Why You Should Retire In The Cayo District of Belize

By BBN Staff: Travelers to Belize are amazed not just by its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, but also at the number of expats they run across. In recent years, Americans and Europeans have increasingly made a home here. There are retirees who spend their days fishing, and young couples who’ve decided to buy a vacation home.

Buying real estate here makes sense. Unlike other countries in the region, Belize doesn’t place restrictions on foreigners owning property, and it has no capital gains tax. For those who decide to move here, the Qualified Retired Person’s Program makes it easier. So does the fact that Belize is so close to the US, and that everyone speaks English.

For those considering a move to this tropical paradise, the Cayo District is hard to beat. Home to about a fourth of Belize’s population, the district is one of the more affordable and laid back places in the country and already has a good-sized expat community.

Here you’ll find scores of ancient Maya cities to explore as well as beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforests, and three rivers. The Maya Mountains provide ample opportunities for hikers and climbers. Many expats choose to live at the higher elevations and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.

Others prefer to live in one of the twin towns, San Ignacio and Santa Elena. These are the home to about 20,000 people. Here you’ll find banks, farmers’ markets and government agencies. This is also one of the few places in Belize where you can find American-style stores. You’ll appreciate this if you need to buy hardware or find yourself homesick for American-style food items. It’s also an agricultural center of the country, which means you’ll have easy access to fresh organic produce.

It’s a peaceful, quiet place to live, particularly if you choose Carmelita Gardens as your new home. This is a completely self-sufficient community located on 98 acres of unspoiled terrain. Solar power is used to generate electricity and there are rainwater catchment and filtration systems. There are also organic gardens and orchards bounded by the river that runs through the property. Thanks to sustainable building practices, this is a truly green community as well as being 100% off grid.

Yet, you’ll find you have access to the modern amenities you need. You can have a big-screen TV, for example, high speed internet, and a washer and dryer. You’ll also find that you’re part of a warm and friendly community.

For these reasons, Carmelita Gardens in the Cayo District of Belize is an amazing place to retire.