Homesteading (or something similar) close to the mainland US

My family and I have been looking to have a small spot, acre or so, with fruit tress, outside of the mainland US. Purpose would be to visit several times per year and recharge. Can anyone recommend a place?

I have looked into Panama, but have read a tons of posts on how brazen the gangs have been on attacking Gringos. I have just barely explored the Virgin Islands.

I was hoping someone has first hand knowledge.

Thanks, Maria.

I would recommend Northern Ontario if you're worried about being robbed. As it's not a third world country, Canada is very safe for gringos.

Anywhere else you go in the Caribbean, South or Central America, you run the risk of being preyed upon by those less fortunate than yourselves. Or you could build a wall and hire a security co. to look after your sh!t. That's what a lot of "Gringos" do.

Bermuda and the Cayman Island are have a high standard of living, and the native are well off, and they speak english. Bahamas is another good spot, Not as wealthy as the previous two but they are still ok. I dont know much about Belize but I would do a little research on them.

I don't think I could have my husband convinced about Canada.

Bermuda and the Cayman Island might be too expensive. I would like to say within 100K.

If someone has a friend who has a real estate company in those warm places, please forward that to me as the little cheap places are not found on google.

Does it have to be a "homestead"? I know a few 'gypsies' that have taken boats down to the Islands. It may be another way to go?

Yes, humble one at that, but I don't want to worry about a storm hitting the boat and capsizing it.

I want fruit trees and a bit of soil for my garden.

Have you considered Costa Rica or Belize?

I have looked into Anguilla, but all I see is multi million real estate for sale. I cannot find any local real estate companies that cater to locals.

And no my husband wants to stay in the English speaking world and doesn't want to be a gringo.

Have you considered Aruba? Not terribly expensive, and very safe. Almost everyone speaks English (along with Dutch and... something else... I forget). And decidedly non-northern Canada. You'd have to be willing to be in a very "desert" climate, though.

No, it's too far for a quick trip. I would like to stay within a couple hours of Florida. And if anyone has real estate friends, by all means!