Saturday, August 1, 2009

Buying A Home In The Caribbean And Living The Good Life

By Chris Channing

Considering moving to the Caribbean islands? There is a cultural gap that you need to be made aware of. The transition to being a United States citizen to becoming part of the Caribbean lifestyle won't be too tough, but to save you some trouble there are a few tips to take heed to.

If there are any foods or comfort items you want to bring, be sure to do so if your mode of travel allows it. Most things on the Caribbean islands will have to be imported, so having your favorite dishes may not be possible, or at the very least cost a greater amount of money. Also be sure to pack a few things to remind you of home to cure home sickness.

The locals don't have a problem with the anxiety of staying on the island that foreigners do. If you hail from the United States, odds are you will eventually get a sense of being trapped on the island as you realize you are completely surrounded by water. This is perfectly normal, and easily cured by taking a small trip to other islands or even going back to the United States for a visit.

Living in a big city such as New York has probably put the sense of urgency in your everyday life. You like to arrive at destinations quickly, may not make small talk or not frequently, and generally like to get things done. This is in somewhat conflicted with the way of life the locals lead their life. Expect traffic jams involving animals, more friendly talk than you remember, and a slower pace of life.

The politeness of the general population in the Caribbean is very impressive. This goes along with the idea that the locals lead a slower paced life. You will, for instance, be talking to others and exchanging pleasantries more often. You may even find yourself stuck behind a vehicle that has stopped to talk to an acquaintance. Whatever the case, you will seldom find a citizen that treats you with ill respect or is in any way rude.

The real estate you have in mind is going to take time in searching. Some islands are more expensive, while others are considered less so. There are plenty of lower-class and high class properties to choose from. You only need help from a real estate agent familiar with the Caribbean islands to get an idea of what you can obtain. Your budget, preferences, and prerequisites can all be satisfied.

Closing Comments

The move to the Caribbean is a great idea. You may consider going there for vacation first to see if it could be a good fit for you. If it does seem so, start making plans for the move and perhaps even pick up a book or two about the Caribbean for extra knowledge.

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