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There’s something undeniably magical about island living—the salty sea breeze, endless ocean views, and the relaxed pace that invites you to slow down and savor life.
Whether it’s kayaking through marshlands in Georgia or teeing off on a championship golf course in South Carolina, these islands promise a lifestyle that’s equal parts adventure and tranquility.
But with paradise comes a price. The demand for island homes continues to rise, pushing prices up and making these dreamy getaways a significant investment.
Travel + Leisure compiled the best islands in the United States based on reader feedback ratings of over 8,700 properties. The survey evaluated islands on natural attractions, activities, food, friendliness, and value.
“Beach islands tend to be hard to get to, which can attract travelers looking to feel ‘off-the-map,'” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst with Realtor.com®. Many of these areas are relatively remote, which may be appealing to vacationers and homeowners looking for a slower pace of life by the sea.”
1. Mount Desert Island, ME
- Median list price: $1.23M
Mount Desert Island is Maine’s largest island and the gateway to the stunning Acadia National Park—often called the “crown jewel” of the North Atlantic coast. With its granite peaks, lush forests, and postcard-worthy shoreline, this rugged paradise draws up to 4 million visitors each year, despite having a year-round population of just over 10,000.
Outdoor lovers flock here for hiking, scenic drives, and serene lakeside views, while luxury buyers may be swayed by the island’s star-studded past—think Martha Stewart, the Rockefellers, and even John Travolta.
2. Amelia Island, FL
- Median list price: $1.36M
Just a 30-minute drive from Jacksonville, Amelia Island is a slice of Florida paradise packed into 13 miles of pristine coastline. Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags” thanks to its rich history under eight different nations, the island blends small-town charm with natural wonder.
Visitors and locals alike enjoy horseback riding on the beach, kayaking through salt marshes, and collecting shark’s teeth at Fort Clinch.
(Realtor.com)
3. Mackinac Island, MI
- Median list price: $1.47M
Mackinac Island is like stepping into a postcard from the past—where cars are banned, horse-drawn carriages rule the roads, and Victorian charm is everywhere you turn.
Though it’s less than 5 square miles, the island packs in historic gems like Fort Mackinac and the iconic Grand Hotel (home to the world’s longest front porch!). Over 80% of the island is preserved as state parkland, offering breathtaking views of ancient limestone formations like Arch Rock and Devil’s Kitchen.
4. Golden Isles, GA
- Median list price (Brunswick-St. Simons metro): $474,950
The Golden Isles of Georgia—made up of St. Simons, Sea Island, Little St. Simons, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick—offer a dreamy blend of Southern charm and natural beauty.
Picture pristine beaches, sprawling marshlands, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Whether you’re into kayaking with dolphins, biking through historic districts, or simply lounging under the sun, these islands are a coastal paradise. Wildlife is abundant, history runs deep, and the laid-back atmosphere is hard to beat.
5. San Juan Islands, WA
- Median list price (San Juan County): $1.4M
The San Juan Islands are a nature lover’s paradise known for incredible orca sightings, scenic beaches, and lush woodlands. They’ve also got a quirky past—they were the site of the 1859 “Pig War” between the U.S. and Britain. From sunset views at Lime Kiln Point to strolls through Friday Harbor and lavender fields, these laid-back islands pack a lot into their peaceful shores.
6. Marco Island, FL
- Median list price: $1.09M
Marco Island, just south of Naples, is the star of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands—and the only one fully developed.
This family-friendly getaway blends coastal charm with natural beauty, offering everything from beachcombing and kayaking to eco-tours and stunning Gulf sunsets. Whether you’re fishing by day or doing yoga by the ocean at sunrise, life here moves at a breezy, barefoot pace.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
7. Kiawah Island, SC
- Median list price: $3.29M
Just 25 miles south of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a luxury coastal retreat where nature meets world-class golf. This private beach community features five championship courses, including the iconic Ocean Course, and 10 miles of unspoiled shoreline.
With a mix of multimillion-dollar homes, maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes, Kiawah blends upscale living with untouched Lowcountry beauty.
8. Florida Keys, FL
- Median list price (Key West, FL city): $1.5M
The Florida Keys offer a one-of-a-kind island escape filled with turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a famously laid-back vibe.
“There are world-class sandbars, fishing, diving, incredible restaurants, vibrant entertainment, and easy access to major airports. The combination of a laid-back island lifestyle and a secure investment is a huge draw,” Jenna Stauffer, a global real estate adviser with Sotheby’s International Realty, told Realtor.com.
“Prices shot up dramatically over the past few years which unfortunately pushed some people out, especially young families and some first time homebuyers. We’re seeing a more healthy correction now. The Keys are different though from other spots in Florida because it is a string of islands with very limited land. Inventory is always constrained and that tends to keep this market stronger and more resilient even during broader downturns,” she added.
9. Hilton Head Island, SC
- Median list price: $675,000
Hilton Head Island may have fewer than 40,000 year-round residents, but it draws over 2.5 million visitors annually with its easygoing charm.
With more than 100 miles of scenic paved trails and 24 championship golf courses, the island is a haven for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re biking under moss-draped oaks or teeing off by the water, Hilton Head offers a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation.
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10. Nantucket, MA
- Median list price: $4.8M
Nantucket Island, known as “The Faraway Land,” sits 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod and feels like a world of its own.
With over half the island preserved as conservation land, it’s filled with pristine beaches, coastal beauty, and quiet charm. Once a major whaling hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, Nantucket has since transformed into a beloved destination for upscale, laid-back tourism.
“The high cost of some of these islands is due to their appeal versus home supply,” says Jones.
“Northeast locales that are close to large metros, such as Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, bear the weight of demand from big-city dwellers in Boston and New York. Home supply cannot keep up with this level of demand, which drives prices higher. The exclusivity and expense of many of these high-priced areas only add to their appeal with vacationers.”
11. Sanibel Island, FL
- Median list price: $1.03M
Sanibel Island stands out with its rare east-west orientation, giving it some of the best shell-covered beaches in the world. This barrier island is a subtropical haven where sea turtles nest and beachcombers roam. With its soft sands, calm waters, and laid-back vibe, Sanibel and neighboring Captiva offer a peaceful escape full of natural wonder.
(Realtor.com)
12. Outer Banks, NC
- Median list price (Kill Devil Hills metro): $689,250
The Outer Banks, or OBX, stretch 120 miles along the North Carolina coast from the Virginia border to Ocracoke Island, drawing over 5 million visitors a year.
The OBX is home to the Wright Brothers Memorial and the charming town of Manteo. With a laid-back coastal vibe and deep ties to America’s past, the Outer Banks offer the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery.
13. South Padre Island, TX
- Median list price: $524,975
With 34 miles of powdery white sand and sparkling Gulf waters, South Padre Island is a tropical escape full of sun and surf. It’s a hot spot for water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing, and a haven for wildlife lovers with its resident dolphins and nesting sea turtles.
“Home shoppers looking to buy on a desert island can find options at a lower price point, such as on South Padre or parts of Hilton Head, but all of these locales are higher priced than the national median, suggesting buyers will pay a premium to settle down on a beach island,” says Jones.
14. Martha’s Vineyard, MA
- Median list price (Dukes County): $2.5M
Just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is a picturesque island paradise known for its stunning natural beauty. Beyond the charming downtowns filled with boutiques and seafood spots, the island offers dramatic cliffs, quiet marshlands, pristine beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries to explore.
It’s also a celebrity favorite—home to stars like Spike Lee and Meg Ryan, and a vacation spot for the Obamas and Clintons.
(Realtor.com)
15. Captiva Island, FL
- Median list price: $1.52M
Captiva Island, paired with its sister Sanibel, is a shell collector’s dream thanks to its rare east-west orientation and Gulf-driven tides. Beyond the treasure-filled beaches, Captiva offers a quiet, laid-back vibe that makes it a favorite for those seeking a secluded escape. With its natural beauty and relaxed pace, this island is all about unwinding by the sea.