WhyRetireinCaribbean

For many, retiring in the Caribbean is a dream come true. For others, you may wish to spend only the winters basking in the sun. Whatever the reason, the Caribbean offers something for everyone at affordable prices.

From beachfront investment property to luxury high rise condos, the Caribbean has it all. Right now, Costa Rica and Panama are very hot with regards to Americans retiring and investing in property. Beachfront property in Florida is overpriced right now, but Caribbean beachfront property is still affordable.

Luxury high rise condos in Florida can cost in the millions, but the same level of luxury can be had in Panama City for example for $170,000 to $350,000. How about a live-in maid for $300 per month. Yes, it's all possible when you think outside the box and consider retiring full or part-time in the Caribbean.

Wake up in Paradise!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up every morning to the sound of a wave breaking on the shore. Or tropical birds singing in the morning? How about a late night thunderstorm to cool the heat from the day and bring cool breezes through an open window? Caribbean living is relaxing, refreshing; it's the way life is supposed to be. You've worked very hard your entire life. Now is the time to enjoy all life has to offer. Great food, drink and yes, great weather!

Life on a tropical island is laid back. The sun is shining, everyone is smiling and you have to decide, do I relax on the hammock or jump in the boat and do some fishing....what a life. There are great retirement magazines that can help you with your search. Get a subscription for several island magazines and retirement magazines and start cutting out pictures and articles in a scrap book. Information is key when making a decision as important as retiring in the Caribbean.

Panama: #1 Retirement Destination 5 years in a row!

A good resource is RetireInPanama.INFO where you can find out why Panama has been voted the number one retirement destination 5 years in a row!

Caribbean Real Estate

It's also a great idea to check out Caribbean real estate agencies that specialize in Caribbean real estate, such as Remax Caribbean, Sothebys Realty and Ritz Carlton Real Estate. There are many other reputable real estate agents in the Caribbean to choose from.

Prices can range from $500 per acre on some interior lots on some of the islands to $500,000 for a prime beachfront or waterview lot. Depending on your budget, there is an island for you that is affordable.

Where to live: Island, beachfront, mountains?

When travelling to the Caribbean to decide which island or country to retire on, you may want a long term rental at one of the many Caribbean beach resorts and caribbean luxury condos. This will give you a better idea of what staying for prolonged periods of time will be like, rather than staying in just another hotel on the beach.

Beachfront property is a hot commodity. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars in a remote section of Costa Rica to millions of dollars on very desirable beaches in the Cayman Islands for example. The point is, you can find affordable beachfront property to build your dream retirement home.

You may want to buy a home already built. There are many homes for sale on all of the Caribbean islands, but prices will vary.

Hurricanes and Earthquakes

No honest discussion about retiring in the Caribbean can take place without mentioning hurricanes and earthquakes. Most of the islands you have heard of such as St. Thomas, St. Martin, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, etc. get hurricanes.

Once you get to the lower Caribbean such as Aruba and the central American countries such as Costa Rica and Panama you do not get hurricanes. However, Costa Rica does, unfortunately have earthquakes, and some of those tremors can be felt in Panama, although Panama is not known for very large earthquakes.