Living on an island is a dream for many, but the cost of making that dream a reality can be a deterrent. Fortunately, there are plenty of islands in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) where buying a vacation home is more affordable than you think. St. Thomas is the most budget-friendly option, as it has the largest airport, most amenities, public transportation and plenty of stay options.
Puerto Rico also offers great value for those looking to be closer to the action in San Juan. The four Canovanas complexes are great for long-term investors, but keep in mind that even if one of them is well under budget, the city may not allow short-term vacation rentals. The Florida Keys are known for being fun for the whole family, snow lovers or retirees, spring break tourists and party lovers. Key West has some small condominiums available in the Santa Clara community that meet the requirements.
Alternatively, there are a few docked piers in Marathon waiting for their next adventurous (and affordable) owner. Hawaii may surprise some people by appearing on this list of cheap properties, but it just goes to show that no matter how hot the market gets, there's always a deal to be had. With more than 1.4 million people spread over 137 islands, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to captivate nature lovers and satisfied beach babies. Maryland has more than 280 named islands, and Smith Island is located in the Tangier Strait and is home to Maryland's official dessert.
Although this island is surrounded by swamps, many homes would close under budget. Corpus Christi's 18-mile-long island off Corpus Christi is much appreciated for its beaches and fine sand. The food and hospitality of Port Aransas are just part of the reason why people fall in love with this barrier island off the Gulf of Mexico. The state park is ideal for campers, and summers are full of local tourists.
The USVI is a great option for those looking to move to an island with the possibility of obtaining cheap real estate and few legal obstacles. To understand the cost of living in the Caribbean Islands, you'll want to think about the daily activities that make up your life. These costs vary not only depending on the country but also on which island within that country you are moving to. Places like The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands tend to have higher costs when it comes to food and drink but also have a greater selection of imported items that reach their shores. No matter where you go in the Caribbean Islands, there will be far fewer costs than if you came from the US.
For Americans in particular, these beautiful islands are a sought-after destination for a beach house. When it comes to luxuries like beer, wine, and cigarettes, they're all much more affordable on the islands than in the US.
