Caribbean real estate

just to visit right now but maybe stay for extended periods for retirement.

I'm looking more for opinions on stable governments and projected future appreciation. I am clueless.

I did some research and found that there are modest places and rock star private islands. You will need either a management company or if at all possible find a handyman service to do grounds maintenance for you. Obviously get references.

I didn't do much research on the legalities and process but from the little bit that I did do, it seemed fairly straight forward.

I found some smaller islands in the BVI that were only accessible by boat and/or helicopter. That will be the route that I go. I am looking for very little tourism. Don't think the helicopter is in my future so by boat is the way I will go. Most are no more than about 30-40 minutes by boat to a large island that has everything such as airports or major shopping.

If you are planning on retiring down there, there are some websites that have information as how to "give up" your citizenship but it didn't sound worth it unless you had millions. I talked to my financial advisor and he said the same thing.

Another thing to consider when looking is whether or not that island has phone, internet, and other major utilities. While I want to get away, there is no way I could give up the internet or my ability to call someone when I wanted to. I even checked on what satellite phones go for in case I found a steal of a deal on an island that my Iphone didn't work on. BTW the pricing of satellite phones is about the equivalent of old cell phones with the 100 minute plans. You don't just sit on the sofa and have a leisure conversation unless you want to set your credit card on fire.

That would be a great idea if I was looking to vacation without any type of utilities and possibly be brutally murdered in my sleep for $20 bucks.

quote:

---

know of people that bought in Montserrat AFTER the terrible volcano and got in good.

---

Interesting. I spent a few of my childhood years on that island and left right before that tragedy happened.

quote:

---

I'm looking more for opinions on stable governments and projected future appreciation. I am clueless.

---

It would be hard to beat Costa Rica. Many Americans living down there. Stable gov't and fairly accommodating to ex-pats. Check it out.

Not true. There are islands in the BVI that are safe but not mainstream as some of the larger islands. The one that I picked is only 1/2 mile wide and 2 miles long. Has a grocery store, bank, doctor, and the essentials. Just no airport. 45 miles to Nassau and 20 minute boat ride to major tourist shopping. Cheaper than buying a place in Florida that overlooks the water.

in general, what I said is absolutely true.

Yeah you can find exceptions in some small islands that are only accessible by boat/helicopter like you are talking about, but I personally wouldn't want to deal with that.

Panama has passed Costa Rica as the retirement destination of choice.

Here's some sites about international living-

https://www.internationalliving.com/

https://www.expatexchange.com/index.cfm

https://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/10/time-to-escape-from-america/

LINK