5 Coastal Towns Where You Can Buy a Beach House

Many people dream about living near the water, but think that a beach house is totally out of reach for them. However, there are affordable beach homes for sale in beautiful coastal communities across the country. If you’re wondering “Where are the cheapest beach houses for sale?” get to know some of America’s loveliest locations, where you can find a vacation or permanent home within your budget.

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Boasting long, hot summers and mild winters, Myrtle Beach’s climate is suitable for all sorts of activities, in and out of the water. Situated on a long, continuous stretch of beach known as the Grand Strand, visitors and residents can stroll for hours, enjoying the soothing sound of the waves, the call of the seabirds, and the cooling winds.

Myrtle Beach also offers numerous attractions that cater to tourists and townspeople alike: thousands of shops and restaurants, 86 nearby golf courses, amusement parks, theaters, museums, and abundant wildlife. There’s something for everyone in Myrtle Beach. With a median sale price of $275,750, you can find condominium beach houses for sale for as low as $100,000.

2. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. With many major employers located in or near the city, a good school system, and two military bases to provide economic stability, Virginia Beach is a great place to settle with a family. The area’s climate features long, temperate summers and cooler winters, making it ideal for people who love the water but don’t love oppressive heat.

Virginia Beach also offers resort-town amenities such as an oceanfront boardwalk and a lively nightlife scene. For nature enthusiasts, there are calmer areas for kayaking, hiking, and fishing, along with a large wildlife refuge.

The median sale price for a house in Virginia Beach is $405,000. Beach houses for sale are listed for as low as $200,000 for a condominium and under $400,000 for a single-family detached home. If you’re willing to put in some sweat equity, there are plenty of fixer-upper beach houses for sale at bargain rates.

3. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores features stunning white sand beaches and emerald waters with beach houses for sale at very low price points. This city is growing, but has a small year-round population, giving it more of a small-town feel than a bustling tourist destination.

Along with numerous opportunities for water-based activities like boating, fishing, parasailing, and diving, the area also has a great outdoor dining scene, nature trails, and plenty of live music. The median sale price in Gulf Shores is $655,000, but condominium beach houses for sale are listed as low as $200,000. If you’re into the RV lifestyle, there are plenty of deeded lots available starting at $100,000.

4. Padre Island, Texas

Padre Island is a long barrier island located off the coast of Corpus Christi in Texas. Padre Island has two distinct regions: North Padre Island and South Padre Island (the resort town near Brownsville). Whether you’re looking for a beach house for sale in a peaceful community or a vibrant beachfront hot spot, Padre Island has what you need.

North Padre Island has more of a quiet, residential vibe with miles of undeveloped beach on the Padre Island National Seashore. Close proximity to Corpus Christi means handy access to shopping and services.

South Padre Island is a walkable beach town with plenty of restaurants, bars, events, and year-round tourism. This area has a big emphasis on Resort living with activities like dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and festivals.

Overall, Padre Island has something for everyone, with condominiums available close to the sand and on nearby canals, and plenty of affordable beach homes for sale just a few rows from the ocean. With a median price of $450,000, condominium prices on Padre Island start at under $300,000.

5. Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola is on Florida’s western Panhandle, with long white sand beaches and big stretches of protected shoreline inside Gulf Islands National Seashore. There are plenty of neighborhoods and different vibes in Pensacola, including Pensacola Beach, which features walkable bars and eateries and quick access to the seashore, and Perdido Key, with quieter condo strips that are perfect for nature lovers.

History and culture are also important parts of the Pensacola lifestyle, making the area ideal for people who love relaxation as well as individuals who want to have plenty of things to do. The median sale price in Pensacola is $361,000, with waterfront condos starting at under $300,000

Bonus West Coast Find: Lincoln City, Oregon

Most of the affordable beach houses in America can be found on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast. But are there any Pacific Beach houses for sale that won’t break the bank? Introducing Lincoln City, OR, a small community in the Pacific Northwest that strings together about 7 miles of sandy beach with practical access to Hwy 101.

With wide walkable beaches, plenty of opportunities for water sports, and many nearby walking trails, this area is perfect for nature lovers who want a quiet lifestyle near the ocean. Median home prices in Lincoln, Oregon, are in the high $400,000’s, but condominium units are available for under $250,000.

How to Find Affordable Beach Houses for Sale

Within every beachfront community, there is a wide range of price points. Here are some tips on how to find the right beach house for you:

Look Beyond the Popular Areas

When you first start researching A beachfront community, you’ll hear about all the hot spots like the boardwalks and resort areas. However, nearby communities can offer much lower prices and less competition among buyers.

Go Few Blocks Inland

Beach houses for sale are much more expensive if they’re located right on the water. Try going one or two blocks back and walk the distance to see how long it takes you. You might find that the savings are worth the five-minute walk or short bike ride. You’ll also be saving on insurance and maintenance costs with a home that’s better protected from the corrosive effects of saltwater and wind.

Consider Condominiums and Townhouses

When you’re looking for affordable beach houses for sale, condos and townhouses are a better entry point. Be sure to add in HOA fees and monthly costs, but keep in mind that these often cover exterior maintenance, amenities, and some of your insurance, which keeps these properties more affordable overall.

Shop in the Offseason

Sellers listing beach houses in the fall and winter are often more motivated. During these times, you will also face less competition from other buyers.

Work with a Local Expert

Use a real estate agent with a lot of experience in the community you’re interested in. They can point you to hidden gems and beach houses for sale in areas you might not have thought of. If you’re buying a house remotely, a good real estate agent can take you on a virtual beach house tour of any properties you’re interested in.

Owning a home by the ocean doesn’t always mean spending millions. You can still find lots of affordable beach homes for sale, even in popular centers. The key is to do your research, establish your priorities, and find a real estate agent with deep knowledge of the area to guide you through your options.