Fresh Creek, Bahamas

Living in Fresh Creek, Andros is no idyllic island retreat. The largest employer is the nearby U.S. military base, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the island governed by four districts and ten townships. Hurricanes strike once every 2.5 years on average, and the tropical climate brings stifling humidity in the summer. Yet despite these challenges, Andros attracts a small but hardy population of just 8,000, drawn to its unique marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, and opportunities in eco-tourism and agriculture. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path island life, Fresh Creek may be worth the tradeoffs.