Island living isn’t as expensive as may sound. In some cases, you can even have a whole island to yourself! Not every island in the world has a tropical climate. Some are far more quaint and brisk with rocky shores and even fresh water. Regardless of the kind of island you see yourself living on, there is something for everybody right here in the states. You may be surprised to find out what you can get for your money. Here are 10 US islands where property is affordable and you might see yourself living on at some point in the future.
1) St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix is an incorporated US island located in the Caribbean as part of the United States Virgin Islands. It is approximately 22 miles by 7 miles and has a population of over 50,000 residents. The demographic of St. Croix is a mixture of Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean and Puerto Rican civilians who are collectively referred to as Crucians. St. Croix is well known for rum production, including major companies such as Cruzan Rum Distillery. Real estate can be purchased on St. Croix for as low as $50,000 for a three bedroom that may require just a little bit of TLC. The average rental cost for a two bedroom apartment is between $800 and $1800, which is comparable to properties in the United States. When it comes to outdoor activities, St. Croix features several national parks such as the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, the Christiansted National Historic Site, and the Buck Island Reef National Monument.
2) Big Island of Hawai’i, Hawaii
When people think of islands in the United States, Hawaii is likely the first to come to mind, but it might not seem like the most affordable place in the world to live. Contrary to belief, the Big Island of Hawai’i has several cities in which you can find your next home at a reasonable price. The cost of living in Pahoa, Hawaii is higher than the rest of the United States however, it has been considered one of the best places in the world to live. A four bedroom and two bathroom house in Pahoa can be found on sources such as Craigslist for approximately $2000 per month, while a home in decent shape can be purchased for just under $300,000. There are also many lots available on the island for those who wish to build on top of them, and those are priced as low as $10,000 for 12,000 square feet of land.
3) St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is home to the University of the Virgin Islands and is also part of the United States Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean. The island has a total of 31.14 square miles and a population of over 51,000 residents. A two bedroom apartment in St. Thomas will range between $1000 and $2200 while real estate can be found for as low as $210,000 for a house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The University of the Virgin Islands contributes to the island’s more cosmopolitan aesthetic with its diverse culture and nightlife activities. Visitors and residents can also engage in numerous outdoor land activities such as the Water Island Adventures Bike Tour, birdwatching tours at the Audubon Club of St. Thomas, or Coral World Ocean Park for interactive ocean life education. The island also features extreme activities including a zip line and Caribbean helicopter tours.
4) Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, also known as “The Garden Island,” is another viable property source in the string of Hawaiian Islands. The island is a total of 562.3 square miles and has a population of over 64,000, though it is said to be slowly decreasing. One of Kauai’s many gorgeous natural landmarks includes the Waimea Canyon, which is said to be the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The Waimea Canyon was formed due to its interaction with the Pacific Plate, which makes Kauai a historically volcanic island. The largest town in Kauai is Kapa’a, which is found is Puna. A beautiful 1300 square foot two bedroom home can be rented in Kapa’a for approximately $2200, and a luxury three bedroom beach cottage can be discovered on Craigslist for $799,000 with room to negotiate. Popular activities on the island of Kauai include zip line tours, kayaking, scuba diving, and exploring the many state parks.