Should we move to Honduras?

Question

My husband is from Honduras and has been living here almost 8 years. We've been married 7 and just had a baby who's 9 months. My husband's sick of working just to pay the bills and thinks we could live a better life in Honduras. We visited there once for a month and I didn't like it much. No hot water, no friends. I missed home. We have about $20,000 dollars we could get from selling our house. Is this enough to buy a nice home? Also, I worry about health care (I have stomach problems and anxiety), school for our son, and most of all, my safety. I know Honduras has one of the highest crime rates in all of Central America. I have red hair and feckles and wouldn't blend in too easily. Anyone lived there? Do you think it's safe?

Answer 1

I'm assuming that your husband won't put you or your child to risk. Countries, even if you hear crime rates being commited, does not necessarily mean that it's being committed everywhere you go. There a lot of places that are safe in Honduras. I have the same dillema. Me and my wife are about to have a baby and I used to be so frustrated about my work and everyday life that I wanted to move back to our native country. This would not be impossible as long as you have the right amount of money and livelihood. $20K is not enough especially with a baby. I would suggest though that you and your husband start purchasing real estate over there then slowly pay for it while you have the resources here. Also, you can ask around for a good business to set-up over there so that if you guys ever decided to move back then almost everything is set-up already.

Being frustrated and tired of just the same over and over again seems to be the norm especially for non-native born US Citizens. I think that his job is the main reason why he gets so frustrated. I was feeling that way but when moved to another job and was being paid a higher salary now then I calmed down a little bit. I still want to go home to my native country in a few years time but at least the pay increase will make it faster for me to purchase properties there and establish a business. The good thing is that we are still US Citizens and can come back anytime. Think and plan about it first then move after everything is set-up. You would like to live like a queen there so savings is a must instead of just relying on your home sales. At least give yourself ample amount of time to think.

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

Go to Honduras!

Answer 4

I can relate to how you feel. My husband is also from Honduras. We lived in Honduras for the first 4 years of our marriage. And we had our first child there as well. It is a big adjustment... but not impossible. So much depends on your attitude. I had a poor attitude about living there for the first 3 years and didn't allow myself to enjoy it as much as I could have. The last year I started enjoying life there and now that we are living in the US, I miss Honduras and would consider moving back sometime in the future.

I agree with the other response that your husband wouldn't put you in a situation that would be dangerous or harmful. As with anywhere in the world, you just need to avoid places you know are risky. Life is different there but not terrible. Do you know where in Honduras you are thinking about moving too?

I believe that you shouldn't think about your first trip to Honduras when considering moving there. Visiting somewhere and living somewhere are completely different. If you allow yourself, you will make friends. You will figure out life there. And it will eventually feel like home.

As far as a house to live in, I assume on your first trip you stayed with his family. If they didn't have hot water you had to live with it. If you move there you can decide that you can't live without that luxury, and that's ok. We always had hot water where we lived too. I didn't want to give that up.

You can get good health care in the large cities and in most larger towns as well. Our daughter was born in Siguatepeque. Your husband will know where that is. I actually think I got better health care for my daughter in Honduras than for our son who was born here. I miss my obgyn and our pediatrician like crazy. They were always so attentive to our needs. We were even given their personal cell phone numbers in case we needed anything 24/7.

There are good schools in Honduras as well, especially in the cities. This also is something I wish we could do for our kids than have to put them in public school here in the US.

With the slower pace of life people actually have time for each other. I miss that a lot. I have so many genuine friends in Honduras. My friends here in the US are wonderful too but so few of them actually have time to get together.

I hope this helps calm your fears about the idea of moving to Honduras. It's really not that bad. And just remember the biggest key to it all is perspective and attitude. Email me if you want. [e-mail]

Good luck!