Americans attracted to moving to Belize

By Aaron Humes: Belize and the United States of America have long shared mutual interests in every situation imaginable, but in light of uncertain political and economic times, a magazine suggests more Americans want to start over in The Jewel than anywhere else.

As of May, International Living magazine has seen a massage surge in traffic to its page on how to move out of the U.S., some 504.97%. Editor Jennifer Stevens cites the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming presidential election pitting incumbent Donald Trump against former vice-president Joe Biden, and the effects of COVID-19 on the American economy and financial challenges for those now jobless.

Even with international travel restrictions, Americans are looking for places to move either temporarily or permanently, and Belize is among the top five such places along with Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica and Italy.

International Living has seen a whopping 798.01% increase in traffic to its “Move to Belize” page since May 2020.

In its description, “Belize is a barefoot nirvana. It’s hard to put its charm into words, but the best description might include the phrase “rustic paradise.”

The usual attractions are mentioned – natural beauty in the beaches and rainforest, a slower pace of life and (relatively) lower cost of living.

One resident compares Belize’s culture to that of the American Midwest, citing “a lot of value placed on hard work, modesty, grit, resilience, and leaving things better than you found it.” She divides her time between Ambergris Caye and Placencia, two of the more popular landing places.

A couple living and renting on Ambergris Caye can live well on a monthly budget from US$2,875 per month, according to International Living.

The good news for such travelers is that the International Airport reopens on August 15 – just make sure to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test and be prepared not to see much of the country over the first two weeks you’re here.