10 Most Affordable Beach Towns in the USA
So, you’ve always wanted to live on the beach, whether you’re a permanent resident or frequent access to a vacation home. According to Realtor.com , you can make your wish come true without spending a fortune if you can purchase a home in one of the most affordable beach towns in the US.
Realtor.com has compiled listings of homes within a one-mile radius of federal beaches over the past year and ranked them based on average price per square foot: The average price per square foot in the top 10 most affordable beach towns ranges from $144. up to 256 dollars.
(For comparison, the average price per square foot in the US is $222.)
Please note that while accessible in some locations, living on or near the beach comes with risks or significant costs. Gulfport, Mississippi and Grand Isle, Louisiana were hit hard by Hurricane Ida in September 2021, and many Grand Isle residents haven’t returned home even a year later. Atlantic City, New Jersey was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, and North Beach, Maryland was hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Also, while homes can be cheap, insurance costs in high-risk areas are often prohibitive.
The cheapest beach towns in the US
These are the most accessible coastal areas for potential beach homeowners:
1. Gulfport, Miss.
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $224,900
Average price per square foot: $144.
2. Newport News, Virginia
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $200,000
Average price per square meter: $150.
3. New London, Connecticut.
Median home price within 1 mile of the beach: $257,000
Average price per square meter: $175.
4. Grand Isle, Louisiana
Median home price within 1 mile of the beach: $309,500
Average price per square meter: $190.
5. Corpus Christi, Texas
Median home price within 1 mile of the beach: $289,948
Average price per square foot: $206
6. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $185,000
Average price per square foot: $213.
7. Navarra, Florida
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $442,500
Average price per square meter: $240.
8. North Beach, Maryland
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $384,495
Average price per square foot: $245
9. Crescent City, California
Average home price within 1 mile of the beach: $329,000
Average price per square foot: $248.
10. Shirley, New York
Median home price within 1 mile of the beach: $414,990
Average price per square foot: $256