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Fourteen years ago, my husband Steve and I discovered Belize during a two-week escape to Ambergris Caye. The island’s laid-back vibe, friendly Belizeans, and mornings filled with ocean sounds and coffee under a palapa stole our hearts. In 2021, ready to leave the U.S., we chose Belize as our new home. While Ambergris had grown busier, we settled in Placencia, a charming coastal village, sight unseen. Selling most of our possessions, we embraced the flexibility to move on if needed, but Placencia’s warm community and slower pace convinced us to stay.For those considering a similar move, browsing an international real estate website can be a helpful way to explore property options abroad.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, homeownership felt out of reach, tourism overwhelmed the city, and the fast-paced lifestyle drained us. Having spent three months annually in France for a decade due to Steve’s job, we knew a better life was possible. We considered Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and France, but Belize’s Caribbean warmth and English-speaking culture won us over.
We started by renting a two-bedroom apartment on Sunset Point for $1,700 monthly, confirming Placencia’s fit. Seven months later, we bought a townhouse at Placencia Point, just across the canal, for $400,000 with a $650 monthly HOA fee. The move felt like coming home.
Belize, roughly the size of Massachusetts with a population of 400,000, offers diverse landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountain jungles. Activities abound: cave tubing, zip-lining, hiking, exploring Mayan ruins, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Placencia’s vibrant expat community blends seamlessly with locals, creating a true village feel. We’ve made Belizean friends and cherish being part of the local fabric, not an American enclave. If you’re considering investing here, don’t miss our property buying tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.
The Belize dollar (BZD) is pegged at 2:1 to the USD, and both currencies are accepted. While imported goods like canned items or toilet paper are pricier due to post-pandemic inflation, fresh produce from local stands is a bargain. Couples can live comfortably on $1,300-$2,400 monthly, depending on lifestyle. Dining out ranges from $10 per person at mom-and-pop spots to $40 at upscale restaurants. Our weekly grocery bill averages $50-$75, as we cook most meals at home.
Real estate in Placencia has risen but remains accessible. A one-bedroom prefab home starts at $30,000, while custom dream homes can exceed $500,000. Our townhouse, in the $400,000 range, suits our needs perfectly.
Healthcare in Belize is improving but limited. Clinic visits cost under $10, and blood work is affordable, but specialized care is concentrated in Belize City, Belmopan, or Dangriga. Those with serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes should ensure access to medications, possibly by returning to their home country for refills.
Crime, often highlighted in headlines, is largely confined to specific areas of Belize City and involves petty theft. We feel safe in Placencia, with no concerns disrupting our peaceful days.
Placencia offers a serene lifestyle, perfect for my writing and newfound passion for watercolor painting. Snorkeling in the vibrant blue sea, surrounded by diverse fish and corals, is a highlight. Whether it’s morning beach walks or sundowners with friends, Belize delivers a life of joy and connection at a fraction of U.S. costs. If you’d like guidance on making the move yourself, feel free to contact us for support and resources.
Placencia offers a laid-back village vibe, a strong expat and local community, and easy access to beaches, water sports, and jungle adventures, with less crowding than Ambergris Caye.
Couples can live on $1,300-$2,400 monthly, depending on lifestyle. Groceries cost $50-$75 weekly, dining out ranges from $10-$40 per person, and rentals start at $1,700 monthly.
Basic care is affordable (clinic visits under $10), but specialized treatment is limited. Belize City or Belmopan offer more advanced options. Bring medications for serious conditions.
Placencia is safe, with petty theft being the main concern. Violent crime is mostly confined to specific areas of Belize City, not affecting coastal villages.
Work with local real estate agents or platforms like Point2Homes. Rentals and purchases range from $30,000 prefab homes to $500,000+ custom properties, starting with a short-term rental to test the area.
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