Renowned for its natural beauty, welcoming community, and appealing tax-free status, the Cayman Islands has long been one of the most sought-after destinations to live, work, and relax in the Caribbean. With a thriving economy and a flourishing luxury property market, it’s no surprise that expats around the globe have long been drawn to Cayman’s sun-kissed shores, whether they’re seeking a new home or a holiday retreat.
But what is it really like to move to the Cayman Islands and adjust to life in this tropical haven? Three top ERA Cayman real estate agents who have made Cayman their home provide valuable, firsthand insights into both the rewards and challenges of living in these enchanting islands.
Transition to island living
When settling into life in the Cayman Islands, one of the first things many newcomers notice is the island’s size and slower pace. Kristina King, whose family moved to Cayman in the ’70s, notes that for people coming from larger countries, the limited ability to take long drives or “road trips” to nearby destinations can be a significant change.
“For those accustomed to hopping in the car and driving for hours across borders to explore new places, it can be surprising to realize you’ll need to take a flight to reach another destination outside of Cayman,” she explains.
This sense of physical limitation is paired with what John Pohlmann, originally from the United States, refers to as “island time” — a slower, more relaxed pace that stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of major cities.
“Moving from a fast-paced environment requires people to pause and relax,” he observes, adding that while some may find this difficult, others might welcome the chance to embrace a lifestyle where they can “take a long, deep breath and become more reflective and contemplative overall.”
Meanwhile, for Selene Oddenino Newton, who relocated to Cayman from Italy five years ago, adjusting to island life is made easier by the presence of a vibrant expatriate community. “The diverse and welcoming expat network here provides numerous social opportunities and helps ease the transition,” she says.
Quality of life — the Cayman advantage
Despite these initial adjustments, the quality of life in the Cayman Islands is difficult to rival. A strong sense of safety, combined with well-developed infrastructure, and excellent education and healthcare systems, creates a highly desirable living environment.
“Our crime rate is extremely low,” Kristina remarks, “making it a very safe place to live compared to major cities worldwide.”
From an infrastructure perspective, John highlights Cayman’s impressive development for a small island. “Quality of life here is generally very high and healthy,” he explains. “The infrastructure is a cut above other countries in the greater Caribbean region.”
He also mentions that while healthcare and education are of high quality, there may be fewer choices than in larger cities.
Selene echoes this, saying that while healthcare in the Cayman Islands is generally top-notch, for more specialized treatments, residents might need to travel abroad — usually to Miami. However, this concern is offset by the island’s proximity to the United States, where advanced medical care is just a short flight away.
Similarly, she observes that although good private and international schools are available, “space can be limited, so early application is often required.”
Where paradise meets practicality
Beyond the basic comforts, the Cayman Islands offer a lifestyle that many expatriates find hard to leave behind. The most obvious perk is that of being a tax-neutral territory, which is a huge draw for many professionals and businesspeople.
“Being tax-free is one of the privileges that is hard to match elsewhere,” Kristina avers.
But there’s more to Cayman’s appeal than just financial incentives. Its breathtaking natural environment is definitely a major attraction.
“Life in Cayman is very much centered around the ocean and outdoor activities,” Selene says, listing snorkeling, diving, and boating as common weekend pastimes. She believes that the islands offer a healthier, more relaxed way of life that contrasts sharply with the stresses of urban living.
John is quick to point out that the combination of natural beauty, modern progress, convenience, and accessibility found in the Cayman Islands is hard to match elsewhere. “We have a safe, secure, and stunning island oasis just a short flight from Miami and other major U.S. cities. What more could you ask for?”
A lifestyle choice
Of course, there’s always a trade-off. While the Cayman Islands offer a tax-free lifestyle and unlimited access to magical sunsets and pristine white sand beaches, the cost of living can be quite high. Housing, in particular, tends to be expensive, especially with Cayman’s coveted position as a premium destination for luxury property investments.
Most shopping requires off-island or shipped-in items, which adds to the higher cost of daily living. Similarly, groceries and utilities tend to be quite expensive due to the islands’ dependence on imports. As some like to say, “it’s the price you pay to live in paradise.”
Still, many residents find that the benefits of living in the Cayman Islands easily outweigh the costs. The absence of personal taxes, a safe environment, stunning natural beauty, modern conveniences, and a relaxed pace of life make the islands an ideal home for both families and business professionals.
For those who can embrace the quirks of island life, the rewards are substantial. From tax-free benefits and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle to the chance to savor a more tranquil pace, the Cayman Islands continue to be a sought-after destination for those seeking a better quality of life and are willing to invest a bit more to achieve it.
If living in the Cayman Islands is on your mind, the trusted and knowledgeable real estate professionals at Team ERA Cayman are ready to help you make your dream a reality. Contact us today to begin your journey to island living at its finest!
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