The short answer
Both islands offer coastal living, but the right choice depends on the specific street, building and access you want. Begin with how often you will use the beach or boat, the kind of social activity you enjoy and the mainland journeys you repeat.
Define what waterfront means to you
A Gulf view, beach access and a place to keep a boat are different benefits. Ask what comes with the property, what is shared and what requires permission or separate membership. For boating, have appropriate specialists confirm depth, clearance and the route to open water.
Test the privacy you want
Visit beyond the showing appointment. Look at neighboring activity, public access, parking and sightlines into outdoor spaces. Review applicable rental rules and ask about how nearby use could affect your daily routine. Privacy should be evaluated at property level.
Choose with your future routine in mind
Compare access to the places you use and obtain property-specific ownership information before committing. I build a shortlist around those practical questions, so your island home supports the life that brought you here.