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Vieques Real Estate For Sale In PR
Eight miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico lies the island municipality of Vieques. Home to a bioluminescent bay, the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the Caribbean, and many uncrowded beaches, Vieques is a natural paradise for tourists. Planning to stay long-term? You can purchase an oceanfront villa or condo in the Vieques real estate market and enjoy unmatched privacy just steps from convenient amenities and endless marine recreation. Check out our listings to see if Puerto Rico real estate in Vieques is for you.
More About Vieques, PR Real Estate
With approximately 20 miles (32 km) long and 4.5 miles (7 km) wide, Vieques, officially known as La Isla de Vieques or Vieques Island, is one of the five smaller islands surrounding Puerto Rico. It is also one of the two inhabited ones. Vieques is also part of the Spanish Virgin Islands.
Vieques is a popular getaway spot for tourists worldwide, especially those interested in eco-tourism. It is well-known as a pristine haven with miles of white-sand beaches ready to explore, crystal-clear Caribbean waters ideal for swimming, scuba or snorkeling, wildlife preserves, and nearby coral reefs that are habitat to abundant sea life. There's also Mosquito Bay, considered the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world according to Guinness World Records.
But Vieques is also a great place to settle for good in Puerto Rico. If you care for a secluded island lifestyle with a relaxed and carefree atmosphere, Vieques real estate offers the opportunity to work remotely from the beach every single day.
Vieques is a place for simple living where you should be willing to trade massive malls and department stores for farmers' markets and little "colmados," get used to roaming horses and chickens, and carry snorkeling gear in your car. You'll also be part of a small but vibrant community of around 8K people.
Vieques, Puerto Rico, Nearby Cities
- 40 kilometers to Fajardo, PR
- 48 kilometers to Luquillo, PR
- 62 kilometers to Humacao, PR
- 63 kilometers to Río Grande, PR
- 75 kilometers to Loíza, PR
- 99 kilometers to San Juan, PR
Vieques, PR Real Estate Market
The Vieques real estate market has been steadily growing over the past several years due to its prime location in the Caribbean and abundant amenities and recreation. This is a market for people who dream of owning a beachfront property as a primary residence, vacation dwelling, or profitable business.
The high demand (particularly from foreign investors) and limited inventory of properties in this tiny island reflect on the real estate prices: Vieques real estate has a median price of $457.7K (approximately $273 per square foot).
Vieques home for sale prices have increased by 53.1% compared to last year and are trending upwards. Vieques real estate prices are over the island's average of $150K and the U.S. average of $428K.
Vieques has the profile of a beachside village, so there are no high-rises to be found anywhere on the island. In fact, condos for sale are limited in the city. The most abundant form of Vieques real estate is the single-family home. Homebuyers can also find villas, multi-family units, and several tracts of land for sale in Vieques.
Most of Vieques' real estate for sale is on the island's northern side, with the largest concentration being across the Isabel II neighborhood (downtown area) or in the central portion of Vieques.
The most sought-after properties and land for sale are located on the waterfront and are seen as profitable investments. Most of the properties will end up as rental casitas by the beach. This is a lucrative business opportunity considering Vieques has no large resorts.
Dwellings built on the mountains are desirable for the larger lots and sweeping ocean views. Some may be purchased as vacation homes, but most will become short rental properties, often marketed as fincas o haciendas. Popular locations include La Llave, Destino, Monte Santo, and Monte Carmelo.
Vieques, PR Neighborhood Sampler
Puerto Diablo
Puerto Diablo is a sprawling neighborhood comprising the eastern side of Vieques island. The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge occupies most of the community, so most of the real estate in Puerto Diablo concentrates on the neighborhood's western side.
Areas like Santa María and Moscou provide excellent living options with easy access to beaches, recreation, and everything downtown Vieques offers. The median sale price of Vieques real estate in this barrio is $324K.
Isabel II Barrio-Pueblo
Isabel II is undoubtedly the best place to purchase real estate in Vieques. This neighborhood is the island's downtown area, situated on the northern shore of Vieques, and boasts the largest concentration of services, shopping, and dining options and a diversity of activities. It is also the location of the ferry's terminal to Ceiba for those needing to travel to San Juan or other places within Puerto Rico.
If you're planning to purchase Vieques real estate to move with the whole family, Isabel II is the best spot to reside for education, with plenty of schools nearby. It also has a diversity of homes for sale in Vieques, from starter homes to spacious villas. The median price for a typical piece of real estate in this area is $476K.
Puerto Real
Puerto Real is a large neighborhood in the southern coast of Vieques offering affordable real estate close to many tourist attractions, top-class beaches along the Ensenada Sombe, and convenient amenities.
This barrio provides a laid-back atmosphere, abundant shopping and dining options, and waterfront homes for sale priced at a median price of $117.8K. Most of the housing options in Puerto Real are in the area known as Esperanza.
Vieques, PR Schools
Being a small island, educational opportunities in Vieques are limited compared to the rest of Puerto Rico. There are six public schools in Vieques, including elementary, middle, and high schools, with around 2,820 enrolled.
The entity responsible for all schools in Puerto Rico is the Puerto Rico Department of Education, and the language used for teaching is Spanish. Private schools are not abundant in Vieques either.
High school graduates in Vieques should head to the main island for higher education. The closest campuses are Universidad de Puerto Rico en Río Piedras and the Inter American University Of Puerto Rico.
Public Schools In Vieques, Puerto Rico
Elementary Schools
- Escuela María Simons
- Monte Santo School
- Juanita Rivera Albert School
Middle Schools
- 20 De Septiembre Middle School
High Schools
- Adrienne Serrano High School
- Escuela Germán Rieckehoff
Private Schools In Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Academia Adventista de Vieques
- Boys & Girls Clubs de Puerto Rico
Colleges & Universities Near Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Universidad de Puerto Rico en Río Piedras
- Inter American University Of Puerto Rico
Frequently Asked Questions About Vieques, PR Real Estate
What is the Zip Code for Vieques, Puerto Rico?
If you’re planning to buy Vieques real estate and set up residence on the island, you should know that the zip code for Vieques is 00765.
Where is the Nearest Commercial Airport in Vieques, Puerto Rico?
The nearest commercial airport to Vieques real estate is Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS / TJVQ), located within the island. Travelers can also fly via Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU / TJSJ), located in Carolina, just minutes from San Juan.
To get to the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport from Vieques real estate, you can take a 30-minute ferry ride from Vieques to Ceiba and then drive around 50 minutes to Carolina, where the airport is located.
What is Vieques Puerto Rico known for?
Vieques is known for its beautiful coastline, laid-back vibe, and unspoiled landscapes, but also for:
- Being home to the 17K-acre Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, a reserve that covers almost 20 percent of the island's landmass. It is considered the largest National Wildlife Refuge in the Caribbean.
- Guinness World Records declared Puerto Mosquito's Bioluminescent Bay the brightest in the world in 2008.
- Its wild horses, who roam freely on the island's Caribbean shores, have also contributed to Vieques' worldwide fame.
Do U.S. citizens need a passport to Vieques?
U.S. citizens don't need a passport to visit Vieques. You can simply book a direct flight to San Juan from any major city in the U.S. and then connect to Vieques or take a ferry from Fajardo.
Where is the best place to live in Vieques, Puerto Rico?
Isabel II Barrio-Pueblo is the best place to purchase Vieques real estate. Nestled between beaches and the natural beauty of the neighboring preserve, this coastal neighborhood perfectly combines gorgeous views and access to amenities like schools, healthcare, and commercial areas.
Why is Puerto Mosquito on Vieques special?
Puerto Mosquito on Vieques is special because it is one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world, and its glowing waters are a sight to behold. Tourists can take kayak tours of this four-mile strip and witness something almost unreal.
The bay's water glows an electric blue at night, drawing visitors from all over the world who want to experience this natural wonder up close. Even for those not interested in marine life, Puerto Mosquito is worth visiting only for this unique feature.
Can I bring a car to Vieques, Puerto Rico?
Technically speaking, it is possible to take your car to Vieques, but it may require effort and patience. The ferry service for Vieques and Culebra does not allow cars on board, so you must purchase tickets for a cargo ferry.
Consider that cargo ferries have a less frequent schedule than passenger ferries. Additionally, they may not follow the designated time; hence arriving significantly earlier is necessary so you don't miss the cargo ferry you choose.
You must make a reservation to travel on the cargo ferry with your car. However, even with a reservation and arriving on time, you may be bumped from the ferry for something considered a priority.
Don't have a car on the island? No worries. Alternatives include taxi and car rental services. You can also rent golf carts, motorcycles, bikes, and scooters in Vieques.
Does Vieques get hurricanes?
Vieques is no stranger to hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. The period between June 1 and November 30 is the official hurricane season, with most storms hitting in August and September.
When considering Vieques real estate, it's important to be aware of the potential risks posed by hurricanes and follow all the instructions of the local authorities.
Things To Do In Vieques, PR
Beaches in Vieques, Puerto Rico
- La Chiva: Also known as Blue Beach, this is one of the best beaches near Vieques real estate. Located on the southern coast of Vieques, in barrio Puerto Ferro, this beach is full of oceanic beauty with powdery white sand and crystal clear Caribbean waters. Don't forget your snorkeling gear.
- Caracas Beach: This beach is in the southern coast of Vieques, in Corcho Bay, and can only be reached by boat or 4x4 vehicle. It is well-known for its calm turquoise waters, white sands, and picnic areas. It is frequent to find friendly roaming horses here, so bring some apples in case you encounter one.
- Black Sand Beach: Playa Negra, as locals call it, has unparalleled beauty. Although other beaches on the island, like Playa Cofi on the north coast and Punta Arenas Beach on the far west end, also have black sand, it is not as prevalent as at Playa Negra.
Experiences in Vieques, Puerto Rico
- Visit Crab Island Rum Distillery: Puerto Rico is known as the rum capital of the world, and Crab Island Rum Distillery is the first distillery in the country. Make sure to sample their artisanal rum, tour the facilities, and enjoy the live music and delicious food they offer.
- Kayaking at Puerto Mosquito: A kayaking adventure in Puerto Mosquito, the world-renowned bioluminescent bay in Vieques, is an experience of a lifetime. Rent a kayak and cruise around the waters at night—you'll be amazed by the brilliant bioluminescent glow that lights up the entire bay.
Natural Preserves in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge: The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most unique and picturesque places in the Caribbean. This refuge spans more than 17,000 acres of tropical forests, beaches, coral reefs, and lagoons and offers a profusion of landscapes to explore and discover. Along with its pristine beauty, the refuge also serves as a critical habitat for hundreds of sea birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Living In Vieques, PR Real Estate
Cost Of Living in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Living in Vieques, Puerto Rico, might not be as cost-effective as expected. The prices in Vieques are higher than in the United States, averaging around 20% or more in almost all expenses, from housing to grocery shopping. Several factors affect those costs in Vieques:
- Being a popular vacation spot in Puerto Rico, it is sometimes hard to avoid "tourist prices" in Vieques. Once you purchase real estate in Vieques and become a local, you'll learn how to negotiate and get better prices for everyday products and necessities.
- Most items, including merchandise, food, medicine, and other products, are transported by ferry from Puerto Rico. The transportation expenses and mark-ups added to the merch directly impact the cost of living.
- The demand for land and housing in Vieques is high, mainly driven by foreigners, resulting in a sellers' market and a median sale price of over $450K.
Weather in Vieques, Puerto Rico
As a tiny island located east of Puerto Rico, Vieques has a climate similar to the main island. Although summers in Vieques seem to last forever, the winter months on the island offer a much more enjoyable climate, making it the perfect escape from the cold weather.
The temperature in Vieques remains in the 80°Fs throughout the year, with the lowest recorded temperature being 40°F. Typically, the months of May, October, and November experience the highest rainfall. The majority of these showers happen in the early afternoon and are typically brief.
Healthcare Services in Vieques, Puerto Rico
Residents in Vieques real estate requiring medical care have a small hospital and a medical center where they can receive treatment. The hospital is not equipped to handle all the emergencies, so residents with certain medical conditions should plan accordingly. The healthcare facilities in Vieques are:
- Healthpromed Vieques
- Centro de Salud de Familia
Vieques, PR Job Market
Tourism is king in the Vieques economy and job market; however, there are opportunities in retail trade, construction, administrative support, waste management, healthcare, and service-oriented hospitality-related jobs as well.
Vieques, PR Transportation
Roads tend to be unpaved less high-quality in Vieques, so if you are planning to explore the area to the fullest, consider bringing or renting a jeep or a similar vehicle. Consider that there are only two gas stations in Vieques, and sometimes they run out of gas, so having a plan B for those occasions is wise.
Locals often travel by foot or rent bikes or scooters when running errands nearby. Seeing golf carts is not unusual, either. The main public transportation option in Vieques is the carros públicos. They are private vehicles that have predetermined routes and inexpensive and regulated fares. You can choose if you want to share them or not.
There's also a ferry service several times daily, with the Vieques terminal in the Isabel II neighborhood. The ferry takes locals to the Ceiba terminal and takes around 30 minutes and tickets tend to be pretty affordable. The ferry is under the guidance of the Autoridad de Transporte Marítimo (ATM).
The airport that serves Vieques is Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport, which can only handle small propeller-driven planes at the moment. For commercial flights, Vieques residents can use Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, situated in Carolina, just 20 minutes east of San Juan.