If you’re reading this, you might be ready to hang up the commute and finally jump into retirement or you have been dreaming of a vacation home on a distant island!
Well, here at The Sheri Nixon Team, we have some perfect ideas where you can set up shop. Maybe you have reached that point in your career when your thoughts move away from the hectic workday world and toward a relaxing environment where you can sleep in, while away the hours doing just what you want, and just generally “chill out”, or your ready to finally buy that special vacation home that;s been the topic of conversation for the last several years.
The big question is where to go? A place on the water would be nice, and you envision long, barefoot walks on a sandy beach as you hear the steady breaking of the waves on the shore and feel the gentle breezes on your face. Of course, if you ask anyone of us, an island would be a great option!
Let’s look at five possible island destinations for the perfect vacation or retirement home:
1. Ambergris Caye, Belize
With San Pedro its only town, Ambergris Caye (pronounced am-BUR-gris key) stretches for 25 miles along the Belize Barrier Reef all the way to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This island is Belize’s most popular tourist and expat haven. If white sands and aquamarine waters are what you’re seeking on an island paradise, then look no further. Ambergris Caye offers a sophisticated lifestyle, combining a casual beach life with upscale amenities. It boasts free live music and festivals, with many fine hotels, restaurants, bars, stores and beach cafés.
With the Caribbean to the east and the San Pedro Lagoon to the west, the natural beauty of Ambergris is just one of the many draws for property buyers from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. You can live there for quite a bit less than many parts of the U.S.
2. Catalina Island, California
This West Coast hideaway, just a half-hour ferry ride from Los Angeles, ticks all the iconic Californian boxes—palm trees, white sand beaches, a laid-back lifestyle—which makes it a perfect place to retire. Catalina is a haven for nature-loving retirees: pedestrian-only streets, superb wildlife viewing, and 90 percent of the island is devoted to nature conservancy. There are two towns—Avalon and the rustic village of Two Harbors—and real estate is pricey, so start planning your move early.
On Catalina Island the air is refreshing, the water is clear, the community is casual and friendly, and there’s no traffic light on the whole island. Explore the rugged back country where the bison roam, enjoy stylish dining experiences, and relax on the sand with the gentle rhythm of the ocean.
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
No list of islands to retire to would be complete with out mentioning Hilton Head Island! Who better to highlight the perfect spot than The Sheri Nixon Team!
With one of the top family beaches in the U.S., an array of world-class golf courses, abundant natural beauty and a spirit you won’t find anywhere else, Hilton Head Island offers a relaxing and welcoming vibe that makes it a perfect retirement destination. There’s something warm and welcoming about Hilton Head Island. It’s the Lowcountry way of life – and it’s what makes Hilton Head Island special. The island is a wonderful place for those who like to spend their leisure time on the water. Hilton Head offers a full plate of cultural activities, including tours of the historic district, and features top boutiques and fine dining establishments.
Before it was a top tourist and retirement destination, Hilton Head Island was made up of 24 cotton, rice, sugar cane and indigo plantations. Skillful planning has helped develop the land into one of the most exclusive resort and residential communities in the Southeast and is home to more than 34,000 full-time residents.
4. Key West, Florida
The Sunshine State is a firm favorite with retirees for good reason: year-round balmy weather, crystal-clear, blue water, great facilities, and established communities of seniors make it an obvious choice. But for those wanting a little extra island flavor in their retirement, Key West offers a buffet of charms, from white-sand beaches to a growing culinary scene and plenty of gracious homes. The southern-most town in Florida is also known for its legendary fishing, diving and water sports that thrill the outdoor enthusiast. At night, popular outdoor bars, sidewalk cafes, and world-class restaurants feed tourists and locals alike.
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
If getting away from it all—and stepping back in time—is on your retirement wish list, this Great Lakes island jewel might be just the ticket. With only 500 year-round residents, tranquility is assured. The small-town feel extends to Main Street, lined with general stores, old-school inns, and restaurants serving delicious, seafood-oriented comfort food. More contemporary diversions are also available in the form of bicycling, water sports and golf.
This is an island where the automobile never replaced the horse and carriage. It has lodging properties where corporations never replaced family ownership. Enjoy beautiful vistas, shopping, and carriage rides during the day, and watch the city transform at night with its music and bar scene.
The Best Islands To Live On!
If you have been dreaming of living on a remote island or maybe buying a vacation home in a warmer climate, The Sheri Nixon team is ready to help. Did you know that Keller Williams is one of the worlds largest real estate companies? Even if Hilton head is not your final destination, we can help you find an agent world wide that can assist you. Our website is a wealth of real estate information and we spend a lot of time producing quality real estate content for you and potential buyers. We hope our efforts show and we can assure you this is just the tip of the iceberg in our effort, skill, and willingness to find you the perfect slice of heaven on Hilton head or beyond!
