In the past, the thought of a home overseas was fairly predictable… a condo south of the border, a beach house on the islands…
But there’s no single version of “owning a home abroad” anymore…
There’s a wide spectrum of possibilities, each offering a very different kind of lifestyle.
For some people, it’s a condo on a golf resort overlooking manicured fairways. For others, it’s a beachfront apartment where the sound of the ocean is part of everyday life. Some are drawn to restored homes in historic mountain villages, or small country farms with space to grow and slow down.
And at one end of that spectrum, a newer option has started to gain attention… going off grid.
Today, I’m speaking with Phil, who has been developing a self-sufficient community in Belize’s Cayo district for decades now, one that is off-grid but skimps on no creature comforts. It’s a residential community built around a very different idea of Caribbean living—what he calls “independent together.”
What does that actually mean in practice?
Phil explains how daily life here follows a natural rhythm—gardening, riverside fishing, trips to nearby ruins and waterfalls, and a pace of life shaped by the environment rather than schedules or traffic.
And then there’s the community itself—retirees, remote workers, gardeners, volunteers, and lifelong learners building a very intentional version of expat life. Not isolated, but interdependent. Not rustic hardship, but designed simplicity.
Got a question? Want to see us cover a particular topic? Write to me here.
Happy trails,
Kat Kalashian,
Editor LIOS Confidential
Video Transcript
Inland Belize: A Different Lifestyle Beyond the Beaches
Kat
People land in Belize and, like you said, they go beaches—you know, islands, reefs, and all of that.
Phil Hahn
But that’s not the lifestyle for everybody. In fact, people get island fever, and it’s also more expensive. Everything on the island has to be barged in, so it could be twice the cost of houses in Cayo to build out in the Cayes or down in Placencia along the beach.
Kat
Hello, I’m Kat Kalashian for Live and Invest Overseas. Today we’re talking about Belize and a really interesting community on the mainland, which is not what most people think of when they think of Belize. They think of the beaches, the reef, and the diving. Inland, it’s a completely different world.
Today I’m here with Phil Hahn, who I’ve known for quite some time now, and he has built something really unique—an impressive community for people looking for more independence, more space, and a different way of living in mainland Belize.
What Is the Lifestyle Like in Belize’s Cayo District?
Kat
Phil, how would you describe this lifestyle generally in the Cayo District, where your project is located? What is the landscape and lifestyle like for someone who’s never seen it before?
Phil Hahn
I think I’ve mentioned this to you before—it’s kind of like if you were to take the Midwest in the U.S. and Florida and combine them. You get rolling hills, farmland, and a tropical paradise feel.
The vibe is a little different. Spanish Lookout is a Mennonite community—it’s kind of the commercial engine of the country, very industrious and organized. Then you get to San Ignacio, and I say Belize is where Central America and the Caribbean meet—you definitely get that vibe there. San Ignacio has almost a bohemian feel to it. It’s a cool town.
The Carmelita Gardens vibe is very peaceful and relaxed. We’re amongst nature, but we’re not that far from Spanish Lookout or San Ignacio. I like to say, we want to get away, but not too far away—we’re in that sweet spot.
There’s the river for floating and fishing, Maya ruins, the Maya Mountains with waterfalls. These are things people do regularly. But day-to-day, they’re gardening, growing fruit trees, and spending time with neighbors. It’s a very comfortable lifestyle.
Kat
It sounds like a very outdoors-oriented lifestyle—not for someone looking for a museum every week or the opera. This is for hiking, horse riding, cave tubing, and exploring Mayan ruins. It’s a very interesting landscape to explore.
Why Choose Inland Belize Over the Beach Areas?
Kat
You’ve mentioned before that this region is also the breadbasket of the country. That’s where the Midwest comparison comes in—it’s a place where things are always growing. Your community really leans into that idea.
Phil Hahn
Yes, absolutely. We have community gardens and people also have their own personal gardens. The alluvial soil in the Belize Valley is great for farming and growing crops.
When I started Carmelita, the land had been leased to Mennonites for growing corn and beans. We let it rest, brought in cattle to graze and fertilize, and now we have incredible soil.
Cayo is growing—it’s the fastest-growing area. People come to Belize thinking about beaches and reefs, but that’s not for everyone. It’s more expensive too. Building on the Cayes or in Placencia can cost twice as much as inland.
Our motto is “Independent together.” You can live in the heartland and visit the reef when you want—you don’t have to live on it.
I recently spent the weekend fishing in Placencia. It’s just a short trip—you go, enjoy it, and come back home to peaceful Cayo.
Another factor is sargassum along the coast, and concerns about rising sea levels. These are things people are starting to think about when choosing where to live.
Kat
That’s a real concern. Inland property feels more stable—something you can actually sit on and pass down as a legacy asset.
Can You Really Live Off-Grid Comfortably?
Kat
Let’s talk about off-grid living, because it might sound intimidating. What does off-grid actually mean in your community?
Phil Hahn
We started with simple wooden cottages and solar systems integrated into the design—rainwater catchment, filtration, and pressure systems.
But things evolved quickly. We went from small cottages to luxury homes with pools, gourmet kitchens, and full amenities—all off-grid.
Technology has advanced a lot. Battery storage, solar panels, and inverters have improved dramatically. We no longer rely on generators.
At the same time, people can choose a simpler lifestyle if they want. Everything is customized to fit their needs, climate, and budget.
What Surprises People Most When They Move Here?
Kat
What tends to surprise people when they visit or move in?
Phil Hahn
The pace of life. Things are slower, and that can take some adjustment.
Also, the rural aspect and infrastructure. Belize is a small country with a dispersed population, so development looks different.
There’s a charm to it, but it can be disorienting at first—like long dirt roads and distances between places. That’s why visiting beforehand is important.
What Does Daily Life Actually Look Like?
Kat
What does a typical day look like for someone living in your community?
Phil Hahn
We have retirees and remote workers—like a nurse practitioner doing online consultations or people day trading.
On weekends, people go fishing, visit the Cayes, explore waterfalls, or head into the mountains.
Others volunteer locally—teaching, organizing workshops, or helping in schools.
We also have an on-site archaeological area with Maya mounds. Residents can actually participate in excavations—it’s a unique experience.
What Infrastructure and Amenities Are in Place?
Kat
What can people expect in terms of infrastructure and amenities?
Phil Hahn
We have roads, and we’ve set aside 20% of the land as green space. Properties back onto green areas, rivers, or larger plots.
There are gardens, orchards, walking areas, and even fireflies at night. We also have pickleball courts and a multi-use sports court.
We’re adding a pool and clubhouse. Right now, we use a community center called the Garden Club for gatherings, events, and lectures.
It’s a very active and social community.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home?
Kat
What kind of budget are we talking about?
Phil Hahn
Cottages range from about $150,000 to $180,000.
Bungalows are around $200,000 to $250,000, and villas start at $300,000 and go up. A recent luxury home came in just under $500,000.
We’re also introducing more affordable attached homes starting around $150,000.
What’s Available in the Community?
Kat
How much availability is left?
Phil Hahn
There are 245 total lots, with about 212 residential. Around 160 have been sold, so inventory is still available but decreasing.
With infrastructure improvements coming, the area is expected to grow significantly.
