What We Love About Antigua: Our Experience
Why we chose Antigua
There are already plenty of articles listing the pros and cons of Antigua (I've included a few at the end of this article). But today, we wanted to share our story and what truly makes us love life here on a daily basis.
Our journey: from city life to island living
To understand our perspective, you should know that we lived in Paris for a long time, and we're familiar with several major European capitals, as well as smaller cities that are just as remarkable for their history and architecture.
Then, we had the chance to spend several wonderful years in Montreal (before the city changed so much...) and to explore other regions of Canada, particularly Alberta and British Columbia where we have family. Not to mention the East Coast of the United States, which we've often traveled through: Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut...
Why are we telling you all this? Because our past inevitably influences our perception of Antigua. We don't come from a small country town. We've experienced large metropolises, endless winters, and crushing tax systems.
It's with all these experiences behind us that we decided to radically change our lives and take the big leap to the Caribbean, to this small island of Antigua.
What captivates us here: nature, always nature
No surprise: the first love affair is with the island's beauty. Its vegetation, its postcard-perfect beaches, its flora and fauna bursting with color.
We love swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding (I absolutely want to learn kitesurfing!), and going on beautiful hikes.
Our dream? To own a boat one day to explore other Caribbean islands!
Here, we can swim in crystal-clear water almost every day, discover the underwater world, and regularly encounter turtles and rays. I have a soft spot for ballyhoos, those little fish with pointed noses and bright blue-yellow tails. Every snorkeling trip is an adventure.
The hikes are magnificent too! In fact, that's one of the reasons we decided to settle in the south of the island, even though the most spectacular beaches are in the west.
The air is pure, the sky deep blue, nature is vibrant, and there's the ocean...
Also an important detail for the cat lovers we are: there are no predators on the island. Our cats can enjoy a large garden in complete safety.
A peaceful pace of life
Antigua offers a peaceful environment. This is what appeals to tourists, families, and retirees alike.
For children, growing up here is an incredible opportunity. And let's be honest: getting kids away from screens becomes much easier when the alternative is the beach or a snorkeling session!
The island is also a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts. With its constant trade winds and natural harbor, it attracts sailors and enthusiasts from around the world. Every year, between April and May, Antigua Sailing Week takes place, a must-attend event in the yachting world.
Warm People
Another strong point is the kindness of the residents. Antiguans are warm, helpful, and take life on the bright side.
Cultural note: their animated conversations can sometimes seem tense, but no, here when people chat, it's just a bit loud!
What we particularly appreciate is the central place of family. Intergenerational ties are strong, grandparents often live with their children and take care of the grandchildren. This spirit of mutual support, which we've often lost in big cities, is truly refreshing.
A safe environment
Like anywhere, there are a few isolated incidents (such as the convenience store robbery that made headlines) and likely some drug trafficking, but Antigua remains one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
For us, this was an essential, non-negotiable criterion. Day to day, we feel safe, and that's a feeling we had lost in some big cities.
And Yes, Let’s Talk Taxes
Let's be honest: taxation was a determining factor in our choice. In Antigua and Barbuda, personal income, dividends, royalties, interest, inheritances, wealth, and capital gains are not taxed for residents. As for property taxes, they're very affordable.
Concretely, this means we can really invest in our future and retirement.
After France and Canada, we know all too well that much of what we paid in taxes will probably never come back to us, or only in the form of a symbolic pension.
What if Antigua became your little piece of paradise?
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Coming Up Next…
In the next posts, we’ll talk about the real-life challenges of living in Antigua (because yes, there are some!), the cultural quirks, and everything that might help you prepare for your own move.
Useful links to explore
- 12 pros cons living in Antigua and Barbuda
- Top reasons Americans are moving to Antigua in 2025
- Pros and cons of living in Antigua and Barbuda
- A Expat's Life in Antigua