What do people like (and dislike) about Kingston?
When we asked expats and global nomads what they like and dislike about living in Kingston, they replied...
"Expats and digital nomads living in Kingston, often like the vibrant culture, friendly locals, and lively music scene. They appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Blue Mountains and stunning beaches. The affordable cost of living, delicious local cuisine, and relatively stable internet connectivity are also attractive features for digital nomads. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the high crime rate and safety concerns in certain areas of Kingston. They might also find the public transportation system to be unreliable and chaotic. The hot and humid climate can be uncomfortable for some, and the limited availability of coworking spaces may pose challenges for digital nomads. Additionally, the slow pace of life and bureaucratic processes can be frustrating for those accustomed to more efficient systems," wrote a member who made the move to Kingston, Jamaica.
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"Personally, I would rather live in Kingston rather than in a beach area. Actually, even though Jamaicans say "Kingston" the middle class areas are really in St. Andrew, a suburb of Kingston. With the new-ish highway, you can get to a good beach in 2 hours or so and you'll have many more amenities in Kingston than in some of the beach areas. And when you live in a place, these become more important than going to a beach every day (IMO). However, there's a lot of traffic in Kingston, but since you don't have to be rushing to an office for 9 am, this may not be a big concern. Everyone will have differing opinions on this so on your next visit, maybe sample a few airbnbs in different parts of the island to get a feel for it. I would take a week or two to do this, if you can. Kingston is very different from say Mandeville or Montego Bay or Ocho Rios," explained one expat living in Kingston, Jamaica.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Kingston?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Kingston?
- Will I be able to find a job in Kingston?
- What is life like in Kingston?
- What do expats in Kingston appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Kingston?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Kingston accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Kingston like?
- What are healthcare services like in Kingston?
- What are medical services in Kingston like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kingston?
- What are emergency services like in Kingston?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Kingston?
- How are local medical facilities in Kingston?
- As a foreigner living in Kingston, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do people like (and dislike) about Kingston?
If you live in Kingston, newcomers to Kingston would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.