Housing News

Craving Surf and Sand? 12 Budget-Friendly Beach Towns to Buy a Vacation Home

It’s the ultimate summer daydream: a home by the water, flip-flops by the door, the ocean just a stroll away. And while beachfront real estate often conjures up visions of million-dollar price tags, the good news is you don’t need a fortune to make that dream come true.

Realtor.com’s latest list of America’s most affordable beach towns proves that coastal charm may be surprisingly attainable.

Leading the pack for affordability is Pascagoula, Miss., a laid-back town on the Gulf Coast. The typical home in Pascagoula listed for just $165,610 in April, according to Realtor.com data.

Locals enjoy unspoiled beaches and a walkable historic district. And the lower price tag may leave a little room in the budget for a porch swing and blue crab claw dinners.

In second place is Deerfield Beach, Fla., with a median list price of around $211,750.

Tucked between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, this sunny escape offers clear blue water, a retro-cool 976-foot fishing pier, and an award-winning beach.

“Deerfield Beach is one of the most underrated coastal towns in South Florida,” said Alexander Ferreira, director of operations at Threshold Management, which manages rental and investment properties across South Florida. “It offers strong rental demand, walkable beach access, and lower entry prices compared to neighboring areas like Boca Raton.”

Next up is Atlantic City, N.J., where the median home lists for $242,450. The city is well-known for its famous boardwalk and casinos. Now, people are buying homes there again because they love the view of the Atlantic Ocean. 

“Look for towns with growing infrastructure (restaurants, boardwalks, redeveloped piers), not just beach access,” said Ferreira. “That usually signals long-term [home] appreciation potential.”

To come up with its list, Realtor.com looked at coastal cities with at least 50 active real estate listings. They were ranked based on price. Only two towns per state were included on the list.

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s where to find your slice of the coast for less:

1. Pascagoula, Miss.: $165,610
2. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: $211,750
3. Atlantic City, N.J.: $242,450
4. Port Richey, Fla.: $254,925
5. Port Lavaca, Texas: $292,000
6. Myrtle Beach, S.C.: $299,000
7. Ocean Springs, Miss.: $302,500
8. Corpus Christi, Texas: $310,000
9. Surfside Beach, S.C.: $310,925
10. Long Beach, Wash.: $403,188
11. Ocean Shores, Wash.: $409,900
12. Ocean City, Md.: $454,500

Each of these towns offers walkable beaches, a vibrant local culture, and homes priced to welcome a broader range of buyers—from first-time buyers to those seeking a sunny second home.

Why now may be a good time to buy a home on the coast

As the number of homes for sale rises and overlooked beach towns gain buzz, buyers are finding something rare along the coast: opportunity. 

All but one of these beach towns had median home list prices below the national price tag of $431,250 in April, according to Realtor.com data. Many have considerably lower price tags.

Some buyers are also taking advantage of using Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) from their primary residence to help fund their beach homes.

For even more savings, buyers can check out slightly inland properties. These homes often offer the same breezy lifestyle at even more approachable prices.

In towns with strong short-term rental markets—like Myrtle Beach or Ocean City—buyers can also consider vacation rental income to offset ownership costs. They might want to rent out the properties when they’re not staying in them.

 A word of caution before buying a beach home

Before purchasing a beach home, coastal buyers should also factor in essential costs, such as flood insurance, elevation certificates, and local building codes. This is essential to get a comprehensive understanding of the total expenses involved in owning a coastal property. 

“Buyers who stretch their budgets to grab a cheap beach home might not realize how expensive it is to maintain it, said Ron Myers of Ron Buys Florida Homes. “Between rising insurance costs, ongoing repairs, and stricter codes, it can get expensive fast.”

These costs can vary widely by town, but in many cases, newer or elevated homes can secure more favorable insurance premiums.