Moving to Cayman Islands- Any TRF Members Advice?

[HoustonRoo]

Hello All,

My wife and I are headed to Grand Cayman week of July 3 to look at 4 houses that we've identified as potential new homes and speak with a school for our daughter.

We currently live in Houston and we're in the process of offshoring our company to The Cayman Islands. I will be commuting every other week between Grand Cayman and Houston for work meetings etc.

Are there any TRF members living in the Caymans that have any advice or tips for newcomers?

We are looking forward to driving around the island for the week and exploring as much as we can and excited about this move!




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[ejvette]

Your a lucky guy its a beautiful island

[superdog]

I almost moved there 15 years ago. To be with an expat from Canada that I had met, in Mexico ironically. But she was already living there.

Tons of expats, which I'm sure you are already aware of.

I used to know quite a few as I spent a lot of time there.

I don't have any specific advice, except to enjoy. And if you are 45 minutes from the "hot" spots, you can get very reasonably priced homes.

Love that place.

Have fun.

[HoustonRoo]

Originally Posted by superdog

I almost moved there 15 years ago. To be with an expat from Canada that I had met, in Mexico ironically. But she was already living there.

Tons of expats, which I'm sure you are already aware of.

I used to know quite a few as I spent a lot of time there.

I don't have any specific advice, except to enjoy. And if you are 45 minutes from the "hot" spots, you can get very reasonably priced homes.

Love that place.

Have fun.

Thanks!

We've found 2 homes that are just East of Patrick's Island and Bodden Town. One of them is really our top pick as it has a good amount of land and is off the water by about a mile. (I need a fenced lot for my K9's. We have 2 protection dogs) I didn't want to be on the beach for hurricane reasons but a few canal front homes are also on our list. I'd prefer to be a little away from "hot spots" since we'll be residents and the tourism crowd might get old quickly.

We've spent 2 months looking at properties on line and we've found a great realtor to work with.

For us, this will be a dream come true and we couldn't be more excited about this move!






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[KDS777]

Congrats on the move !! Sorry I cannot offer advice relative to your location.

I'm doing the same thing, but it's Brasil instead of the Caymans.

[bayerische]

OK, I'm envy now!!!

We where honeymooning on Cayman, and I absolutely love the place.

[MonBK]

I'm banking there, love the place.

[gregmoeck]

The east end is more remote but its a fairly long drive to the airport. I love the east end because there are less tourist. I've been diving all over the world and grand cayman is really one of the all time best due to the massive underwater features and clear water.

[HoustonRoo]

Originally Posted by gregmoeck

The east end is more remote but its a fairly long drive to the airport. I love the east end because there are less tourist. I've been diving all over the world and grand cayman is really one of the all time best due to the massive underwater features and clear water.

Can't wait to get there. I'm not a diver but my wife is. We've been reading about the diving and watching videos. Looks like there are tons of things to do on the island! I may even learn to dive.

East End or too far East may not work because we don't want to be too far from our 4 year old's school. We are renting a car while we're there so we can see how long it takes to commute to the different areas.

I'd prefer East End or somewhere along the Spotts Beach area but it will come down to distance from school I think. (My wife will be doing the majority of driving to her school.)

One thing that seems obvious is that I need to shop for a boat.




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[GB-man]

I can offer nothing but a huge congratulations

Funny side note. I always assumed you were a K9 officer lol

[TheVTCGuy]

Take me with you

[HoustonRoo]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I can offer nothing but a huge congratulations

Funny side note. I always assumed you were a K9 officer lol

Many thanks!

Not a police officer. I own a company that specializes in software for Oil and Gas.

I have had working dogs my whole life and presently have 3 K9's: 2 protection dogs and a retired EDD (bomb dog). All 3 do protection work. One will be left here in Houston with my mother as she's getting older. (The dog is 8 and mom is 83. Perfect for each other)

I volunteer as a handler with a group called Mission K9 Rescue that adopts out or re-homes retired Military K9's.




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[Star Ferry]

Congratulations. I have no advice to give, but I do believe you are a lucky man.

[henrylee]

Had my honeymoon there, my wife and I can't say anything but good things about Cayman. Beautiful island!

[gregmoeck]

It might be a good idea to rent for 6 months to a year so you can poke around and find out where you want to live. It's a big island, and not a lot to do :)

[Maybelline]

I'm jealous.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by HoustonRoo

Many thanks!

Not a police officer. I own a company that specializes in software for Oil and Gas.

I have had working dogs my whole life and presently have 3 K9's: 2 protection dogs and a retired EDD (bomb dog). All 3 do protection work. One will be left here in Houston with my mother as she's getting older. (The dog is 8 and mom is 83. Perfect for each other)

I volunteer as a handler with a group called Mission K9 Rescue that adopts out or re-homes retired Military K9's.




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Very cool. Congrats again and hope your move goes smooth

[joli160]

I can't give you advice but congratulations are in order

[BNA/LION]

Good for you, the family and K9's! I have not been but understand it is beautiful. Best of luck finding the prefect second home.

[HoustonRoo]

We've arrived today. Looking at homes tomorrow. Had time to enjoy a Rum and Coke with Seven Fathoms Rum.

Tomorrow I'll get few pics of the Sea Dweller with some aquatic wildlife.


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[s14roller]

Congrats and enjoy! I'm sure your dogs are awesome, I have a GSD and love the breed (minus the shedding lol)

[gtnator]

Good place to test out your Sea Dweller.


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[Wesley Crusher]

Congrats man. You're living the dream. I've visited the Cayman Islands before. Amazing place!!

Is your company hiring? lol

[GB-man]

Coconut pancakes, espresso and rum

All you need

[rolehex]

Let us know how the house search turns out...I'm very interested in your endeavor as I'm looking for future possible retirement locations myself.

[Halothane]

Love the Cayman Islands! We vacation to 7 mile beach every couple years. You should definitely learn to dive with your wife, as you can pick up lobster pretty easily and bring home dinner. Great place to check out watches also.

There is a restaurant right across the street from the Westin Seven Mile Beach. Highly recommend them for breakfast. Good food, good portions, resaonable prices.

[HoustonRoo]

There's a Sea Dweller 4K (116600) at the AD in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Brand spanking new in the case. All the stickers.
Kirk Freeport is offering the watch at 10 percent below retail and no tax of course.

I've put the sales lady's card below. Very nice shop.

Tell her Matt the Texan looking at houses sent you.




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[derekstlmo]

looks like your at the czech inn love that place

[THC]

Real dogs and The Caymans... wow, life does not get any better.. Congrats Matt

(I say real dogs because I am surrounded by purse dogs)

[Old Geezer]

I can't offer any insight about the Cayman Islands but want to wish you and your family the best of luck with the move.
Depending upon how the house hunting goes, renting for a few months might be a good option to get to know the place better.