Caribbean & Central America

The lush, tropical destinations in the Caribbean and Central America draw thousands of visitors each year. Some of those visitors fall in love with these picture postcard gorgeous countries and decide to live there full-time or at least part of the year when the weather in their home country becomes unbearable.

Most people believe that a Caribbean retirement is only for the very wealthy. That’s simply not true if you know where to look. The places you’ll read about here are beautiful locations, offering a high standard of living, and a cost of living that’s a fraction of what you would spend in a similar location in the States or Canada.

If your overseas living, retirement, or snowbird dream includes powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and watching the sunset over a turquoise sea, you have plenty of options to consider among the welcoming countries that make up the Caribbean and Central American nations.

Panama, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and even Mexico (which is technically located in North America) are some of our favorite countries in this part of the world that should be on your radar.

You can choose from:

  • culturally rich historic towns such as Cartagena, Colombia and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • bustling waterfront cities like Panama City, Panama
  • laid-back beach towns like San Pedro, Belize,
  • cute little Latin American or Spanish-influenced communities,
  • unspoiled beaches in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama or Las Terranes, Dominican Republic
  • and tourist towns like Cancun and Tulum, Mexico

Just picture yourself enjoying perfect weather every day, taking daily strolls along the beach, feasting on fresh seafood and tropical fruits, and whiling away the hours reading a great book in a hammock. No more shoveling snow, driving in bad conditions, waiting for a short growing season to plant a garden, or hibernating while you wait for the weather to change. In the Caribbean and Central America, you can have the perfect tropical dream life.

Last Chance For Quality Pre-Construction Units In Las Terrenas

Umbrellas on the beach in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

A recent study by Statista revealed that 52% of Americans prefer vacationing at a beach… many of whom choose all-inclusive resorts and crowded, commercial locations. However, if you are like me, a true beach experience suggests long stretches of powdery sand, laid-back seafood restaurants with ocean views, and a relaxed community vibe. I found my

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Exploring Towns In Costa Ballena, Costa Rica’s Final Frontier

beach houses and apartments on a tropical beach in costa rica

I discovered a stunning along the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica that could conceivably be labeled her final frontier. Virtually untouched until recently, it has suddenly come alive. In this corner of Costa Rica, you’ll marvel at the natural untamed jungle, cerulean blue water lapping against pristine sandy beaches, and exotic wildlife and birds

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How Belize Banking Is Different To The Rest Of Latin America

Businessman shaking hand with a young couple in office. Bank agent and his client shaking hands in conference room. Happy smiling couple seal a deal with their personal financial advisor.

You’ve found the perfect overseas property and now you need the funds to buy it. Obtaining a mortgage in Central America can be a tricky and tiresome process. Ask anyone who’s tried it. But the industry is maturing, especially in Belize, a relative newcomer to international banking whose industry only began in 1996. Panama is

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3 Prime Property Locations On Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

Quintana Roo bay, Mexico

Authentic Traditional, Tourist Beach, Or Culture Capital? 3 Of Mexico’s Top Investment Opportunities With growing real estate opportunities and booming tourism, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is becoming a true hot spot for overseas investors. Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo are three popular destinations worth considering. To understand the advantages and disadvantages of investing in these areas, here’s

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Coffee, Cigars, and Simple Living In Nicaragua’s Mountains

Nicaraguan Mountains. Sunsest over a mountain town as panoramic shows scattered houses and mountain ranges in the distance

Being in Medellín for a few days recently got me thinking about the mountain towns in Nicaragua. Greater Medellín is a city of 4.5 million people, stretching 12 miles up and down the Aburrá Valley. The two most popular mountain cities of Nicaragua in my mind, by contrast, have a population of 270,000 people. Combined.

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A Quick Guide To Costa Rica’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Costa Rica MLS

Debunking The Costa Rican Multiple Listing Service Search the internet for “Costa Rica MLS” and the first 10 results you’ll receive are contradictory. Some claim that a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) exists, while others suggest that calling the Costa Rican system a MLS is unethical. Talk to a handful of locals and the answers you

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Why Mazatlan, Mexico, Just Might Be 2018’s Best Property Buy

Mazatlan, Mexico

I’m Betting On This Beach Resort For 2018 This is the time of year at Live and Invest Overseas when we take stock of the best performing markets of the current year and make our predictions for the best performers of the coming year. For 2018, my money’s on Mazatlán, Mexico. Yes, it’s true that

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Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica: A Great Place For A 2nd Home

Sunset on Playa Hermosa

On our first scouting trip to Costa Rica, my travel companions were on the lookout for properties with a water view. Follow the link to see my report from last week on the Lake Arenal area. After a week on expansive Lake Arenal, we drove to the Pacific coastal areas around Playa Hermosa. Many people have

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