Many Americans dream of owning or renting a beachside home. They love the idea of walking out the door to the beach, watching the waves roll in, listening to the surf.
But where are the best and most affordable cities to own a beach property? Below are several of the best options if you want to wake up in the morning and feel the sand in your toes when you walk out the door.
Surfside Beach, Texas
Surfside Beach is near Galveston, which has plenty of its own beach properties and vacation rentals.
It’s a smaller and quieter location that many people turn to when they want more peace and quiet.
The great thing about buying a vacation or rental property in Surfside Beach is the homes are less expensive than Galveston and other better-known Texas beach towns.
This town also is a major draw for people who drive down from Houston on the weekends. So, if you rent your Surfside Beach vacation property and use a Houston property manager, you can make money on the side.
Or, make it your personal vacation home and hit the beach in the summer or on the weekends.
Bolivar Peninsula, Texas
The Bolivar Peninsula on the Gulf Coast offers Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island, and Port Bolivar as potential vacation and rental property locations.
Local residents report that the Bolivar Peninsula is like going back in time. Mom and pop stores line local streets and surf shops are the most popular local destinations.
You can rent golf carts whenever you like and cruise the miles of pristine beaches.
A typical vacation property on Bolivar Peninsula costs about $300,000, so the price of entry is quite reasonable.
Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral is an affordable beach town with lovely Gulf Coast beaches and pristine golf courses. There also is a family waterpark for the little ones.
Many vacationers also head to Cape Coral for fishing and boating fun, and there are hundreds of miles of canals in the area with many waterfront homes to choose from.
If you decide to buy and rent out your beach property in Cape Coral, there isn’t as much regulation and red tape in Florida. So, it’s easier to make a solid profit here than in other bureaucracy-heavy states.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you like Hilton Head but don’t have the cash for that high-end location, consider Myrtle Beach. It offers many of the same benefits as its pricier neighbor, including 50 miles of beachfront and a beautiful boardwalk. And at a much lower price.
For those who want the most bang for their buck, focus on North Myrtle Beach. There you’ll find lower price tags for properties near the beach. And there’s easy access to the ocean and plenty of golf courses.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Washington state isn’t always at the top of the list for beach lovers, and we understand. Washington has a vastly different feel and coastline than the southeast US. But there are plentiful reasons why Ocean Shores is a fantastic place to buy beachfront property.
First, it’s inexpensive; homes here average about $250,000. And, you’re not far from Portland and Seattle. The area has many miles of gorgeous coastline and beaches, fresh produce, and plenty of local festivals in the summer.
Many people dream of owning a vacation property on the beach but might think it’s financially impossible. Surely, only doctors, attorneys, and corporate executives can afford a beachside home.
Not true! This list of tempting beachside locations shows it’s possible to pick up a beachfront property for under $300,000, in many cases.