Connected to Corpus Christi by bridge and causeway, North Padre and Mustang islands offer nine months of beach season (average highs are 69F in February and 93F in August). Think Florida without the summer downpours.

The beaches are great. So are the bird watching and fishing. And there's less of the spring break rowdiness that fouls South Padre Island.

Beachfront condos at the low-rise El Constante on North Padre start at $210,000 for two-bedroom units, says Kim Erwin of Realty World.

At the more upscale Mayan Princess, two-bedroom condos start at $225,000 and three-bedroom penthouses sell for $350,000. Ahoy, boaters: Canal-front two-bedroom condos with docks go for $200,000.

Mustang's Beachwalk and Royal Sands are the best bets for single-family homes. The architecturally charming subdivisions offer private boardwalks to the beach.

At Royal Sands, three-bedroom houses sell for $300,000 and four-bedrooms can be had for $400,000. At ritzier Beachwalk, a 2,100-square-footer cost $355,000 in late April. Also: a 0.2-acre lot for $149,000; for another $250,000 you could build a lovely 2,200-square-foot spread.

Based on curb appeal, weather and beach quality, Beachwalk and Royal Sands may offer the best beach for the buck in North America.

By: Jon Birger, MONEY Magazine. Additional reporting by Sarah Max.