Carolyn Long of Spartanburg, SC has had the opportunity to spend considerable time in Central America and particularly in Belize, where she was amazed to find that people are more valued for who they are than what they do for a living. In this article. Carolyn Long of Spartanburg discusses the unique culture of this country and its residents, and what expats can expect from a stay in Belize. Additional contributions to this article come from her husband, Donald Long, also of Spartanburg, SC.
Carolyn Long of Spartanburg explains that people decide to emigrate to and live in Belize for a variety of reasons; the tropical weather, natural beauty and friendly locals are just a few. But what can an expat expect when living in the tropical climes of Belize?
There are many overlapping reasons people move to Belize as expats. Between the affordability, ease of transition the quality of life, and the value placed on spiritual growth there’s little reason NOT to move to Belize. And that’s before anyone mentions the weather!
Culture
Belizeans and expats alike embrace the Belizean spirit of taking it easy as much as one can while working in the country. Carolyn Long of Spartanburg says expats are often drawn here by the white sand beaches, clear Caribbean waters, and diverse flora and fauna.
Carolyn Long of Spartanburg SC notes that in their free time they are often found riding bikes as Belize has very few cars. This ties in with Belize’s own laid back “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” way of living. The lack of pollution means the air is clean, and fresh food is harvested daily from gardens and seas alike.
A nice bonus according to Donald Long of Spartanburg SC is that Belizeans speak English, meaning American and other English-speaking expats don’t have to learn a new language. All in all, it’s easy to see why expatriates emigrate to Belize for a more relaxed lifestyle. For people looking for sun, sea, and English speakers, Belize is perfect.
Social Life
Carolyn Long of Spartanburg says that as there are many diverse regions making up Belize, so there are many different peoples and ways of life. Donald Long explains that the most common places for expats to live include Ambergris Caye, the Corozal district, and the Cayo Region.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye (‘caye’ meaning ‘island’ and pronounced “key”) is the most popular destination for expats. Carolyn Long says that its vibrant nature set against a backdrop of sun, sea and sand attracts a wealth of expats from around the world.
In the heart of Ambergris Caye is the town of San Pedro, where everything big happens. It boasts live music, food from around the world, and people – locals, tourists and expats alike.
Donald Long of Spartanburg SC explains that expats moving here tend to do so because of the diverse restaurants, cafés, shops, and modern amenities. Most join volunteer and church organizations, forming a strong sense of community with locals and other expats.
The Corozal District
Corozal is a coastal district with a lively expat community and a lower cost of living than Ambergris. Most of the expats that come to live in the Corozal district have retired. In fact, Corozal may be the most popular destination in Belize for expats who plan to retire in more tropical climes.
Carolyn Long of Spartanburg reports that the Corozal region is the definitive laid-back region of Belize. You’re more likely to find expats doing water aerobics than water sports. Amenities include gyms and local parks, compared to Ambergris’ more tourist-centric attractions.
The Cayo Region
The Cayo Region is the most removed region of Belize, filled with rivers and rainforests. Carolyn Long of Spartanburg explains that people moving there buy property to live off-grid or from a personal farm, as land is very affordable.
Despite seeming reserved, self-sufficient expats of form an active community in the region. Cayo is ideal for those with more active interests, like horseback riding, kayaking and canoeing. Cayo’s big town, San Ignacio, offers more social activities.
Work Opportunities
While many people who move to Belize do so to retire, many more are digital nomads or remote-working entrepreneurs says Carolyn Long of Spartanburg. And some just need a change of scenery. For those people, it is of the utmost importance they find a way to work and earn in Belize.
While some will work with companies abroad, others might be looking to branch out into something completely different. There are plenty of opportunities to work afforded to expats in Belize. While not everyone can work with the magnificent wildlife or breathtaking ruins, there are plenty of jobs expats can take on.
Donald Long of Spartanburg SC adds that some of the most common jobs expats find themselves doing are:
- Teaching English
- Ecological Conservation
- Public Health and Medicine
Others still come here as a business opportunity. Many expats run tourist-centric businesses like restaurants, bars and B&Bs. The Belizean government even offers incentives for non-tourist businesses, such as agricultural work.
Finally, the government offers exemptions to expats if they prove their business benefits Belize’s economy. Successful entrepreneurs can receive exemptions from import duties, export duties, and even taxes!
Schooling
Carolyn Long of Spartanburg says that Belizeans value education highly. For example, all schools in Belize teach various languages. They start with English but also teach Spanish, German, and even Japanese!
There is a wealth of options for expats to choose from so that their child might get the best education. There’s a wide range of Catholic, Christian, and even international schools according to Donald Long of Spartanburg SC. These provide alternatives for parents who worry about homeschooling. The other schools cover a range of prices, meaning no child in Belize goes without an education – expat or otherwise.
