I just bought a house on the beach in northeast Brazil. Now, for the first time, I can walk out my front door, cross the white sand, and dive into warm, turquoise waters. It’s on a large tropical island, and there’s a pleasant 1500s-era colonial town within walking distance.

Life on the island of Itamaracá is simple. For entertainment we’ve got thatched-roof beachfront bars, open-air seafood restaurants, a new gym, and frequent shows and music on the town square. We spend days swimming in the warm, reef-protected waters, snorkeling, walking on the beach, or enjoying cold beers and grilled shrimp for a few dollars per person.

We can also take a canoe through the mangroves, hang out with others from the English-speaking expat community, or, for a taste of the big city, take the causeway to the mainland and head to Recife. There are no high-rises, no car dealers, and no malls. In fact, most of the island is a forest preserve.

Life is uncomplicated and inexpensive…and you can find your dream home on the beach for around $63,000; or in the island’s best planned community–in the hills with an ocean view–for about $34,000.

It’s a great lifestyle…for me. But it’s just one of many available in Brazil’s northeastern region, where you’ll find an option for every taste and budget.

Let me take you on a quick tour of three different lifestyle options available in this region–a colonial retreat for tranquil, art-filled living where a five-bedroom beach house costs $92,000…a city on the beach for a laid back life where a large ocean view apartment with maid’s quarters costs $80,500…and a showpiece metropolis with cosmopolitan appeal where you can buy on the best area of the boardwalk for $38,600.

You’ll find out more about these real estate opportunities in the June issue of International Living Magazine, out Sunday–if you subscribe with this link, you’ll be among the first to get the new issue when it’s released in 5 days.

Lee Harrison
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living