The divorced male phenomenon in Negril

[Marko]

Florida seems downright boring compared to Negril.

yes Florida is boring compared to Negril.......mi tell people mi actually "Live" life in Negril......in Florida mi "Exist".....

as far as male expats living here......der aren't really dat many especially compared to the Dominican Republic or Philippines, Thailand, etc......

but der are quite a few female expats living here as you see dem all over da place.....

and most of the expats here are couples.......they discovered Negril and the surrounding area years ago and built a second home here......

mi have been breaking up Negril with Florida for the past 5 years......but mi fully retire this Winter so mi got some decisions to make....yah mon

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Bnewb]

RonMon...though I've never heard of the card and coffee mornings, you are correct in saying that there's quite a few snowbird single males that arrive into town starting at the beginning of November...also quite a few couples and single women and more than just Americans.

[Lola]

There's always new people coming into their time to try Jamaica for long-term or residency, just like I was some years ago. Some like it and continue, some decide its not for them. Although you may see people out and about on their own, that doesn't always translate to 'single'.

I feel anywhere you go, a person should have some personal interests that keep them occupied so as not be overly dependent on socializing, which seems to run heavy with gossip and people's personal issues, which you may or may not want to know or get involved in.

Its cheaper than coastal Florida, as far as rent goes. Traffic is really thick in St. Pete this year too. But the food in Fla is good quality.

There is lots to do in Florida but its a very different vibe than Negril, and the flavor is US, not sweet Jamaica with Jamaicans. If tropical weather is your thing, St. Pete won't be warm enough. I don't have experience further south but I assume 'more expensive' unless you live inland.

[gregandkelly63]

My wife and I have always talked about spending our retirement years in Negril, but have decided we couldn't live there full time. There is so much to consider including health care as you age.

Our current plan is to start extending our stays over the next few years until we are at least spending our winter in Jamaica.

[M&G Montreal]

OMG! I need popcorn .... cause this is gonna turn into a mega-uber thread! Boy talk, girls! Stay tuned ... this is gonna be real interesting .....

[Babalew]

I've spent the winters in negril for the past 5 years. My compplex looks more and more like a senior citizen complex and there are a few single men that are regulars.

[Big_frank]

I've said it before; grey hairs outnumber the young people in Negril two to one. Power to the people. Power to the people right on!

[RonMon]

Just a little clarification, this is about my 12th Jamaica trip, so I got a bit of an idea of how the tourist thing goes. I just noticed I talked to (not saw guys walking alone and assumed) that said they were retirees and either windowed in two cases or divorced in the other or one never married at all and they really enjoyed the social scene in Negril as there is obviously a steady stream of standard tourists and of course the locals to hang with.

I was simply remarking that it seemed to be more than I would expect from talking to the guys for a small town like Negril, so obviously there is something to it. I just wanted to hear some opinions of women and men if they thought that life would be appealing. I could see myself giving it a try sometime in the near future.

[LivinInThe603]

Appealing, yes.. Complex, definitely. But with a steady financial plan, it seems very doable as a second home or long term vacation rental. Do your homework! If you buy and need someone to look after your place in the summer months, let me know, hahahahahahahahahha

[Lola]

LivinInThe603, Babelew was referring to her 'hotel complex' where she stays in Negril.

My first couple long stays required managing many details and adjustments but once I knew I wanted to continue and found a suitable apartment to rent year-round, that became my home. I have family and interests in the US that I visit otherwise, I'd apply for Residency in Jamaica. It is the US part that is 'complex' ha ha.

RonMon, you sound concerned about loneliness at the idea of coming to Negril solo but actually, it puts you in a great position for a fresh start in many ways. You will be more challenged regarding boundaries with people, than in being lonely.