How to Choose a Neighborhood -Belize

Living on the lagoon you also get great sunsets.

In choosing the right place you need to consider:

**. Children. Do you have children or plan on having children? If so you may want to look for a neighborhood where there are other children, a school close by and walking distance to the beach.

**. What type of home are you looking for: Condo, house or villa. Do you want it in a commercial area? Would you like to live where you work. This is very convenient for several reasons. You would not have to commute to work, saves time and less bills.

REF # GSHOUSE

**. How far are you willing to travel to get to town and work? this would mean you would need either a boat, golf cart or both. If you live close enough to town all you will need is a bicycle.

Ref#Mango House

**. Do you want to buy something already built and move in ready or are you the type that would want to build and start out new. You can find some great bargains on the market today.

**. What is your lifestyle lacking? Having your boat parked in front of your house, taking long walks on the beach, eating dinner with friends and family by the sea. Dive and snorkel whenever you want. You can have all that here living in San Pedro.

**. Do you want to be able to go places on foot? There are so many great areas on the island where you can walk to any place you need to go.

**. Think about what you don't want in a neighborhood, too. If you don't like the late night noise and traffic, stay away from town. There are many places around the island where you are close to town but just far away to avoid the nightlife.

STEP 2 -- Finding the Right Area.

**. There are many choices on the island. All of them are unique in there own way.

The north side of the island is growing faster with more homes and condos than the south part of the island. When I talk about the north side I mean north of the bridge. The property values are more expensive, it cost more to build and it is more touristy.
The south part of the island past Pelican Reef, in my opinion, starts to feel more homey. The land prices are cheaper and building would be more affordable. More and more people are starting to buy land and homes in that area.

REF#Casa Brisa Home located on the west side of the island

The west side of the island is still very isolated, beachfront is very affordable and has the most beautiful beaches on the island.

REF#GM

Then we have the lagoon. There are still a few lots left and some homes on the water that are being sold at great prices.
There are some great neighborhoods from Escalante (not on the water) to San Pablo that is located on the lagoon.

STEP 3 -- Gathering information. Things you should know

**. What schools are available, and how close they are to where you want to live.

**. Tourist attractions: what does the island have to offer. Water sports, the Barrier Reef, nature and wildlife

**. Activities besides the tourist attraction: what is available for you and the children besides what the tourist would do. On the island we have a fitness club that offer Aquafit Classes, bingo on Friday nights. Snorkeling, swimming, para-sailing, Yoga at Akbol, Lion's Den with Bingo & BBQ, Crazy Canuck's Beach Bar- Horseshoes and Live Music.

STEP 4 -- Go with your gut. Does the neighborhood fit your lifestyle?

**. Remember your first impression.

**. Visualize yourself living on the island and in your dream home. Are you a jogger? Do you have dogs? Do you love to walk.

**. Stop, look and listen to the things around you. Is it a relaxing feel you get? Do you feel good about where you are? Don't sweat the small stuff. Does the neighborhood fit your taste?

STEP 5 -- Deciding on the right property. Once you have found the right area of the island you like now it's time to find the right property.

**. How much do you have to spend. Some people will do owner financing. This could be an option for you. So if you find the perfect investment don't rule it out if you are low on cash.This will give you more options when you have narrowed your search.

**. Find the perfect house! Invest In Belize www.investinbelize.com