10 reasons to consider living or retiring in this beautiful land on the Caribbean

 Here are the top 10 reasons to consider living or retiring in this beautiful land on the Caribbean:

1. Everyone speaks English. 

One of the biggest challenges you can face when making a move to a new country is communicating with your new neighbors. Anywhere you might think about moving, including Belize, you'll have to learn to overcome and adapt to cultural differences. A language difference makes that and everything else, from giving directions to a taxi driver and filling a prescription at the pharmacy to getting your broken hot water heater fixed and negotiating for the purchase of a new home, a whole lot more difficult. In Belize, you don't have to worry about learning a new language if you don't want to.

2. Belize is easy to get to. 

American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and US Airways offer non-stop flights daily from six U.S. cities, making it easy to visit the United States... and easy for family and friends from back home to come share in your new life in the Caribbean.

3. The whole country feels like a small town. 

The small population makes it easy to become part of the community, and both locals and expats who've settled here are welcoming and willing to lend a hand or make an effort for a neighbor.

4. This is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. 

With its barrier reef (the second longest in the world), rivers, sandy coast, offshore islands, Mayan ruins, and inland rainforest, Belize offers every kind of adventure you can imagine. And thanks to a developed infrastructure of in-country flights (the only infrastructure in Belize that could be described as "developed"), you can hop around from one landscape to another easily and quickly. Spend the morning snorkeling on the reef offshore Ambergris Caye then hop a flight to Cayo for an afternoon of cave tubing on a rainforest river.

5. A Caribbean beach lifestyle at a bargain price compared with the cost of living in other Caribbean destinations. 

Inland, in Cayo District, the cost of living is lower still and becomes even more affordable the more local you make your lifestyle. A couple could live comfortably in Cayo on a budget of as little as US$1,400 per month.

6. The country is blessed with abundant year-round sunshine. 

Rainy season extends from June to November, but, even during those months, skies are sunny more than they are not. The reliable sunshine makes for happy, healthy living and also a great growing environment. Many living in Belize grow their own vegetables in small kitchen gardens, and everywhere the landscape is lush.

7. Belize is safe. 

Some small areas of Belize City suffer from a drug trade, gangs, and the activities that come with those cultures. However, those are localized neighborhoods. Avoid them. Otherwise, Belize is one of the safest places on Earth and far removed from 21st-century troubles.

8. As it has throughout its history, Belize welcomes foreigners and today makes it easy for any foreigner who wants to stick around indefinitely. 

You have two user-friendly options for becoming a permanent resident. 

9. Belize remains off the world's radar. 

Nobody is targeting Belize or intent on stirring up trouble here. Most of the world doesn't give Belize a second thought. In today's world, that's a plus.

10. It's possible to live in Belize tax free.