Pros and Cons of Living in Belize
Last updated on Jun 27, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Belize include its tropical climate, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. The country is also known for its low cost of living and relaxed lifestyle. On the other hand, the cons of living in Belize include its limited infrastructure and lack of job opportunities. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.
What are the pros and cons of living in Belize?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Belize responded:
"Expats and digital nomads in Belize enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, the warm climate, and the friendly locals. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the fact that English is the official language. On the downside, they may find the infrastructure and public transportation lacking, and the internet connection can be unreliable. Additionally, the lack of job opportunities and the high cost of imported goods can be a challenge," said one member in Belize.
"Carmelita Gardens has been described as a gated community without the gates. Pre-COVID, the community was able to be much more integrated with our closest village of Santa Familia. My husband and I just arrived at the beginning of October, and I have to admit that we were much more knowledgeable of the larger nearby towns of San Ignacio, Santa Elena and Spanish Lookout as that is where we do our shopping. We are exploring Santa Familia more and getting to know it and its residents more. All of the workers at Carmelita Gardens are from Santa Familia, so is the crew that builds the new houses here. That helps build familiarity with our closest village. I love the peace and tranquility of Carmelita Gardens and love the new experiences we have almost weekly. We are getting used to the hotter, more humid weather but still haven't gone through the hottest months of the year. Major dislikes so far are the bugs but we're getting used to them. Major likes - our neighbours, feeding the chickens next door, going for walks with the community dog, having my neighbour's cats come over for cuddles, just relaxing and chilling with the people we've met here, good, fresh, organic food AND food that I've never had before," remarked one expat in Carmelita Gardens.
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What do expats in Belize appreciate most about the local culture?
"English is the official language in Belize, yes, and most people here speak it. Depending on where you live, you may find that Spanish is more the language spoken (here in the Cayo, Spanish seems to be more the mother tongue for many Belizeans) though they do speak English. It’s also the language that their kids get taught in, in school. Spanish is not necessary. It’s just nice to have, if you know it," explained one expat living in Belize.
"The Belizean people are extremely friendly, nice and easy-going. Come live and enjoy," said one expat in Belize.
"Expats in Belize appreciate the fact that most Belizean people are friendly, hospitable, and open to welcoming newcomers. They also value the culture's diverse heritage as the country is a unique blend of Spanish, Mestizo, Maya, Creole, and Garifuna backgrounds. Additionally, expats are impressed by the country's natural beauty, from its coral reefs off the coast of Ambergris Caye to the lush Mayan jungle just inland. Furthermore, many expats enjoy the variety of outdoor activities Belize has to offer, such as caving, kayaking, and bird watching, as well as delicious local cuisine," said a person living in Belize.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Belize often find it challenging to adapt to the slower pace of life and the lack of modern conveniences. Many expats also find it difficult to adjust to the tropical climate and the high humidity. Additionally, the language barrier is a challenge for some expats as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. The lack of reliable public transportation can also be difficult for some expats to manage. Finally, expats may also find it difficult to make local connections and feel part of the community," explained one expat living in Belize.
"I had to adjust my expectations and standards. (Belizians have their own time standards. "I will be there soon" may mean hours or another day. Very laid back and slow environment. I recommend you come live in various areas for at least a month each then decide if you want to live in this country and where. This will make the transition a lot easier," said one expat in Belize.
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:
- Belize Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belize
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belize
- Best Places to Live in Belize
- Guide to Real Estate in Belize
- Pros & Cons of Living in Belize
- Cost of Living in Belize
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Belize
- Educational System in Belize
- 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Belize
- How to Buy a Home in Belize
- 2024 Guide to Living in Belize
- Pros and Cons of Living in Belize 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Belize