Big-city life has its perks, but waking up to the sound of waves and salty air is the kind of luxury most people assume they can’t afford. But did you know you don’t need to be a millionaire to own a home by the water? Here are 20 destinations where you can buy a house without draining your bank account.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City offers an affordable way to experience East Coast coastal living, with home prices averaging $214,670. While casinos are a major draw, the city also features scenic oceanfront walks, fresh seafood, and a historic boardwalk. The Steel Pier amusement park further enhances its reputation as a vibrant seaside destination.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay offers stunning natural beauty at a fraction of the cost, with homes averaging $329,533—a bargain compared to Cannon Beach. Sunset Bay State Park features dramatic cliffs and scenic hiking trails, while nearby towering dunes make off-roading and sandboarding favorite local pastimes.
Crescent City, California
Redwood trees, historic lighthouses, and secluded beaches make Crescent City one of California’s most overlooked coastal gems. With an average home price of $361,327, it’s a steal for those who love surfing, tide pools, and scenic byways. The small-town charm means friendly neighbors and unobstructed Pacific views without the usual tourist crowds.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Homes at $267,165 on average, Daytona Beach offers some of Florida’s most affordable beach homes. It’s also one of the few coastal spots where you can park right on the sand. While best known for the Daytona 500, the city is evolving with more local restaurants and entertainment, which embrace a quieter, more laid-back feel.
Freeport, Texas
Freeport, just 45 minutes from Galveston, is a fishing and diving paradise with homes averaging $138,822. It’s close to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to coral reefs and diverse marine life. Whether you’re into deep-sea fishing or just relaxing on Bryan Beach, Freeport is a hidden gem.
Hampton, Virginia
Hampton blends history with coastal charm; at $267,890, buying property here won’t break the bank. The Chesapeake Bay provides calm waters and sandy beaches, and local landmarks like Fort Monroe give it character. You can spend weekends on boat tours, fishing off the public pier, or exploring the Grandview Nature Preserve.
Michigan City, Indiana
If you think the Midwest has no beaches, you’re wrong. Michigan City, found on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers true waterfront living with home prices averaging $174,055. Nearby, Indiana Dunes National Park provides scenic outdoor adventures, while the lakefront is home to lively spots. Best part? No hurricanes or sharks to worry about.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach’s 60-mile stretch of sand makes it a coastal paradise, and at $308,123, home prices are still reasonable. The boardwalk is packed with entertainment, while quieter neighborhoods like Cherry Grove offer a more peaceful beachfront escape. With countless golf courses and seafood spots, there’s always something to enjoy here.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
A charming gem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ocean Springs offers homes for an average of $260,966. Live oaks shade the vibrant downtown, where art galleries, restaurants, and music venues create a lively atmosphere. Just a short boat ride away, the pristine beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore feature turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean.
Swansboro, North Carolina
Swansboro, set along the Intracoastal Waterway, has homes averaging around $341,017. Its historic charm stems from a rich shipbuilding past, and nearby Hammocks Beach State Park makes it a haven for kayakers and nature lovers. Moreover, the downtown district is lined with scenic waterfront views and cafes.
Westport, Washington
Westport is among Washington’s few true surf towns, and at $309,719, homes are affordable compared to the rest of the state. Fishing, crabbing, clamming, and whale watching are part of the daily life. You can do it from a charter boat or the iconic Westport Viewing Tower. Also, the Marina District is the go-to spot for fresh seafood.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
With houses at a price tag of $164,900, Pascagoula is one of the most budget-friendly beach towns in the country. It’s a quiet, Southern coastal escape with a working waterfront. Locals enjoy fishing and unwinding on small but peaceful beaches along the Mississippi Sound.
Deerfield Beach, Florida
For $239,950, you can own a home near Miami without the sky-high price tag. Deerfield Beach has a relaxed vibe, a long fishing pier, and one of Florida’s cleanest beaches. The town’s food scene is expanding, and the year-round warm weather makes paddleboarding and snorkeling an everyday activity.
Dennis Port, Massachusetts
Cape Cod’s charm doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag. With homes averaging $277,500, Dennis Port offers classic New England coastal living, featuring weathered cottages and family-friendly beaches. Who says you need to spend a fortune to enjoy the Cape?
Corpus Christi, Texas
Does Corpus Christi offer warm Gulf Coast waters, miles of beaches, and affordable homes? Absolutely—with an average price of $315,000 for home ownership. It’s a dream destination for windsurfers, anglers, and anyone seeking an affordable seaside city. Nearby, you can explore Padre Island National Seashore’s untouched beaches, perfect for camping.
Sunset Beach, North Carolina
If peace and quiet are what you’re after, Sunset Beach delivers. Homes here average $340,000, and the town lives up to its name with evening vistas over the Atlantic. The adjacent undeveloped Bird Island Reserve has serene beaches and is a true getaway from the hustle and bustle.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Grand Isle stands out as one of the few affordable island destinations in America, with a median home price of $375,000. Situated on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, it’s a prime spot for fishing and wildlife watching. Beach houses here provide direct water access, creating a true paradise for nature lovers.
Newport, Oregon
Newport is a hidden gem on Oregon’s coast, offering stunning ocean views with homes averaging $399,950. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse, fresh seafood markets, and nearby state parks make it a fantastic place to call home. Bonus: the mild, coastal breeze keeps the weather cool year-round.
Ocean Shores, Washington
For $425,000, you can own a home in Ocean Shores, a coastal town with stunning Pacific views and a laid-back vibe. Deer wander through neighborhoods, the beaches stay refreshingly uncrowded, and local festivals unite the community. Best of all, it remains one of the most budget-friendly oceanfront destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Rockport, Texas
Looking for an affordable Gulf Coast town? Rockport might be the perfect fit! With homes averaging $320,000, it’s far cheaper than other beach destinations. The peaceful bays are great for relaxing, and the town’s artsy vibe is welcoming. Plus, the seafood is unbeatable, especially the shrimp and oysters.
