Grayson West
Not everyone dreams of skyscrapers and traffic jams. Some of us simply want salt air and a front porch facing the sea. That urge to simplify is catching on, with more people packing up and heading toward the shoreline. Coastal cities make that shift possible, and some do it without draining your savings. Here’s a lineup of real places worth settling into.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis radiates artistic charm and coastal resilience through its laid-back vibe. The walkable Old Town welcomes visitors to seaside galleries and open Gulf views. Many retirees are drawn to its Southern character and the ease that defines daily life here.
Port Arthur, Texas
Homes priced under $150K aren’t rare here; they’re practically the norm. Located near Sabine Lake and minutes from the Gulf, Port Arthur blends bayou charm with budget-friendly appeal. Though utility costs have risen in recent years, overall expenses have stayed manageable.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Affordable lakeside living doesn’t always mean heading south. Along Lake Erie’s southern edge, Erie offers coastal charm without the inflated cost. Locals enjoy Presque Isle’s beaches and breezy shoreline, plus a slower pace that appeals to those craving water views without the traffic of more touristy destinations.
Palacios, Texas
Texas’s shrimping capital doubles as a peaceful waterfront escape. Set along Tres Palacios Bay, the town moves at a slower rhythm and leaves room to breathe. Its calm extends skyward, where migratory birds pass through and attract nature lovers who appreciate peace over popularity.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t break Gulfport’s spirit. This resilient harbor city was rebuilt with charm and now reflects both coastal tradition and fresh energy. You’ll find beachfront condos under $150K, an active harbor district, and year-round festivals like the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival that keep the town spirit alive.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Pronounced “BYOO-fert,” this Lowcountry beauty combines antebellum architecture alongside calm tidal creeks and homes at around $300K. A designated arts community and military town, Beaufort offers a rich cultural life. Life moves more gently than in Charleston, but the Spanish moss and waterfront porches feel just as timeless.
Pensacola, Florida
Forget the Florida housing crunch. Pensacola remains a coastal haven where living near the water isn’t out of reach. It blends naval history with sugar-white beaches and a walkable downtown. The University of West Florida helps keep the city’s arts and food scenes evolving.
Newport, Oregon
Cool and teeming with marine life, Newport offers Pacific Northwest shoreline living without the price tag of Seattle or Portland. Home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and iconic Yaquina Head, this fishing town has homes under $300K and sunsets worth every penny.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Sure, the city’s known for racing—but its housing prices are leaving the rest of Florida in the dust. Median homes run around $240K, and residents enjoy 23 miles of open beach. With bike week and vintage allure along the boardwalk, life here stays vibrant and inexpensive.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
It’s hard to ignore miles of sandy shoreline and living costs that don’t overwhelm. Beyond the boardwalk buzz, Myrtle Beach draws residents with tax perks, outdoor recreation, and a laid-back pace. Both retirees and young families find reasons to settle in and stick around.
Rockport, Texas
Rockport didn’t just recover from Hurricane Harvey—it blossomed. A favorite for retirees and artists, this Gulf Coast town features inviting neighborhoods near the water. Birdwatchers flock to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and the local arts scene thrives through galleries and monthly markets.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City isn’t only about blackjack and beaches; it’s one of the most affordable oceanfront cities in the Northeast. With homes around $175K and ongoing revitalization efforts, locals get coastal perks without New York prices. Year-round entertainment and beach access sweeten the deal even further.
Aberdeen, Washington
Grunge roots and maritime roots mix in Aberdeen, where Kurt Cobain’s hometown keeps housing costs refreshingly modest. Its location near Olympic National Park makes it a favorite for outdoor lovers drawn to misty mornings and the quiet pull of the Pacific Northwest coast.
Port Lavaca, Texas
Once a sleepy fishing village, this city quietly grew into one of Texas’s best-kept secrets for affordable coastal life. Median home prices hover under $180K and its shoreline parks, like Lighthouse Beach, offer calm waters ideal for kayaking or just barefoot daydreaming.
Corpus Christi, Texas
With sea breezes and no state income tax, Corpus Christi remains a Texan gem on the Gulf. Real estate hovers near $230K, and locals enjoy the USS Lexington, birding sanctuaries, and barrier island access. It’s also among the top US cities for kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Hampton, Virginia
Founded in 1610, Hampton mixes deep history alongside modern-day value. Positioned between Chesapeake Bay and scenic waterways, it maintains a balanced pace and modest housing. NASA’s Langley Research Center supports the local economy, while quiet beaches provide relief from the bustle of more touristy Virginia shores.
Brunswick, Georgia
This small port city anchors Georgia’s Golden Isles. It features marsh views and a historic downtown. Shipping and tourism shape the economy, while proximity to barrier islands like Jekyll and St. Simons gives residents the perks, minus the vacation-town price inflation.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Love the rugged Pacific but hate sky-high rent? Coos Bay’s got you. With homes near $275K, it’s Oregon’s largest coastal city, yet it keeps a small-town feel. It hosts the Oregon Coast Music Festival and offers direct access to dunes and the crashing surf.
Fort Pierce, Florida
Nicknamed the “Sunrise City,” Fort Pierce delivers unspoiled beaches and vibrant murals. A downtown revival has brought festivals, farmers’ markets, and waterfront dining back to life. As part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, it brings Old Florida charm without the upscale sticker shock.
Astoria, Oregon
Perched at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria holds onto its Victorian charm and cinematic history (yes, The Goonies). It’s one of the oldest American settlements west of the Rockies. Locals include fishermen and artists, each drawn to its maritime legacy and rugged seaside soul.