4 beach towns where you can still buy a home for $250,000 or less
4 beach towns where you can still buy a home for $250,000 or less
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Beach living is often cost prohibitive. But not always: In the four towns below, you can still buy a home for around $250,000 — or less. Of course, there is more to consider than just the price of real estate when you buy in a beach town, like insurance, for example. And you may want to consult a financial adviser before buying (you can use this free tool to get matched with a financial adviser who may meet your needs).
Here are four of the most affordable beach towns in America:
Freeport, Texas — For the fishing community and wildlife
A close-knit coastal community, Freeport, TX is known for its fishing. Freeport has two marinas and plenty of boat ramps, and you can head to Bryan Beach for surf fishing and even fish on the the Brazos River.
What’s more, Freeport was voted the 7th best beach town in Texas, by Fox Houston. The northernmost coral reefs in the continental U.S are near here, and it houses the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary, as well as many preserved wetlands.
Real estate in Freeport is extremely affordable, with an average home value rounding out to $138,832. And if you’re looking for a city day trip, it’s only about 50 miles to Houston.
Average home value: $138,832
Population: 10,546
Cost of Living: 20% lower than the national average
Sources: Zillow (home value), Census Data (population), Payscale (cost of living)
You can use this free tool to get matched with a financial adviser who may meet your needs.
Ocean springs, MS — For a walkable city with great schools
Ocean Springs is located in the center of the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the eastern shore of Biloxi Bay. It’s known as “The City of Discovery,” after French settlers found it in the late 1600s. Today, the waters are warm and there’s plenty to do: from a bustling arts scene to a new micro-brewery.
The downtown and commercial areas have grown immensely over the years in Ocean Springs, now providing many unique shops. It’s small and extremely walkable, with its white-sand beaches accessible from many points around town.
Some of the schools in Ocean Springs are also amongst the best in the state, with Ocean Springs High School the only Mississippi high school to break 1,000th place in the U.S. News national Best High Schools list. And the housing prices are great too; the median home price is only $260,996.
Average home value: $260,996
Population: 18,662
Cost of Living: 16.5% lower than the national average
Sources: Zillow (home value), Census Data (population), Best Places (cost of living)
Daytona Beach, FL — For great weather and attractions
Perhaps best know as home to the infamous Daytona 500 race, Daytona also has 23 miles of white-sand beaches and crystal blue water. There are plenty of kid’s activities in the area, and for the adults there are more than a dozen golf courses, plenty of trails, and of course, the beach.
While summers are hot, in the winter, temperatures range from 50 and 70 degrees. The warm sun and the nice beaches may explain why news sources reported that in 2023, the annual visitor count reached 10 million people. Despite the popular location, the average home price still sets in at $267,165.
Average home value: $267,165
Population: 77,958
Cost of Living: 3% lower than the national average
Sources: Zillow (home value), Census Data (population), Payscale (cost of living)
Copper Harbor, MI — For a more off-the-grid escape
Okay so it’s not on the ocean, but it does have a beach: Perched on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor sits on Lake Superior. It’s the northernmost community in Michigan, with primarily lake and river terrains, but nonetheless there are beautiful beaches to explore.
It’s also the gateway to Isle Royale National Park, an attraction for people all across the country. Last year, the national park brought in over 29,000 visitors. Current Census data holds the population at around 100 residents, but this number swells to more than double during the summer months.
Slight warning: Many parts of Copper Harbor do not have cell phone service. However, many local establishments have installed wireless internet to keep residents connected. Many people here take this as an advantage; they see their town as the perfect place to disconnect, and truly immerse themselves in nature and peace.
The homes are very reasonably priced here in Copper Harbor, with an average home value of $257,795.
Average home value: $257,795
Population: 100
Cost of Living: 15% lower than the national average
Sources: Zillow (home value), Census Data (population), Best Places (cost of living)