When considering a move to a new town, you want to consider several factors about the area and the residents before making a final decision. Looking to move to Kailua-Kona is no different. You will want to make sure the housing market, neighborhood, activities, weather, and cost of living all meet the needs of your family, interests, and lifestyle. You will also want to have a good understanding of the demographics of the area. This list will provide you with the details behind several things you will want to consider when buying a Kailua-Kona beach home.
1. Housing market
The first consideration you should make when buying beachfront property in Hawaii is the state of the housing market. In the Kailua-Kona area, the median home sales price is around $1,070,000, which is 30.09% higher than the previous year. Kailua-Kona is not currently a very competitive housing market, meaning that you will be able to buy one of the Hawaii oceanfront homes for sale for around the asking price. While some homes do sell for above the list price, it is frequently only about 1% above asking. Hot homes can go as high as 7% above asking price. Homes stay on the market for about 63 days, 72 days fewer than last year. While the market is not competitive, and you will be likely to have the winning offer on your dream home, you will still want to act quickly, as there are not many homes for sale in Kailua-Kona overall.
2. Outdoor activities
When looking to move to a new town, you want to know that there are many activities to suit the interests of you and your family. One of the reasons many residents love living in Kailua-Kona is the gorgeous weather which lends itself to endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Owners of beachfront property in Hawaii have the pleasure of experiencing the scenic views of sunrises and sunsets. Many high-quality snorkeling spots around Kailua-Kona will ensure you can get up close and personal with the marine life that makes Hawaii a popular tourist destination. A local seahorse farm will allow you to touch and hold seahorses while learning about what makes them unique. If you want to swim with manta rays, you can do so during the manta ray night dive.
After a full day of outdoor adventures, you can enjoy one of the many restaurants in the area that offer outdoor dining experiences. When you want to cook at home using popular local ingredients, you could choose to shop at one of several farmers' markets in the Kailua-Kona area.
3. Weather
If you want to live somewhere that truly feels like a tropical paradise, Kailua-Kona is the place where you will want to find your beachfront property in Hawaii. Kailua-Kona is known for its perfect beach weather, which is why it is considered the top spot for tourists and residents on the island. Kailua-Kona is hotter, drier, and sunnier than the other side of the island, which tends to be wetter overall. While there are pleasant temperatures year-round, the hottest days occur between August and September with highs in the 80s, and the coolest days occur from December through February with lows in the upper-60s to mid-70s.
When Kilauea is actively erupting, many residents in the area deal with volcanic fog or smog. Vog can be found on many parts of the island, depending on how the wind is blowing that day, and can have a significant respiratory impact on the population.
4. Cost of living
Finally, you will want to consider the cost of living in Kailua-Kona when looking at Hawaii oceanfront homes for sale. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, remember that you are paying to live in paradise. The cost of living is 39% higher than the national average and 10% higher than the Hawaiian average, but Kailua-Kona is only the 22nd most expensive city in Hawaii.
5. Neighborhoods
There are several neighborhoods to choose from when deciding on your dream home in Kailua-Kona. Alii Heights is a collection of about 200 homes situated in North Kona. Several homes are already built and ready to be moved into, but there are also options for buildable lots. Keauhou Estates is located just to the south of Kailua-Kona. The zoning of this neighborhood ensures that property is allowed every 15,000 square feet of land, and most of the homes are made of at least 3,000 square feet.
Kona Bay Estates is considered the top oceanfront gated community in Kona. Lots range from 14-20,000 square feet, and when you choose to buy your home here, you will be just one mile from Kona Pier . Kaloko Mauka features large agricultural parcels, perfect for raising horses or other barnyard animals. This neighborhood consists of several elevations – on the lower elevations, you may have pristine ocean views. In comparison, on the higher elevations, you will find a lush landscape of rainforest species that don’t grow well in the heat of other areas of Kailua-Kona. No matter which neighborhood you choose for your dream home, you will be pleased with your purchase.
Now that you have a good idea of things to consider when buying a Kailua-Kona beach home, you can start looking for your dream home on the island. When you’re ready to start the homebuying process, you want to work with a real estate agent that understands the market and will be open and honest with you throughout the entire process. Sharon Brown is a trained mediator who will ensure that you make the right purchasing decision for your family and lifestyle. Sharon will treat you like a friend, building trust and coaching you throughout your home-buying journey. She will calmly and expertly walk you through the closing of your dream home. Reach out to Sharon directly when you are ready to begin the search for your new home in Kailua-Kona.
