Anguilla

Cost of living

What a month costs

Almost everything is imported, so groceries, fuel, electricity and long-term rentals run well above US mainland prices. Long-term housing is scarce because so much stock is short-let to tourists.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in The Valley

1. Wallblake HouseA restored 1787 plantation house in The Valley, the oldest surviving building on the island.
2. St. Gerard's Catholic ChurchA striking open-sided stone and slat church next to Wallblake House in the heart of The Valley.
3. Ebenezer's Methodist ChurchThe oldest Methodist church on Anguilla, a plain and much-loved landmark in The Valley.
4. Heritage Collection MuseumA small, personal museum at East End telling the folk history of Anguilla from Amerindian times.
5. Crocus BayA sheltered cove of cliffs and calm water a short drive below The Valley, good for swimming and a beach lunch.
6. Sandy Ground and Road BayThe island's harbour village, ringed by a salt pond, fishing boats and easygoing beach bars.
7. Shoal Bay EastA postcard two-mile stretch of white sand and reef, regularly rated among the Caribbean's best beaches.
8. Fountain Cavern National ParkA limestone cave with Amerindian petroglyphs and a stalagmite carving, access is restricted but significant.
9. Big SpringAn Amerindian ceremonial site with rock carvings near Island Harbour, reachable on a short guided walk.
10. Sandy IslandA tiny palm-dotted cay off Sandy Ground, an easy boat trip for snorkelling and grilled fish.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Sint Maarten and St. MartinA 25-minute ferry across the channel to the region's big airport, French bistros and duty-free shopping.
2. St. BarthsChic, pricey French island reached by a short hop via St. Martin, good for a splashy day out.
3. Prickly Pear CaysUninhabited cays with clear water and reefs, an easy day boat from Road Bay for snorkelling and lunch.
4. Sandy IslandA barefoot lunch on a tiny sandbar cay just off Sandy Ground, reached by shuttle boat.
5. Scilly CayA speck of an island off Island Harbour, a free boat ride away, famous for grilled lobster and rum punch.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Geraud's PatisserieThe island's go-to French bakery in South Hill for espresso, croissants, quiche and pastries.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Blanchards RestaurantA long-running fine-dining institution on Meads Bay, open since 1994.
2. Blanchards Beach ShackThe relaxed toes-in-the-sand sibling on Meads Bay for tacos, salads and rum punch.
3. VeyaSophisticated global cooking under a treehouse-style room in Sandy Ground.
4. Tasty'sChef Dale Carty's beloved Anguillian kitchen in South Hill, a local favourite for years.
5. HiberniaA quirky Asian-Caribbean fusion spot with its own art gallery out at Island Harbour.
6. Straw HatA breezy waterfront room on Meads Bay known for seafood and sunset views.
7. Ken's BBQA no-frills roadside grill in The Valley firing up ribs and chicken, a proper local weekend fixture.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. English RoseA long-running local spot in the heart of The Valley for a hearty island breakfast and lunch.
2. Geraud's PatisserieSouth Hill bakery where the morning fills up on fresh croissants, pain au chocolat and strong coffee.