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WHY Northern Belize?
Northern Belize is particularly suited for permanent living. Here are some
of the good reasons we chose to settle here:
Close to Mexico & Shopping.
Chetumal
is 15 miles north, with two huge mercados, two supermarkets, and hundreds
of specialized shops (automotive parts, appliances, construction materials, art
supplies, etc. etc.) WARNING,
WARNING. Effective August 15, 2000, Belize began charging an
exit fee of $10US to every foreign national leaving the country.
Then, weeks later, Mexicans and Guatemalans were allowed a 72-hour pass without
paying. Consequently, this represents a predatory tax on
gringos.
Close to Mexican Medical Care. There
are numerous clinics in Chetumal, some with an HMO plan, and Mérida, accessible
by air from the Chetumal Airport, is a city of a half million with several
excellent hospitals.
Milder Climate. Southern Belize is VERY rainy (170 inches per
year.) Northern Belize is mild, with temperatures ranging from the 60's to
the 90's, and about 50 inches of rain a year, mostly during the hurricane
season.
Safe. Belize has 'way fewer hurricanes than Florida, Texas, or
North/South Carolina. Furthermore, Corozal is sheltered from the open sea
by Chetumal Bay and its defining peninsula. More locally, the streets of Corozal are well lit, and safe to
walk at night.
Large Expat Community. For all of the good reasons listed here, there
are over a hundred expat families living here, with new families arriving every
month. Along with the Belizeans, this provides a base of socially aware
companions that are interested in guaranteeing that Belize has "the best of
everything." For a look at a gringo enclave, click here.
Local Facilities. Corozal itself has
many local facilities like parks, playgrounds, schools, churches, shops, a
wonderful market full of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, and (surprise) the Corozal
Library
Local Activities. There are many local festivals and dances
(called "jump-ups") throughout the year. September, in
particular, is so full of holidays that Belizeans will warn you that nothing
gets done!
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