Go Barbados Issue #1 | Page 76

IN & UNDA DE SEA! OCEAN ADVENTURES

Pros & Cons

of Living by the Sea

Pros

IT’ S ON THE BEACH We could begin and end this list with just the one item. No commuting, no wait, cool evenings, beautiful sunsets, morning exercise! It is always there at your disposal and you can literally just jump in when the mood strikes.
IT’ S A STRESS REDUCER Sea breeze, soft sand and the sounds of the waves all create a serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. You can just head out after a long day for a stroll across the sand or soak away those worries with quick dip in the ocean, a book, soft music, a glass of wine- unwind at your convenience.
BETTER AIR QUALITY The continuous ocean breeze not only provides clean, fresh air but because of the negative ions in the ocean air, you can experience an increase in the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness and more mental energy.
ADVENTURE You could literally find something different to do every day. The options are endless … walking, jogging, swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and so much more.

Cons

Waking to the sounds of waves rolling onto the shore; the fresh, crisp, clean ocean air; the call of passing seagulls as you have your morning cup of joe at the waters edge; and enjoying the serenity of the ocean whenever you wish... sounds like a dream, doesn’ t it? A seaside home is a dream come true for many … your personal island retreat, a summer home, or a condo to retire to. However ocean front living is a lifestyle which comes with its own faults. So before you buy into the dream of perfection, it is best to weigh the pros and cons of living by the sea.

EXPENSE The high demand on beachfront properties means that these homes will always come at a premium.
MAINTENANCE The effect of the salt in the atmosphere is usually quite damaging to materials within and around the home. Maintenance costs will therefore be much higher than homes inland.
TOURISTS AND VISITOR CROWDING Beach rentals are usually in high demand for tourists. You are trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but so are they. In some areas crowds may cause your escape to become less tranquil.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO BAD WEATHER hurricanes build strength over large masses of open water- this means that when they first reach land, they are most destructive- leaving ocean front property at a greater risk.
RENTAL INCOME Oceanfront property can be quite expensive, but there are ways to turn this into an investment. While out of town, rent it temporarily to tourists and vacationers. There is always a market for beachfront properties.
HIGHER INSURANCE RATES Because of the higher risk of damage due to storms, potential rogue waves or flooding and salt air that comes along with oceanfront living, insurance companies will charge a premium.
As with any type of property, oceanfront homes have their pros and cons. Personally we would take the risk and purchase a home in a heart beat, but do your research on the area as every oceanfront community will not be the same. From crowds to weather patterns, select an area that will be best for you.
76 | GO BARBADOS