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With stunning turquoise water, charm-filled villages, and a sense of tranquility that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped out of the regular world and into a tropical paradise, there’s a particular magic about Bimini.
Set sail with us as we venture into the exploration of the many real estate options Bimini offers and delve into the advantages of staking a claim on Bahamas investment property within this enchanting island paradise.
Table of Contents
Can You Live in Bimini Bahamas?
Yes, indeed! Bahamas law enables US citizens to own property in The Bahamas, even in a tiny paradise like Bimini. The rise in The Bahamas’ investment property buying by foreign buyers attests to the appeal of this Caribbean utopia.
But are you ready for a move to Bimini? Consider these questions before taking the leap:
- Can I adapt to a new culture and lifestyle? Living in Bimini differs significantly from many other places. Consider if you’re ready to embrace a different pace and become immersed in a new culture.
- What kind of housing am I looking for? Are you interested in buying property, or renting? What kind of neighborhood? Does your family need private international schools?
- What is my budget for moving and living expenses? Will you need a Bahamas mortgage? Knowing your budget will help you choose the right housing options.
- Do I like tropical weather? Bimini has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season, and it’s important to think about how well you can adapt to this type of environment.
- What social opportunities are there? Consider your hobbies, interests, and the social life you’d like to have in Bimini.
- How will this move affect my taxes? If you’re a US citizen, or from another country, it’s pivotal to understand how living in the Bahamas may affect your tax situation.
These questions are vital for your decision-making process and for preparing for life in Bimini.
Fun Facts About Bimini Bahamas
Population
The 2022 census reports the total population as 2,417. While small, the diversity is large, drawing people from all over the Caribbean and beyond. This multicultural blending creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for new residents and visitors alike.
Unique Location
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to the United States, about 50 miles east of Miami, Florida. This proximity makes Bimini a popular choice for those looking for a tropical escape without traveling a great distance, with a swift two-hour boat ride or an even quicker airplane journey.
Comprising two main islands — North Bimini and South Bimini — and numerous cays, Bimini offers a unique blend of experiences within a relatively compact area. North Bimini is known for its lively bars and resorts, while South Bimini is more serene, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and calm.
Bimini’s location within the infamous Bermuda Triangle is also worth mentioning, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to its geographical positioning.
Fascinating History
Bimini’s vivid history is as intriguing as its natural beauty. The Lucayans, who are the indigenous people of The Bahamas, dubbed it ‘Bimini’ — a name thought to mean ‘two islands,’ faithfully reflecting the north-south divide.
In the early 16th century, Juan Ponce de Leon landed on the Bimini Islands. The legend is that Ponce de Leon, compelled by an insatiable quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth, searched for it within Bimini’s tranquil confines. While untrue, the story colors Bimini’s identity with a timeless mystique.
Fast forward to the 20th century and enter the era of American Prohibition in the 1920s. While America abstained, Bimini stepped up, transforming into a hotbed for liquor smuggling. The islands hummed with clandestine activity as boats laden with rum and other alcohol stealthily slipped across the waters to quench America’s surreptitious thirst.
Come the 1930s, Bimini inspired literature giant Ernest Hemingway. For Hemingway, Bimini was more than an idyllic retreat; it was a source of creativity and a battleground for man against marlin. Bimini’s people and vibrant marine life appear in The Old Man and the Sea, To Have and Have Not, and Islands in the Stream.
Later, the voice of a generation found quiet refuge in Bimini. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. often retreated to Bimini in the 1960s. Here, he found a haven to think, write, and even work on parts of his iconic Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.
With its vibrant past and dynamic present, Bimini embodies historical adventure, where rich narratives and mesmerizing beauty intersect.
Natural Climate
Bimini’s tropical climate provides ample sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Average temperatures range between the low 70s in the winter and the low 80s in the summer.
Its position in the Gulf Stream means Bimini perpetually basks in warm, nutrient-rich waters. These ideal conditions attract marine life and water enthusiasts alike for swimming, boating, and other watersports.
The rainy season occurs from May to October. Expect regular afternoon storms with 8-10 inches of rainfall a month during this time. Hurricane season is from June to November.
More Fun Facts about Bimini
Legend has it that Bimini is the site for the lost city of Atlantis. Among Bimini’s underwater marvels is the Bimini Road or Bimini Wall, an underwater rock formation that some speculate to be proof of the mythical city.
As a popular cruise destination, tourists often walk from the port to the closest local beach, Kayak Beach. If you want to explore other beaches, you can take a taxi or rent a golf cart, which is the best way to get around Bimini.
Bimini is home to the Healing Hole, a freshwater spring that bubbles in the middle of a mangrove swamp. Some attribute healing properties to this pond.
Bimini Bahamas Real Estate: Everything You Need to Know
With its unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and promising development, Bimini offers a broad array of opportunities and experiences. Let us be your Bahamas real estate guide, and walk you through the options.
North Bimini Real Estate
North Bimini’s surge in development includes upscale residential communities and a gamut of restaurants and attractions. House prices in North Bimini range from $800,000 to over $4 million. Some areas of interest include:
- Alice Town: As the principal town in North Bimini, these properties are convenient to shops, banks for mortgages, restaurants, and the happenings of the island.
- Rockwell Island: This exciting new development offers a luxurious lifestyle with all the amenities you’d expect to find in a high-end resort. Their 105 beachfront residences are now entering the market and range from $2-$4 million – some with ocean-to-bay lot amenities.
- Radio Beach: Properties near this popular, well-maintained beach offer stunning water views and quick access to some of the island’s best swimming spots.
- Resorts World Bimini: This luxury resort is one of North Bimini’s crown jewels, offering a hotel, casino, marina, restaurants, infinity pool, and private beach. It’s a one-stop destination for relaxation and recreation.
Contact the agents at MCR Bahamas to help you find your dream Bimini property.
South Bimini Real Estate
From raw land for sale, ready for your personalized development, to turnkey condominiums, South Bimini has a unique charm that beckons those searching for tranquility.
Prices range from under $100,000 for an undeveloped lot to $3.5 million for beach or harborfront acreage. Some areas of interest in South Bimini include:
- The Fountain of Youth: Some say a clear freshwater well on South Bimini is the Fountain of Youth. Whether or not it grants eternal youth, it undoubtedly adds to South Bimini’s charm.
- South Bimini Airport: Direct flights into Bimini are available from Fort Lauderdale – only a 45-minute flight!
- Shark Lab: Also known as the Bimini Biological Field Station, this world-renowned organization researches marine animals, especially sharks and rays. The facility is open for tours and shark expeditions.
- The Bimini Sands Resort and Marina: This fabulous resort offers luxury accommodations, two pools, a deep-water marina, and various water sports activities.
Let us know how we can help you find the perfect lot in Bimini.
Bimini Houses for Rent
While renting is a good option for those not ready to buy, there are few long-term rentals available in Bimini. More rental opportunities exist on the larger islands. MCR Bahamas are among the best real estate agents in Nassau and would be happy to help you find a rental there. Most of the rentals on Bimini are for holiday letting, offered on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.
These Bimini vacation houses for rent range from affordable single-family homes to luxury Bahamas rentals, providing options suitable for various budgets and lifestyle preferences. We found a two-bedroom cottage on Radio Beach for as low as $1,600 for a five-day/four-night stay. A larger home within Resorts World Bimini offering luxury features and access to the resort amenities will cost over $17,000 for the same period.
To learn how MCR Bahamas can help you find a rental on Bimini or anywhere in The Bahamas, reach out today.
Bimini Condos for Sale
Condos are popular for those looking to purchase property in Bimini. They come in various sizes and styles, often with communal amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers.
In North Bimini, condos are plentiful and start at $195,000 for 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and range up to around $300,000 for larger square footage. South Bimini condos are more expensive, as there are fewer units available. The average cost for a 1 bedroom, 2 bath condo is around $350,000.
More About Bimini Bahamas
Is Bimini a US territory?
No, Bimini is an Out Island of The Bahamas.
Why is Bimini Bahamas famous?
The combination of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural relevance makes Bimini, Bahamas, an internationally famous and sought-after destination. Let’s recap why it’s so famous:
- Proximity to the US: It’s the closest island to the United States.
- Historic and Cultural Figures: Bimini was a haven for Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King Jr.
- Atlantis Connection: Folklore claims that the Bimini Road or Bimini Wall led to Atlantis.
- Sport-Fishing Capital: Bimini offers exciting fishing for marlins, swordfish, and more.
- Fountain of Youth: Some believe that Bimini is the location of the legendary Fountain of Youth.
- Stunning Natural Beauty: The island’s breathtakingly blue waters, incredible marine life, and beautiful beaches make it a tropical paradise that’s irresistibly photogenic.
Why is the water so blue in Bimini?
One Bimini distinction is its vibrant blue waters, a testament to its location within the path of the Gulf Stream. The powerful ocean current brings nutrient-rich waters from the Gulf of Mexico, effecting stunning shades of blue.
While the deep waters (6,000 feet) of the Gulf Stream are a rich, dark blue, along the shorelines, the water takes on incredible shades of light azure and turquoise from the shallower depth (20-30 feet) and sandy bottom.
Is it safe to walk around Bimini Bahamas?
It’s natural to want to know the best and safest places to live in The Bahamas. The good news is that yes, it’s safe to walk around Bimini. The low crime rates and friendly community contribute to a safe and welcoming environment.
Visitors and residents frequently enjoy strolling through the towns, along the beaches, and exploring unique attractions on foot. The safety, combined with the island’s natural beauty, makes walking around Bimini not just secure, but also a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Find Your Dream Real Estate in Bimini Bahamas
Whether you’re an expat buyer looking for a Bahamas mortgage or a visionary interested in investment property, Bimini offers a unique blend of beauty, access, and opportunity.
From the tranquility of South Bimini to the strategic location of North Bimini, the island’s unique communities have something for everybody. Bimini is a gem that deserves consideration.
Let MCR Bahamas help you find the perfect property in beautiful Bimini.