what is it like to live in country of grenada

Expatriate Writing Contest 3rd Place Winner

How Moving to Grenada Can Add Spice to Your Life

I of many stunning, white sand beaches on Grenada'due south Caribbean coast.

Moving to the Caribbean is the dream of many people, but essential questions need to exist answered to make the dream a reality. How practice you lot choose the perfect island? How easy (or hard) is information technology to brand the move? What adjustments will you need to make to adapt to a new civilisation? Is what you lot gain worth what you volition give upward? These were the questions we had to reply before we happily settled in Grenada, West Indies, The Spice of the Caribbean area.

This guide covers what attracted usa to move to Grenada over other Caribbean area islands, central issues nosotros considered, helpful hints, how we moved our possessions, recommendations on buying versus renting, and how we brand money to supplement our retirement income. In improver, useful links to more information are provided about the lovely island we phone call abode.

Why We Chose Grenada

Grenada is in the Southern Caribbean area, 12 degrees n of the equator and beneath the hurricane chugalug. Hurricanes are rare. It'due south a volcanic isle that is mountainous and has a lush rainforest with ten impressive waterfalls. At that place are numerous, cute beaches. The island's craggy coastline and reefs protect much of the Atlantic side from huge waves, and the Caribbean area side is calm.

Over 50% of the island is pristine forest, and the remainder of the forested area is only sparsely populated. Considering of the mountainous terrain, there are breathtaking views everywhere. Regal mountains, verdant valleys and an abundance of stunning sea views appear unexpectantly equally the roads zigzag around the undulating topography.

In addition to all the expected wildlife, Grenada is one of the master Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting sites in the Caribbean area. The Leatherback Ocean Turtle is the earth'southward quaternary largest reptile, can grow upwardly to vi feet long and counterbalance up to 2,000 lbs. Each twelvemonth between 700 and 1,000 nests are laid in the northern office of the island. Locals and well as people from all over the world come to witness this unforgettable consequence and to volunteer to tag, survey, and collect relevant data near this endangered species.

Nature rules this island, just in that location are besides lots of things to do and places to explore. Music festivals, multiple sailing regattas, The National Museum, an aboriginal merely operation rum distillery, gorgeous gardens and working estates that grow cocoa, nutmeg, and a wide variety of spices, fruits, and vegetables all entice both visitors and locals. Grenada has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region including the wreck of the Bianca C, as well called the Titanic of the Caribbean. Information technology is also abode to the starting time underwater sculpture park in the earth.

Grenada is one of only a scattering of Caribbean islands where it is possible to buy hurricane insurance for a boat. Many people moor their boats in Grenada during hurricane season. There is a large, established yachting/sailing community. Eight marinas provide upgrade and repair services, maintenance and provisioning for small boats up to 300-foot superyachts.

Prevailing trade winds keep the temperature between 70 and 88 degrees (boilerplate 77 to 81 degrees) and the rainy season could exist called the green flavor. Fifty-fifty though information technology rains most days from April through November, showers are short—often lasting less than 15 minutes. Grenadians generally notice a edifice to shelter in for a few minutes, take hold of upward on the local news, and so continue along their fashion when the sun reappears. As you movement closer to the rainforest, it rains harder and more often.

The Capital Urban center, St. George's, is the decorated center for all significant commerce and shopping and so it'south just a brusk drive into nature. 58% of people live in or effectually either St. Georges or Grenville, the only other "city" on the island. About other people, including expats, live on or most the coasts.

Grenada'due south capital city, St. George'southward, is wrapped effectually a beautiful harbor chosen the Carenage. It is i of the nearly picturesque harbors in the Caribbean area.

Grenadians are open, friendly and their warmth is infectious. Everyone says hello to anybody else as while going virtually his or her day. If y'all are standing in a line and a new person approaches, they say skilful morning time, and everyone in line says proficient morning dorsum. Information technology's difficult to stay in an unpleasant mood when anybody wishes you well everywhere you go. I chosen a local restaurant one Sun to see if we could have dinner there. The owner answered and said, "We're closed today, but if you lot are hungry, I'll feed you lot." This kind of interaction is common in Grenada.

E'er smiling, Esther and her son make the best cocktails on Yard Anse embankment.

People go out of their manner to assistance. When parking our car on a narrow street, we accidentally dropped our front tire into an open up, deep box drain. The car chassis was resting on the pavement. As we tried to figure out what to do next, 4 Grenadian men lumbered over, picked up our machine, placed information technology back on the road, patted the hood, and waved us on our way.

There was also the time we got lost when I suggested a shortcut through the rainforest. According to the map, the road went right into town. Every bit we drove, the route became then narrow nosotros couldn't proceed. The sheer face of the mountain was on the left, and a crumbling cliff was on the correct. As nosotros contemplated inching our way back downwards the road, a gentleman appeared from the bush and said, "Darling, what are y'all doing in this God-forsaken place?" He laughed and told us that the road hadn't been navigable for 30 years and redirected us dorsum to civilisation. This sense of customs and back up pervades the island.

Grenadians are very religious overall, just information technology is a gentle, loving approach to life. They have that life is difficult and pray to God to assist them. They have a personal human relationship with God that is piece of cake to be around. They aren't trying to change anyone else. If you lot ask if they are coming tomorrow, the reply is e'er "Yes, please God" or "God willing."

Heritage and traditions are important. Calypso songs that provide a running commentary on current events, Carnival, Pageantry, traditional crafts, Pan music, African dancing, and drumming are all celebrated as Grenadians effort to keep the best of what makes this isle unique alive and vibrant while embracing tourism, progress, and technology.

Grenadians are proud of their local food traditions—especially the tasty national dish, Oil Down. It's made from grated kokosnoot, fish, chicken, callaloo, dumplings, and succulent spices and gets its proper name from the coconut that cooks downwards into a gravy. It is but one of many memorable, authentic dishes. African, French, and Indian cooking techniques and spices flavor the local food.

Grenada is chosen the Spice Island because of the abundance of spices grown. It produces a third of the globe'south nutmeg, and it is considered by many to be the best considering of its aromatic flavor and moist texture. Nutmeg is such an integral role of Grenada that it is represented on the national flag and in the parliament building blueprint.

This proud Grenadian shows off the island'due south abundance of spices.

Cocoa is another important crop, and Grenada has become famous for its tree-to-bar chocolate. There are now iv companies that grow, harvest, manufacture and sell chocolate right from their plantations. Cocoa and nutmeg shells are used as mulch, and their scent perfumes the air. Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic, Ginger, Allspice, Turmeric, and Bay are also arable. Spices flavor the local dishes, are made into necklaces, and are used in cosmetics, creams and healing ointments.

Grenadians dear to political party. Whether for an informal gathering of friends, a large beach picnic, or a massive music event, people party hard and long. Jam-packed weekend music events more often than not begin late in the evening and commonly stop the adjacent morning time. It's non unusual to meet a poster that says 10 to 10 (meaning the political party starts at 10 PM, goes throughout the night, and ends at 10 AM). At any result, there is always loud music, bang-up local food, plenty to drink and unremarkably lots of dancing.

This bar is a piece of work of art, within and out, and makes for a great conversation starter with Charlie and his guests.

The principal reasons we chose Grenada are the island's natural beauty, including the lush mountainous rainforest and stunning beaches, the temperate climate with cooling trade winds, the fact that Grenada lies beneath the hurricane belt and, most important, the warm-hearted people who have welcomed us into their lives.

Making the Decision of Where to Movement

This is merely one of hundreds of outstanding views yous see as you tour around Grenada.

Later on answering the large questions such equally does the island need to exist English speaking, do yous prefer a lush or arid environs, do you prefer hills or flat country, and how concerned are you about hurricanes, you lot as well need to consider other significant questions.

Is information technology easy to wing to other places you desire to travel to with any frequency? JetBlue flies nonstop from Grenada to NY, and you can oftentimes buy a circular trip ticket for about $350. American Airlines flies nonstop to Miami, and Delta flies nonstop to Atlanta. It is besides piece of cake to fly to Canada, England, and Germany.

What are your health requirements? Grenada has limited medical options. There is a respected private hospital that is very affordable, but about people fly off the isle for whatsoever serious condition or significant operation.

Are y'all able to tedious down to the island step and be accepting of Grenadians imprecise sense of time? Business transactions take more time to complete, and a healthy corporeality of patience is required. If you inquire a Grenadian when they volition make it, they'll say, "just now" which could exist anytime between 30 minutes to four hours. It's common for a Grenadian to leave their house after the time they are supposed to arrive at a location that'southward halfway across the island. Think about your concept of island time and multiply information technology past two—at to the lowest degree.

Offense also needs to be considered wherever you lot determine to move. Grenada is regarded every bit one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, and most of the crimes are either petty theft or violence confronting an associate or family member. I feel prophylactic here.

Before You lot Take the Plunge

Once you are serious about a specific location, there are two things I recommend. Start, spend time at the least desirable time of yr. For Grenada, that's probably September when it is the hottest, at the height of the rainy season and the almost humid. Y'all want to experience the off-season, and if it still feels right, then the adjacent matter I recommend is to have an extended stay—iii months if possible—and preferably live in the role of the island yous are because. This test will give yous a good feel for everyday life—how far is shopping, how is the traffic, how like shooting fish in a barrel is it to become effectually? Will you take a auto? If not, how comfortable are yous with taking local transportation? How often does it run and how close does it get you to where y'all plan to alive? Walking that concluding mile can exist tough in the Caribbean heat.

Driving in Grenada is doable, but not for the faint at middle. Driving is on the left; the streets are very narrow, curvy, sometimes steep, and it is mutual for people and animals to be in the road. There is an extensive, privately owned bus organization of 15-person vans that accuse upwardly to United states of america$6 per person depending on the length of the road. I am comfortable driving here, but it took me well-nigh iii months not to exist terrified when I encountered a cement mixer barreling towards me.

Living in the Caribbean is not cheap, but Grenada's toll of living falls just below the average for the region. This trial run will also help you lot decide a workable upkeep. Some websites give sample prices for everything from fruit to electricity, just only when you are in a place for an extended amount of time tin can you determine your specific needs. Electricity is costly, and air conditioning can exist a significant fiscal drain. Our business firm is built to take advantage of the prevailing merchandise winds, so nosotros merely use air conditioning for our office (for electronics and photography equipment) and sometimes the bedrooms while sleeping.

Activities like how oft you eat out and the kind of restaurants you adopt can make a big difference. A lovely local lunch costs about US$5 and a delicious local dinner runs between The states$xxx and US$45 with drinks and dessert. Touristy places run college, and the food is not necessarily better. Grenadian food is very fresh and is nicely spiced. There is nothing amend than freshly caught fish that is superbly cooked with fruit, spices and vegetables picked from local gardens.

Imported goods are expensive, and often are not the same quality that you are accepted to at home. Prices include the cost of the item, VAT, shipping, and customs. Customs charges vary and are dependent on the type of production. In Grenada, well-nigh imported plastic items are expensive. Medications are very cheap, and many do not need a prescription. We pay into U.S. Medicare and a prescription drug plan every bit insurance for the future, but we buy our drugs here for less money than the cost of the deductible.

Moving Your Possessions

Nosotros filled a twenty-pes container with our possessions and shipped information technology out of Jacksonville, Florida; the last place we lived before we started traveling. You can easily ship freight out of New York, Miami, Toronto, or London for a reasonable price. We had a moderate corporeality of furniture, plus housewares, clothing, tools, and art. Grenada does not charge customs on used goods when you lot move, and then we saved a lot of coin past bringing down things we already endemic.

When nosotros're in New York, we pack any items that nosotros can't source hither. There are proficient shipping companies in Brooklyn that are easy to work with and are cheap. Aircraft a barrel from New York is about US$100, no affair how heavy it is, including the cost of the butt. (This does not include VAT and Customs). We ever fill additional suitcases with purchases, and nosotros offer to host friends if they volition Sherpa downwards items when they visit.

To Purchase or to Rent? … and Citizenship Considerations

My suggestion is to hire first unless yous are very confident of what y'all want for housing and location. Renting gives y'all the opportunity to determine if you are in the correct customs, uncover local deals and potentially get a citizen earlier you purchase. There is a 15% Alien landowners' revenue enhancement that inflates the purchase cost for not-citizens. (In that location are discussions almost reducing or removing this taxation.) To go a citizen, you need to become a resident. You can utilize for residency after living in Grenada for two years. Grenada and the U.S. both recognize dual citizenship.

In that location is besides a Citizen by Investment program where you can proceeds citizenship quickly by investing in an infrastructure project. Investment ranges start at US$200K and US$350K depending on the type of project you lot support. If buying into a hotel or resort development, y'all need to keep the property for three years earlier selling.

Real estate is a heir-apparent's market. There are a lot of properties on the market place, many have been on the market for years, and they tend to be priced high. Mostly, houses sell for 70% of the asking cost. We were in the correct place at the right fourth dimension and purchased our abode for sixty% of the original asking price.

Existent estate and land prices are lower here because Grenada is not every bit well known or trendy as some of the other Caribbean islands. It is less populated, has a smaller expat community, and offers less upscale shopping and glitz than many other islands. The infrastructure is on par with most of the Caribbean while maintaining a more laid dorsum, old-Caribbean vibe that we love.

Making Money

Y'all will need a work visa to work locally in Grenada, and you must accept a specialized skill that won't have work abroad from the average Grenadian. For example, you can't be a server or bartender in a restaurant or hotel, but you could exist a manager. Your prospective employer would submit the paperwork to the government for approval.

Most expats I know are retired and are creative in how they make extra money. One person sells fruits and vegetables that she grows on her property. My hubby is a professional photographer, and I am a travel author. This money does not pay our bills. It fills our desires and adds some financial absorber. Nosotros also take a guest cottage on our property that we are considering renting out on a long-term basis to a university student. We await the rental to bring in almost Usa$14K year.

Tourism, agriculture, and construction drive Grenada's economy. Saint George'southward University accounts for 25% of the economic system. The isle needs more medical professionals in all areas. There are ongoing hotel and resort developments that volition require management staff.

Finding Your Dream Location

Moving abroad can present many challenges while offer many opportunities. Finding a place that you honey with a civilisation that you can openly embrace will provide you many years of happiness and joy. Accept the time to inquiry your island and examination your assumptions. Then, if it feels similar a great fit, embark on your grand risk!

We started coming to Grenada 30 years agone. We made multiple trips here and to other islands before we decided that Grenada was the identify where we wanted to piece of work and then retire. We have lived here permanently for iii years, and I am still in the honeymoon phase. I dearest living here. We are deeply embedded in the local culture, have many Grenadian friends (and a Goddaughter) and experience completely at home in this island paradise.

With proper research, a curious mind and an open middle you will find your personal paradise. And if yous are considering Grenada, contact me. I dear to talk about Grenada and consider myself an unofficial ambassador for my beautiful isle.

Sunset over 1000 Anse beach, Grenada's spectacular two mile long white sand beach.

Useful Resources for Living in Grenada

Websites

• The National Portal of Grenada — provides a wealth of information on government policies and services for citizens, businesses, and non-residents too as news.

• Grenada Denizen by Investment (CBI) plan— provides a comprehensive overview of the CBI program, including chief benefits, the process to apply and the two program options to consider.

• Grenada Tourism Say-so website — provides general information for visitors including places to stay, restaurants, attractions, events and gives a good overview of the island.

• Eastern Caribbean area Primal Bank— provides reports on the economies of the Eastern Caribbean. The 2017 Economic and Financial Review report presents an excellent view into both the overall economical wellness and challenges of the region and by specific state. A semi-annual report for the first half of 2018 should be released shortly.

• World Bank (Granada)— The World Bank also publishes a wealth of statistics on Grenada, updated periodically.

• The World Factbook, Grenada — This CIA website provides essential and interesting facts nearly Grenada, divided into the following categories:  Introduction, Geography, People and Guild, Authorities, Economic system, Free energy, Communication, Transportation, Military and Security, and Transnational Problems.

• Grenada Real Manor Marketplace Report — Produced by Century 21, this annual report provides a market overview, overall insights, predicts trends and opportunities in real estate, and provides an overview of the Citizen by Investment program and opportunities. Read multiple years to get an overview of the real estate trends.

Relevant Books

• Grenada Expatriate Relocation Transmission — written past Trevor Jefferson and Julie Scott in 2014. This volume gives a skilful overview of things to consider when moving to Grenada. Available on Amazon.

• An Embarrassment of Mangoes – A Caribbean Interlude – written by Ann Vanderhoof in 2004. This volume is the writer and her husband'due south experiences sailing through the Caribbean for two years. Most l% of the book is nearly their time in Grenada where they moored during hurricane season. It is an splendid representation of the people and culture of Grenada that is still relevant today. Available on Amazon.

Helpful Blogs

• Goats on the Road — This couple has been traveling total time for ten years, and they have supported themselves by teaching English, house and dog sitting and at present, mostly through blogging. Their site is a wealth of data near living abroad and making money while pursuing a nomadic lifestyle. They take lived in Grenada on multiple occasions because they honey it so much and accept many endearing stories to tell about their experiences.

• Candi and Michael on the Move — my web log which shares data most moving to Grenada, buying and upgrading a business firm here besides as events, attractions, restaurants, and daily life.

My Contact Information

• Email — candi.licence@hotmail.com
• Telephone numbers — After communicating via email and setting up a convenient time to talk, call me on Skype at 1-954-773-8864 or my mobile one-473-415-5991.

Candi Licence is a freelance Travel Author and Blogger based in Grenada, West Indies. She has traveled to 21 countries/dependencies including extensive travel throughout the Caribbean. She left her corporate job in 2013 for total fourth dimension travel for two years before settling downwards with her photographer husband in her favorite identify in the world, Grenada, West Indies. Now, she writes nearly Grenada also as the other fabulous places she travels. Candi is passionate about travel and culture and loves to go off the well-traveled path to discover the center and soul of each location.

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Source: https://www.transitionsabroad.com/living-abroad/living-moving-grenada-caribbean-guide.shtml

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