ecuador instead? Again, I'm looking for veteran counsel from folks who are there.

Our sincere thanks-
Rich McIntyre

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Belize Guide

Anyone thinking about moving to Belize should carefully consider the pros and cons of expat life in Belize. The article includes insight from expats about the cons (crime, limited healthcare, poor road conditions and more) and the pros (beautiful beaches, friendly people, low cost of living and more).

Belize Forum
Join our Belize forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Belize.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.

Best Places to Live in Belize

If you're considering a move to Belize, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Belize in 2023.

Healthcare in Belize

Expats in Belize share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Belize. While some expats advise those with serious health issues not to move to Belize, other expats choose Corozal for its proximity to doctors and clinics over the border in Chetumal, Mexico.

Cost of Living in Belize

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Belize.

Moving to Belize Guide

Expats that move to Belize learn to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful setting without some of the essentials they may have taken to granted in their home countries.

Real Estate in Belize

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Belize.

Pros & Cons of Living in Belize

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Belize.

Retiring in Belize

Advice for people retiring in Belize.

10 Tips for Living in Belize

If you've recently arrived in Belize, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Belize.

Additional Information:

Visit our Belize Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Belize by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Belize

Move and safety considerations

Login