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Expat Opportunities and Green Living in Sanctuary Belize

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, the unique blend of eco-lifestyles, adventures on land and sea, and Mayan ruins can best be described as Sanctuary Belize. With a rich history and dynamic future, Belize offers a wide range of possibilities for expats and investors alike.

Sanctuary Belize

Huts

Belize today incorporates the cultural elements of its past and the potential of the future. From a center of Mayan culture to British colony and finally established as an independent state, Belize has become a growing lifestyle choice that draws expats from all over the world.

The History of Belize – A Timeline

The Mayan culture first spread into what is known today as Belize roughly around 2500 B.C. The height of Mayan influence, called the Classic Period, occurred roughly in 250 A.D. and lasted until 900 A.D. when the society suffered a collapse.

Columbus sailed near the coast of Belize in 1502, leading to Spanish occupation of the Yucatan Peninsula some years later. The first recorded settlement by Europeans in what is present day Belize, was in 1638 by a group of shipwrecked English sailors.

For the next 150 plus years, the feud between Spain and England for control of the region continued until Spain was defeated at the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Belize became a British colony, known as British Honduras in 1840, and a Crown Colony in 1862.

The country formally changed its name its name to Belize in 1973 and, on September 21st, 1981 became an independent nation. Although no longer under British rule, Belize remains part of the Commonwealth of Great Britain much like Canada and Guyana.

Things to See, Do and Explore in Belize

Belize offers a number of unique and diverse activities that can appeal to a wide variety of interests and tastes. Archeological sites, water sports, and nature explorations are all plentiful in this surprising Central American location. Below are just some of the highlights that visitors can select from.

Sanctuary Belize

Altun Ha Belize

Belize is home to several prominent Mayan ruins whose scope and beauty continue to inspire awe in visitors today. Altun Ha, Caracol, and Lamanai are all accessible and truly capture the essence and mystery of Mayan culture.

Ocean adventures and eco-experiences

The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and second-largest in the world behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It is easily the country’s most popular attraction and provides world class scuba-diving and snorkeling to observe over 500 species of fish and over a hundred varieties of hard and soft coral.

The Blue Hole and the underwater cave systems around it are a scuba diver’s dream. Identified by the Discovery Channel as number one on a list of the “Ten Most Amazing Places of Earth,” this watery wonder attracts visitors from all over the world. It should be noted, however, that divers have to be certified in both cave diving and mixed gases in order to participate in any diving explorations there.

Sanctuary Belize

Belize Island

Experiencing eco-diversity first hand

Having such a wide spectrum of natural environments within its borders, Belize has made a concerted effort to promote and expand eco-tourism throughout the country. The number of tours that permit visitors to immerse themselves in dense jungles, winding rivers and the grassy plains of a tropical savanna (to name a few) fosters what is becoming known as “experiential learning.”

Expat Living and Investment

As the real estate market collapse of 2008 has receded, expats and investors are once again looking at the potential of Belize.  The small population, investment friendly tax structure, and under marketing of available properties have resulted in prices far less than other parts of Central America. Other factors are also getting expat attention.

English as a first language

Belize is unique among Central American nations in that English is the official language and all laws are also written in English. Knowing that the language barrier does not exist in Belize is a major plus for many potential expats and investors looking to settle or do business there.

Property rights are equal for citizens and non-citizens

There are no restrictions on non-citizens or non-residents owning property or businesses in Belize. Property can be held in fee simple (absolute title) and it is not necessary to obtain permission or permits in order to proceed with the sale or purchase.

Low tax rates

Belize does not have capital gains or inheritance taxes; a definite consideration for retirees seeking alternatives for investment. Property taxes are also low which helps contribute to the lower market pricing as well.

It’s easy to get to Belize

Getting to Belize is convenient and accessible by land, sea, or air. Additionally, cruise ships bring in over half a million guests a year; although usually for short periods of time (one to two days).

Driving to Belize from the U.S. is an option that some expats utilize since car rental in the country can be expensive. It isn’t uncommon to see vehicles with U.S. tags driving along Belizean streets.

The requirements are straightforward and involve obtaining temporary import permits from both Mexico and Belize. The cost of these temporary permits is minimal and usually run for thirty days.

All international flights into the country are handled at Phillip Goldson International Airport located at Ladyville which is 11 miles from Belize City. Major U.S. carriers, such as American and Delta have regularly scheduled flights; regional carriers such as Grupo TACA and Maya Island Air fly in from San Salvador, Guatemala, and other Central American locations.

For the more adventurous, there are weekly boat services from both Honduras and Guatemala. These three to four hour boat rides can certainly provide a different perspective on travel in Central America from earlier times.

What is the cost of living?

While Belize is not the most inexpensive location in Central America, the cost of living is reasonable especially for items that have to be imported from the U.S. The exchange rate between the Belize Dollar (BZD) and the U.S. Dollar is fixed at 2 to 1  creating a stable price structure on imports that contribute to lower costs.

Basic utilities (electric, heat, water, garbage, internet and cable) run between $90 and $210.  This could vary depending on the size of the unit, usage and location.

Rents are higher in the more popular areas, such as Ladyville, Belize City and the capital, Belmopan. Monthly rates can range from $200 to $695; for more exclusive locations that range can be much higher.

Property prices for turn-key units (apartments and condominiums) can go for as little as $215.98 per m² away from city centers to a hefty $1722.23 per m² in the city.  Stand alone properties will be higher as land is also included.

Sanctuary Belize – A Model for Eco-tourism and Green Living

Perhaps one of the most ambitious projects being undertaken in Belize is Sanctuary Belize. With 14,000 acres, Sanctuary Belize is the largest development in the country and features plans for a marina, resort, and residential units.

Eco-tourism and a “green” lifestyle is the major theme for the project. There are five distinct and diverse eco-systems on the property;  riverine, tropical savannah, Belizean jungle, Caribbean marine, and coral reef.

The plans for the project are designed to appeal both to visitors seeking to experience the biodiversity of Belize and expats wanting a more environmentally friendly style of living. Dedicated to supporting and maintaining conservation of nature, and eco-conscious lifestyle, holistic wellness and a wide offering of outdoor activities, Sanctuary Belize promises to be one of the most outstanding communities in Central America.

Many people interested in eco-tourism prefer to do it on their own terms and in a more rustic fashion. For those who are seeking the security and amenities of a gated development while still having access to the unique eco-tourism that the country offers, then Sanctuary Belize may be just the opportunity that you are seeking.

Other Factors to Consider

Belize is very much an emerging nation in terms of increased expat and investment traffic. While the infrastructure near major areas, such as Ambergris Caye, is well developed, locations outside those areas may prove to be far more rustic than may be desirable.

One significant for expat housing is the relatively small number of rental units available. As a result, desirable properties are at a premium. Hotel space is also limited; one estimate has placed the number of rooms at roughly 2,000 for the entire country.

Belize is definitely in a transition phase concerning its residency laws. As a result, obtaining permanent residency could be more of a challenge until the status quo has resolved.

Belize is worth a look

Taking a visit to this diverse and exciting land is the best way to find out whether Belize can be your tropical sanctuary.

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