Hello, I'm living in the Caribbean right now and have been to most. Like Iron Horse and Cynthia said, you'll need to secure employment or set up a business before you come as you'll only be able to stay as a visitor otherwise. If you don't have alot of money then you might want to look at islands like Grenada and St. Lucia. Barbados is very nice but can be expensive. Belize is very natural and close to the US. It is very cheap to live there but a very low keyed pace of life. Employment options would be limited there as well but I'm sure your skills will be greatly appreciated. There's a new government in as well as that might be a plus. On crime, I might be biased but almost anywhere in the Caribbean will be safe. The governments are stable, the people friendly. The usual rules apply, like locking your doors at night. The northern islands closer to the US and Trinidad are worse for crime, the others are fine.