These Budget-Friendly Island Towns Are Perfect for Families
Island living is something many of us can only dream about. Escaping to a slower, more peaceful life by the ocean seems ideal, far from the hustle, bustle, and noise of city life. And while this certainly sounds appealing island homes aren’t always budget-friendly, especially for families. But island life may be more affordable than you think, and your island dreams may be within reach.
To determine some of the best island towns for families, Moms Who Think reviewed five-year data on median household value and median household income from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey. Island cities, towns, and census-designated places were ranked based on the ratio of median home value to median household income.
Island status was determined using Census TIGER/Line place boundary definitions for 2022 and shapefile data from the Global Island Explorer database developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in partnership with Esri. Whether you prefer the North Coast, West Coast, Gulf Coast, or South Coast, there's a location perfect for you and your family.
This post was updated on May 8, 2025, to include data for each area from Niche.com to make the information more relevant for families and parents.
Herron Island, WA
Median home value: $310,400 (5.0 times income)
Median household income: $62,054
Rating for public schools in Island County, WA: B+
Total population: 122
Crescent Beach, FL
Median home value: $512,700 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $104,432
Rating for public schools in Crescent Beach: A-
Total population: 936
Sandwich, MA
Median home value: $486,900 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $99,333
Rating for public schools in Sandwich: B+
Total population: 2,948
Coinjock, NC
Median home value: $200,600 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $40,938
Rating of public schools in Coinjock: B
Total population: 301
Upper Grand Lagoon, FL
Median home value: $316,400 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $64,935
Rating of public schools in Upper Grand Lagoon: B+
Total population: 17,062
Wabasso Beach, FL
Median home value: $586,000 (4.9 times income)
Median household income: $120,673
Rating of public schools in Wabasso Beach: A-
Total population: 2,101
Anderson Island, WA
Median home value: $449,000 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $92,933
Rating of public schools in Pierce County: B
Total population: 1,621
Manteo, NC
Median home value: $375,900 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $78,074
Rating of public schools in Manteo: B+
Total population: 1,808
Panama City Beach, FL
Median home value: $363,900 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $76,091
Rating of public schools in Panama City Beach: B+
Total population: 18,281
East Sandwich, MA
Median home value: $590,000 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $123,571
Rating of public schools in East Sandwich: B+
Total population: 3,787
Matlacha, FL
Median home value: $370,100 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $77,841
Rating of public schools in Matlacha: A-
Total population: 837
Yarmouth Port, MA
Median home value: $486,200 (4.8 times income)
Median household income: $102,321
Rating of public schools in Yarmouth Port: B-
Total population: 5,971
Littlejohn Island, ME
Median home value: $446,600 (4.7 times income)
Median household income: $94,943
Rating of public schools in Cumberland County: B
Total population: 58
Big Coppitt Key, FL
Median home value: $481,200 (4.7 times income)
Median household income: $102,943
Rating of public schools in Big Coppitt Key: B+
Total population: 3,188
Tierra Verde, FL
Median home value: $666,100 (4.6 times income)
Median household income: $143,913
Rating of public schools in Tierra Verde: B-
Total population: 4,072
Pine Island Center, FL
Median home value: $252,800 (4.5 times income)
Median household income: $55,565
Rating of public schools in Pine Island Center: A-
Total population: 1,626
St. Simons, GA
Median home value: $445,500 (4.5 times income)
Median household income: $99,432
Rating of public schools in St. Simons: A
Total population: 15,983
Laguna Beach, FL
Median home value: $329,500 (4.4 times income)
Median household income: $74,911
Rating of public school in Laguna Beach: B+
Total population: 4,194
Lower Grand Lagoon, FL
Median home value: $314,200 (4.4 times income)
Median household income: $72,083
Rating of public schools in Lower Grand Lagoon: B+
