Reasons for Living on Abaco Islands, Bahamas
Are you looking for a new place to live? Or maybe you want to move abroad? If yes, then you should consider living on these Islands. This beautiful archipelago has something special to offer everyone.
Located in the Bahamas, the Islands are home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. They also boast a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Discussed below are the reasons why one should live on the Islands.
1. Excellent Health Care Facilities
The health care facilities on these Islands are quite good. There is a hospital that can give excellent treatment if required. They help people who are not so lucky by providing free healthcare services in their local clinics. When it comes down to serious illnesses, patients have easy access to high-end hospitals via air transport or boat transfer. That’s not all; they provide quality dental care as well. And if you wish to use medical insurance cards from around the globe, check with your country’s embassy or consulate here.
2. Beautiful Beaches
The islands do not just house some of the best beaches in the world. These beaches belong to the top 10 beaches in the entire world. Among these beaches is Long Bay Beach, the longest beach in the Islands. It is more than 15 miles long. Other beaches include Great Abaco Beach (the second largest), Paradise Point Beach, Little Harbour Beach, Marsh Harbor Beach, and Half Moon Bay Beach. Those beaches alone are worth moving there. Don’t forget about the beaches located at the various cays: Treasure Cay, Hope Town, Bimini, Staniel Cay, and Cat Island. You will surely love them all.
3. Easy Transportation
To get where you need to go, you must take an intercity bus trip. This island chain is only accessible to those who reside on the northern coast of Florida. Hence, you don’t even need a car to get anywhere. Plus, the intercity bus trips run almost every hour during the day. All you have to do is board a vehicle and pay for your ticket.
4. Friendly People
Everyone on these Islands is friendly. Locals and tourists alike know how to behave like locals. Everyone knows how to make someone feel welcome no matter what time of the year they visit. No wonder the Islands are ranked among the happiest places to visit in the whole world.
5. Safe Environment
One doesn’t expect to find crime in paradise. However, if crime does occur, you can rest assured knowing that law enforcement officers are available 24/7. Besides, the islands also have safe havens that one can turn to when times get tough. For instance, the Secret Cove Resort is open to anyone who needs an escape from reality.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for something different, move to these Islands. This beautiful territory offers many amazing things. If you want to visit, take a look at our travel guides. At The Island Property Group, we guarantee that your stay will be unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is life like on the Abaco Islands?
Abaco offers a distinctive sailing-and-fishing culture that sets it apart from every other Bahamian island. Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco is the commercial hub with supermarkets, restaurants, marine services, and Marsh Harbour International Airport. Elbow Cay (Hope Town), Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Guana Cay are accessible by short ferry from Marsh Harbour. Each cay has a distinct character — Hope Town’s candy-striped lighthouse and Loyalist-era cottages, Man-O-War’s centuries-old boatbuilding tradition, Green Turtle Cay’s pastel-colored New Plymouth. Residents enjoy year-round boating on the Abaco Sea of Abaco, world-class bonefishing, and a close-knit community that has rebuilt meaningfully since Hurricane Dorian.
How has Abaco recovered from Hurricane Dorian?
Substantially, though recovery is uneven across the islands. Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 was catastrophic, particularly for Marsh Harbour and parts of Great Abaco. Since then, infrastructure has been substantially rebuilt, new developments have launched including Montage Cay, and real estate activity has returned. Local market commentary through 2025-2026 identifies Abaco as one of the strongest-momentum Family Island markets, driven by infrastructure upgrades and returning boating and lifestyle buyers. Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and Man-O-War Cay are active markets. Buyers should commission thorough structural inspection on any post-Dorian rebuild and verify current hurricane insurance availability and pricing.
What does property cost on the Abaco Islands?
Entry-level homes in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay typically start in the mid-$300,000s. Beachfront homes on Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and Guana Cay run from $1 million to $5 million for mid-range and up to $10 million-plus for trophy properties. Vacant beachfront land remains available for custom construction. The luxury segment continues to attract buyers through Montage Cay on Great Guana Cay and other resort-residence projects. Demand for developable Abaco land is expected to persist through 2026 as the market completes its post-Dorian transition.
Can foreigners buy property on the Abaco Islands?
Yes, under the same International Persons Landholding Act rules that apply across the Bahamas. Non-Bahamians buying a single-family home, condo, or residential parcel under five acres need only post-closing registration with the Investments Board. Parcels over five acres or commercial-use purchases require a prior permit. Same tax structure applies: 10% VAT on conveyance (typically split with seller), 0.75% to 1.5% annual Real Property Tax for investment properties, no income/capital gains/inheritance tax. Buyers of property valued at $1 million or more qualify to apply for Economic Permanent Residence.