Retire in Bahamas

"New Providence has a large expat community and it is easy to find other expats to hangout with. There are people of all nationalities and all financial situations ranging from Billionaires to retired school bus drivers so you can always find people that share interests with you. We have also found it amazing to speak with those who are nothing like us but give us a window into their world before living here. There are some forts and monuments to visit but cultural attractions are not really that great here as you would find in Europe or South America. We do have lots of water recreation and sports available for those who enjoy the beach and waves. The nightlife scene is very vibrant but you must be careful of which areas you go to. The more expensive areas are also the safer ones so be careful in the cheaper "bars"," said a retiree who moved to New Providence, Bahamas.

"Retirement in the Bahamas and its surrounding islands offers expats a relaxed tropical lifestyle and many activities to keep them occupied. There is a thriving expat community in the Bahamas, with retirees coming from all around the world. Finding like-minded people in the local community shouldn't be too difficult, as there are many social activities available such as golf, sailing, fishing and swimming. There are also a wide range of cultural attractions to explore, including the National Art Gallery, historic forts, and plenty of historical sites scattered throughout. For those looking for the nightlife scene, Nassau and Freeport can offer plenty of lively bars, cafes and restaurants that stay open into the early hours of the morning. For a more relaxed experience, many of the islands also offer plenty of traditional Bahamian seafood restaurants, as well as friendly pubs and bars for a casual night out with friends," said one retiree in Bahamas.

"Be prepared to adapt to your new environment. Remember you are living in some one else's culture and you need to adapt to their way of life. Do not expect it to be like the country you came from or it will make you miserable. Have an open mind, try new things and when you feel frustrated just go with the flow and relax a little," said one retiree in New Providence.

"Cost of living in the Bahamas can be an issue for retirees, as the cost of goods and services is often higher than in other countries. Additionally, retirees may find difficulty in obtaining medical and health care services, as the country does not have the same health care infrastructure as larger countries. Learning to cope with the hot and humid weather can also be challenging for those unaccustomed to it. Lastly, finding the means to attain a residential visa can be a difficult and lengthy process for retirees coming from abroad," said a retiree who moved to Bahamas.

"Learning to relax and flow with the slower pace of the islands. Nothing gets done in a rush here and so you have to be ready to wait much longer periods for things like service installations then you would back in North America," said one retiree in New Providence.

"Also learning to relax! We lived such stressful and fast paced lives that it was necessary for us to learn to relax and enjoy the moments," commented one retiree living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"The Bahamas offers retirees a laid-back lifestyle with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and golf. Bahamians are known for their friendly, welcoming nature, creating a comfortable environment for those who choose to retire in the islands. The low cost of living, lack of taxation on all foreign income, and lack of inheritance tax all contribute to financial stability and peace of mind. With its tropical climate and stunningly beautiful beaches, the Bahamas is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy their golden years in a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere," explained one retiree living in Bahamas.

"There are several clinics on the island as well as two large hospitals (one public and one private). We are also very close to Miami should you need a second opinion on something more serious. I personally have used the clinics and private hospital here without any issues. Most of the doctors are trained abroad and are quite competent," explained a retiree in New Providence.

"Bahamian healthcare services are provided by a combination of public and private providers including hospitals, clinics and medical centers. Public health services are available at no or affordable cost for Bahamians, while non-Bahamians may be required to pay a fee for services. Primary healthcare is accessible through various connections including family doctors, nurses, technicians and medical assistants. Specialists and medical equipment are available at larger hospitals located in major towns and cities. Additionally, there are several private medical facilities located throughout The Bahamas. Vaccinations for a variety of common illnesses including measles, mumps and rubella are available at clinics throughout the islands. Telemedicine is also available with home visits available in some cases," explained one retiree living in Bahamas.

"There is a large expat community in New Providence so it is easy to find others with the same interests as you. We have met most of our friends through the school which our children attend but there are also women's clubs, a Foodie group, running clubs, rugby leagues, a ball hockey league, sailing groups a kiwi club, a humane society that you can volunteer at and all other kinds of clubs and organizations. In addition you can find groups on Facebook of people living here on the island. There are also club houses on the island that you can purchase memberships at and meet people through as well, these tend to be more expensive then the cost of a similar club in North America," said one retiree in living in New Providence, Bahamas.

"Expats living in the Bahamas often join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sailing, diving, golfing, fishing, and tennis. There are also many popular expat hangouts, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Expats can also meet people by attending expat get-togethers and events, volunteering, attending sports leagues, or joining a church or other religious organization. Additionally, many neighborhoods in the Bahamas have their own ways of bringing locals and expats together, such as block parties, festivals, and other celebrations," explained a retiree in Bahamas.

"It is a vast range of differences. The range is from very hardworking individuals that are employed by the banks, hotels etc which get very little time off to enjoy the island to the ultra rich with family money that spend most of their time living up the easy life and everything in between. We are considered a medium class family back home in Canada and so we are somewhere in the middle and spend most of our free time with our three children visiting and attending youth sports and clubs. Their is a vibrant night life scene but it can become fairly expensive quickly. The beach is a big draw in the warm months but locals do not swim in the winter months and so they are normally fairly empty at that time of the season," explained a retiree in New Providence.

"Life in The Bahamas is a mix of stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a laidback, relaxed atmosphere. Expats and digital nomads find it easy to settle in and make friends in the welcoming, diverse communities. The beaches offer a host of recreational activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, while the cafes and restaurants make it easy to find a bite or drinks. Shopping and nightlife are available in many of the local towns, with the bonus of low prices. The main international airport makes it easy to take off to other islands or countries for short trips. What’s more, there’s the bonus of dependable sunshine and the warmth of the Caribbean," explained one retiree living in Bahamas.

"Expats considering retiring in the Bahamas should consider the cost of living as well as the local culture. Before deciding to retire in the Bahamas, expats should familiarize themselves with the different visa requirements and ensure they comply with them. Additionally, expats should be aware that property ownership is restricted in certain areas and that different taxes may apply. Lastly, expats should research the local infrastructure, such as hospital and medical care availability, as well as transportation and accessibility options," said one retiree in living in Bahamas.

"Really take a close look at the cost of living before deciding. Everything is much more expensive here then it would be in most parts of the world. As an example a car here will cost about double the value in the USA. If you import it they add 75-80% duty on the value they determine (along with all the freight costs it quickly gets to 100% on top of the value) and if you purchase here the prices are already about double the price in the USA to begin with. Rent, Water and electricity are also very expensive here. This is not a location you would come to in order to lower your cost of living and "stretch" your salary but if you can afford the high cost of living the weather, beaches and people are quite inviting," explained a retiree in New Providence.

"We love the beach and sun. We walk to or take the golf cart to Cabbage Beach (public side) via the Paradise Island Resort entrance. It is on the east side of the island but well away from the public beach near Atlantis which is covered in tourists, vendors and others. Paradise Island Resort also has a small market that serves alcohol as well. We golf at the Ocean Club Golf Course. Fantastic and beautiful club and course. There are also three other courses in Nassau: Lyford Cay (private), Albany (private) and The Blue Course (Bahamar Resort). Most if not all of these have tennis. It is common to boat to some of the family islands for the day or weekend. Several charters from any marina if you don't have a boat. It may take a couple months to figure all the activities out and what is good for you but it will be worth it. Oh, snorkling, freediving and spear fishing are very popular," said one person who retired in Paradise Island.

"Residents of the Bahamas enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, including beaches, parks, golf courses, tennis courts, and marinas. There are also a number of water sports available, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of spas and resorts to choose from. Additionally, there are a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites. Finally, the Bahamas is home to a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," remarked one retiree in Bahamas.

"People living in the Bahamas typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and markets. Additionally, many people shop at larger chain stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Target. There are also a variety of specialty stores, such as health food stores, that offer a wide selection of items. Additionally, many people shop online for groceries and other items," remarked one retiree in Bahamas.

"Fresh Markets and Super Value are two food chains that service as major grocery stores. The latter being a bit less pricey and offers discounts for repeat business. Fresh Market has a wider assortment of expat delights but is far more expensive. Suggest Lowes for cleaning supplies, pharmacy and baby supplies. We shop Super Value for a big shop of necessities. Lowes for baby stuff and disposables. Fresh Market for meat and fish. The Marathon Mall has a store called, Kelleys, which is similar to a Walmart/Target," explained one retiree living in Paradise Island.