Most of us dream of owning a beach property—where we can ride out the cold winters back home, enjoy beach living year-round, or even as a bolthole for a few weeks at a time.

The good news is that, in some places, your dream beach home costs a lot less than you might think. Take a look at these three locations where you can relive the endless summer days of childhood:

Beach Location #1 (buy from $36,000)

This country is famous for its beaches (see photo above). And this is one of the best: A long carpet of white sand that runs for miles, fringed by palm trees and washed by the deep-blue ocean. It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists. They come here to relax and unwind—and to kite surf.

This private community sits alongside the beach. It’s finished, complete with infrastructure, a social area and swimming pool. Yet you can buy a lot in the community (a few minutes from the beach) for only $36,000. In fact, you can buy the lot and build a beach house on a budget of $150,000.

Beach Location #2 (buy for under $90,000)

This untamed coast is stunning. Anteaters, wild cats and monkeys roam in the rich forests blanketing the mountains that sweep down to the sea.

The soft-sand beaches are mostly empty. This place has huge potential. But right now, it’s one of the best-value beach locations in Latin America.

You can buy a brand-new condo in a beachfront community on this coast for only $89,880. You’ll see the ocean from your window, feel the ocean breeze, and a short stroll puts you right on the sand.

Beach Location #3 (Caribbean for less than $300,000)

This is a little slice of beach perfection. It’s low-key and laid-back. It’s home to gorgeous beaches, gourmet food and a friendly small-town feel.

For such a chic beach town, property prices are very affordable. And homes here earn strong rental income.

This house is a short walk to a beautiful beach. With a spacious terrace and pool, it blends modern style with tropical outdoor living. It’s priced at $297,000.

That’s excellent value for a new Caribbean island home in an upscale beach community.

Editor’s Note: Margaret finds properties like the ones above all the time through her work with Pathfinder, IL’s preferred real estate advertiser. Sign up for her free property e-letter, The Pathfinder Alert and you’ll get a free report on these three locations.