Buzz
If you’ve ever dreamed of living by the beach, whether full-time or for regular vacations, Realtor.com data suggests it’s possible without breaking the bank. Securing a home in one of America’s most economical beach towns could make that dream a reality.
Using listings from the past year, Realtor.com analyzed homes within a mile of federally recognized beaches, ranking them by median price per square foot. The top 10 most affordable beach towns have median prices ranging from $144 to $256 per square foot.
(For context, the national median price per square foot is $222.)
While some beach towns offer affordability, living near the coast comes with risks and expenses. Gulfport, Miss., and Grand Isle, La., faced extensive damage from Hurricane Ida in September 2021, with many Grand Isle residents still displaced a year later. Atlantic City, N.J., suffered from Hurricane Sandy, and North Beach, Md., was impacted by Hurricane Ian. Additionally, while home prices may be low, insurance in high-risk zones can be costly.
The most economical beach towns in the U.S.
Here are the top budget-friendly coastal areas for aspiring beach homeowners:
1. Gulfport, Miss.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $224,900
Median cost per square foot: $144
2. Newport News, Va.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $200,000
Median cost per square foot: $150
3. New London, Conn.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $257,000
Median cost per square foot: $175
4. Grand Isle, La.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $309,500
Median cost per square foot: $190
5. Corpus Christi, Texas
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $289,948
Median cost per square foot: $206
6. Atlantic City, N.J.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $185,000
Median cost per square foot: $213
7. Navarre, Fla.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $442,500
Median cost per square foot: $240
8. North Beach, Md.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $384,495
Median cost per square foot: $245
9. Crescent City, Calif.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $329,000
Median cost per square foot: $248
10. Shirley, N.Y.
Median home price within a mile of the beach: $414,990
Median cost per square foot: $256
