5 Beaches in the United States That Are Amazing Yet Affordable

Aerial view North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA with aircraft carrier ship
© Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock.com

Written by Stephanie Harper

Published: October 26, 2023

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There are blissfully gorgeous beach towns scattered all around the United States. Living in a beach town is something many people dream of, but not everyone actually manages to do. The reason why? Beach towns have a reputation for being super expensive. If the cost of living in a certain town is out of control, fewer people will be inclined to relocate unless they’re in a really comfortable financial situation. The benefits of living in a beach town make this type of move beyond tempting and intriguing. Beach towns are lively, vibrant, and full of high vibrational energy. They’re lined with boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and other fun businesses that create foot traffic.

Access to the beach is obviously the biggest reason why folks love the idea of settling down in one of these destinations. Slipping into a swimsuit to spend quality time in nature by the ocean is a total dream. Some people adore water sports like swimming, surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. A love for any or all of these water sports often equates to a desire to live in a beach town. Others appreciate the feeling of soft sand beneath them as they lay out for sunbathing, sit up for some general meditation, or walk along the water’s edge for exercise. Whatever attracts you to the ocean the most is enough of a reason to make you consider settling down in a beach town on a permanent basis. These are some of the most affordable beach towns in America.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic city New Jersey

Affordable beaches in the United States include Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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Living in a beach town like Atlantic City, New Jersey seems to be a lovely experience for every current resident. With a median home price of $185,000 on houses that are located less than a mile from a beach, there’s no denying that this is an affordable option. Realtor says it’s possible for buyers to find three-bedroom homes that decently close to the beach in Atlantic City for $170,000 or less. The population is a little less than 38,500 people who have so many exciting things available to them in the area. The beaches are wide with tons of sandy land to lay your blankets down for a nice afternoon brunch by the water.

The boardwalk is full of casinos, resorts, shops, hotels, and more. Two of the museums in the area are the Atlantic City Experience and the Atlantic City Laborers Museum. These are stops you can make if you’re curious to learn more about the history of the town. If you’re in the mood for entertainment, different shows are always taking place on the boardwalk as well. This includes musical performances and comedy acts. The nightlife in Atlantic City is worth exploring with nightclubs and lounges where guests can listen to good music and order drinks. There’s something for everyone in Atlantic city.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Bob Hall Pier, Padre Balli Park, Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is an affordable beach town with a lot to do.

©JACoulter/Shutterstock.com

Another beach town to consider is Corpus Christi, Texas. The median price of a home there is $289,948 if you’re keeping an eye for property that’s less than a mile from the beach. This Texas beach town is on the Gulf of Mexico with a long list of enticing activities to consider. Other than taking dips into the ocean to cool off on a hot day, locals and guests know how to stay busy. A WWII aircraft carrier called the USS Lexington is where you’ll find their naval aviation museum. The Texas State Aquarium offers a shark exhibit and an aquatic nursery.

Additionally, the Selena Museum is full of items worn by the late pop icon who dazzled in the Latin music community before her untimely death in 1995. The Whataburger Field is a minor league baseball stadium where sports lovers can congregate. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, which was built back in 1957, is jam-packed with artifacts and items of historical value for educational purposes. 100,000 people have done some exploration there to gain a better educational understanding. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge is a landmark with six Route 181 lanes. With so many things to do in this beach town, it’s surprising this beach town is so affordable.

New London, Connecticut

New London Harbor Lighthouse, Connecticut

A beach town like New London, Connecticut is a wonderful place to live. This is one of the most affordable beaches in the United States.

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Living in New London, Connecticut is an affordable way to enjoy a beach town lifestyle. When searching for a home in this area that are less than a mile from the beach, the median prices fall around $257,000. Black Heritage Trail is located here as a true beacon of historical strength. There are fifteen sites along the way on this trail, and each is worth checking out during your time in New London. The Black community of New London faced some serious adversity, but this trail pays homage to their struggle and courage.

History buffs who love the the beach as much as they enjoy learning about facts of the past will appreciate was New London has to offer. Stories about the fight for civil rights, enslavement, and the Great Migration circulate there. In terms of things to do in New London that would appeal to the entire family, the Garde Arts Center, Flock Theatre, and Custom House Maritime Museum are some options. Additionally, Connecticut College Arboretum, Thames River Heritage Park, and the Shaw Mansion are also open for visitors. Spending time doing ocean activities will always be possible in New London. There are lighthouse cruises and whaler cruises listed online for reservation bookings.

Newport News, Virginia

Newport News, Virginia, USA from above at dusk.

Newport News, Virginia is another beach town that’s actually affordable.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Locals and visitors have plenty to be grateful for in a beach town like Newport News, Virginia. One of the biggest reasons for this revolves around the affordability. Buyers are looking at median prices of $200,000 to live within a mile of the beach on Newport News. In fact, some buyers might even come across options for $150,000 on private beaches depending on the house’s total size.
People who prioritize their love for performing arts will find the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, Ferguson Center for the Arts,Peninsula Community Theatre, and Virginia Symphony there.

Other family-friendly places to stop by include Cozzy’s Comedy Club, Tag Time Laser Tag, Surge Adventure Park, and Peninsula Family Skating Center. Pet lovers who want to bring their beloved animals along with them on outings will enjoy access to places like Fido Field Dog Park, Mariners’ Museum and Park, and Newport News Park. If you’re only worried about appeasing adults, wine tasting events can be arranged. They’re hosted by Taste Virginia Tours and Cozzy’s Fun Bus are available for booking. Newport News is a beach town that goes out of its way to offer diverse attractions and activities to the people who reside there. You’ll always be able to hit the beach in Newport News, and you’ll also be able to stay busy with various non-beach plans.

Gulfport, Mississippi

A Great Blue Heron on Jim Simpson Sr fishing pier, Harrison County, Gulfport, Mississippi, Gulf of Mexico USA

Gulfport, Mississippi has breathtaking scenic views and affordable housing. It’s one of the most affordable beaches in the United States.

©Norm Lane/Shutterstock.com

It’s totally possible to live your best life in Gulfport, Mississippi without breaking the bank. This affordable beach town sells homes at a median price of $224,900. Keep in mind that these homes are less than a mile from the beach. This makes it easier for residents to feel like they’re always on vacation. Additionally, money-savers can rejoice about Gulfport since this is a destination with an abundance of free activities to do. The beaches of Gulfport, Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, or Pascagoula are free to relax on. You can admire the mosaic of the Biloxi Bay Bridge and all the stunning art along Coastal Mississippi.

The art is public, which means the whole world can see it without having to step inside an actual museum. Watching the sunset off of the shoreline and hiking along any of the breathtaking trails are some of the other free options to think about. Gulfport offers golf courses, breweries, and camping grounds as well. If you’re the type of person who loves a nice casino experience, you’re in luck in Gulfport. Sports betters can wager on professional and collegiate sports there. Some of the top restaurants there are Hard Rock Cafe Biloxi, Rob’s Rum Kitchen, and White Pillars Restaurant. People move to Gulfport for beach access and stay for all the wonderful activities the town offers.


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About the Author

Stephanie Harper is a professional writer who graduated from Cal State Northridge with her English degree. She loves writing about animals, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

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