One of the smallest and least developed countries, all Belize has just three stoplights. Streets are unpaved and become mud holes when it rains. And everyone, expat or local, seems to know everyone else.

Living here is not for everyone, especially those who will miss big city newspapers, museums and symphony concerts. On the other hand, there is a superb zoo. Also, you can get as many television channels as in the U.S. If you're looking for a place that's virtually crime free, Belize isn't it. Theft is prevalent, there have been some violent crimes and Belize City is considered downright dangerous.

If your dream is to live simply in a place with natural beauty among friendly people, it might be for you. You can even be part of the local community here unlike in most expats havens, where North Americans forever remain outsiders. Expats claim that they feel really accepted. A transplanted Californian who had traveled widely says, "I feel loved and supported here. I have no desire to go anywhere else." Others express something very similar.

One expat calls Belize a "classless society," a idea hard to accept when you compare sleek expat condos to village shacks with peeling paint and windows without glass. Yet you'll see blue collar workers, business owners, government officials and expats mingling with ease. More than a few people have two occupations: one white collar, the other blue. What's more, Belize is multiracial and multicultural, and people's differences don't keep them from getting along.

Not all expats here are retirement age. Belize attracts younger as well as mature people who want "the good life" now. Some continue careers which involve serving the expat community, such as accounting and real estate.

Living in Belize

You can choose the beach or the lush inland area. Belize can be pricey compared to the rest of Central America, yet some expats live on very little.

Although it's wise to rent before buying property, you won't find rental agencies other than associations that manage upscale condos for absentee owners. For less costly rentals, let the locals know you're looking and follow up on houses that look deserted. Ask local people to negotiate for you; they'll get a better price.

Corozal

Corozal Town (pop. 10,000) on the coast is adjacent to sugar cane fields and just across the border from Chetumal, Mexico. You see Mexican-style concrete block houses as well as the typically Belizean wooden dwellings perched on stilts to catch the breeze. Expats cross into Mexico for high quality, inexpensive medical and dental care as well as shopping.

Many U.S. and Canadian expats call Corozal home. You can live cheaply here, renting a large house in town for as little as $200 per month. At the other end of the scale you could buy a a seaside villa with a lush garden for $175,000.

Ambergris Caye

The town of San Pedro (pop. 2,000), the largest town on Ambergris Caye, the largest of the 176 cayes off the coast of Belize. Accessible by boat or plane, Ambergris Caye is the driest area of the country, and the sea breezes make it among the coolest. Sheltered from storms by the barrier reef, it has attracted divers and affluent outsiders for some time. Condos here cost $200,000 and up; a few lots are still available.

Caye Caulker

A short boat ride from Ambergris Caye, it is also accessible by plane. Caye Caulker is as laid back as it gets with about 800 residents: fishermen, artists and expat hippies, old and young. Land is cheap, if you can find any, and houses are small although some are very well kept and even have flowers growing out of the sand.

Your Own Special Island

Look at the map of Belize and you'll see numerous islands. You could even own one, but don't buy land you haven't seen and walked on. Unsuspecting gringos have bought clumps of mangrove trees growing out of the water.

Placencia

A peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean on one side and the Placencia Lagoon on the other, Placencia has 15 miles of white sand beach. The town, a Garifuna (Indian) fishing village has no main street, just a paved sidewalk. You'll find some inexpensive real estate as well as more costly building sites which are part of a long-range development plans. To find the bargains, stay for a while and get to know the locals.

El Cayo de San Ignacio

San Ignacio and Santa Elena on the other side of the river have a total population of about 12,000, and are at the edge of the jungle. Almost any type of crop grows here. The local "bush doctor," has herbs for virtually every condition. Many expats live here as well, and for the most part, real estate is reasonably priced.