It might surprise you to learn how many expats live "off-the-grid" in Belize. Expats going off-grid have to generate their own power, and collect their own water, rather than connecting to Belize Electric Ltd. (BEL) or to the Belize Water Service (BWS).
Six years ago, my husband and I retired and made Corozal our winter home. It's a decision we have not regretted. Many visitors to Belize experience only the islands and beach communities, but there is much more to the country. Corozal Town, in the north on Corozal Bay, offers beautiful sea vistas and a rich history.
Belize is a top-class fishing destination for lots of reasons. The country has a long coastline, with 200 cayes offshore, plus 18 major rivers, creating a natural marine environment. Home to the world's second largest barrier reef, Belize boasts over 500 species of fish and many other types of marine wildlife.
How about building your perfect custom home on a few acres of your own land, free from the pressures of permits and architects and construction complications? Add saving money by living off-grid and growing your own food...and you can see why my American expat friend did exactly this.
My husband, Scott, and I have owned the Palapa Bar and Grill on Ambergris Caye for 13 years. We've seen a lot in our days here—including our total destruction and rebuild after Hurricane Earl. The arrival of this virus has been unprecedented.
Belize is a hot spot for expat retirees, but it's also a hot spot for expat entrepreneurs. There is a wealth of expat and local needs and wants still not being met, and that means it's fertile ground for new businesses.
I have been living in Belize for eight years now, in the Xaibe area about five miles west of Corozal. The property is an extraordinary 30-acre island of forest in a sea of sugar cane. One of our philosophies is to really practice "living in harmony with nature"; we can learn so much from it.
Here is a list to help you gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the long term… This is just an overview of the kind of "next level" challenges you'll encounter once you decide to settle…
When I have visited Guatemala and Mexico, I've been struck by how strong their national identities are. They wear with pride their national costume, dance their dances, sing their songs, and create traditional crafts. By contrast, a national identity is not obvious in Belize. Instead, Belize is a hybrid of many cultures, some retaining qualities of their origins, some happily intermingling.
In the U.S., before we go on a trip, we're accustomed to going shopping so we can look our best, perhaps purchasing new dresses, luggage, etc. You actually need to prepare for the opposite here.