The 10 Best Cities for Boat Owners

According to the US Coast Guard’s National Recreation Boating Survey, Americans own almost 22.3 million boats. From single-seat kayaks to the kind of mega-yachts a Bond villain would be proud of, these boats all have one thing in common – they need to be kept someplace.

SmartAsset has come up with a list of the best US cities for boat owners, based on a wide range of factors from taxes to weather to water access. You can read the full report on their website but here’s the Top 10 US cities for boat owners.

Brownsville, Texas

Pretty much as far south as you can go and still be in Texas, Brownsville has great boating weather all year round. Head through the Brownsville Ship Canal and you have the entire Gulf of Mexico as your playground. As if the stellar climate and oceanfront locale isn’t enough, Brownsville enjoys an attractive cost of living, including housing costs that are 30% less than comparable properties in Florida. Which just leaves more money to buy a bigger boat.

Saint Petersburg, Florida

While Brownsville has a lower cost of living, Saint Petersburg is the place to watch the sun set over the Gulf. It’s warm, it’s beautiful, it has extensive shorelines and facilities for boaters … what’s not to like?

Corpus Christi, Texas

If it’s good enough to be home base for the retired WW2 aircraft carrier USS Lexington, then Corpus Christi is good enough for your own boat. Excellent fishing for trophy redfish in the area doesn’t hurt either.

Tampa, Florida

Its location on Tampa Bay makes this city an obvious choice. Whether you choose to go boating in the protected bay or on the wide-open Gulf, you’ll enjoy gorgeous weather year-round and comparatively low taxes.

Cape Coral, Florida

Want to own a home with its own dock? Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of navigable waterways, and many of them wind right through residential neighborhoods. Who needs a car?

Jacksonville, Florida

Located at the mouth of the St. John’s river along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Jacksonville has more than 127 square miles of water within the city limits. A perfect climate and low taxes make this a boating haven.

Miami, Florida

The boys on Miami Vice knew what it was all about – even the police know Miami is all about good times on the water. Although waterfront properties are pricey, there are more than enough boating options in and around Florida’s largest city to suit everyone.

Newport News, Virginia

Virginia’s sales tax rate on boats is just 2 percent, and total taxes cap at $2,000. Add in countless options for boaters on the James River, Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and you have a boater’s Mecca.

Mobile, Alabama

It’s on the Gulf of Mexico, the climate’s great and real estate prices are a fraction of what you would pay in Miami. Sweet Home Alabama has plenty to offer boaters.

Hampton, Virginia

Located a stone’s throw from number 8 pick Newport News, Hampton also benefits from low taxes, plenty of water, an affordable cost of living and a pleasant climate, putting it squarely in the Top 10.