Surveys Reveal Good News For Islands of The Bahamas Retirees

July 7, 2004 -- While it may be so (at least in the United States) that some folks are leaving the coziness of retirement and returning to the work place, it is also true that interest in retiring overseas (in particular) is still a ‘castle in the sky’ for many. And, judging from Survey Polls during the last year on The Bahamas Report website, the interest is most compelling.

"Given all the hoopla about the state of the U.S. economy during the last few years, one could sense a trend suggesting that (perhaps) this is not the best time for promoting locations outside the U.S. or Canada as retirement destinations," observed Winston D. Munnings, Editor of The Bahamas Report. (The Bahamas Report is the only website on the Internet promoting the Islands Of The Bahamas as a retirement destination.)

"But given the overwhelming response to our surveys, clearly the interest in exploring the subject matter is still upper most in people's mind," he added.

During the last eleven months, The Bahamas Report posted a survey question on its website for reader response from its subscribers and visitors about some aspect of the Islands of The Bahamas as a retirement location.

The response was not only tremendous, but also very optimistic about the Islands of The Bahamas as an overseas location for retiring. The surveys were open to all Internet users so there's no telling from what geographic region of the world community responded to TBR’s surveys.

While one can visit The Bahamas Report website to see and analyze each survey, the following give a sense of how people responded to TBR’s monthly polls.

June 2004
Survey Question: If The Bahamas Government were to automatically grant (1) Permanent Residency, and (2) waive the annual Real Property Tax for retirees ONLY, would this boost your interest in the Islands Of The Bahamas as a retirement location? 89% voted YES.

May 2004
Survey Question: Given what you know about the Islands Of The Bahamas, would you recommend it as a location for retirement? 68% voted YES.

April 2004
Survey Question: Some say The Bahamas should not allow over development of its Outer Islands notwithstanding the economic benefits to be derived. They say too much growth would discourage interest in the Islands as a retirement destination. You agree? 61% said YES.

March 2004
Survey Question: As you map your retirement plans with the Islands of he Bahamas in mind, which of the following options are you most like to consider? 64% of the respondents preferred to purchase an existing home in The Bahamas.

February 2004
Survey Question: The Islands are very diverse. When considering the purchase of a second home for retirement, where are you most likely to reside? In Nassau (the Capitol), or on one of the more remote (but exotic) locations referred to as the Out Islands? 68% preferred the Out Islands compared to residing in Nassau.

January 2004
Survey Question: The Bahamas Government is actively promoting the Islands of The Bahamas as the ideal location to acquire a second home possibly for retirement later on. Do you see The Bahamas as a retirement destination? 68% voted in the affirmative.

December 2003
Survey Question: When planning my Caribbean vacation, The Bahamas is...67% said The Bahamas is their first choice.

November 2003
Survey Question: Of all the Islands of the Bahamas, this is my favorite and the one Island where I am mostly likely to purchase a second home for retirement.
The Islands of Abaco, Eleuthera and Nassau (each) got the highest percentage of votes.

October 2003
Survey Question: In considering The Bahamas as a retirement destination, which of the following is most important to you? 39% said that ‘Monthly Living Cost’ is most important to them.

September 2003
Survey Question: Which of the following concessions do you feel should be granted to potential retirees making it more appealing to retire in The Bahamas? 49% voted for an exemption of Real Property Tax.

This month's survey question is: How would you rate your last visit to the Islands Of The Bahamas compared to a previous visit? If you've visited the Islands at least twice before, here's an opportunity to voice an objective opinion.

Surveys, however, are just part of the picture. To find out more about what The Bahamas has to offer as a retirement destination, go to http://www.TheBahamasreport.com and take a tour of their website. You can subscribe for as little as $8.95 monthly.

(Poll results are not scientific. They merely reflect the opinions of those users who chose to participate.)