BELIZE AND WHY ?

I’ve been so excited to let you see some of the wonderful real estate values available here in and around San Ignacio.  But now let me back up a bit here and tell you more about San Ignacio itself and why I think you would enjoy living here — just like me.

It is situated on the banks of the Macal River and the Mopan River, about 72 miles west of Belize City (get out your map) and 22 miles west of the country’s capital of Belmopan. San Ignacio is a very convenient 9 miles from the Guatemalan border (beyond which lie exquisite Mayan ruins).

San Ignacio is called Cayo locally and that’s how we refer to it.  There is also a sister city of Santa Elena situated just across the Macal River.  The Hawksworth Bridge joins them. It is the only suspension bridge in Belize; it has one lane and was built in 1949.  These two towns in the western interior make up the second largest urban area in Belize.

It’s so lovely here!  I chose to live in San Ignacio because of the always stunning vistas of mountains, jungles and rivers.  I also love the town market!  You’ll know where to find me every Saturday picking out the choicest fruits, meats, vegetables, and crafts brought in by farmers from the surrounding towns.  You’ll also see me busily chatting with my neighbors because going to market is a social event for the community.  Come on over, grab a local brew, and join us!

The population in San Ignacio is largely Mestizo (Spanish Maya) and Kriol with some Lebanese and Mopan residents also.  But remember, language is no barrier as English is the official language here.   Interestingly, San Ignacio also boasts a fairly large Chinese group, most of whom emigrated in the mid-20th century.  And surprisingly, a sizable farming Mennonite community resides near San Ignacio also. The Mennonites are very much in evidence with their extensive selection of produce at the market.  There are also smaller ethnic groups of Garifuna and East Indians.

According to the 2000 census, the combined population of these two towns was 16,400 people.   As for local government, San Ignacio is currently presided over by a Mayor and Town Council.   They are affiliated with the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Who lives here — besides me!  Well, there are peace corps workers, archeologists, lots of U.S. retirees (looking to stretch their pensions), adventure seekers, and those like me —– who visited and fell completely in love with Belize and packed up and moved in.

See this video that shows Belize and Why we have moved here ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiKKNXQuLo&feature=related