Imagine stunning coral reefs, boastful aquatic life, tranquil turquoise waters, pink sandy beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, The Bahamas is exactly what we are describing. The Bahamas is a state of the Caribbean with 700 islands and 2,400 cays, but only 30 of those are inhabited.
The Bahamas is the perfect destination for expats, solo travelers, digital nomads, or even someone looking for a life filled with thrill and adventure. So let’s explore the 10 best places to live in The Bahamas before packing your bags.
Next Read: Discover the best tropical vacation spots.
Best Places to Live in The Bahamas for…
- Expats: New Providence Island
- English Speakers: The Exumas
- Digital Nomads: The Abacos
- Solo Travelers: Eleuthera
- Couples: Harbour Island
- Groups: Grand Bahama Island
Top 10 Places to Live in The Bahamas
1. New Providence Island
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living: $$$
New Providence Island is one of the most populous islands in The Bahamas. It is also home to Nassau, the capital city of the country. The charming island represents the Bahamian lifestyle through its spectacular art galleries, museums, beautiful resorts, and soft beaches.
It perfectly combines modern features with the elegance of the old world. Besides the stunning views and thrilling activities, the island is also a commercial hub, giving its residents the perfect work-life balance.
Tip: If you’re a James Bond fan, head over to the British Colonial House to experience 007 vibes.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, English Speakers, and Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Vibrant nightlife
- Upscale restaurants
- Various fun activities
Cons:
- Expensive lifestyle
- Traffic
- High crime rate
2. Grand Bahama Island
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living: $$$
The Grand Bahama Island is an adventure hotspot comprising several underwater and land group activities. The island has two major towns, Lucaya and Freeport. Both towns offer residents and visitors a buzzing nightlife, stunning accommodations, and affluent shopping malls.
For bird lovers, the island has a mangrove forest where native and migratory birds reside. This destination is perfect for groups who want to experience the charming nature of this archipelago state.
Tip: Become a pirate for the day at Lucayan National Park, the shooting location of The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Bird Lovers, and Adventure Junkies.
Pros:
- Various shopping centers
- Stunning beaches and forests
- Several adventurous activities
Cons:
- Lack of elder care
- Secluded beaches
- Strict immigration policy
3. San Salvador Island
Best Place to Live for History Buffs
Cost of Living: $
San Salvador is a perfect island getaway with its serene beaches and shallow coral reefs. Although it’s one of the smaller islands, it’s teeming with wildlife and has over 50 diving sites to explore.
The island is also great for history buffs, as it’s where Christopher Colombus visited during his first expedition.
Tip: Get down to Long Bay to see the large white cross that marks Columbus’s Landfall.
Who Would Like to Live There: History Buffs, Divers, and Snorkelers.
Pros:
- Several marine creatures
- Top diving spots
- Historic landmark
Cons:
- Secluded beaches
- Crime
- Fewer shops and entertainment spots
4. Paradise Island
Best Place to Live for Families
Cost of Living: $$$
Paradise Island is one of the most sought-after destinations in The Bahamas. And with its sparkly white beaches, glamorous resorts, and family-friendly activities, it’s not hard to see why. The island is indeed a paradise, housing the Caribbean’s largest water park, casino, and open-air aquatic habitat.
Tip: Enjoy a fun-filled day of various activities with your family at Dolphin Cay or Predator Lagoon.
Who Would Like to Live There: Families, English Speakers, and Adventure Junkies.
Pros:
- Bustling nightlife
- Grand casino
- Largest water park
Cons:
- Can be overcrowded
- Expensive lifestyle
- High crime rate
5. The Exumas
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$
Home to the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, The Exumas is one destination you can never overlook. With white sandy beaches, bustling nightlife activities, fancy dining, and accommodation, the island offers a breathtaking experience.
People from all over choose to visit and stay here because it is one island where language is not so much of a barrier.
Tip: Take a dip with the adorable pigs at Pig Beach.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers and Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Extraordinary sea experiences
- Fancy amenities
- English speakers
Cons:
- High VAT
- Crime
- Expensive living
6. Eleuthera
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$
Eleuthera is a charming island perfect for those who want an untouched experience of the Bahamian lifestyle. The island is not as developed as the others in The Bahamas, but it sure can cross off items on your bucket list. The island offers clear turquoise waters, several airports, and a number of stunning resorts.
Tip: Take a trip to Gregory Town for a day of paddle boarding and surfing.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Affordable living
- Crystal-clear beaches
- Local cuisines
Cons:
- Underdeveloped roads
- High crime rate
- Lack of medical care
7. Harbour Island
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
One of the smallest islands in The Bahamas with a population of around 2,000, Harbor Island is a quaint little haven. Some parts of the island offer a more western feel with its British-colonial architecture, cottages, and restaurants. Pink sandy beaches, coral reefs, and calcium carbonate, which is the main substance of pearls, shells, and snails, are other features that make this a unique island for living.
Tip: Spot turtles and stingrays at Devil’s Backbone.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Travelers, and Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Secluded waters
- Low population
- Stunning beaches
Cons:
- Fewer activities
- Limited restaurants
- Golf carts for transport
8. The Abacos
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
Picturesque cottages, glitzy restaurants, and a myriad of marinas make up The Abacos. This island is excellent for those who long for the perfect work-life balance. You can take a peaceful stroll along its beaches, go fishing, or even sail the blue waters.
Tip: Suit up with your favorite scuba diving gear and explore Walker’s Cay.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Solo Travelers, Couples.
Pros:
- Reliable internet connection
- Friendly locals
- Fishing-friendly
Cons:
- Difficult to get residency
- High cost of living
- Secluded beaches
Next Read: To make traveling that bit easier, learn about the Best bank for digital nomads
9. Long Island
Best Place to Live for Bird Lovers
Cost of Living: $$
On the western shore, you can find white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, while cliffs rise above the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern coast of Long Island. The best thing about the island is the exotic birds, such as the Barn Owl and Mourning Dove, that you can see anywhere on the island.
Tip: Take a swim at Cape Santa Maria Beach for an unforgettable exotic experience.
Who Would Like to Live There: Bird Lovers and Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Exotic birds
- Bonefishing
- Scuba diving and sailing
Cons:
- Insufficient medical care
- High customs duty
- You need a job before you can move here
10. Cat Island
Best Place to Live for Backpackers
Cost of Living: $$$
Cat Island is a place people go to unwind and disconnect from the rest of the world. It offers a tranquil and pleasant lifestyle. You can wander along the beautiful beaches, climb Mount Alvernia’s stone staircase, or learn of mermaids and the Spanish battleship wreck.
Tip: Take a plunge at learning about mythical creatures at the Mermaid Hole, Boiling Hole, and Big Blue Hole.
Who Would Like to Live There: Backpackers, History Buffs, Peace Seekers.
Pros:
- Laid-back lifestyle
- A lot of privacy
- Hiking
Cons:
- Few modern amenities
- Crime
- High cost of living