When looking for the best Caribbean islands one has to define what makes an island the best for them. Is it the landscape, the culture, amenities, the weather, safety, affordability, or everything combined? Pursuing the dream of living in a tropical paradise can easily turn into a nightmare for the unprepared.

Once you establish your priorities, do your homework. Do thorough research on the local conditions before buying your first home in the Caribbean and settling on one of its islands. Just like anywhere in the world, extreme affordability goes hand in hand with an unstable political situation, corruption, and higher crime rates. On the other hand, excellent living conditions are often closely related to high living costs.

The following are some of the suggestions for the best Caribbean islands to live on for the U.S. ex-pats. It is important to add that finding a job or starting a business on any of the smaller islands can be difficult. Expats on a fixed income have it easier although every Caribbean country has its specific investment requirements regarding residency.

Grenada: A Peaceful Haven

Daily life in Grenada’s capital St. George’s reflects life on this island country – slow, relaxed, simple, cordial, and safe. Do not expect vibrant nightlife, shopping malls, and a high-end lifestyle. Do expect chatty locals, rum shop culture, and high humidity. Most importantly, expect untouched nature. Waterfalls, beaches, dense foliage, and hilly landscapes make the most of the panorama. If you decide to relocate to this Caribbean island, prepare for a life full of (very) simple pleasures.

Note that whichever island you choose as your destination, including Grenada, you can rest assured that Transparent International will take care of shipping your belongings overseas. When it comes to the international relocation to an island, you need to take into account moving insurance, vehicle transportation, and packing and crating your household items for a safe journey. Ideally, you will allow experienced licensed professionals to handle the relocation on your behalf. As soon as you settle in, you can start enjoying magical sunrises and sunsets on Grenada’s peaceful Caribbean beaches.

Barbados: Affordably Cosmopolitan

The U.S. expats praise Barbados. If you can obtain a work permit in advance or prove that you can support yourself and your dependents, you are ready to experience one of the best Caribbean islands. What expats appreciate the most about this prosperous island country is its political and social stability and steady economic growth. Its health and education systems are highly regarded. Low crime rates imply a higher standard of living, but not one that is out of reach for the middle class.

Before you decide to move your entire household abroad, ask for an in-home moving estimate. The moving price depends on several factors, most notably the size and weight of your belongings and moving distance. You might elect to leave or sell most of your heavy furniture before you relocate to your new Barbados home. Note that the average rent on this Caribbean island is almost 50% lower than in the States. Everything you save on the rent you will likely spend on imported goods. If you choose to buy and cook locally grown food you will be amazed by the amount you save. 

Ambergris Caye: Harmonious Diversity

Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize’s islands has a big ex-pat community which isn’t surprising. Beautiful turquoise waters of Ambergris Caye have been and will remain the main attraction for divers, snorkelers, and fishermen. Socializing is easy and people are good-natured. There are conditions to mirror your U.S. lifestyle, but you can also choose to live more simply, like a Belizean. The diversity on this Belizean island is wonderfully multifaceted; Ambergris Caye allows you to live however you prefer.

Belize has the same policy on the employment of ex-pats as other Caribbean countries – priority goes to locals. Only the jobs in high demand or those that can’t be covered by locals are given to foreigners. However, if you’re working from home, you will be happy to learn that the internet on Ambergris Caye is reliable. If you’re moving with children, you can choose from a variety of public and private schools based on the British system. Of course, the official language is English. Healthcare is also good, both public and private.

The Cayman Islands: Paradise with a Price Tag

If you’re not concerned by your budget, consider working or retiring in the Caymans. The Cayman Islands, especially the Grand Cayman, are indeed dreamlike destinations, but the cost of living makes them a literal dream for the majority. What makes the Cayman Islands so unique? The three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac, together offer everything one could wish for. Except for hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Aside from the natural phenomena typical for the Caribbean, Cayman Islands are peaceful. The multitude of events, attractions, and things to do equal those in the States, complemented with the proximity to gorgeous beaches and seaside activities. And yet, they are a tax-free zone popular among investors. They are culturally diverse and attracting ex-pats from more than a hundred countries. And they offer quality and variety in every segment of life. However, carefree living in the Cayman Islands is costly.

Unless you don’t have to worry about your monthly spending, carefully budget to avoid getting stuck. The realization that you’re working to survive (and need to run away from your once dream destination) is the most unfortunate wake-up call. Also, expect that mainland conveniences on an island are always more expensive. If an island is too affordable, you can assume it lacks some or most of the modern-day amenities and infrastructure. But maybe that is exactly what you need.

IMAGE CREDITS:

https://pixabay.com/photos/caribbean-island-tropical-harbor-1934661/

https://pixabay.com/photos/bridgetown-barbados-holiday-summer-71375/

https://pixabay.com/photos/belize-san-pedro-tropical-caye-1971341/

https://pixabay.com/photos/cayman-islands-real-estate-4047675/

https://pixabay.com/photos/beach-island-sea-paradise-panama-4388225/