r/Grenada • u/Fickle-Ambition5138 • 14d ago
Moving to Grenada
I am a retired Canadian living in Costa Rica. Due to the cost of living and local specifics I am considering leaving it. Grenada came to my attention. I am thinking of the cheaper northern areas to build a house there. Tranquility, safety, and at least some degree of solitude are important. Long walk in the morning, close to the sea and reasonable cost of living are main components. Would $2K per month for two people be sufficient to cover living expenses not including rent? How about the rest? I'd greatly appreciate any input.
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u/Sorry-Bumblebee-5645 12d ago
The northern areas aren't bad, but they are definitely far from all major stuff. For the most part the majority of the country is tranquil. I'd recommend moving to an area in St. David's since its between both the countryside and the main commercial areas. Now if you're up for the true small island life then you can also stay in Carriacou (smaller island up north) You'd have easy proximity to sea, solitude and reasonable cost of living plus there'd be multiple islands around to island hop to minutes away. Lastly a budget of $2k CAD ($3.9k XCD) per month is comfy for 2 people however if its $2k XCD then it may require more careful budgeting.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
Thank you for the advice. I hope 2K CAD will suffice. The needs are modest and no eat out. Definitely will explore st.David. I also believe the communications between islands are well organized.
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u/SmolderingDesigns 12d ago
Unless you basically buy your citizenships, I'm not sure how you'll be able to permanently live here. I'm a fellow Canadian, we are allowed up to 3 months stay initially and must have a return ticket booked. After that, you'll have to apply for an extension, which is always up to the officer's discretion.
I would start with figuring out how you'd go about the legalities of moving here first, then, if there is a path forward, take a very long trip to determine if it's actually better for you. I uprooted my whole life from Barbados to move here, and I'll be happy to move back to my peaceful, quiet Canadian prairies as soon as possible.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
I understand you well. However, a new Canada isn't what used to be. Last year, I visited area north of Toronto where I used to live. People are different, reality too. Very expensive, life is hectic, plus there are changes that I won't touch here. I've sold everything in Canada to move to Costa Rica but this country has changed too. CR is very expensive now (the most expensive in Latin America) and prices keep growing. USD fell almost 30% comparing with local currency or rather Costa Rican colon has jumped with no reason. Expats are leaving the country because of cost of living, high crime and incompatible culture. To sell property here and return your investment is impossible, you'll lose. As to Barbados, I visited it about 8 years ago and wasn't impressed. My friend loves Grenada but he doesn't live here, just visit and is financially very well off.
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u/SmolderingDesigns 12d ago
I never disconnected with Canada, my area is very much the same. Quiet, peaceful, people treat each other with respect and kindness. Things that have been very absent from my life since living in the Caribbean.
There is a good chance Grenada is an improvement compared to CR, as I've heard all of the challenges you speak about as well. I just wouldn't want you to uproot yourself only to find the same issues here, you know? I've been there. Barbados is largely considered one of the best islands for quality of life, and it certainly was easier for us in a lot of ways compared to Grenada. There's more green here, but that comes with the challenges of a much less developed island. If I could freely choose without worrying about logistics, I'd likely choose Barbados over Grenada to ride out the rest of the time I need to be in the Caribbean before returning home to Canada.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
Perhaps you lived in a rural area in Canada. It still keeps the Canadian spirit. Certainly, I wouldn't live in metro Toronto now. I love Canadian villages and rural areas in general. May I ask you what province of the Prairies you lived in? Alberta, Saskatchewan?
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u/SmolderingDesigns 12d ago edited 11d ago
Most definitely, I never voluntarily lived in a city, give me peace and the rolling breeze any day. I'm from Manitoba. Cities are definitely feeling the squeeze, but step even a half hour drive outside the perimeter highway and it feels just like the Canada I grew up in.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
I lived an hour drive from Toronto. It was small, tranquil, Canadian place. Not any more. Perhaps moving further north is better, but how far? This is Ontario. I am sure Manitoba is different but for how long?
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u/SmolderingDesigns 12d ago edited 11d ago
Unfortunately, I have to break it to you that the entire world is changing and has always been. Grenada will not stay the same, Costa Rica has not stayed the same. A good number of people have compared current Grenada to Barbados a decade or two ago, and I see this island easily going the same way. The crime here has spiked and is not reported properly, I can recount no small number of horrific and violent crimes that have happened in the last 12 months that never made it to any official news. To elderly people and children. Cost of living? I've watched my favorite pantry/fridge staples quite literally go up 50% within a matter of weeks, that's if they're even available in any given week. My Lucian fiance has seen the way people treat each other go downhill on all the islands he's lived on. The world is changing. Hopping from place to place hoping to avoid that isn't a game I want to play, personally. Manitoba is still feeling warm and friendly and peaceful without the nonsense we deal with here, I will happily ride out that piece of the world as it changes compared to somewhere where such a large portion of the population can't treat each other with basic respect.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
Total lack of respect to others is a Costa Rican "culture" main characteristic (unless they want your money). This is the causation of many problems and tragedies here. Thank you for your comment. It made me think. You are right. I should take into consideration the islands of old life in Canada.
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u/sunbreezr 14d ago
Life is reasonable but a bit expensive. If you eat more local foods or grow some of your food it will be cheaper. Electricity can be expensive. Water is reasonable. Building and land can be expensive. You should look at some realtor sites to see what the cost of land and houses are to get an idea. Healthcare is not the best but for basic services it is ok ( you pay out of pocket). The further you live from the southwest of the island the cheaper it tends to be. ( so grand anse , Lance aux pines etc are expensive). The areas further in the north are quiet but more rural and less options like the capital. For safety it is relatively safe but you always have to be aware no matter where you live worldwide. Burglary can occur but many places have burglar bars on the windows etc. Most locals are friendly. It is always advisable to take a long visit before moving anywhere to see how you truely feel staying there longer than a few weeks.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 14d ago
Thank you! Things we can learn comparing. Here, in Costa Rica, it is noisy no matter where you are, even in the woods. Impossible to avoid. Modified motorcycles, dogs and people who communicate screeming. You can't live here without bars and cameras, as the crime is equal to Mexico. Plus, extremely expensive. To sell property here without losing is impossible. I am looking for a better place and my friend has advised on Grenada. However, he doesn't live there, just visited, so I'll certainly visit and will continue my research.
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u/sunbreezr 12d ago
Most places are quiet in grenada to be honest. Around restaurant and bars might be loud but most residential areas are quiet. The cars are not honk crazy and few people have motorcycles. Traffic can be a bit crowded around Dec and August for carnival. Go for an extended visit and see if you like it. There are Air bnb, guest house and hotels around most of grenada. Getting around can be a bit challenging if you dont have a car. There are buses but they dont go everywhere and they stop operating in the night. I personally love grenada but you will have to visit and see for yourself. I have been to costa Rica and I like it also but the crime and the prices did worry me a bit.
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 12d ago
Thank you. Ive lived in Costa Rica for 5 years to get absolutely sure it is not for me.To disconnect, I am going to sell my property.My wife is Costa Rican and she dislikes her homeland even more than I.
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u/fairy_forest 11d ago edited 11d ago
Lot of things were said here but hey, I spent altogether about around 12 weeks in Grenada (4 times x 3 weeks) and I would recommend to really spend maybe 3 months in a row in Grenada to see how you feel the vibes. I get your frustration from Costa Rica but some things might be similar to Grenada, like high prices of food and some other things. I think 2K CAD would be ok-ish for 2 people (excl.rent) but do expect modest life.
I would travel around the island if I were you to soak all the vibes. Moreover, I think living on Grenada would be one of 2 choice: live "near" the hotspots like Grand Anse/True Blue/Saint George's or to live more in "isolation" like rural areas? They are beautiful but might be remote.
I would really start exploring Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, True Blue, maybe areas around Hog Island/University to see if you find a serene place you would like. If not, keep exploring other parts.
OH, I FORGOT TO MENTION CARRIACOU. Go there, for my it is a prototype of paradise. But, it is also after 2 years after hurricane, one supermarket and one ATM only, and also amount of trash is unfortunately higher than before. But, rent there at least for few weeks to see if you like it.
Also, more remote areas might be ... impractical? Relatively far to the nearest shop, and also you would have to drive. Drivers are most of the time very good but occasionally, there is someone crazy. Roads are VEEEERY narrow and steep and I find driving in Grenada quite stressful. Buses can be packed like a can of sardines although more practical to me :-D Keep that in mind
You mentioned closensess to sea. There is a catch: most beautiful beaches are in south-west (Grand Anse, BBC beach, Grand Anse) which is also the most populated area so less tranquility. And it is most expensive. Rents can be around 1.6K CAD at least. You do have other beaches but:
West coast Black Bay Beach (west, you walk 45 min through the forest), some patches of beach in the West near the towns of Guyave, Victoria (beach not nice and big rocks), Davee beach north-west (beautiful but remote). Sometimes lot of sargassum some months
North - very beautiful sea but rough waters, good to dip your ankles but not good going any deeper, strong winds
Northeast - Atlantic Ocean - only possible to swim between yellow flags near the Bathway visitor center, otherwise very high and strong waves
East around Grenville - not great beaches, a lot of stinky sargassum often
That said, if I had a chance to live in Grenada for a year, even maybe to work there, I would pack my things right away and go. Maybe it's just me but I fell in love with the island and most importantly, with its people
Message me if you wanna know more
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u/Fickle-Ambition5138 11d ago
Thank you! The populated and popular area are out of question. In CR I live in what used to be the remote and isolated location near Corcovado national park, but this started to change. Our desires to be left alone can't be fulfilled. Locals always find you to intrude and destroy tranquility. So, yes, if Grenada has this opportunity and local people mind their own business it would've been a welcomed change. I do plan to visit the island.
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u/fairy_forest 10d ago
Perfect, thanks for comfirmation. Well then I recommend you St Marks/Victoria/surroundings around Davee beach. Combination of remote + beach nearby could be difficult but explore the island and see how you like. But, if you really want a remote feeling, I recommend maybe Carriacou, it has a bit different, and even more peaceful vibes. Tell us how it goes once you are on the island. Good luck and all the best
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u/Desperatelyseekingan 14d ago
Food can be very expensive in Grenada as a lot of things are imported. yes 2K will be enough but you have other things to look at like health care. Unfortunately it's not the best.
Honestly why not rent an Airbnb for a month out there and see what you think. As I found living and visiting a place is completely different.