Where to Live in Jamaica

There are many lots of land and finished properties for sale all over Jamaica. There are also many gated communities that aim to offer a secure environment and a sense of community.

It would be prudent to consider renting a property in the area where you plan to live so that you can immerse yourself and get a sense of the community. This will allow you to determine if you can adapt to the lifestyle of the area.

When buying land or property in Jamaica be sure to go through all the correct channels using qualified individuals that have a reputable and recognized business offering in Jamaica. It may cost you more money, but in the long run you will be saving yourself a great deal of potential heartache. Make sure you get your name on the Land Title and be sure to pay the annual Land Registry fee, which is calculated at a rate of:

Properties with an unimproved value of up to JMD$100,000.00 (£550 US $914) will be charged a flat rate of JMD$1,000.00 (£5.50 US$9.13). Properties with values exceeding JMD$100,000.00 up to JMD$1,000,000.00 (£5,500 US$9,140) will cost an additional 1.5% for every additional dollar above J$100,000.00. Properties with values exceeding JMD$1,000,000.00 will cost an additional 2.0% for every additional dollar.

Transportation

Jamaican’s drive on the left of the road most of the time. If you do take public transport only get in a vehicle that has a red license plate as they are insured and registered as passenger vehicles.

If you have the means I would recommend that you purchase a vehicle. There are many reputable car dealers in Jamaica. You can also import a vehicle as long as it isn’t over six (6) years old for pick-ups, five (5) years for cars and ten (10) years for trucks, trailers and other heavy-duty equipment.

Pursuits and Activities

“Ah! the good life” Imagine that on any given day you can fling open the doors and windows and bask in the warmth. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be eaten alfresco under the almond tree or on the veranda.

A trip to the beach or river for any number of water-based activities is just minutes away. You can enjoy playing tennis and golf or watching sporting activities such as cricket, motor racing and horse racing. The cinema, theater, music shows and casino are also available as well as a myriad of restaurants, bars and clubs offering distinctly different vibes for all tastes and budgets. There are shopping malls, markets and places to spend if you are feeling flush or need to replenish something. The latest electrical goods, cars and foreign foods are available and you can get cable TV and the Internet in most of the busier towns.

Living in Jamaica

I would recommend that you abide by the universal rules of common sense when deciding to retire to Jamaica. If you are used to living in a ‘first world country’ such as the UK, Canada or the US, it is common practice to lock your doors and windows to your property, to have secure boundary fencing and to even have an alarm on your home. When driving your vehicle you lock the doors, leave your handbag (purse) out of view and definitely don’t leave any personal belongings in the interior of the car when you park it. The same rules apply in Jamaica.

I would highly recommend that the best way of giving your new location the best chance of giving you back what you want out of life is to go out there and get it. Get involved in the community and make new friends. Jamaica has a lot to offer.