Foreigners move to Belize for a variety of reasons - mainly a full change of life style and/or the climate.

We have a small number of foreign criminals who move here to avoid justice in their homeland. Many are returned north in handcuffs. Some still live amongst us but justice or karma will catch up with them eventually.

Many younger retirees leave to take care of ailing parents. Older retirees return home for better or supplemented health care reasons.

Younger folks move here for the lifestyle changes and enjoying their youth in a fairly carefree society that promotes entrepreneurism. They often leave when they feel it is time for their kids to get an education overseas.

In regards to owning property here, if you buy a home or condo it will likely take a year or so to sell if you price it at market value. It will sell faster below market value and if it is above market value it may take years to sell.

Renting when you first arrive is wise to ensure that you are really ready for this huge lifestyle change. Once you take the full plunge you are committed for usually a few years.

No matter how you find your way here and how long you stay here, you will leave forever changed, or you may choose to never leave.

Make you decisions with your eyes wide open and do not burn bridges at home. Leave a few doors or windows open so that you can return north if living here doesn't suit you after a while. But while you are here, enjoy and embrace the customs, traditions and alternate lifestyle that Belize has to offer you.