Moving to West Moorings, Trinidad & Tobago

"West Moorings is in the city of Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located to the west of the Queen's Park Savannah and is a luxury residential area. It is known for its wide array of recreational facilities, including a marina, a golf course, beachfront destinations, and the renowned 19th-century Fort Read. The cost of living in West Moorings is relatively high compared to other areas in Trinidad and Tobago due to its opulent features and close proximity to the city. However, the area provides a safe and secure environment for its residents. It is important to be aware of the potential for tropical storms and hurricanes. The rainy season in West Moorings lasts from June to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between late August to early October. It is important to note that the official language of Trinidad and Tobago is English; however, one can hear the island's local dialects of English, Hindi and French Creole throughout the city. Public transportation is available, but some areas of West Moorings may be better served by taxi or car due to their distance from public transit stops," explained one expat living in West Moorings, Trinidad & Tobago.

"Generally in the areas I mentioned above there is very little crime. Houses in those areas are more expensive, but you can negotiate! Also, look at more than a couple of houses don't be pressured into renting the first one you see because the agent has told you it's safe and you won't find any better! There is a lot of crime in Trinidad but when you read the papers or listen to the news it is Trinidadian people fighting / killing each other! Saying that... you need to have your wits about you and be more alert. For example, when deciding where to park your car when you go to the supermarket. Definitely do not leave anything visable in your car. Don't walk around with lots of cash on you. Make sure that nobody is watching / following you when you are at a cash point. These are basic things that I suppose you subconsciously do back home, but here it needs to be done more vigilantly. All in all, I really like living in Trinidad, and I am sure that there are a lot worse places you could go! You are probably thinking "I am never moving there," but the climate is great, there are some beautiful places to visit (boat trips round the smaller islands of Trinidad and Tobago), seeing leatherback turtles and liming (chilling out) on the beach. What I like the most is having quality time with my family -- and getting that time is very easy in Trinidad. Also the other Caribbean islands are very accessible and most hotels give a special caricom rates," said one expat in West Moorings.

"We were informed by an estate agent the areas where expats tend to live, the areas being West Moorings, Goodwood Park and Fairways Maraval. The Estate agents are very good although you will find that all agents know each other and tend to have the same properties on their listings," said one expat in West Moorings.

"The best way to find a place to live in West Moorings is to contact a local real estate agent or property management company who can help you locate suitable housing in the area. You can also search online for rental properties in West Moorings, or search for listings in local newspapers or on sites such as Craigslist and Kijiji. Additionally, you can check out local rental boards in convenience stores and clubs in the area. Additionally, you can reach out to people living in the West Moorings community and inquire if they have any housing openings," remarked one expat who made the move to West Moorings.

"We live in a 4 bedroom house with a pool and a small garden which is ideal for the children. There is not much land and the houses are generally overlooked by other houses! Also, because of the high crime rate in Trinidad you will find that there are wrought iron bars on all windows and doors. Some do blend in with the houses and after a while you do tend to forget about them - but they are obviously there for a reason," replied a member in West Moorings.

"Expat homes in West Moorings are typically luxurious, modern, and well-equipped. Many have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea as well as easy access to amenities like beach clubs, restaurants, shops, and more. Homes often feature marble or tile floors, gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances, open-plan living and entertaining spaces, luxurious bedrooms, and premium fixtures and finishes. Some may also have private pools, landscaped gardens, patios, or balconies," commented one expat who made the move to West Moorings.

"The average cost of housing in West Moorings is generally high due to its desirable location and luxury amenities," commented one expat who made the move to West Moorings.

"Housing Costs here are much higher and are increasing all the time. The areas that are sought after by Expats range on average from 4000$us to 7000$us. This is for a typical 3/4 bedroom house with a pool and maybe a small grassed yard," remarked one expat in West Moorings, Trinidad & Tobago.

"Buying a home in West Moorings can be a great investment, however it is important to consider whether you should buy or rent depending on your situation. Buying a home is often a large long-term commitment as you are responsible for all of the maintenance and repair costs associated with the property. In contrast, renting can be more flexible and you may also benefit from reduced commitment. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in West Moorings should be based on personal preferences and financial situation," said one expat in West Moorings.

"Essentials: -Identification documents (driver's license, passport, etc.) -Bedding and linens -Clothing and footwear -Toiletries and hygiene products -Kitchen supplies (dishes, cookware, utensils, etc.) -Small appliances -Cleaning supplies -Electronics (television, laptop, etc.) -Tools (hammer, screwdrivers, etc.) -Household items (books, decorations, etc.) -Furniture -Laptop/Desktop computer -Outdoor sporting equipment -Safety items (fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, etc.)," replied a member in West Moorings.

"We are a family of 4 with 2 small children. I was pregnant when I first came to Trinidad, but went home to have my child. I would recommend bringing your own baby equipment as the standard out here is not very good and is very expensive. (Also, I did not find many places that sold actual baby clothes, fine from 2 years on and reasonably cheap). Food out here is very expensive and has increased quite a lot in the 18 months that we have been here, a tin of heinz beans is about one pound fifty!!! Also you would not be able to find gluten free products if you were a celiac. We brought furniture with us to furnish our house due to being quite expensive here, although there is a "courts" furniture store but generally the furniture is not good quality or is extremely good quality which carries an extremely high price tag," commented one expat who made the move to West Moorings.

"In West Moorings, it is important to consider and respect the culture of the local community, especially when engaging with locals. Avoid clothing that is considered offensive or provocative, as this is seen as disrespectful. Greet people with kindness and avoid making jokes that could be seen as offensive and insulting to the local culture. When engaging in conversations and interactions, especially with elders, show respect by speaking calmly, avoiding speaking too loudly, and refraining from talking over people. Additionally, respect the local customs and traditions, such as avoiding entering into a home with your shoes on, refraining from touching someone’s head (a gesture seen as disrespectful in some cultures), and avoiding taking photos without permission," said one expat in West Moorings.

"Expats are attracted to West Moorings, due to its beautiful coastal location, offering stunning views and easy access to beaches. The area is known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, providing a safe and secure environment for families. Additionally, West Moorings boasts a range of modern amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. The vibrant local culture, friendly community, and pleasant climate further enhance the appeal of West Moorings as a desirable destination for expats seeking a high quality of life in a tropical paradise," stated one expat who made the move to West Moorings.

"West Moorings, a residential area in Trinidad and Tobago, offers a range of healthcare services to cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. The healthcare facilities in the area include private clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, providing both primary and specialized care. Medical professionals, including general practitioners, dentists, and specialists, are available to address various health concerns. In addition to the traditional healthcare services, West Moorings also offers alternative and holistic healthcare options, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy. The healthcare facilities in the area are well-equipped with modern technology and infrastructure, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. Emergency medical services are also available in West Moorings, with ambulances and paramedics on standby to respond to urgent situations. The healthcare services in the area are accessible to both locals and tourists, with many facilities accepting international health insurance plans. Overall, the healthcare services in West Moorings, are comprehensive and reliable, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to quality medical care when needed," offered one expat living in West Moorings.

"Medical services in West Moorings are generally of good quality, with access to both public and private healthcare facilities. The public healthcare system offers free services to citizens, but may have longer waiting times and limited resources. Private healthcare facilities, on the other hand, offer more specialized care and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. There are several well-equipped hospitals and clinics in the area, staffed by qualified medical professionals. Pharmacies are also easily accessible, providing a range of medications and over-the-counter drugs. However, for more complex medical procedures or specialized treatments, patients may need to travel to the capital city, Port of Spain, or seek care abroad," commented one expat living in West Moorings.