Your own private island. The allure is undeniable.
A space away from the mad, mad world. Your day might consist of lounging in a hammock in the shade, reading a book, and a walk along the water, collecting seashells on your very own seashore.
Of course, you’re never completely removed from the world. This is the 21st century, after all, and the Internet stretches just about everywhere. Although admit it—you wouldn’t mind a break from social media for awhile?
“Island life is in great demand,” says Sean O’Neill, managing director of The Agency Turks & Caicos. “The pandemic has shown people that life is for living now. They shouldn’t put their dreams off, because they don’t know what the future holds.
“Besides,” he adds, “with technology and communication what they are today, you can work from almost anywhere—why not do it from your dream home?”
If private island life sounds great, you’re in luck. And you don’t even need millions of dollars to buy a luxury property accessible only by yacht or helicopter. There are reasonably priced island properties available right now.
In fact, we’ve found five private islands in various parts of the U.S.—all priced under $2.5 million.
And these islands can also generate income. You can list your island on a vacation rental site when you’re not using it, and maybe even eke out a profit from your own little slice of paradise.
With that in mind, sail away with us and take a look at these five fabulous private islands for sale.
Pretty Joe Rock, FL
Price: $2.5 million
This island in the Florida Keys has been featured on HGTV. It’s apart from the mainland, yet close enough to civilization to have shore electricity and city water.
The wooded island measures 9,190 square feet and is one of 1,700 islands in the Florida Keys, but one of only 34 offshore properties with a home. Access your private paradise via boat and park at the covered deep-water dock. On this pretty rock, you’ll find a two-bedroom house, but the listing indicates that you may want to build your own “dream home.”
St. Ann Island, NY
Price: $1.85 million
St. Ann Island is located in upstate New York, right in front of Schermerhorn Landing, off the main shipping channel running from Lake Ontario.
It’s a totally private piece of wooded wonderland featuring 2,500 feet of water frontage on 3 private acres. There’s deep-water docking, as well as coves for swimming and sunning.
There are two dwellings on the isle. One is a main house with modern conveniences, such as a wide-open kitchen, plenty of gathering space, and two bedrooms. There’s also a shiplap guest cabin set up with a sleeping space and a private bathroom. The quaint, A-framed dwellings are offered fully furnished. It’s the perfect summer getaway, with enough dock space for boats and a number of water toys.
Crow Island, MA
Price: $2.2 million
This private island in Fairhaven Harbor is ready for anything. It even has its own boathouse and chapel—imagine the possibilities for island weddings!
A 3,800-square-foot patio is ideal for dancing. Originally developed in 1920, the place is brimming with souvenirs from the local working waterfront. The price includes everything you see in the listing photos, including furniture, decor, appliances, a Honda 700 all-terrain vehicle, and a 26-foot aluminum landing boat.
The property last sold in 2019 for $650,000. Many of the structures have been renovated and reimagined over the past couple of years, including a brand-new, 80-foot dock. Suitable for year-round living, the island has internet and satellite TV access.
Marina Drive Island, MD
Price: $1.95 million
The largest and arguably the most luxurious on our list, this nearly 4-acre island is connected to the mainland via a bridge.
There’s also a substantial boat dock, if you prefer to arrive and depart by water. The two-story, four-bedroom home on the island was built in 1996, and boasts windows everywhere, to take full advantage of the views.
This isle is also ideal for year-round living, as local wildlife, shorebirds, and bald eagles well know. Owners also have access to a community swimming pool, clubhouse, and tennis court.
Parsons Landing, NY
Price: $1,595,000
How gorgeous is this adorable swath of greenery right off the Long Island coast?
Last sold in 2013 for $890,000, this private paradise includes a 2,713-square-foot house sitting on a 0.76-acre island, connected to the rest of the neighborhood via a bridge.
Built in 1994, the three-bedroom home features a three-car detached garage, rare for a private island home. The house also has an open floor plan, cathedral ceilings with skylights, wood flooring, and water views all around.
**Post & Images from Realtor.com by Lisa Johnson Mandell 9/17/21
