Extending The Vacatio n Of A Lifetime (NAPSA)—If you’re like a growing numberof baby boomers, you’ve looked for ways to extend your vacation getaways. That’s one reason beachfront property has become such a hot commodity in the U.S.—boomers and empty nesters have bought up vacation homes and property in record Me numbers. In fact, of the total available coastal property throughout the United States, over 86 percent has been developed. But vacation home buyers shouldn’t hang up their Hawaiian shirts just yet. Analysts say there are still some great buys out there. You just need to know whereto look. For instance, 8 percent of the undeveloped beach real estate in the U.S. is located in Texas on North Padre Island—the largest undeveloped barrier island in the continental United States. Combined with Padre Island National Seashore, it provides more than 180 miles of white crushed coral reef beaches where you'll probably find more waterfowl, deer and sea turtles than people. A Private Retreat North PadreIsland is separated from the better-known South Padre Island by a man-made water channel that prevents access and limits the number of vacationers that visit each year. It also helps keep North Padre under most tourists’ radar screens. And unlike popular spring break destination South Padre Island, North Padre tends to appeal to an upscale, mature crowd that enjoys the undeveloped tranquil scenery and miles of near-vacant, top-ranked beaches year-round. Affordable Getaways According to Jared Johnson, ae Home Away From Home—Beachfront condosin parts of the U.S.sell for hundreds of thousandsless than beachfront houses. sales manager at Beach Club luxury condominiums in North Padre, condos have become popular on the island because they offer a numberof benefits. “People don’t realize that luxury condominiumsare the perfect solution for people that want to invest moneyin real estate but don’t think they can afford it,” Johnson explains. “In addition to the great beach-style environment that this area provides, buying a condo provides great tax incentives at the end of the year and a chance to build equity in an investment without doing regular maintenance.” Going Condo North Padre Island condos remain affordable, despite going up in value—and when compared with homeprices in the area, condos seem an especially good buy. The average price for a home on North Padre Island with beachfront views ranges from $400,000 to $1,000,000. However, Beach Club luxury condominiumslocated the same distance from the beach start in the low $100,000 price range. Johnson says the benefits of condosdon’t stop at price, though. He explains that, like houses, con- dos accumulate equity over time. But unlike house owners, condo owners are not responsible for upkeep on their properties. That’s usually handled by a homeowners association or management company. Plus, condo owners can rent out their condos when they are not using them. “Price and equity are one thing,” says Johnson, “but a lot of people say the real benefit of a condo to a family is year-round access to beaches, fishing, boating and bird- watching. They provide easy access to a warm wintertimeretreat.” About The Island North Padre is 30 minutes away from the Corpus Christi International Airport and a two-hourflight from a numberof places in the U.S. It also provides a great hub to explore or do business in the Rio Grande Valley, including northern Mexico and Texas. In addition, it has excellent golf courses, museums, historic landmarks and wildlife-watching opportunities. For more information or to schedule a condovisit, call (361) 949-1651 or go to www.beachclubresidences.info.
