Expert: John Crandall - 9/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, John,

I saw another response of yours while browsing and thought I'd pose this
question for you.  I'm looking to eventually settle somewhere warm and I'd
like to live in the Caribbean if possible.  Ideally, I would like to live
somewhere affordable and on the beach.  "Roughing it" is not a problem for
me.  In fact, I've considered buying a tiny island and living in a hand-made
shack.  But, I would like to have SOME infrastructure, including electricity and
plumbing.  Beyond that, I'm not picky.  I have looked at Little Cayman, and
that seems nice (only 200 people), but I know that's not your area, so I'd be
open to anything you'd suggest.  Of course, I would have to travel there first,
so that would be on the agenda as well.  Having said that, some sort of
airfield would be required as well, I guess.  

Any advice (even if it's to suggest a book) would be very helpful.  Thanks!



ANSWER: Hey Marc,

    I have had many questions posed similar to yours and my response is always pretty much the same. Personally, "roughing it" in the Caribbean is way too familiar to the locals on many of the Caribbean Islands. I don't know how much Caribbean travel you have done or, how familiar you are with the island cultures as well but, when you refer to moving to the Caribbean you must be aware of the non-touristy areas of the island. Most of them are impoverished villages and very run down areas with hardly any infrastructure at all. Children attend school in huts and buildings that barely have a roof or any educational structure. Yes, depending on what island, you will possibly see more infrastructure and a much better overall condition concerning the quality of life.

    There are so many varibales to take into consideration because relocating to a Caribbean Island in lieu of purchasing a vacation home is a dramatic and sometimes difficult transition. Hurricanes, infrastructure, economy, etc. must be considered.

    My suggestion...choose a destination that is more commercialized with a diverse economic infrastructure. And, by all means...travel to and learn about the island prior to making a decision. Yes, I can suggest many islands that would suit your adventurous spirit but I don't think it would be a destination I would permanently relocate to. If you can provide me with more information concerning your absolute needs to reside on a particular island other than an air field (airport) it would provide me the ability to be much more specific concerning your choices. Trust me, I've experienced first hand the Caribbean culture and all it has to offer. I can be very exact in my opinions if you include more information. Thanks.

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your quick and thorough reply.  I realize now that I
should have been much more clear about what I'm looking for.

So, here are some more details for you to consider.

I don't want to live in squalor.  I don't want to worry about theft and disease
(any more than I do in the US), but I also don't care to live in a "rich" place,
either.  I suppose the requirements I would have would be ability to own land
- preferably on the beach - and sand by the way, not rocks :-) - also I would
want to have reasonable access to air travel, a small clinic, at least one or two
grocery stores, and as I said before, somewhat reliable electricity and
relatively clean drinking water.  

The government doesn't have to be extremely stable, but genocide and
constant revolutions are out.  

I would also prefer to live on an island with 20-2,000 other people, rather
than somewhere like the Dominican Republic.  I don't want to see sunburned
tourists getting off cruise ships, either.  Integrating with the locals would be
fine, even if I had to learn the language, but of course it would be nice to live
with english speakers.

This line of thinking leads me to think that there must be a number of islands
that would fit my requirements.  I'm wondering if there is some sort of
"minor" cruise line that will take tourists to non-tourist places like this -
perhaps just 5-10 people with a similar agenda?  I don't care about scuba
diving, dance clubs, expensive beverages, or air-conditioned hotels.  I'm just
looking for a place I would feel comfortable buying a vacation home and then
possibly retiring.

I'm sure I'm not the first person looking for this kind of info.  If you know of a
book that might answer some of my questions, I would really appreciate it.

I would just book a cruise on Carnival or something, but I'm really afraid I'll
be disappointed and feel like I wasted my money - since all I'll see are the
"touristy" areas.

Thanks in advance, John - help like yours is hard to find.  Please ask me any
questions that may help you narrow down your ideas :-)  

Answer
Hi Marc,

    Thanks for clarifying your question and providing the opportunity to be more helpful. The first order of business is to reside in a location outside the hurricane belt. Peace of mind is imperative. Hurricanes in the Caribbean have devastated land and vacation owners and though the Caribbean islands are extremely picturesque you will definitely want your investment to be sound choice. That being said there are several islands that I would recommend to ease your decision. The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao) are outside the hurricane belt. Each have stable economies and health care is accessible. Like other islands, there are remote areas in and around these islands with wonderful properties directly located on white sanded beaches. The temperature is approximately 80 degrees year round with an average rainfall of about 4-6 inches per year. You must understand that tourism fuels much of their economy but you can reside in areas more remote and less touristy too.

    First, you will need the assistance of a reputable real estate agent the specializes in the purchase of an island home and who is completely familiar with the island infrastructure. Remax Island Properties offer residences and prestigious beach-side homes that are distinct and fit any budget. Though they specialize in St.Martin/St.Maarten, they also can be tremendously helpful with properties anywhere in the Caribbean including Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao. You can reach them toll free at 1(866)978-5851 or,
1(866)978-5852, direct 1(599)543-6306 www.islandpropertiesonline.com

    Unusual villa & island rentals Caribbean-wide 1(800)846-7280, www.unusualvillarentals.com

    Villas of distinction 1(800)289-0900, www.villasofdistinction.com

    Wimco, also Caribbean-wide 1(866)483-4071 or www.wimco.com

    Blue Escapes, Caribbean-wide 1(800)5556-4801 or www.blueescapes.com

    Give some of these property management companies a try. They will be resourceful when considering your needs. If they can not directly assist you they may have the ability to recommend a contact. contacts are the key and they're resources are endless. In the interim go to a local Barnes & Nobel or Borders or www.amazon.com to find special books on Caribbean living.

    Marc, I hope this is helpful. Also check out Anguilla too. Anguilla is very remote and is an island of the coast of St.Maarten/St.Martin. It is a water ferry/water taxi ride away. They have very nice properties that match your needs as well.

Best of Luck to you.

John