Neighborhoods of Grand Cayman - SMB, WB and Snug Harbor

I just realized I wrote this post about where to live in Cayman before I even moved down. I knew nothing about the neighborhoods. Now that I have been here a year, moved 4 times and have been to friends places I know a lot more. Here is some info about the different neighborhoods that I know, these are just opinions and I am sure there are nice areas of each of these.

Seven Mile Beach
Average price : $1000 - $3000 CI (Cayman island dollar (1.2 USD = 1 CI)

This is the most sought after area for many reasons. First it is really close to George Town which is the down town of Cayman Islands. Also most of the night life and restaurants are located on this strip and finally it has a beautiful white sand beach.

Regardless of what anyone says I consider seven mile beach area to start after the Kirks Supermarket and end around Calico Jacks or Tiki Beach. There are some places that claim to be seven mile but are definitely not! Lakeside and anything on Eastern Avenue are good examples. Lakeside is on the highway parallel to SMB. It does not have easy access and is down wind from the dump 99% of the time. Anything on Eastern Ave is a bit dodgy too.

The cheapest you will find that is not sharing is $1000  CI at Treasure Island. I think these are terrible but many students live there. If you like a shot handed to you on your way to the roach infested laundry room this is the place for you. Other than that you are looking at $1300 CI at least for a one bed. That is without utilities and utilities on 7 mile will be at least $200 CI

Pros

• Proximity to everything
• public transportation (buses seem to run every 10 min at least)
• View and beach

Cons

• You might end up next to a club. I had that experience personally when I lived in George Town Villas. I heard O'Bar every night. It was miserable. Not all units in GTV are like this just the building facing O'Bar directly.
• You pay a premium for utilities. The company controlling water is different on SMB than everywhere else.
• Traffic during rush hour can be a little bad. 

Snug Harbor
Average price - $1100 - $2400 CI


Small area on the east side of Esterly Tibbetts Highway. I will include Britannia Golf Course in this.

This seems like a very safe area and a lot of my friends happily live here. Some of the places that are closer to the hwy you would not need a car for but the ones closer to the east coast are a bit of a drive.

Pros

• Good proximity to Camana Bay and the middle of Seven Mile beach.
• Decent commute into George Town by highway
• Seems like a safe quiet community.
• Most places have a canal view and possible dock space.
• Prices can be reasonable

Cons

• Usually cannot do without a car.
• No public transport (no buses go on the highway)

West Bay
Average Price : $800 - $1800 CI


This area has the worst reputation. When there are robberies or shootings they are usually in West Bay. This has changed a bit since I arrived to the island because of an increased police presence. Also the crime seems to be centered around town hill road. Living anywhere on the coast is pretty safe. Oceanside Plantation is an affordable ocean view condo. They are bit dated but the view cannot be beat!

Pros

• Unspoiled beaches
• Ocean view like seven mile without the SMB price.
• public transportation is frequent to this area
• Close to dive sites (Macabuca)

Cons

• Bad reputation 
• Morning traffic if you have regular business hours
• Quiet far from George Town ) 15-20 min drive without traffic
• Lots of police check-stops on a weekend night.

This is turning into a long post so I will break it up. Stay tuned for the rest of the neighborhoods George Town, South Sound and East End.