Best Caribbean island/area in Mexico to live in? (living, restaurants)

[BahamaBlu]

Many of us dream of moving out into the Caribbean, Mexico, etc but truthfully, where could you see yourself FULL-TIME? I personally like Grand Cayman for living. What areas do you people out there prefer??

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by BahamaBlu

Many of us dream of moving out into the Caribbean, Mexico, etc but truthfully, where could you see yourself FULL-TIME? I personally like Grand Cayman for living. What areas do you people out there prefer??

I could see myself on most of them, but preferably not Bahamas because they can get cold winter weather. (Strong breezes with highs below 75 F) I was there for an afternoon and froze my butt off, wearing a bathing suit and t-shirt.

So far I enjoyed Puerto Rico, USVI and Jamaica. I have no idea what it's like to actually live there but they had awesome scenery and weather.

I suppose my ultimate destination would have good surfable waves most of the time on one side of the island. Places that fit this description are Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and probably most of the eastern Carribbean islands. I've also heard of some places on Mexico's Pacific that are awesome for surfing.

[carolinajack]

grand cayman is nice, Roatan is awesome too

[BlueWillowPlate]

I've been to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, I think that's all. Have been to Baja Peninsula but that's it.
They were all great to visit but I would not want to live there permanently.
I think I'd go a little stir-crazy. Just not enough there.
The Hawaiian Islands have a bit more to them and I think I could manage okay there. But I realize this thread does not address that location.
I still do hope to visit more Caribbean islands, anyway. Curacao and Martinique appeal to me because of their European flavor.

[dullnboring]

I've never been anywhere in the Caribbean or Mexico for that matter, minus a quick jaunt over to Tijuana, but I am debating going at this very second for a little trip. Just from what little I know and have seen, like cil, I don't think I could ever actually live there just because there isn't enough "there" there, and I'm more of a big city person. Not to mention, I've never lived in a tropical environment before and am not sure how well I'd cope. If I had to choose though (and these are also the places I'm looking to vacation), I'd probably go for Aruba, Curacao or Martinique just because they seem a bit more exotic than the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Some of the old colonial towns and cities along the Mexican coast and inland as well, like the famous American-filled city of San Miguel de Allende as well as Guanajuato, look amazing.

Bermuda too, but it's not really in the Caribbean although it has that flair to it.

[expatjenafair]

If you are looking for an escape spot off the beaten track, you might consider Dominica. I is affordable, safe and is very welcoming to expats.

I moved here a couple of years ago and both my husband and I are very glad we made the jump! In fact, I wrote a book about my experience with moving from the US to the Caribbean (livingdominica.com).

Right now Dominica is an incredible bargain, but this can't last. I am so glad we moved when we did.

Jen

[Wisteria]

Dullnboring Bermuda too, but it's not really in the Caribbean although it has that flair to it.

I'll jump on board for a moment (not overboard..... ). Like others here, I'm not an island person. I've been to St. Maarten in the Caribbean and I've also been to Bermuda -- I much prefer Bermuda. St. Maarten has a lot of poverty once you get out of the tourist spots. Bermuda is quite lovely. Both islands can easily be toured quickly -- which is the thing I don't like about islands -- I get island fever. Bermuda is very clean, and still very tropical. Knowing the difference, if I went back to either, I'd choose Bermuda.

But.....my favorite island is Manhattan Island!!

[jsfountain]

Great topic. I have been to many islands in the Caribbean:
San Juan, Bahamas, St Thomas, St John, St Martin, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia.

Also to some places in Mexico:
Cancun, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta

Would be hard for me to choose a "favorite" place to live for long term. But if i have to give an answer i choose St Martin (french side) or Barbados.

[Cornerguy1]

Tally another vote for French St. Martin, although Dutch Sint Maarten wouldn't exactly suck either.

Weather, beaches, friendly islanders, great restaurants, shopping, healthcare: St. Martin has it all.

[shannaCT]

I used to live on the west coast of Puerto Rico- I just wanted to share some pics! It's a lot different than San Juan...