Living in Antigua and Barbuda - Ultimate Guide

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In this guide to the best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda, we walk you through the treasured parts of this gorgeous twin-island nation to relocate to. From quieter areas far from the hustle and bustle of Antigua to thriving towns right by the seaports, here’s our pick of the best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda.

About Antigua and Barbuda

As an independent Commonwealth nation situated in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is a tranquil twin-island nation offering 365 beaches, an abundance of sun and watersports activities, as well as huge investment potential— particularly in the tourism and service industries.

The lush tropical island of Antigua is an inviting paradise and is considered one of the hottest destinations for travelers and foreign investors alike. Like a typical island, life here is slow-paced, peaceful, and stress-free. Since the inception of its competitive citizenship by investment scheme— a program that offers expats passports in exchange for a qualifying investment in the nation— the country has attracted a swathe of international families who’ve successfully relocated to this Caribbean jewel.

Four interesting facts about Antigua and Barbuda:

The nation grows its own black pineapple, which happens to be outrageously delicious and sweet
Antigua means ‘old’ in Spanish, named by Christopher Colombus who first discovered the island
It’s a tiny country! Antigua is only 22 km long and 18 km wide
Antigua and Barbuda landscapes are very diverse. Vulcanic rocks, tropical jungle, limestones, and beaches bathe comers in natural beauty

List of best cities for living in Antigua and Barbuda

St John’s

As the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, St John’s is the commercial hub of the nation and the chief port of the island. Famous for its shopping malls, boutique shops selling arts and crafts, nightlife scene, and culinary delights, chances are you won’t get bored in St John’s.

To top it off, the city is steeped in history. You’ll find plenty of military heritage sites here, the most significant of which is the 18th century Fort James at St. John’s Harbour, along with ruins of plantation houses and sugar mills scattered around town.

With a third of the population living in St Johns, the city is modernized offering a huge variety of property types at affordable rates. Commercial rentals are available along with villas, houses, and townhouses on Friar’s hill. You can find plenty of exclusive waterfront lands on the market too.

Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour

Fancy living by a seaport with stunning views of the bay? Falmouth Harbour and English Harbor are adjacent to each other and serve as natural harbors on the extreme south end of the island of Antigua. Popular with visiting yachtsmen and visitors disembarking from cruise ships, Falmouth Harbor is packed with activity and life, second only to Antigua’s capital St. Johns.

Once a base for the fleets of Admiral Nelson, today these natural deep harbors don’t just offer a cruise around the Caribbean waters—they’re packed with waterside cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking to make a lucrative investment or purchase a perfect living hideaway, Falmouth Harbour offers plenty of comfortable, luxurious, and stylish residences for rent or sale. For example, South Point is a sprawling luxury complex offering twenty-three stylish residences, exclusively on the waterfront.

Dickenson Bay

As the center of watersports and nightlife, Dickenson Bay is a busy town, offering fun and adventure to newcomers and residents alike. From windsurfing and parasailing to jet skiing and water skiing, you can enjoy the perfect balance between having fun out on the water and enjoying a nice dinner and drinks in the evening.

The bay is lined with beaches, large resorts, small hotels, and a handful of cafes, bars, restaurants, vending stalls, and water sports services. If you prefer to steer clear from the crowds but still be nearby, then the other end of Dickenson Bay provides a mini oasis, with private residence solutions.

Jolly Harbour

As the largest man-made marina in the Caribbean, Jolly Harbour carries a lot of appeal. The village is located on the west coast of Antigua and is home to many boutique shops, restaurants, and postcard-perfect beaches that include the famous Jolly Beach, Fryes Beach, and Valley Church Bea.

You can find a range of waterfront homes on sale, offering a mix of luxury and affordable price points. Perfect for sailing, yachting, and fishing fans, Jolly Harbour offers a grounded balance between tranquility and bustle. Here, you can enjoy a range of amenities like the Jolly Harbour Golf Club, restaurants, and bars. Down south, there are numerous beachfront homes and condos for sale, overlooking the white sands of Fryes Beach and Darkwood Beach. While less developed, these are perfect for relaxation and sea-watching.

Living in Antigua and Barbuda benefits

There are many benefits to living in Antigua and Barbuda. Here are just a few:

English is the official language

All-around island offering stunning beaches, breathtaking scenic views, flourishing markets, and adventure sport

Friendly and welcoming community

Low crime rates

Get the Antigua and Barbuda passport via the citizenship by investment program

Low tax regime for expats. You don’t need to pay taxes for foreign-sourced income

Living in Antigua and Barbuda: How to make the move as an expat?

As an expat, living in Antigua and Barbuda is relatively straightforward. Of course, you will need to register as a legal resident first and the good news is there are a number of ways to do this.

Buy property to invest or relocate

Investing in Antigua and Barbuda real estate is a fantastic way to secure your assets, gain a second home in paradise, and even make an income on the side, either by subletting or short-term letting to holiday goers. Typically speaking, expats buy property in Antigua particularly since it’s more developed than Barbuda. If interested in relocating to Antigua and Barbuda, then consider applying for Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship investment program. One of the investment routes to a passport so happens to be purchasing real estate.

The real estate investment requirement is as follows:

Purchase property valued at a minimum of $400,000 in a pre-approved real estate area.
The property must be kept for at least five years.
In addition, property must be selected from the government’s approved development projects list.
Note: There are extra costs involved like registration, processing and attorney fees, plus property tax which must be paid on top of the property purchasing price.

Citizenship by investment

Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment offers an excellent opportunity for investors looking to acquire a high-ranking second passport quickly with vast visa-free travel opportunities and the option of bringing the entire family in to enjoy the same benefits.

Why consider Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment?

Minimum investment requirement is just $100,000
Entire family is eligible for lifetime citizenship
Acquire a passport in under 4 months, enjoying visa-free travel privileges to over 150 countries
Incredible tax freedoms
Option to earn back your investment in returns

Speak to our consultants

As a boutique citizenship by investment consultancy firm, we work closely with families looking to broaden their horizons and invest in passports. Our team collaborates with local specialists in Antigua and Barbuda, guiding applicants through the entire application process.

If you’re thinking of relocating in Antigua and Barbuda or are seeking to invest in the country, then let’s have a chat. Contact us today by clicking here.

Frequently asked questions about best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda

What are the best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda?

The list of cities in Antigua and Barbuda to live in include: St Johns, Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour, Dickenson Bay and Jolly Harbour.

Why is living in Antigua and Barbuda a good idea?

Living in Antigua and Barbuda is a good idea for expats looking to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle, in paradise. Investment opportunities abound, plus you can qualify for an Antigua and Barbuda passport if you go through the country’s citizenship by investment scheme. This passport can also be obtained for your entire family, and it allows visa-free travel to over 150 destinations worldwide.

For living in Antigua and Barbuda, should I buy my own property?

If you’d like to make the most of your investment, then buying your own property for short-term or long-term rentals is an excellent idea. This enables you to stash some income on the side, and eventually gain back in returns on your real estate investment. To top it off, the property is yours, so you can even choose to live in Antigua and Barbuda, and get a passport in return.

Best towns for living in Antigua and Barbuda