Is it safe for Americans to live and work in Belize?

Question

my brother in-law is considering taking a job in Belize and I have heard that the area is not stable, is that true or is it the paradise it appears to be from online sites?

Answer 1

I can tell you that I was there on vacation for 2 weeks, and it was INCREDIBLE!

The people are really friendly and the food was so awesome.

I went with my best friend (we are both female) and we felt totally safe.  We didn't rent a car, only took public transportation (all over the country) and we walked around at night to restaurants and such with no problems.  We met lots of other Americans while we were there, some of whom had moved there and loved it.

It is actually a place I would consider retiring to.

Tell your brother-in-law to go for it!

Answer 2

Check this website; it is written by Americans living abroad.  You may read what is there about Belize and contact other ex-pats.

Answer 3

It is quite safe.  My wife and I (with two kids 8 and 4) moved down to Belize about 18 months ago and we have had a great experience.  We have traveled in many parts of the country and have had no problems.  The riskiest part of the country is Belize City but we have traveled to that city dozens of time with no problems although I would not live there - but we know dozens of people that do with relatively few problems.

It is a perfect place - no.  You need to be careful like everywhere else and do as people here do - have burglar bars on your windows, many have dogs in the yard and create fences around the house.

This is all to say we are planning to stay for years, are enjoying our stay a great deal and feel that if you take common sense precautions things should be fine.