I am living in CA and am currently doing my research on many possible areas to re-locate. I want to purchase a lot and build, a small home, or condo... any property must be reasonably safe, must give me a place for my two dogs to be confined, and must be near or on the beach. I hope to hear from some people... past visitors, locals, or anyone with another great idea of a location to consider. Thanks, Rick

Plenty of retired gringos here and more coming every day. You will find those features here, if you can afford them. This isn't the cheapest place to settle but many think its the nicest. You need to come check it out for yourself. No one else can do that.

definately check it out first... take a small vacation there and scope out the place for potential living spots... it'll give u a better feel of what u'd be getting into!

desert.:. since ur writing in other threads about re:ur thread... i'll just answer here!! SP is beautiful... beach life is amazing! water is warm... the island is fairly safe and the closest city is Belize City! just think Caribbean... but honestly its a beautiful spot that i have no complaints about!

My choice!! Lived all over the world including Ca. Too beautiful for words but what makes this place so special is the people! Love them! Loads of choices for condos, from $105 to ...... Houses are harder to find but there. Don't have to learn a new language..still don't speak spanish. Too old. If you can stay here for a month, and you feel at home, move down!

HGTV featured Belize on "House Hunters International", it will air again:
• November 03, 2006 10:30 PM ET/PT
• November 04, 2006 2:30 AM ET/PT

Not the same as a visit - but it's a start!

Come stay a couple months and then decide. A vacation is not long enough to get a feel for the place.

i bought my house on my first trip down.

everyone is different. if you know yourself well, have thought it through, you will know if you need to visit.

i love my island, i love my house, i am making great friends, and i am happier than i have been in a long time (tuna issues aside )

I am not sure I agree but perhaps it is not my place to speak since I am not a gringo.
Most gringos come down and say that but the true test is those who make it more than one year.

Observer, you do have a point too. Have seen people come and go. I think it also depends on what your expectations are when you come. Many come hoping to start a business, or think it is less expensive than living in the States. Usually those are the people who move on. If you are coming to retire it is certainly a great deal easier. Have had our house for over 20yrs. and wouldn't be anywhere else. Like everyone else, love the people and friends we've made over the yrs. Every time we think of exploring other options, we look at what we have here and just say , Nah.