I am Thinking about Retiring in the Caribbean

[funforsun]

We booked the Southern Caribbean on Serenade, in part to see islands which we have never seen before. My idea is not to do excursions or the like, but look at real estate and discuss the living conditions on the islands with locals, specifically local real estate personnel who are not pushy and are into the "long term sale".

 

So, I am looking for recommendations about where to look for beachfront real estate (land, condo or villa) on Antigua, St Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barts, or St. Lucia where there may be communities of x-pats from the States. I am also looking for recommendations for specific real estate agents who may be willing to spend some time with us and give us the flavor of the islands, including a look at some listings currently for sale.

 

Thanks in advance. We are just getting started in this journey and the first step is always the most exciting!

[amybear912]

DH and I are also interested in this and it's why we started cruising - to see the islands...

 

we aren't ready to retire, rather we would love to own a restaurant and live and work there... something geared to locals and ex-pats...maybe a little bed and breakfast.

 

DH is a chef.

 

we met a few people while in St. Thomas that live there and had lived on the continent but just dropped it all and moved to the island. from what they said it was relatively easy and not nearly as expensive as we thought.

[idocdlw]

You may also try double u double u double u dot escapeartist dot com for info. I'm toying with the same idea...like you...in the early stages of researching the whole prospect.

[Sue L]

Several years ago we did an art tour on St Maarten and we were told by the guide that there were more and more Americans moving there every year. We got to go into a few houses where the artists lived (4 were Americans) and the houses were beautiful. One neighborhood in particular was way up high and the view was magnificent. Sorry but I don't remember what the area was called!

 

I also personally love St Lucia, it is the only country in the world that celebrates my birthday as a national holiday, Dec 13th Saint Lucy's Day!!!

[sessa]

Here is the link for escapeartist....

www.escapeartist.com

[magicolor_girl]

Several years ago we did an art tour on St Maarten and we were told by the guide that there were more and more Americans moving there every year. We got to go into a few houses where the artists lived (4 were Americans) and the houses were beautiful. One neighborhood in particular was way up high and the view was magnificent. Sorry but I don't remember what the area was called!

 

I also personally love St Lucia, it is the only country in the world that celebrates my birthday as a national holiday, Dec 13th Saint Lucy's Day!!!

 

Ooooooh!! That's my birthday too! I always knew it was a holiday, I'm just glad others have finally caught on!! ;) :D