20 Places Where You Can STILL Afford a Beach House
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It's plenty of people's dream to own a second home, somewhere they can go when they need an escape from reality and that doesn't have a specific check-in and check-out time. And a house by the beach is the ultimate vacation house, which is probably why beachside property typically comes with a large price tag. Thankfully, our friends at Zillow pulled some data and found us the 20 most affordable seaside cities where you can make your vacation home dreams come true.
While we're not saying these options will get you a beach house on the cheap, the locations typically offer a range of properties with lower price tags that still give you access to the ocean. Of the top 20, you'll find that Florida dominates the list, with a few other states sprinkled in. Keep reading to see which beach towns have the lowest typical home values.
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Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City may be best known for its casinos, but the iconic boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is a close second. There's plenty to do in this New Jersey town, including visiting an amusement park, eating fresh seafood, and spreading out on the sand, of course. Since you're so close to New York City, day trips from either location are extremely easy as well.
Typical home value: $215,336
Daytona Beach, FL
Any NASCAR fan is familiar with Daytona Beach, but did you know that this Northeastern Florida city is also a festival hub? Every year, the city hosts over 60 different art, music, and other cultural festivals, giving residents and tourists alike opportunities to experience new things. Though you could easily spend every day on the beach, there are plenty of other museums, adventures, and opportunities to try out.
Typical home value: $251,750
Deerfield Beach, FL
The small city of Deerfield Beach is ideal if you want to experience South Florida's beaches without the crowds. Located between Boca Raton and Pompano Beach, the town is known for its fishing pier and abundance of outdoor water activities, like paddle-boarding, surfing, and water skiing.
Typical home value: $286,575
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is a seaside community with 60 miles of sandy beach and 14 unique communities meshed together. It provides those classic beach town activities, such as a fun boardwalk and theme park, and is generally a family friendly location. There are plenty of things to do and places to explore, from the Waccamaw River to 90 different golf courses.
Typical home value: $300,720
Hallandale Beach, FL
South of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami, Hallandale Beach is home to Gulfstream Park Racing and a handful of public beaches. It's a smaller community that offers a classic beach day if you want to escape the crowds.
Typical home value: $301,130
Pinellas Park, FL
Part of the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, Pinellas Park has a population of about 53,000 and provides access to a string of beaches along the north-western coast of Florida. Though small, there is an arts and culture scene in the town that highlights the creative community.
Typical home value: $314,991
West Haven, CT
Located on the Long Island Sound, West Haven is an affordable option not far from New York City. This town has the longest stretch of public beaches in the state where you can swim, sunbathe, fish, and explore.
Typical home value: $326,043
Galveston, TX
With over 30 miles of beaches, Galveston is the only Texas seaside city on this list. It's located on the balmy Gulf of Mexico and there are plenty of museums and art galleries you can visit, along with beaches. The area also has a well-known restaurant scene.
Typical home value: $333,127
Palm Coast, FL
Parks, museums, beaches—oh, my! Palm Coast is on the Northeast side of Florida and offers plenty of activities. Relax or fish at one of the beaches, then head over to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park for some biking amid the lush gardens, and end your day at the Florida Agricultural Museum. There's also plenty of delicious seafood to be had.
Typical home value: $351,404
Largo, FL
South of Clearwater, Largo offers access to beaches and two larger metropolitan areas, perfect for the homeowner who wants to be near the action but not caught up in it. There are multiple parks to visit in the town and art lovers will appreciate all the shows and performances.
Typical home value: $353,576
Pompano Beach, FL
Pompano Beach is a hidden gem on the Gold Coast, neighboring Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood. The city offers miles of beach with temperate waters from the Gulf Stream, as well as plenty of things to do like snorkeling, shopping, festivals, and golfing.
Typical home value: $356,795
Delray Beach, FL
For a mix of water activities and a thriving art scene, consider Delray Beach. The arts district is part of what makes this South Florida city so special, and the municipal beach is just the cherry on top. It can definitely get busy on a nice day.
Typical home value: $359,963
Clearwater, FL
If Clearwater's three miles of white sand beaches aren't enough to entice you on their own, maybe the plethora of activities and events will. Clearwater is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area, and it has plenty to offer, from the nightly festival at Pier 60 to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Typical home value: $362,300
Bradenton, FL
Explore your love of the beach and historical sites in Bradenton along the Manatee River. For a small city, you wouldn't expect to find so much to do and learn from, from the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the riverwalk, the Manatee Village Historical Park, and the multiple beaches.
Typical home value: $370,091
St. Petersburg, FL
One of the largest cities on this list in terms of population, St. Petersburg is known as the "Sunshine City" and is home to great shops, top-ranked beaches, and a thriving arts district. For those who want both beach and city life, this should be a top contender on your list. You can find multiple museums, like the Dali Museum which showcases an extensive collection of pieces by the Spanish surrealist, and a living museum of botanicals and tropical plants at the Sunken Gardens.
Typical home value: $372,035
Ormond Beach, FL
Get that small-town feel in Ormond Beach, which is at the northern end of the Daytona Beach area. It's a quieter refuge, though it's not lacking in culture. There are multiple state parks located in this town, along with museums and cultural centers that are good to visit when you're not taking a dip in the Atlantic.
Typical home value: $379,800
Oakland Park, FL
Oakland Park is just north of Fort Lauderdale and has excellent access to the metropolitan area's beaches. Think of this town of around 44,000 people as any other small American town, just with closer access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Typical home value: $381,610
Riviera Beach, FL
Riviera Beach is just off the coast of Singer Island, and it's a wonderful location for those who love to bask in the sun and take in all types of water activities. There are multiple parks to explore and plenty of opportunities to see and learn about the marine life that live in Florida.
Typical home value: $397,829
West Palm Beach, FL
This bustling city might not be the most affordable destination on this list, but it offers a lot for its elevated prices. From exciting nightlife to exceptional culinary options to an exciting art scene, West Palm Beach is a vibrant destination with plenty of beach access.
Typical home value: $403,731
Navarre, FL
This small city in Western Florida, on the Gulf Coast just an hour an a half from Mobile, Alabama boasts white sand beaches, clear blue water, and a proximity to Santa Rosa Island. It's a tranquil destination with opportunities to learn about marine life at the multiple refuges and conservation centers.
Typical home value: $415,063
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