Hello all. I'm new to the site and was wondering what would be the best island to settle on? I'm going to be renting for a few weeks near the end of the year. Looking to retire to the Caribbean within the next 3 or 4 years and want to get a head start on where the best place to buy would be. I'm up for any suggestions from people in the know. Thanks.

St. John is the smallest and least busy. St. Thomas the busiest with a cruiseport. St. Croix I haven't been to.

If you are serious about permanently relocating, why not spend 1 week on each island this trip to see for yourself?

Would you consider other islands besides just the USVI?

Yes, would consider any of the islands. I guess I'm looking for low key, friendly people, safe place. I like the night life, but not too much. Maybe a show at a casino and some live music every now and then. views from my condo or house would be very important. Thanks.

If you're a US citizen seeking permanent relocation and purchasing property, then I think either Puerto Rico or the USVI is easiest. But of the Caribbean islands I've personally visited the USVI were my least favorite. I would not choose to live there myself.

Have you been to the Caribbean before? I guess the point I'm trying to make it I'd do quite a bit of vacationing to look around for yourself, see what suits you. I can't imagine living full-time on St. Thomas but maybe it'd be perfect for you.

Thanks Suze. I'd like to visit St. Marteen, St Croix, Antigua, Anguilla, Barbuda and a few more to see what suits me. Plus, I would live there about 7 or 8 months and the rest of the time in Florida. I wanted to get a feel from a few people that have already done what I'm about to do. I would also like to be on an island where I could be close enough to visit other islands by boat and not have to take a plane to get there. I'm also wondering if there are some other less known little islands out there. Thanks for your help.

It sounds like a wonderful idea. Hopefully others will chime in. You might want to try a different title like "Living part-time in the Caribbean" because that's really more your question then just where to go on a vacation.

Good luck!

I have a few favorite places but since I'm west coast U.S. I more often go to either Mexico or Hawaii, then the Caribbean. And would likely look to them for my personal retirement nirvana.

The new topic sounds like a great idea. I'll put it up tomorrow. As you can see I'm new to this. I'll catch on quick enough. Thanks again Suze.

Our retirement dream landed us on Ambergris Caye in Belize. My condo looks out on the Caribbean, the country is English speaking. Easy for foreigners to purchase and get full title on their property. Much, much cheaper than many of the islands we looked at in the Caribbean itself.

Belize is more 'third world' than many of the islands. Also has a more 'Mexican' feel. Most local people on the island speak English and Spanish.

Lots of expats from the US and Canada, quite a few from the UK. A great place for the winter....

I've heard great things about Belize. I didn't realize that about foreigners purchasing property. That's really good information to know. Thanks. I've always pictured Mexico for myself, but knowing I'd likely just rent there, not try to buy anything.

Mike_C,

I'm planning a trip to St. Thomas and St. John this summer, got married on St. Croix. So, have done a lot of web searches on USVI. This site has some very good information on relocating to the USVI: http://www.vimovingcenter.com/faq/

Hope it helps!
Saige

I did look into Belize and we are going to spend a week there. I heard a lot of great things about it. The diving is supposed to be second to none. Looking forward to swimming with the nurse sharks and sting rays. I'm also going to check out that website Saige. Thanks everyone.

JeanH, Hi, how long have you been in Belize? Are you there year round? Do you feel safe and how are the people, food, Govt.? Thanks.