Retire in Honduras
Last updated on Jan 04, 2024
Summary: Retirees are attracted to Honduras for its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. The weather in Honduras is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit.
What is it like to retire in Honduras?
"Life for a retiree in Honduras and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community in the area, with many retirees from the United States and Europe. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the Mayan ruins of Copan, the colonial city of Gracias, and the Caribbean beaches of Roatan. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and snorkeling. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to explore, as well as live music and dancing," explained a retiree in Honduras.
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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Honduras?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Honduras is the language barrier. English is not widely spoken, so it can be difficult to communicate with locals and access services. Additionally, the cost of living in Honduras is relatively low, but the quality of goods and services may not be as high as in other countries. Furthermore, the infrastructure in Honduras is not as developed as in other countries, making it difficult to access certain amenities. Finally, the crime rate in Honduras is high, so it is important to take extra precautions when living in the country," said a retiree who moved to Honduras.
What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Honduras?
"Retiring in Honduras can be a rewarding experience due to its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. The cost of living is much lower than in many other countries, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget. The people of Honduras are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make new friends and enjoy the local culture. The country also offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and bird watching to snorkeling and fishing. With its stunning scenery and laid-back lifestyle, Honduras is an ideal destination for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years," remarked one retiree in Honduras.
What are healthcare services like in Honduras?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Honduras. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Honduras are limited and often inadequate. Access to healthcare is limited due to a lack of resources and infrastructure, and many people are unable to access basic medical care. The quality of care is often poor, with limited access to specialized care and medications. The public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, and many people rely on private healthcare providers for their medical needs. Despite these challenges, the government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, including the introduction of a national health insurance program," said one retiree in Honduras.
How do I meet people in Honduras?
When we asked people living in Honduras about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Honduras often join clubs and activities such as book clubs, language classes, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art shows. Additionally, many expats join local sports teams or volunteer with local organizations. Finally, expats can meet people by simply exploring the local area and getting to know the locals," said a person in Honduras.
"I live in an apartment within 1K from West End and enjoy Sun Yoga which is offered everyday at 9am at Sundowners Restaurant ($10). It is a 90 minute workout offered 7 days a week with a different instructor each day. In addition I attend a gym nearby and have a personal trainer who helps augment my Yoga workouts with weights. I enjoy just lounging on West End beach and rent a chair by a local vendor for $2 / day. I have a Spanish teacher who comes to my home once a week. You do not need to speak Spanish to get along on Roatan because most locals are bi-lingual. But I like learning Spanish as a way to keep me mentally active. There is a large number of Americans & Canadians living here. The local brewery has Sunday Funday local craft fair the last Sunday of each month. There is also a corn-hole group that meet at various bars each Saturday but you can find more information at Tita's bar in West End. There are many charities available looking for volunteers. I've attended charity events such as PIER (Partners in Education Roatan). I suggest anyone join Facebook group 'Ask Anything - Roatan'," remarked one retiree in Roatan.
What is life like in Honduras?
When we asked people living in Honduras what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Since Roatan is a tourist location most priorities resolve around water sports such as SCUBA, free-diving, snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing, etc. West End area caters to tourists with many restaurants/bars where you can meet people. At night many restaurants offer karaoke or trivia. It is very easy to meet people and the community is small so you will quickly learn the ex-pats from tourists," said one retiree in Roatan.
"La Ceiba is probably best known as the party and vacation town for mainland Honduras and also has many festivals and events that attract party goers from all over the Caribbean. Additionally it is the largest city on the mainland coast and is the gateway to many of the attractions that Honduras has to offer for both tourists and new residents alike, and is the only mainland city with daily ferry service to the Bay Islands and regional shopping for this region of the country," commented one retiree living in La Ceiba, Honduras.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Honduras can be quite rewarding. The country offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it an attractive destination for those looking to experience something different. The cost of living is relatively low, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. The country is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it a great place to relax and unwind. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to work remotely, as well as plenty of activities to keep them entertained. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people, Honduras is an ideal destination for those looking to experience something new," explained one retiree living in Honduras.
What do I need to know before retiring in Honduras?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Honduras, they said:
"Research & Location. Everyone is different so it depends on their interests. I would do as much research as possible using the internet to understand the various areas of the island and what each have to offer. Many real estate websites are good sources for information on the island and neighborhoods. I wanted to be close to the beach and parking is difficult so I wanted to be within walking distance. I do own a Jeep but use it only once a week to go into town to the largest supermarket. I would suggest maybe a short-term rental (one month) before making a more permanent living location. Plus you will need an attorney for residency application and just other needs / questions from an objective person with your best interests in mind," said a retiree who moved to Roatan, Honduras.
"Before retiring in Honduras, expats should research the cost of living in the area they plan to live in, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local laws and regulations, as well as the culture and customs of the country. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the area they plan to live in, and research the crime rate and any potential security risks. Finally, expats should consider the language barrier and whether they will need to learn Spanish in order to communicate effectively," said one retiree in Honduras.
What type of recreational activities are there in Honduras?
"Scuba diving, tech diving, free diving, fishing, boating, SUP, kiteboarding, hiking, biking. All outdoor activities. There is one gym with small boxing club," said one person who retired in Utila, Bay Islands .
"In Honduras, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Other recreational facilities include golf courses, amusement parks, and zoos," remarked one retiree in Honduras.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Honduras?
"People living in Honduras typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people may shop online or order items from larger stores in other cities," said one retiree in Honduras.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Honduras Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Honduras
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Honduras
- Best Places to Live in Honduras
- Guide to Real Estate in Honduras
- Pros & Cons of Living in Honduras
- Cost of Living in Honduras
- Dengue Virus in Honduras
- Culture Shock in Honduras
- Homeschooling in Honduras
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Honduras
- 2025 Guide to Living in Honduras
- Pros and Cons of Living in Honduras 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Honduras