Moving to Bonaire?

[Robertcrockett]

We love Bonaire and are considering moving? We love the area and the ability to dive at a moments notice is a big sell as well.. We're getting older "50s" and would love to maximize those bubbles with the good years that we have left. How's purchasing property or a home in Bonaire? Any tips? What may we expect around 400k. I know there are local realty companies and we'll certainly inquire but I wondered if anyone here had any experience that they wished to share.

 

[tursiops]

We love Bonaire and are considering moving? We love the area and the ability to dive at a moments notice is a big sell as well.. We're getting older "50s" and would love to maximize those bubbles with the good years that we have left. How's purchasing property or a home in Bonaire? Any tips? What may we expect around 400k. I know there are local realty companies and we'll certainly inquire but I wondered if anyone here had any experience that they wished to share.

Are you originally from Bonaire? I ask because you use the word "repatriation..."

 

[arew+4]

Are you looking to move there permanently as in becoming a citizen, or buying property and spending 3-6 months a year on the island?

 

[woodcarver]

We love Bonaire and are considering moving? We love the area and the ability to dive at a moments notice is a big sell as well.. We're getting older "50s" and would love to maximize those bubbles with the good years that we have left. How's purchasing property or a home in Bonaire? Any tips? What may we expect around 400k. I know there are local realty companies and we'll certainly inquire but I wondered if anyone here had any experience that they wished to share.

My brother, who has lived on Bonaire for almost 10 years now, makes this suggestion to anyone thinking about becoming an expat resident; take a long vacation first, as in, 6-12 months, before jumping into the purchase of a permanent home. Living on any island for an extended time can often cause an odd form of claustrophobia. It is very different to live there permanently than taking even an extended stay of a month or two. "Try it before you buy it" would be an appropriate approach. He knows several who couldn't handle the restrictions living on a small island places on everyone; even when the island is as good as Bonaire.
Btw, 50s is still young, ijs

 

[Lorenzoid]

Are you originally from Bonaire? I ask because you use the word "repatriation..."

Yeah, if they are US citizens, moving to Bonaire would be "expatriation."

@Robertcrockett , I believe we do have some members who live on Bonaire, but a more bountiful source for people with stories might be the Bonaire residents Facebook group I recall hearing about. I believe the forum known as Bonairetalk.com is still active, too, though not as much as it used to be before Facebook and such came along. Bonairetalk used to be the best way to seek local knowledge. I don't do Farcebook.

 

[ontdiver]

Trying out a possible relocation destination for an extended stay is really the safe way to go. But even then, you should take a couple of steps back to objectively consider your health, and what you can expect health-wise given family histories. Having excellent health insurance is hugely important. But even then, what specialists are available on an urgent basis if you run into the unexpected? Will this insurance cover repatriation to a location where you can get necessary care? Lots to consider....and good luck!

 

[MiloR]

Living on Bonaire, When Visiting is No Longer Enough

Making the transition from visitor to a resident. The Living on Bonaire page helps you navigate the process to live your dream on Bonaire?

infobonaire.com

Vacation, immigration and citizenship on Bonaire Dutch Caribbean

For how long can I stay on Bonaire, and when do I need to apply for citizenship? Click for further details.

www.sunbeltbonaire.com

Means of existence

Means of existence provide an insight into the minimum income that you have available, to prove that you are able to maintain a livelihood for yourself and your family in the Caribbean Netherlands.

english.rijksdienstcn.com

The "Home" page on the above link connects to many relevant resources

How to Retire in Bonaire - 7th Heaven Properties

Thinking about retiring in Bonaire? Find out about how to retire on this southern Caribbean island in our guide.

www.7thheavenproperties.com

I read somewhere that you have to "visit" a certain number of times before applying for Resident status. After getting Resident status and a "sedula", a Bonaire Identity document, you become eligible for the local/Dutch healthcare like any other resident. <--- Don't quote me on that because I am only 96.4% sure that is what I read.

 

[Robertcrockett]

Are you originally from Bonaire? I ask because you use the word "repatriation..."

Thanks for catching my mistake.. Fixed.

 

[drrich2]

I love Bonaire, but the idea of living there? Wow. I recommend you take a long, hard look at Curacao, as a destination that might offer a lot of what you want in diving, coupled with a lot more topside.

Given that it's much larger, I suspect it might have more extensive medical facilities. As we get older, those things matter.

Richard.

 

[Jersey]

As others have suggested, try it before you buy it. We have kicked around buying. Over dinner with friends who have lived there for about 20 years they asked if our plan was to move permanently which gave us pause. Now our plan is longer term rentals > maybe 6.

That whole island fever thing is real. I did live (and work) on an island and saw many people relocate only to leave within a year. I'd suggest you read Herman Wouk's 'Dont Stop the Carnival' for an idea about island living. While some of the situations are absurd, I saw some absurdity during my time. All kinds of challenges folks probably don't even think about

If I were to buy on an island, Bonaire would be top of the list.