Katy McClelland

With its powdery white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why Roatan, Honduras, has gained tremendous popularity over the past decade.  Recently touted as one of the best places to retire, particularly among island destinations, it attracts the attention of expats and tourists alike.

While terms like “best-kept secret” and sights such as the towering cruise ships in its ports might turn away some skeptical buyers, Roatan isn’t just another cookie-cutter expat destination.  Its heavily-touristed area is counter-balanced with acre after sparsely-populated acre, just a few miles down the road.  It’s accessible and surprisingly affordable.  And buying property is a breeze compared to other locations of its caliber.

So, before you write it off as just another passing trend in a long line of retirement hotspots, here are a few things you might not know about Roatan real estate.

1.  For a relatively small island, Roatan offers a lot of options.

Roatan is a 37 mile long island that is situated about 35 miles off the northern coast of Honduras.  It’s less than 5 miles across at its widest point, so essentially it’s a long strip of land that’s divided generally into an eastern and a southwestern section.

The island is made up of two municipalities: Roatan, to the southwest, and Jose Santos Guardiola, on the eastern end of the island.  The largest of the country’s Bay Islands, it also encompasses a few smaller land masses such as the Cayos Cochinos to the west.  The eastern end of Roatan also includes Santa Elena, a small island separated from the main one by a channel of mangroves, as well as Morat, Barbaretta, and Pigeon Cay.

While there are a few decent-sized cities on the eastern end of the island (such as Oak Ridge, the capital of San Jose Guardiola), almost all of the action on Roatan is to the west.  Cities like Coxen Hole and French Harbour offer services from banks to gyms to modern medical facilities.  The popular West End is home to the great sandy beaches and dive shops that attract tourists from all over.

If you’re looking for a well-developed, densely populated area where you can walk to bars and restaurants, the southwest end of Roatan is for you.  If not, come along with us to the eastern side.  There you’ll find quite the opposite of the tourist-heavy bustle of the west end.

On the less-populated end of the island of Roatan there are fewer paved roads and beaches with not a single other human in sight.  The amenities are fewer, and consequently property prices are much lower.  You can still reach the hotspots on the west end, as well as the airport in Coxen Hole, within an hour or so.  But with the lower cost of living on the east end of the island, you may not even want to.

2.  With direct flights from the U.S. you can be in Roatan in two hours.

Speaking of the airport, you can now find direct flights to Roatan from several major U.S. cities, such as Houston, Miami, and Atlanta.  This development has made a tremendous difference in the time it takes to reach this island getaway, as it was once only accessible by local flight or ferry from the mainland.

This new ease of access makes Roatan one of the simplest to reach island destinations in Central America.  And easy access makes for the potential for appreciation.  As more people and businesses flow into the island, the effect on the Roatan real estate market can only hope to benefit.

Once on the island, getting around is fairly simple.  Buses run every 15 minutes between Coxen Hole and West End, during the day.  Another runs every hour to Oak Ridge, stopping at places such as French Harbour and Punta Gorda, which is where the pavement ends.  The roads become increasingly primitive the farther east you go.

Because Roatan has everything you need and is far safer than the mainland of Honduras, it’s doubtful you’d have much need to travel there.  However, if you do, the ferry to La Ceiba runs twice daily.  It’s safe and reliable, takes 90 minutes, and can be a bit pricey.

3.  It’s incredibly easy to buy and own Roatan real estate.

Because North American expats represent one of the largest demographics of those buying property there, the Roatan real estate market closely resembles that of the U.S. So, similarly, prices are beginning to rebound after a downturn of several years. However, there are still bargains to be had. While the market still has some ground to recover, don’t wait too long to make your move if you’re hoping to score a deal on property in Roatan.

Today’s Honduras has a stable democratic government that is extremely foreigner- and investor-friendly.  Even more so in Roatan, which manages to shield itself from most of the political conflicts that plague the mainland.  From buying property to obtaining a retirement visa, regulations are fairly loose.  Property taxes are also a fraction of U.S. rates, and there is no tax on income earned from foreign sources.

As a foreigner, you are permitted to make a one-time purchase of up to ¾ an acre of land.  However, you can buy an unlimited amount by setting up a Honduran corporation.  This is a common practice and one that is perfectly legal.  A Honduran attorney can make this a simple process for you.

The assistance of a qualified attorney is also invaluable throughout the buying process. The steps of buying include proving a clear title, proper registration, and paid up taxes on the property involved.  An attorney can make these otherwise complex tasks much more manageable and handle all the related paperwork, which must be notarized and written in Spanish.

In terms of residency, Honduras offers several visa options.  Most notably, its retirement visa has an income requirement of only $1,500 per month, which suffices for the applicant as well as his or her dependents.

4.  If Carnival Cruise Lines is interested in Roatan real estate, maybe you should be too.

The top names in tourism don’t typically dock in places where there’s nothing to do, right?  Well, in Roatan there is certainly no shortage of activities to entertain even the most lively expats.  As a result, several cruise lines have added it as a destination port. And industry-leading Carnival recently developed a large section of beach where its cruise passengers can relax or embark on a number of excursions.

Without question the island’s biggest draw is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.  The second largest in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, it attracts divers and explorers from around the world.  The island offers a number of dive shops and guided tours of the reef.  Also featured are opportunities for snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking in and around the reefs and mangroves.

Until tourism took over, Roatan’s largest industry was commercial fishing.  As a result, it offers some of the best sport fishing around.  Offshore catches include tarpon, tuna, and marlin.  You can also try fly-fishing among the mangroves and sand flats.

For land-loving expats, there’s horseback riding, hiking, and the world-class Black Pearl Golf Course.  There are also restaurants serving up everything from steak to sushi and bars with live music and fresh fruit cocktails.

In addition to the abundance of activities, those interested in Roatan real estate will also be pleased with the infrastructure and amenities the island offers.  Electricity and water is available throughout the island, as are telephones and high-speed internet.  The roads are simple to navigate, and even the unpaved ones are easy enough (unless conditions are wet).  Medical services are also available everywhere, although those with serious conditions should probably travel to the mainland.

5.  The low cost of buying and living in Roatan leaves plenty left for all the perks.

One of the most attractive features about Roatan real estate is the price tag.  Combine this with one of the lowest costs of living in the world, and you can afford a lot of things you never imagined.

Prices in Honduras are often half that of even its Central American neighbors. As a result, many expats find that they’re able to afford larger homes and better views, with enough left over to hire an entire staff to keep up the property.

Still others are finding ways to use their resources to give back to the community, hiring locals to work in their small businesses or opening up their homes to be used as schools or retreat facilities.  The possibilities are endless.

With accolades continuing to pour in, and with Roatan real estate being viewed by starry-eyed would-be expats on House Hunters International, it’s certain that this Honduran island won’t be one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets for long.

However, with so many available options and great incentives to buy, it’s also certain to remain one of Central America’s best all-around retirement destinations for decades to come.

When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? How about smooth, powder-white sand beaches and crystal blue water, all wrapped up with moderate, year-round weather at an affordable price? The beautiful island of Roatan Honduras, can offer expats all of the above and the best part is, you don’t have to be dreaming to make it a reality.

Timothy Wildy

The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan can be found just off the northern coast of mainland Honduras, encompassed by the clear, warm waters of the Caribbean.

Approximately 31 miles long and less than 5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people, but this island paradise attracts thousands of tourists to its pristine shores each year.

In fact, Island Magazine named Roatan the #1 island in the world to retire to in 2011 and it was also listed on Kiplinger.com as one of “8 great places to retire abroad”.

But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expats choose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there?

Scenic beauty and the perfect climate

Along with unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Roatan also has that year-round moderate weather that so many expats crave.

As is expected in any tropical environment, there are hot and rainy seasons in Roatan.  The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably.

The average temperature in Roatan is a perfect 28°C, with the lowest temperature being around 22°C and the highest, 31° C. So pack away your heavy coats, for in Roatan, you will never need more than a light jacket to be comfortable.

It’s not yet thick with crowds

Although this may change as Roatan continues to gain recognition, the island is not yet densely populated. If you choose to settle down in Roatan, you will be free of some of the crowds that would be simply unavoidable in other popular expat spots in Central America.

Actually the current balance is quite ideal. Because Roatan is not yet congested with tourists, the prices remain very affordable, and yet, because the tourism industry is an important aspect of Roatan’s economy, the island is filled with amenities like restaurants and bars that can be great additions for local expats.

There is an established expat community

Again, even though Roatan isn’t overrun with tourists and expats, there is definitely an established expat community in Roatan Honduras.

And with 4 modern supermarkets, bilingual schools (teaching English and Spanish) and other first world amenities available on the island, adjusting to Roatan life can be made a little easier for North American expats.

Friendly locals

In Roatan, expats can not only expect to be welcomed by their fellow expats, but by the friendly locals as well.

The local people in Roatan, Honduras, are made up of a unique blend of cultures from different ethnic backgrounds, but the largest population of locals are of Indian and Spanish decent.

And while Spanish is the national language in Honduras, many locals also speak good English and some are even predominantly English speaking, which makes communicating in Roatan easy for North American expats.

A home away from home

One of the major dilemmas that many retirees face when deciding on a location for a second, or even primary home, is how much distance they are willing to put between them and their families back in the U.S.

On the one hand, relocating to an affordable tropical paradise may sound almost too good to be true, but on the other, not being able to run over to see the grandkids every day could be a deal breaker for some expats.

A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament.

Honduras is only a short 2.5 hour flight from Houston, Texas, and with flights arriving to and from on a daily basis, North American expats can realistically be lounging on the beach one day and enjoying Thanksgiving with their families the next.

It’s easy to get residency

Getting residency in Roatan is a relatively simple process and you can be granted a retirement Visa as long as you can prove that you have a monthly income of $1,500.

Once you’ve acquired that, you can own up to ¾ acres of land in your own name, the property taxes are very low and any foreign earned income will not be taxed at all.

It’s a great time to buy

The real estate market in Roatan is actually related to the U.S. economy, which consequently, is where the largest number of Roatan expats hail from.

After the housing crisis that reached an all-time low in 2008, the housing market in the U.S. is beginning to improve and the market today is prime for buyers due to extremely low prices. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices won’t stick around indefinitely.

Exploring Roatan Honduras

viva team

The largest town in Roatan, Honduras, is Coxen Hole, where the airport, government offices, and cruise ship docks can be found.

But unless you’re catching a flight, Coxen Hole isn’t the best area for expats. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night).

The French Harbour of Roatan is the second largest community on the island and is filled with amenities like grocery stores, banks, and even a shopping center.

In Punta Gorda, you will find the largest population of Garifuna people. Tied to their African heritage, the Garifuna continue to play African drums and to speak in their native tongue.

The west end of Roatan is definitely more popular with tourists, and in the bohemian West End Village, expats can find restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and a lot of excitement.

However, this excitement can best be experienced at night as people come out to dance, listen to live music, and walk along half-moon bay, the crescent shaped beach that the village is built along.

Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment.

Slow down and live like a local

Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America.

Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book.

And after stocking up with fresh produce from the local market, cook flavorful and inexpensive meals made up of fish, blue crab, shrimp, mangoes, coconut, and plantains and be sure to get a taste of authentic Honduran cuisine by trying local dishes like delicious conch soup.

Hit the beach

If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach can’t be beat. Described by Lonely Planet as “pitch perfect”, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis.

Soak in the the sun on the sprawl of white sand, swim or snorkel in the warm waves, or maybe try your hand at paragliding.

You can catch a water taxi from West End Village that will take you to West Bay Beach in around 10 minutes for under $3. What could be better?

Diver’s paradise

Life in Roatan, Honduras, can be calm and relaxed, but it can also be lively and invigorating depending on how you choose to spend your days.

One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat.

There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2^nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore. You will experience life underwater as you observe seawalls, shipwrecks, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales all in the gorgeous warm waters of the Caribbean.

With so much to offer, what is keeping expats from immediately jumping on the next plane to Roatan, Honduras?

Crime in Roatan

When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, “Is Honduras safe?”

It can’t be denied. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, it’s no wonder that some expats feel wary.

The truth of the matter is, the majority of the crime in Honduras is situated on the mainland in the country’s major cities.

The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. Most of the traffic coming in and out of Roatan arrives through monitored access points like the airport and ferry terminals and Roatan also uses a primary road that makes police stops quite easy.

If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. Don’t walk in large cities at night, don’t display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums.

Is Roatan right for you?

Roatan is a beautiful island community that will remind you what it means to truly enjoy life. If you have been looking for a retirement spot with ideal weather, picture perfect beaches and affordable prices that’s only a short plane ride away, consider Roatan, Honduras.

Book a flight, pack your bags and take a tour around the island to see if life in Roatan is in fact the life for you.