Once upon a time, relocating to a different city was considered a major move, especially for families whose roots are deep in one geographic location. Over time, technology made staying in touch effortlessly and these days, record numbers of seniors are looking for a more meaningful retirement by moving abroad.
For a long time, U.S. retirees flocked to Costa Rica – until the cost of living there became prohibitive. These days, the neighboring country of Belize has taken its place as a mecca for retirees.
What’s luring North Americans to Belize? Benefits include moving to an English-speaking nation, proximity to North America, spectacular natural wonders only surpassed by the friendliest people in the hemisphere and a Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) guaranteed to seal the deal for seniors who know value when they see it.
What do you seek in a new home country? Find it all in Belize
-You only need to show a $24K income annually to qualify for the QRP and the official retirement age is just 45
-Tourism, even factoring in the Covid impact, remains strong so Belize’s economy is stable and growing
-Buy a home and property taxes are likely to be the lowest you’ve ever paid
-Spend only 30 days per year in residence to maintain your QRP benefits
-Never miss a family reunion, celebration, or special occasion because travel time is too daunting
-Return on investment could surprise you when it comes to the valuation of your home
-Belize makes major investments in natural resources like sanctuaries and preserves for future generations
-You couldn’t get homesick if you tried! Belize’s U.S. ex-pat community is huge
-Start a post-retirement second career from Belize and enjoy a variety of tax breaks
-Varying topography – savannas, jungle, rain forests, mountains – provide endless opportunities to explore
-For laid-back retirees, languid rivers, lagoons, and the hemisphere’s best beaches never disappoint
-Adventurers won’t run out of excitement: Explore caves, zip line, repel and deep sea dive
-The legal system is based on the British model so it’s easy to understand
-Buy into the Belize health care system and pay a fraction of what you would have paid had you remained in the U.S.
Your place in the sun
Among the current ex-pat communities receiving huge amounts of attention – for an even longer list of reasons – is Carmelita Gardens, an off-grid development where residents take pride in their individuality while enjoying an enviable lifestyle.
Founded more than a decade ago by U.S. entrepreneurs, this beautifully developed epicenter of sustainable living has no equal in Belize, and retirees eager to adopt off-grid practices with just enough luxury thrown in to live the dream have been flocking to this community for all of the right reasons.
Carmelita Gardens is the ideal destination for retirees who want it all, which is why no amount of detail we offer here can substitute for a fact-finding trip. If you’re seeking a new place to call home, begin your journey by visiting the website for a taste of the good life.
Like what you see? Book a tour and bring your camera. Friends and family may not believe you when you tell them that you have found retirement nirvana just a few hours away from home. Show them the photos. Don’t be surprised if they ask if they can visit just as soon as you’re resettled!
