The most obvious reasons to live in a beach city are: direct access to the ocean, panoramic views and lots of leisure activities. Relaxing is the main objective of people who want to retire in a seaside city.
People living a secondary life consider it an investment for expandable income. Although aspects other than those already mentioned are not the first things to be considered, beach life can bring other benefits, such as broad career opportunities, a community with similar tastes and some health benefits.
5 Stunning Cities for a Beachy Lifestyle
1. Miami, Florida
You have daily access to world-class beaches, rich culture and a vibrant party hub by choosing Miami as your home. Miami is just as busy at night with people in the liveliest nightclubs as it is during the day, when people explore the best tourist spots around. It has the glamor of attracting high-profile people, such as celebrities.
As a coastal metropolis in South Florida, Miami offers a wide variety of the most beautiful real estate in the country. The city receives a unique visual identity with the Art Deco architecture that stands out on the south side of the beach, contributing to different designs with colorful pastel paints and neon lights.
The aesthetics of these beachfront accommodations can be a strong attraction for people who appreciate the charm of an oceanic city.
The city has a tropical monsoon that offers consistent breezes and comfortable weather throughout the year. Part gourmet food and active fun, Miami remains one of the healthiest places to live. 75% of inhabitants practice a healthy lifestyle.
2. Porto Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas is a charming coastal city known for its own unique appeal and beauty. Historic landmarks (e.g., the Port Aransas Lighthouse) add character to the city’s maritime history. Port Aransas offers tourists and residents access to the wide expanses of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
The beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach combing and other water sports. With the dunes and coastal vegetation, Port Aransas is a desirable city for reinventing beach life.
Port Aransas has a welcoming, small-town atmosphere that attracts many Texans. It is located on Mustang Island, which spreads a relaxed island-like pace. Its proximity to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge allows visitors to see the dolphins that are popular in the city.
There are waterfront rentals and accommodations in Port Aransas that help make the city a convenient getaway. It offers residents water views as some properties offer views of Corpus Christi Bay. Waterfront homes with canal access are highly sought after.
3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a beautiful rock view town situated along the Pacific Ocean. It has a fantastic variety of wildlife and nature encounters, which is one of the countless reasons to love the city. There are fascinating creatures that live by the sea. Furthermore, the city offers many activities and trails for nature lovers.
The 128 days of sunshine provide people who live there with stunning views of the Oregon Coast. The temperature rarely drops below zero degrees Celsius. The city’s landscape is heavily framed by the tropical forest. While many visitors try to avoid the possibility of rain, locals take it as a respite from the sun, which means rainbows in the wildly dramatic skies.
Although the cost of living in Cannon Beach is much higher as the city offers a luxurious lifestyle, the real estate market has a balance of inland and waterfront properties with a variety of architectural styles. Local builders take advantage of the excellent southern sun exposure when building houses in this location.
4. Lake Worth, Florida
Lake Worth Beach is a 6-square-mile east-central city, the artistic soul of Palm Beach County. Regardless of not having the same prominence as other Florida beach towns, Lake Worth offers a beautiful, family-oriented beach experience at a lower cost.
People who have been there say that this place is a real treasure to enjoy fantastic nightlife. It offers stunning landscaping with its unique cast of characters.
The city has pleasant temperatures supported by fewer windy days and a high share of watercourses. Unlike many coastal locations, Lake Worth has warm waters in the winter. Water activities and swimming remain popular even in January because of this.
Many Lake Worth neighborhoods are close to the beach, an opportunity for those looking to live near the ocean. Eden Place communities offer luxury homes for waterfront living. For multi-family living, Bryant Park is quite popular and runs along the waterfront. Many homebuyers who have horses benefit from Homeland equine properties to reside in Lake Worth and enjoy equestrian facilities and lifestyle on the beach.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii, lies along the southeast coast of the Island of Oahu. It embodies the Pacific lifestyle with its stunning coastline and waterfalls. It has a considerable number of beaches. Waikiki can best be described as a crescent of white sand that gives way to turquoise ocean water.
Living in Honolulu means every day is ready for your favorite outdoor recreation and fantastic weather. You experience unique festivals in Honolulu communities. The food scene is a fusion of cultures that is reflected in its local cuisine. With new tastes on offer, beach life also includes hula performances and live music. Furthermore, the city has high-end boutiques and shopping centers.
Honolulu is home to ultra-luxurious properties including unparalleled amenities. Most homes feature open floor plans to maximize natural light and airflow. Private pools are common at Honolulu properties. Typical of this modern beach town, many homes come equipped with smart systems, updated infrastructure, and energy-efficient appliances.
Are beach houses affordable?
Beach houses are hardly cheap, influenced by high demand and low supply of inventory. Due to the luxury of coastal real estate, homes are often listed at higher prices. There are also costs associated with housing, such as insurance fees, high loan costs, and monthly bills that make living near the beach relatively expensive.
Beach houses have special facilities that are not found elsewhere. Good offers in specific locations end up attracting even more property buyers, resulting in a gradual increase in prices. There are some markets and sea towns not listed here where coastal living may be accessible.
Most affordable places to buy a beach house in 2023:
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Crescent City, Califórnia
- Grand Isle, Los Angeles
- New London, Connecticut
- Myrtle Beach, Carolina do Sul
- Gulfport, Mississippi
Common threats that come with coastal communities
A life by the sea is not just fun. Those who want to live near water also embrace the challenges that come with it. Coastal areas threaten local life with extreme natural events, such as hurricanes, storms and landslides. Coastal erosion or sea level rise is always possible.
Landfall due to hurricanes (1851-2021). Source: Statista.com
A beach house may require more frequent maintenance and repairs than any casual home. The high probability of property damage may result in higher insurance premiums. Furthermore, in peak holiday seasons, the privacy of beach life is also continually affected by crowds of tourists.
In beach cities, the ocean is part of everyday life. They embody the seamless integration of natural splendor and exciting lifestyles unfold. Consider everything that may concern you when choosing a city so that your life aligns comfortably with the beach.
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