|
Anybody who's ever visited The Caribbean has probably mulled over the idea of upping sticks and making things a bit more permanent than a couple of snatched weeks a year. The lure of endless sunshine, a slower pace of life, affordable cost of living, and the accessibility of conducting business in a virtual space means that it's now not just the wealthy retired demographic who are considering a sea change to The Caribbean. The Caribbean is made up of a diverse collection of islands so, for expats, the choice needs to be considered not only on budget, but also lifestyle aspirations – whether for business opportunities, family life, or retirement. While it's a given they're all blessed with natural beauty and an abundance of sunshine, here's a brief overview of the top Caribbean destinations for expats. Jamaica One of the best-known and largest of the islands, Jamaica is also the liveliest in terms of culture. It should be noted, however, that this vibrant and youthful spirit is tempered by a reputation for high crime, poverty, and underlying ethnic intolerance. That aside, for foreign investors looking to make a life in Jamaica, there's also plenty of good news in the aftermath of the recent global recession, with the government broadening its scope in offshore banking services. The Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands hold enormous appeal, primarily due to their tax-free status (apart from VAT, which can make imported and luxury goods quite costly) and position as an international offshore banking centre. With a stable economy and the highest standard of living in The Caribbean, there's a thriving expat community, although with not much in the way of culture and entertainment, it's more suited to those looking to develop their business interests or lay the foundations for a financially secure retirement. Barbados Beautiful Barbados offers a happy medium of all the most appealing aspects of The Caribbean. While relatively small, it still manages to keep a lot of balls in the air (literally) with a tight-knit sporting and musical culture, and it's also one of the most economically secure islands in terms of its offshore banking sector. With a stable government (similar to the British system), a very reasonable cost of living, and low crime rates, Barbados is ideal for those looking to enjoy a well-planned retirement or cultivate a safe, active family lifestyle. St Lucia Safe, stable, and with a growing economy based largely on its lucrative tourism industry, St Lucia is one of the most popular islands for those seeking the quintessential luxury expat 'lifestyle'. With unique property investment opportunities like The Landings St Lucia, which offer buyers chances to purchase rare freehold beachfront property, the options for both lifestyle and investment are covered. The flexibility of property ownership in The Landings St Lucia is popular with both retirees and families alike, attracted to the high quality of education and healthcare available on the island. Trinidad & Tobago With free education, a stable economy, and a strong political identity, the republic of Trinidad & Tobago attracts a diverse range of expats including retirees, families, and business people. Since the global recession, the economy has experienced steady growth and it continues its development as an important financial centre. Its location as the southernmost island in The Caribbean puts it in close proximity to South America, which has infused it with a vibrant culture distinctly its own. Whether for capital investment opportunities like The Landings St Lucia, the educational possibilities in Trinidad & Tobago, or the exotic cultural influences of Jamaica, there's a Caribbean island to suit any aspiring expat lifestyle. Adam Gobat is a renowned expert on the Caribbean, with a passion for its culture, history, people and places. His in-depth local knowledge and wealth of experience in the luxury property market are key to the marketing and sales of the luxury villas and penthouses in The Landings, St Lucia, a unique freehold opportunity for beachfront property in the Caribbean.
Related Articles -
The, Landings, St, Lucia,
|
