Top Places To Live On A Sailboat In The United States
Sure, calculating costs to live on a sailboat is a huge factor when deciding where to live on a sailboat. But sometimes, aside from cost, there is this factor called quality. Yes, you may be able to get your cost down to $150 dollars a month for a slip if you decide to live in a marina, but you could end up with squeaky docks, crappy management, or just a mundane sailing scene in general.
That’s why it’s important to consider a place where you will have nothing less than a blissful liveaboard sailing lifestyle.
Sounds easy enough right? Well, sort-of. You may want to check out my last article about how to wisely choose a marina, if that’s what your going for.
Moreover, if you want a few places to live on the cheap in the Caribbean, you can go here.
But for now, if you are thinking of “parking it” around the harbors of red white and blue, here are some of the best sailing towns, cities, and marinas across the USA.
Seattle, Washington
Don’t let the damp wet weather deter you. Seattle is rated by many avid sailors as one of the top best boating towns around the country. Maybe even the world? That’s because not only does it aid to boat-enthusiasts, it also is one of the best outdoorsy cities. This iconic seaport city can be a great blend between urban life, while still being able to escape the hustle and bustle of urbanity with your sails raised and out on the water. What’s more, is that slip rates tend to be affordable. Starting at around $430 (USD) for a 30´ slip size up to over $1,000 (USD) depending on the size of your boat.
Even more, Seattle boasts one of best foodie scenes around. Obviously killing it with their basket of battered cod fish ‘n chips.
Good food, affordable, and a thriving city center all make Seattle, Washington on of the top places to live on a sailboat in The United States.
Tampa Bay, Florida
Florida Skyline City Cityscape Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay isn’t a land for just retirees anymore. In fact, according to a report in the Tampa Bay Times, more and more millennials are deciding to put down roots in this renovated urban city with its “vibrant arts community, brew pubs, The Tampa Riverwalk”.
The cost of living in a marina in Tampa Bay vary greatly. In most cases, expect to pay more for a slip the closer you are to downtown. So, what is the selling factor of Tampa Bay? Sails down its accessibility to nearby attractions without having to actually get out of your boat. There are heaps of places you can travel to by boat. Simply drop anchor, and chill for awhile.
San Diego, California
If you are looking for a super classic hip city that is incredibly boat-friendly, San Diego is your wind city. Plus the year-round sunny climate is hard to beat. In addition most marinas are clean, with spectacular amenities, and are extremely well-managed. If you are looking to live outside a marina and cruise around, San Diego is a great jumping off point if you are looking to cruise south to Baja and Latin America.
If you are a water-sport enthusiast and love a sunny climate, San-Diego may be the perfect fit for you.
The only downfall is that liveaboard slips in San Diego can be limited and, you pay for popularity. Meaning it takes a while (up to five years!) to get a liveaboard slip and sometimes it comes with a hefty price-tag. Still, a temperate climate and consistent winds, make San Diego one of the top places to live on a sailboat in the United States.
Already live on your boat? Where are you docked? Or not?
Cheers Captain Gino
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