With its murder rates being as high as they are, their unfriendliness towards expats and the LGBT community, according to Wikipedia (but I can't believe everyone feels that way), poor quality of living and the health care nightmares I've read about I wanted to stop my research within the first few minutes. I didn't, I kept digging and although there will be challenges for new comers I think the island has a lot to offer.
About the island
Jamaica as a country has gone through a lot of changes, some as recently as the 1980's and 90's. My opinion is that they are still trying to figure themselves out. Until England conquered the island in 1655 it was possessed by Spain. The island didn't achieve independence from the United Kingdom (England) until 1962. They have only had 75 years to figure this out. Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as it's monarch and head of state.
Jamaica is the third most populous English speaking country in the Americas (after the United States and Canada) and the third largest island of the Greater Antilles.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Jamaica is 23% lower than in the U.S. and cost of rent is 69% less than in the U.S.. It makes it an affordable option for a Caribbean island paradise.
Property
Foreigners are eligible to by property in Jamaica without any restrictions. There is always lawyers involved in the process of buying land so there will be legal fees to pay as well as stamp duty (usually shared by the buyer and seller) of 4 percent and a 16.5 percent General Consumption Tax. There are registration fees and if a realtor is involved there will be fees to be paid to them. Even though the property prices are fair the taxes and fees can really start to add up. It is recommended to rent before buying when first moving to Jamaica so that you can figure out where it is you feel safe and at home.
What makes Jamaica Special
With beautiful waterfalls and mile long beaches Jamaica has a lot to offer in the outdoor exploring department. Of course there's reggae music, what's not to love about that. Kingston, Jamaica is the home to the Bob Marley Museum. Kingston also happens to be the capital of Jamaica. Northeast of Kingston is the Blue Mountains, from its highest point (via hiking trail) both the North and South coasts of the island can be seen. Blue Mountain is also known for its coffee.
Blue Mountain Coffee is a highly sought after mild coffee known for it's lack of bitterness.
All in all a lot of good things come out of Jamaica. I'm definitely going to keep Jamaica on my list of possible new homes.
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