Oceanfront Living Pros and Cons No One Talks About

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning oceanfront property, you’re probably thinking of the calm vibes of living on the water and the fun of having a waterfront playground right outside your door. But there are other advantages to oceanfront living that you might not know, and some disadvantages as well. Before you make an offer on an oceanfront home, find out what’s involved!

Benefits of Oceanfront Living

Living on the water has some advantages everyone knows about: the beautiful views, the access to the beach and to water activities, the investment potential, and the opportunity to earn vacation rental income.

However, there are many hidden advantages you may not realize, including:

The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Near the Ocean

Oceanfront living has known health benefits, including:

• Exposure to sunlight, which gives you a good dose of Vitamin D, supporting your immune system, your cognitive functioning, and your bone, heart, and mental health.
• Extra exercise, which you’re sure to get living on the water, keeps your muscles strong, improves your heart health, and gives your mood a big boost.
• Soothing sounds provided by waves lapping onto the shore and the calls of sea birds, which have significant mental health benefits.

Overall, people find that oceanfront living makes them feel calmer, brings them into closer contact with nature, and encourages them to be more active.

Seaside Community Life

Many coastal communities feature a laid-back pace that encourages you to unplug and live more in the moment. When you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life and you need to reset, oceanfront living can be just the thing.

Seaside communities also tend to be close-knit, with neighbors who all know each other and help each other out when needed. If you’re looking for stronger connections to your community, it won’t take you long to find yourself right at home in a coastal town.

A Wealth of Activities

Although oceanfront living tends to be more relaxed, there’s no shortage of goings-on to keep you busy if you do want to leave your deck chair! Among the activities you can find in a seaside town are:

• Water-based sports including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and, of course, swimming.
• Culinary events, including seafood festivals that highlight local cuisine.
• Beach parties and outdoor concerts.
• Art walks and gallery events.
• Farmers’ markets featuring local foods and crafts.

Whether you want to socially isolate in your own space or get out and enjoy seaside events, oceanfront living offers something for everyone and for every mood.

Disadvantages of Oceanfront Living

Despite the considerable benefits, living on the seaside does have some downsides.

Higher Costs

Needless to say, you pay a premium for a waterfront location, especially in highly desirable oceanfront communities. You also need to budget for increased insurance costs, which will likely rise as the threat of floods and severe weather increases.

Added Repair and Maintenance

Oceanside living can mean ongoing maintenance and repairs. Sea air and water are refreshing, but they do contain salt, which is corrosive to many building materials; home owners need to be vigilant about monitoring corrosion on everything from metal hardware to roofing materials, patio furniture, vehicles, and even the HVAC system.

Humidity and moisture add to the maintenance concerns inherent in oceanfront living. Mold is a constant risk, and dehumidification measures are a must, leading to much higher equipment and utility costs.

Seasonal Population Variations

Year-round oceanfront living means sharing space with tourists in the summer. That can bring with it additional traffic and parking problems, along with more noise and competition for the best spots on the beach. In the winter, the absence of other residents can lead to loneliness and isolation, especially during bad weather.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, coastal towns may need to be cleared quickly. Coastal communities on islands or in areas that have few access roads may be more difficult to evacuate. Although these events are relatively rare, it’s something to take into consideration as you think about buying a beach house.

Erosion and Rising Sea Levels

In some oceanfront communities, the shoreline has been eroding more rapidly in the last few decades. Beachfront property can shift or shrink over time, resulting in safety concerns and decreased property values. When you’re considering oceanfront living, research the long-term projections for the area and talk to local experts.

Affordable Oceanfront Living Options

Premium seaside properties are pricey, but you can still enjoy oceanfront living if you’re willing to compromise.

Look for properties in up-and-coming areas in states like North Carolina, Texas, or parts of the Florida Panhandle. You can find beautiful ocean vistas there, and all the amenities you’ll get in the more established seaside communities.

For affordable oceanfront living, you can also consider a condo or a home that isn’t directly on the water but does have water access. Condo life has the additional advantage of a property manager who looks after a lot of the maintenance!

Don’t overlook fixer-upper properties that others may not be willing to take on. You’ll have to spend some time and money renovating the home, but you’ll be able to make all the design choices yourself.

Is Oceanfront Living for You?

Coastal properties vary widely; seaside life in Maine has a different climate, lifestyle, and culture from Florida oceanfront living, although these locations share many of the same benefits and drawbacks.

Vacationing in some of these areas can give you a good sense of what it feels like to live there, while offering an opportunity to talk to locals about the advantages and challenges of homeownership in the area. During your stay, consider talking to a local real estate agent who can give you deep insights into the region.

No matter what you decide, enjoy your time at the seaside and all the wonderful things oceanfront living has to offer!