A New Adventure in the Cayman Islands
A British journalist, Sarah Bridge, has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her life by relocating to the Cayman Islands. At 52 years old, she is embracing the vibrant expat community, the stunning weather, and significantly higher wages, all of which have convinced her to stay for at least a few more years.
Having recently started a new position at a magazine in London, Sarah stumbled upon a job listing for a journalist in the Cayman Islands on LinkedIn. This British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean is known for its lack of income tax, making it a favored destination for expatriates. “Life had become a bit routine,” she shared. “It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t quite enough. I wanted a new, amazing experience.”
Sarah’s career has taken her around the globe, including stints in Italy, Greece, and the United States. She loves the thrill of living in a new country, exploring diverse cultures, and facing challenges that her life in the UK simply couldn’t offer. “I love living in a new country and exploring new places and people,” she added.
In early 2024, unable to shake the desire to move abroad once more, she applied for the job in the Cayman Islands—and was thrilled to receive an offer. “I gave my three months’ notice, found someone to rent my flat, sold my car, and decluttered my life,” she explained. Her new employer facilitated a temporary six-month work visa, emphasizing that “you can’t just turn up in the Cayman Islands and get a job.”
Now, six months into her adventure, Sarah describes her experience on Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, as “brilliant.” She resides in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat share within a condo complex that boasts amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, and gym.
“I wake up early with the sunrise and can see the ocean from my window,” she shares. “I throw back the curtains and go for a swim at the outdoor pool, do some yoga, or simply sit by the waves while enjoying breakfast in the sunshine.” Gone are the days of a 90-minute commute; instead, Sarah now enjoys a quick nine-minute journey to her office after attending a brief Zoom meeting.
Her work as a journalist has become more diverse and fulfilling. “I’ve been reporting on Parliament, courts, and exciting assignments like fishing competitions and food festivals,” she says. “It’s a really varied job, unlike the one I had back in the UK.”
Thanks to the consistently warm temperatures, ranging from the high 20s to low 30s Celsius, Sarah spends much of her leisure time outdoors. “Not only is it beautiful to have the sunshine all the time, but you also get to see the sky,” she remarks. “It’s incredibly uplifting.” She swims nearly every day, practices yoga every Sunday on the beach, and has taken up new hobbies including tennis, pickleball, and snorkeling.
Making connections has been relatively easy for her. “People are very sociable here,” Sarah observes. “You have to put yourself out there, but I’ve made friends from all over the world.” She has also leveraged Facebook groups to expand her social circle. “There are regular social events listed, and you can just post a notice asking who wants to meet up,” she explains.
On her birthday, Sarah posted an invitation on one of the Facebook groups, encouraging people to join her celebration at a local bar. “Many people—some I didn’t even know—showed up,” she recalls. “And they became friends.” She believes the warmth of the islanders stems from the fact that many are expats themselves, understanding the challenges of settling into a new environment. “People are eager to make friends,” she adds.
However, life in the Cayman Islands does come with its challenges, particularly regarding the cost of living. Her rent is around £1,400 a month, with an additional £250 for bills. She also pays £500 monthly for her 14-year-old Honda Fit on a long-term lease.
- For a basic grocery shop, including milk, bread, eggs, butter, coffee, and yogurt, she might spend upwards of £50.
- Dining out typically costs about £30.
“It seems incredibly expensive,” she admits. “The rule of thumb is that you should take home about £5,000 a month to live here comfortably. I’m sharing to keep costs down, but if you want a place of your own, it’s more like £3,000 a month, not including bills.” The silver lining is the absence of income tax, and with her higher salary, she takes home nearly double what she earned in the UK.
While she cherishes her new life in the Cayman Islands, Sarah does miss certain aspects of home, such as visiting her mother and the convenience of walking to shops. Unlike the UK, the infrastructure here is not pedestrian-friendly, and most people rely on cars for transportation. “I miss the charming traditional British villages,” she reflects. “Here, the architecture feels quite American, with numerous shopping malls and plazas instead of quaint pubs or restaurants.”
Looking ahead, Sarah expresses her desire to remain in the Cayman Islands for the foreseeable future. “I hope to be here for a few years at least,” she concludes. “But who knows? I’m taking it month by month.”
