You have every reason to be excited if you’re moving to beautiful Barbados! The island boasts unique natural scenery and several tourist attractions. In this blog post, we focus on the best places to live on the south coast. We’re happy to guide you through the most sought-after neighbourhoods. Barbados has a rich Caribbean culture, and all of the locations are comprised of locals and expats. This article provides answers to all of your questions, including:
How much does it cost to rent an apartment or house in Barbados?
Do I need to buy or rent a vehicle, and which locations have the best walking distance to amenities?
Do I want to be close to a beach or golf course?
Does my job require frequent traveling, which needs me to be close to the airport?
No need to fuss because we got you covered with each possible scenario. Please feel free to leave comments with asking questions after reading.
ENTERPRISE AND ATLANTIC SHORES
These spots are on the list of the most requested south coast neighbourhoods, by expats looking for long-term rent. Enterprise and Atlantic Shores on the south coast of Barbados is a popular place in the Christ Church division.
As regards property rental prices for long term leases, these are the starting ranges for furnished options:
One-bedroom units are from USD$500/Month
Two-bedroom units are from USD$750/Month
Three-bedrooms are from USD$1,100/Month
For unfurnished properties, the pricing might be slightly less but without much difference. Bigger homes with indoor pools would value about USD$3,500/Month, and seafront homes along Seaside Drive are usually above USD$4,000/Month.
Freights Bay is a surfer’s dream spot that is centrally positioned in the area. If you prefer a short walking distance to amenities, we suggest looking anywhere on Enterprise Drive and the abutting lands. Living here is an easy walk to Oistins, which is home to several establishments, including petrol stations, Fish Market, KFC, Chefette Restaurant, Massy Stores Supermarket, bank, gym, shopping plazas, and more. It only takes a 5-minute drive from Enterprise Drive to locate the Barbados Golf Club, which is an affordable 18 hole golf course. Spend an additional 7 minutes on the road to reach the airport.
FORT GEORGE HEIGHTS
Fort George Heights is a more central neighbourhood on the south coast of Barbados. It has attractive homes, a neighbourhood park for kids, and sidewalks on the main streets, which are popular for evening walks. Here, you are only a stone’s throw away from the Wildey commercial district, Sir. Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, United States Embassy, and Sheraton Mall. The easy access to amenities makes this St. Michael location even more sought after.
Long-term rentals in Fort George Heights move quickly as prospective renters are always looking for homes in this area. A 3-bedroom single storey house would usually start from USD$1,250/Month, add a swimming pool and rates generally increase up to USD$2,500/Month. The larger homes with more bedrooms value around USD$4,000/Month plus. These rates are mainly for unfurnished or semi-furnished buildings, but in a few cases could be furnished.
It is best to own or rent a vehicle if you plan to live in this area unless you work in Upton, which is close by. The gymnasium is also close by, making it convenient to sneak in a quick workout session any day of the week. Banks, two petrol stations, shopping plazas, a general store – Carter’s, Surfside Gym, and more could be found in Wildey. Also, St. David’s Church and other prime neighbourhoods like South View and Kent are nearby. You can locate a few of the private schools in no time, including St. Winifreds, Lockerbie College, and St. Gabriel’s School.
THE VILLAGES AT COVERLEY
One of the newer Christ Church developments just off the ABC Highway, between the airport and the Durants golf course area. This is a well-maintained community that offers a wide range of amenities. Here, you can enjoy the convenience of access to a petrol station, Massy Supermarket, ATM, coffee shop, medical centre, barbershop, restaurant, and more.
This development is a top choice for expats who are looking for a turnkey property. The area comprises two and three-bedroom homes. Long-term rental rates start from USD$900/Month for a two-bedroom and USD$1,400/Month for a three-bedroom. This is a modern location with furnished and unfurnished home options.
It takes only a ten-minute drive to reach Long Beach and Silver Rock Beach by Silver Sands.
MAXWELL AND WELCHES
This development starts right after Oistins. Welches Beach heading towards Bridgetown and ending at Sol Petrol Station by Top Rock roundabout is one the most popular locations on the south coast. Living in this Christ Church division puts you at a short walking distance to many amenities. Enjoy easy access to Maxwell and Dover beaches, Dover Playing Field, a few resorts and hotels, including Sandals Barbados and Sea Breeze Beach House. Additionally, there are a few eating spots like the Epic Surf Shop on Maxwell Main Road and Bliss Cafe in Dover. There’s a computer store within easy reach, Atlantic Computers and also a private school, Wills Primary School.
You will find a wide range of properties in this area, from one-bedroom apartments to large four-bedroom standalone homes and other bigger options. This development is a highly requested area that records high patronage. Interested renters rush to take the homes as soon as they hit the market for rent. A rate for a decent one-bedroom apartment would start from USD$600/Month, a two-bedroom unit starts at USD$750/Month, and three-bedroom homes, from USD$1,000/Month. Spending USD$2,750/Month or above would get you a beachfront apartment or a property in a gated community. These rates are mainly for furnished properties.
For easy transport, it is best to own or rent a vehicle if you plan to live in this development, especially if you are set back in one of the avenues or on Maxwell Hill.
WORTHING, ROCKLEY, AND HASTINGS
Living in these areas is convenient to enjoy a stroll on the seaside Richard Haynes Boardwalk, grab fast foods, or go shopping. From the St. Lawrence Gap entry, heading in the direction of Bridgetown, and ending just before the Garrison, is where you would find Worthing, Rockley, and Hastings. On this prime Christ Church strip, you will find several supermarkets, Trimart and Massy Stores. If you are a golfer, you’re in luck, thanks to the nine-hole golf course, Rockley Golf and Country Club that isn’t far from the coast road. Navy Gardens, Marine Gardens, and Garden Road are some other neighbourhoods you could consider as well, all of which are within walking distance to the main coast road.
Many available housing options are ranging from apartments and townhouses to standalone homes. The closer the home is to Highway 7, the more prime the listing and you will be required to pay a premium. One-bedroom units in this area value from USD$750/Month, 2-bedroom units are usually from USD$900/Month, and 3-bedroom units are in the region of USD$1,250/Month plus. If you enjoy golfing or going to the beach, it is advisable to keep a budget in mind, starting from USD$1,250/Month for golf course listings and USD$1,750/Month for beachfront. Gated community options are also available in the area.
Great news for all the foodies out there, as there are nice restaurants and bars available in this area. Chefette Restaurant and Champers Restaurant are some of the most popular eating spots. Mojo’s, 6Mix, and Bubba’s Sports Bar are the most raved-about bars.