What do people like (and dislike) about Jamaica?
When we asked expats and global nomads what they like and dislike about living in Jamaica, they replied...
"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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Kingston, Jamaica.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and friendly people of Jamaica. They also enjoy the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Many expats and digital nomads find the cost of living in Jamaica to be quite affordable. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of reliable internet access and infrastructure to be a challenge. Additionally, the high crime rate in some areas of Jamaica can be a deterrent for some expats and digital nomads," commented one expat who made the move to Jamaica.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
- How do I meet people in Jamaica?
- What is life like in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of crime in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Jamaica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Jamaica like?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Jamaica?
- What are healthcare services like in Jamaica?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Jamaica?
- What is the weather like in Jamaica?
- Are there good restaurants in Jamaica?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Jamaica?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Jamaica?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jamaica?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Jamaica?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Jamaica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do people like (and dislike) about Jamaica?
If you live in Jamaica, newcomers to Jamaica 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.