Planning a trip for relocation research, need help please!

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Member since 22 November 2013

merrinalaMember22 November 2013 18:21:21

Anyone know of any TRUSTWORTHY realtors or informal tour guides (or anyone on here interested?) to show us around and explore the options for relocating? I have done all of the online research possible, I think, but really want an inside look for when we come down in the flesh this coming spring. We plan to rent for awhile (6-12 months), but want a good location, possibly Cayo, (San Ignacio?), or something along the coast with a network of expats to make friends with. Also, my kids are school age, and we have the option of online schooling them, but want to ensure they have socialization too.
Definitely don't want to live in a condo or gated community, or we would be staying put where we are, lol. Looking for some privacy, but not too far from town, medical care, and markets. And not too, too far from the airport ( 2 hrs max)
We live in Florida now, and miss the mountains, and lush greenery that is lacking here, so lots of trees would be nice.

Also, as a sidenote, not to sound like an idiot, but am a little concerned about poisonous creatures, and allowing for the fact that critters do live everywhere, how prevalent are the deadly scorpions, snakes, and spiders. Also, how readily available is antivenom?

canadianbcgirl Active member

Member since 28 April 2013

canadianbcgirlActive member22 November 2013 19:47:47

In San Ignacio, John Acott/Remax Realty. Is really good and reliable. He makes home buying here easy and handles most everything for you.He will also send you listings you may be interested in. All you have to do is give him a wish list.

realestatepropertiesinbelize.com/

john@belizepropertycenter.com

Another good Real Estate/Rental Company
realestateinbelize.bz/index.html

I think from what you are saying your best bet for mainland with expat communities San Ignacio is the place for you. Especially since you have children.

On another note, 3/4 of this country is not on the grid. Meaning no electricity or water. Also, most of the roads are not paved and are in very rough shape. The country is prone to flash flooding washing out roads and water waiste high.

merrinala Member

Member since 22 November 2013

merrinalaMember22 November 2013 20:32:21

Thank you! I will contact them. As far as being "off the grid", when we eventually buy, we plan to be as self-sustaining as possible with solar power, composting toilets, a cistern for water, and satellite for internet and TV...as far as renting, we would want the basics, but something reasonably "nice". I grew up in an undeveloped country (Paraguay), so culture shock won't be much of an issue for me, & my kids will learn like I did ;-). (Part of the point in moving there). My other half has never even left the state of Florida except for once to Pennsylvania, and he was in awe, so it'll be interesting for him to say the least!
I do appreciate the flood warning, though. Is there an area of SI that is less prone to flooding?

canadianbcgirl Active member

Member since 28 April 2013

canadianbcgirlActive member22 November 2013 20:55:37

do you use face book? If so, become a follower of Patrick E Jones. He is a reporter here in Belize and posts news all day as it happens.

facebook.com/pjonesbz?fref=ts

I am not too familiar with the flooding history in SI other than I know that the low lying bridge is under water alot. SI and Santa Ellena are quite mountainous so make sure you settle on higher ground and not in the lower areas

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