10-minute beach access in Jamaica for $1,900 a month: 33-year-old mom's new life

In 2017, I was juggling being a parent to two young children, working as an HR specialist, and attempting to pay off over $50,000 in debt.

In two years, I turned my blog "Money Talk with Tiff" into a podcast and became a full-time entrepreneur, managing my business from my home in North Carolina.

Recently, I didn't consider leaving the U.S. to reside in another country until very recently. Despite my dad being from Jamaica, I have always felt a strong connection to the island. In 2021, at the age of 31 and pregnant with my third child, I finally got the chance to visit.

Everything about it captured my heart: the sights, smells, weather, people, and food.

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I spent a month with family I'd never met, made new friends who felt like family, and traveled from city to city. I was reluctant to depart.

I contemplated relocating to the island after realizing I had been self-employed for some time and could work remotely from any location, including this one that felt like my home.

In May, I relocated with my two youngest children, aged 10 and one, to Negril, Jamaica. Since then, I have been extremely content.

I work outside every day—and I spend less

Every day, I work outside on my veranda because there is stunning scenery right outside my door and I say, "My office is open."

I reside on the cliff edge of Negril, which means a 10-minute drive is all it takes to reach the beach. A two-minute stroll from my home brings me to Rick's Cafe, where I can leap off the cliffs into the sea.

My house boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fenced yard brimming with fruit trees, including moringa, mangoes, naseberry, and ackee.

My monthly expenses, which include rent, utilities, childcare, food, transportation, school fees, and home maintenance, add up to $1,900, despite living in an area that is one of the most expensive on the island due to its popularity with tourists.

My expenses in North Carolina were approximately $3,000 per month.

My young kids are thriving

My oldest child will graduate soon, so it made sense for him to live with his dad and finish high school in the U.S. However, my middle child is in elementary school and was not performing well academically in North Carolina. This presented an opportunity for him to start anew.

In Jamaica, children spend more time outdoors in nature rather than being glued to screens.

At school, my son and his classmates have two recesses, one lasting 35 minutes and another lasting 45 minutes. When he returns home, he remains outside until it gets dark. I have observed that his concentration has already improved.

My youngest is nearly two now, and I'm excited for both of them to start school at three years old in Jamaica.

We have been embraced by our community

We frequently spend our days at the beach and occasionally visit the river. Instead of using rods, we catch fish with plastic bottles, hooks, and fishing line. I've even gone crab hunting at night.

People around here enjoy outdoor cooking and are often willing to share their food with those who are present.

The food here is amazing. All the ingredients are fresh and unprocessed. Local vendors offer a variety of specialties, including patties and spicy beef and chicken pastries.

The reggae music culture is prevalent and widely enjoyed in the community.

Despite our friendly relationship back home, we rarely interacted. However, even amidst work and chores, people here frequently drop by to greet and inquire about your health.

Our family has been graciously welcomed into the community of residents on our lane, who are mostly related to one another.

'Rushing is no longer necessary'

Although we lack hot water, I find that I don't miss it. We possess only one air conditioner and wash our clothes manually, hanging them out to dry on a line. Despite the challenges, I cherish this way of life, which was the norm for my grandparents and their ancestors. Now, we have the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

In contrast to the U.S., where there is a prevalent hustle mentality and constant stress and anxiety, the people here are more relaxed.

Opening my bank account was an all-day affair, just like many other tasks you want to accomplish. Eating at a restaurant can also take a while because everything is made from scratch.

Going with the flow and taking your time can be more enjoyable than rushing, even if it used to frustrate me when things were slower.

Launching another business to document my journey in Jamaica and share its natural beauty with others has inspired me. I am thrilled to have taken this step.

Tiffany Grant is a financial educator, writer, podcaster, and coach. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she worked as an HR professional. She is the founder and host of "Money Talk with Tiff," an Accredited Financial Counselor, and holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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