Florida’s Island Neighbor -Life In The Bahamas
By Patricia Tan
Just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas is our closest neighbor, and one that offers relaxed island living – a short boat ride and an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of Miami, and a quick flight from Orlando’s busy city life.
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When Christopher Columbus first visited the Bahamas in 1492, he found Indians occupying islands surrounded by pink sands and crystal clear waters. Columbus was followed by a group of Puritans who landed in the Bahamas in 1648, and by Loyalists fleeing America after the War of Independence, many of whom brought their African slaves to the islands. Each of these groups made their mark, and the Bahamas today is a rich tapestry of African and European cultures spread across the archipelago’s more than 700 islands.
Named from the Spanish baja mar, meaning ‘shallow sea’, these low lying islands bask in clear, turquoise waters, and visitors are amazed at the variety of distractions they provide, and the unique characteristics each island has developed over time.
Nassau, on New Providence Island is a well known cruise port, and the center of government and commerce for this island nation. The adjacent island, connected to New Providence by two bridges, is Paradise Island. This is a tourist playground, housing the world famous Atlantis resort, known by many as Las Vegas by-the-sea. Bimini is the closest island to the Florida coast and is a popular get away and game fishing haven for South Florida boaters. At the other end of the spectrum you will find many small, quiet, unspoiled islands to truly “get away from it all”. Treasure Cay in the Abacos offers pristine, quiet white sand beaches, while the pink sand beaches of Harbour Island beckon many celebrities to spend their time relaxing during the day and enjoying the island’s many fine dining venues in the evening.
Real estate choices are as varied as the islands themselves. When making a decision to buy a vacation home or investment property in the Bahamas, the purchaser should consider these factors”
Location. A primary consideration. Is this an investment where commercial returns from a building or residence in one of the larger towns would be attractive, or is this more of a “lifestyle” purchase of beach front, hilltop or waterfront property?
Infrastructure. Some islands and areas are more developed than others. Access to electricity, water and telephone services should not be taken for granted!
Transportation. It is important to understand the availability of flights and ferries, and how easily a property may be accessed.
Neighborhood. Overseas investors tend to favor gated communities, but in some of the smaller islands they may be wise to explore alternatives.
Income Potential. If rental income is the target, think about how the property will be marketed to renters. Who is the target market? Golfers, sport fishing enthusiasts, beach lovers, gamblers, business people – there is demand from all of these categories.
PHOTO: This island style home with its own essence of Victorian charm sits on a tropical oasis of one third of an acre. Prime beachfront property, atop the pink sand beaches and clear blue waters of Harbour Island. The main house offers 4 bedroom and 3 bathrooms, and is complemented by a smaller cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The perfect getaway for an extended family or those seeking privacy and tranquility, with separate housing for staff. The home has a good rental history, making it an excellent candidate to combine personal enjoyment with investment income. Offered at $4,500,000.
[2]Patricia Tan was born in England, and her career in international sales and marketing led her to live and work in many countries around the world before moving to Sarasota in 1997. Patricia is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and Transnational Referral Certified (TRC). She is involved in global activities of the Sarasota, Florida and National Association of Realtors, and currently serves as NAR President’s Liaison to U.K. Her real estate business operates from Coldwell Banker on St Armands Key, where her focus is to bring international buyers to the local market. She regularly makes marketing trips to Canada, Asia and Europe, to promote Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Sarasota area in particular. Patricia may be reached at 941-504-9232 or Pat@PatriciaTan.com [3].
Copyright © 2012 REAL Magazine
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