From barefoot fishermen to software millionaires, Belize is a melting pot. Today’s immigrants include 50-somethings raised on the Rolling Stones and 20-somethings looking for a place to make their mark. Farmers, environmentalists, budget-minded retirees and big-time investors are all making their way to this little country with a Caribbean coast and a rainforest interior.
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The draw is obvious: The white sand and azure water of the Caribbean cayes and coast, the eco-adventures and the Mayan history inland. But it’s more than that, too. The common denominator among people making their way to Belize’s shores today — from scuba enthusiasts and eco-adventurers to missionaries and billionaire investors — is a desire for a simpler, freer, more private way of life. With everything going on in the world these days, Belize’s back-to-basics approach to living is increasingly, almost irresistibly alluring.
Most people you meet in this country have two other common characteristics. They are hospitable, and they are fiercely independent. The average Belizean — including those who’ve adopted this country as their homeland — would choose to live in a humble home and off the land and sea rather than be beholden to someone else. This country operates according to an old school mentality that many of the world’s more developed nations have forgotten.
Perhaps the best way to consider whether Belize might be the best place for you to launch an adventure overseas would be to understand who wouldn’t be happy here. While Belize is a beautiful, sunny, affordable and easygoing haven, it certainly isn’t perfect. Living here, like anywhere, you’ll encounter challenges and frustrations. Here are seven signs you won’t be happy in Belize:
You’re a hobby shopper. There’s little opportunity for non-essential shopping in Belize, and there are no big chain stores. You won’t be able to shop at Wal-Mart, Costco or Sam’s Club. This is a small country where life is simple. You’ll find everything you need, but probably not everything you might want.
[See: 10 Tips for Finding a Great Place to Retire.]
You’re looking for peace and quiet. Parties, festivals and music are loud in Belize and can last all night. Belizeans of all ages love to party. The louder the music, the better, and the party can continue until 4 or 5 a.m. The churches love amplifiers. Everyone sings along, and singing in key isn’t considered important.
If you can’t appreciate the Belizeans’ zest for living life to the fullest, you have three choices. You could move to an isolated area, which is easy to find in this country. You could escape during the festival weekends, though there are lots of them. Or you could steer clear of Belize and, frankly, most of Latin America.
You have serious health care needs. This is a small country, and its health care resources are limited. When you consider that the entire country is home to fewer than 350,000 residents, it’s not surprising that you don’t find the breadth of health care specialists and facilities you might be used to elsewhere. You will find competent, dedicated general practitioners and some highly qualified specialists. However, if you have a sensitive medical condition, you’ll likely want to head to Mexico or the United States for care.
You can’t stand the heat. Belize is a subtropical country. In other words, yes, it’s hot and humid here, as it is throughout nearly all of Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean (with highlands exceptions). Also, like the rest of the tropics, Belize has bugs, snakes, scorpions, spiders and dengue fever. You will be bitten by mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other insects at the beach. You might cross paths with a snake or a noisy monkey in the jungle.
You’re a theater or opera buff. If you need a regular fix of traditional European-style culture, you’ll feel deprived living here. Belize is a beautiful country that is archaeologically and historically rich, boasting many annual festivals plus local music and dance traditions. But the only Broadway-style musicals are put on by the local high school. However, if you like to dance to live music on the beach, you’ll be happy indeed. You’ll find many musical styles including rock ‘n’ roll, country, punta and salsa.
You feel the need to be vocal about how to improve things. Sometimes you will feel frustrated by the lack of efficiency in this country. But if you are the kind of person who can’t learn to take frustration in stride or who will respond by becoming demanding or rude when people don’t meet your expectations, you won’t do well here. Belizeans are helpful and good-natured, but they are also proud and independent. They respond to polite people. Those who are critical of Belizeans will find that things become even more difficult and take longer.
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You’re looking for extensive services. There is little infrastructure and limited services and amenities in Belize. The people who do well here find this to be a big part of the appeal. The culture is more concerned with conservation than consumerism.
If you’re interested in a lifestyle supported by the diversions and distractions of a big, cosmopolitan city, Belize is definitely not for you. If you’re delighted by the diversions and distractions of a wide-open land where life revolves around the sea and the sun and where independence and self-sufficiency are prized above all else, then Belize could be exactly the paradise you seek.
Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group.
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7 Reasons Not to Retire in Belize originally appeared on usnews.com
