Looking for plenty of sunshine, sand, and solitude? What can be better than visiting the beach? How about living there year-round? Beach life offers a daily getaway from stress that is becoming more popular with those looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to live. The toughest part may be choosing the one that’s right for you.
Santa Cruz, CA
Looking for a beach location mixed with intellect? Look no further than Santa Cruz. Recently ranked number three in a well-being study, Santa Cruz came out on top with the locals saying they learn something new every day. The area offers beautiful beaches surrounded by rolling hills making it a no-brainer for beach bums wanting a serene place in the Golden State. Stop by our Visit Santa Cruz California post to learn more about the area and plan your next vacation here. Best Santa Cruz CA Hotel: Dreams Inn Santa Cruz
Fort Lauderdale FL
If you have the money to spend on a nice beach home and are a fan of the arts, Ft. Lauderdale is the place to go. This lovely town is commonly compared to Venice with its canals and waterways that snake throughout the city. You’ll find restaurants galore as well as a strong artist community. Ft. Lauderdale is a good choice for beach lovers who enjoy going out on the town and staying active. The median home price in Fort Lauderdale is about $317,000 but that’s expected to rise a few thousand over the next year. Landscaping near beach homes can also be a challenge since most lawns in Southern Florida contain sand-based soil, a good landscaper can help choose the right greenery and create the perfect compost. Visit our Fort Lauderdale Beach Vacation Guide to start planning a vacation here – check out this wonderful beach community! Best Fort Lauderdale FL Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
Oxnard CA
This beautiful Golden State location is home to gorgeous beaches and surrounding strawberry fields. Oxnard is located 30-miles west of Los Angeles making this the perfect spot for those who want to live in California but don’t want to spend too much. The average medium home value is over $300,000 which is a good deal compared to other California locations. You’ll be close enough to all of the amenities of the big city but also immersed in the rural farms and agriculture that the state is so well known for. Oxnard is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Channel Islands” with its close proximity to a marine sanctuary and national park. Visit our Oxnard Travel Guide to start planning a vacation here – check out this wonderful beach community! Best Oxnard CA Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach
Charleston SC
Living in Charleston will give you an amazing quality of life that’s hard to duplicate. This gorgeous beach town ranks thirteenth out of a list of over two-hundred for its enjoyable lifestyle. You’ll find plenty of amenities along with some Southern charm that’s only enhanced by the nearby ocean. Charleston is also a tourist hotspot creating plenty of things to do and a beautiful landscape that’s hard to beat. Visit our Charleston Travel Guide to start planning a vacation here – check out this wonderful beach community! Visit our Charleston Travel Guide to start planning a vacation here – check out this wonderful beach community! Best Charleston SC Hotel: Wild Dunes Resort
La Porte TX
If you’re looking to move to the beach on a tight budget consider La Porte, Texas. This small beach town has the lowest housing costs in a recent Wallethub study. It’s located in the Houston metropolitan area and is a great place for families. You’ll find plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids busy in Houston, but the city is still far enough away to feel like a cozy little hideaway. Visit our La Porte TX Travel Guide to start planning a vacation here – see what this great Texas beach community is all about! Best La Porte TX Hotel: Home2 Suites by Hilton
Port Angeles WA
For those beach lovers who don’t mind cold water and misty mornings, the Olympic Peninsula is a great spot. Port Angeles, Washington is located on the Northern shore across from Victoria, Canada. You’ll find the area is very affordable with the average home costing less than $200,000. This beach town is also great for outdoor lovers who want to have easy access to the forest and plenty of hiking and exploring. Best Port Angeles WA Hotel: Colette’s Bed & Breakfast
Westport CT
If money is no issue, this Northeastern beach town ranked first in a recent study for education and health opportunities. Westport sits on Connecticut’s Gold Coast and is about 30-miles northeast of the Big Apple. You’ll find a smaller population of just about 25,000 people in the town but also some of the highest home prices beach side as well. The town is known as one of the richest places in the country. It’s a great option for millionaires who value education and health accessibility. Westport is a great choice for a beach community, to learn more and to plan a trip here, visit our Westport Connecticut Travel Guide. Best Westport CT Hotel: Delamar Southport
Naples FL
This beach town ranks well in recent well-being and quality of life surveys. Naples is a wealthy community making this a good option for retirees looking for warm temperatures and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of tourism opportunities to keep you busy as well as many events that offer a unique taste of beach life for visitors. Visit our Naples Travel Guide to start planning a vacation here – check out this wonderful beach community! Best Naples FL Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Naples
Coos Bay OR
The Oregon Coast is a hidden gem for beach lovers. You’ll find cold Pacific water mixed with plenty of beach communities located up and down the coastline. Coos Bay is a great beach town to relocated to given its lower home values around $160,000. It’s a sleepy little town with a population around 20,000, making it a great choice for retirees wanting to sneak away from the big city. Ready to check out Coos Bay Oregon? Visit our Coos Bay Oregon Travel Guide and start planning ! Bests Coos Bay OR Hotel: The Old Tower House Bed & Breakfast
This list makes me want to pack up and move to the coast right now! Santa Cruz and Naples both sound like amazing places to live — sunshine, ocean views, and that relaxed beach vibe all year long. I’d love to know which of these towns feels the most affordable for someone thinking about a long-term move.
It’s hard to go wrong with any of them! Santa Cruz has that classic California charm and creative energy, while Naples, Florida offers warm weather and a slower pace perfect for retirees. If affordability is top of your list, places like La Porte, Texas or Coos Bay, Oregon are great choices — they offer coastal living at a fraction of the price of big-name beach towns. Living by the beach really does bring a little peace every day!
I love this roundup of beach towns! It’s such a great mix of options — from the warm Florida coasts to the cool, misty shores of Washington. I’ve always dreamed of living near the beach, and your descriptions really highlight how unique each place is. Port Angeles sounds especially peaceful, but Fort Lauderdale and Charleston are calling my name too. If you had to pick one for year-round living, which would you say offers the best balance of affordability and lifestyle?
That’s a great question! For the best mix of affordability and lifestyle, I’d say Oxnard, California or La Porte, Texas are wonderful choices. Both offer that relaxed coastal atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds or sky-high prices. Oxnard gives you access to California’s natural beauty and nearby cities, while La Porte has that friendly small-town feel with plenty of nearby amenities. They’re both great spots to enjoy the beach life year-round without breaking the bank.
This is such a fun list! I’ve been dreaming about moving closer to the coast, and this gave me so many great ideas. Santa Cruz and Naples sound incredible, but I’m also drawn to the smaller towns like Coos Bay and La Porte for something quieter. Do you think living in a smaller beach town is better long-term, or does it make sense to pick one with more tourist activity for extra things to do?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Each beach town really does have its own personality, so it depends on the lifestyle you’re after. If you love peace, open space, and that small-town charm, places like Coos Bay (Oregon) or La Porte (Texas) are perfect for a slower pace and affordable coastal living. On the other hand, busier spots like Santa Cruz or Naples offer more restaurants, events, and a steady flow of visitors — ideal if you enjoy staying active year-round. Personally, I love the balance of somewhere that has a little bit of both — peaceful weekdays and lively weekends.
This is such a fun roundup! I love the idea of living in a beach town, but I’m torn between the energy of places like Fort Lauderdale and the more peaceful vibe of somewhere like Port Angeles. Do you think it’s better to choose based on cost of living first, or lifestyle
Thank you! That’s the big question, isn’t it? 😊 Cost of living is important, but lifestyle makes a huge difference in how happy you’ll be day to day. If you want nightlife, art, and constant activity, a place like Fort Lauderdale is amazing. But if you love quiet mornings, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Port Angeles might feel more fulfilling. I’d suggest narrowing it down by asking yourself which you’d miss more — the buzz of a big city beach scene, or the calm of a quieter coastal town. Which way do you think you’re leaning?
Wow, I didn’t realize there were so many different options for beach living — from luxury places like Westport to affordable ones like La Porte. I’m curious, do you think towns like Coos Bay or Oxnard still have that ‘small town’ feel, or are they getting busier with people moving in
Great point! Coastal towns are definitely attracting more people these days. Coos Bay has kept its small-town charm, with a relaxed pace and friendly community — it still feels a bit hidden. Oxnard, being closer to Los Angeles, has grown more, but it still manages to balance agriculture and ocean living, so it doesn’t feel as crowded as bigger California cities. It really depends on how much connection to a city you want. Do you see yourself happiest in a laid-back, tucked-away spot, or somewhere that still gives easy access to urban life?
Oxnard caught my eye — beaches and strawberry fields sound dreamy! Is it a good balance between beach life and city access?
Absolutely! Oxnard offers a wonderful mix. You get those quiet, local beaches and fresh farmland, while being just 30 miles from Los Angeles. It’s often called the ‘Gateway to the Channel Islands,’ so you’ll have national park access too. Do you usually like your beach towns calm and hidden, or buzzing with nightlife and activity?
Santa Cruz sounds so vibrant! But I’m worried about California housing costs. Do you think it’s still worth considering if budget is tight?
That’s a thoughtful question! Santa Cruz definitely leans pricey, but you’re paying for an incredible mix of beach lifestyle, intellectual energy, and natural beauty. If budget is a concern, Oxnard or Coos Bay might give you that California coastal charm at a more affordable level. Do you prefer staying close to big cities, or would you enjoy something quieter and more rural?
“I’ve always dreamed of Naples, Florida — it seems so relaxing. Is it mostly a retiree spot, or is there a younger crowd too?
Naples does have a strong retiree community thanks to its peaceful, upscale atmosphere. But younger families and professionals are drawn there too, especially with the job market growing in the wider Southwest Florida area. The beach life really appeals to all ages. Would you be looking for a vacation home, or more of a permanent move?
This post really makes me dream about waking up to the sound of waves every morning. I love the idea of beach life as a daily escape from stress—it sounds so peaceful. But I imagine the hardest part is exactly what you said, choosing which beach to settle on! Do you think it’s better to pick a smaller, quieter spot or go for a livelier beach town with more things to do year-round?
I think it really depends on what you’re looking for long-term. A smaller, quieter beach town is perfect if you want true peace and a slower pace, but some people find it a little too quiet after a while. Livelier towns give you more restaurants, events, and community activities, which can make day-to-day life easier. Personally, I think the best choice is somewhere in between — a place that offers calm beaches but still has enough going on so you don’t feel isolated.
I’ve always thought about what it would be like to actually live at the beach instead of just vacationing there. Sunshine and sand every day sounds amazing, but I wonder if people ever get used to it and take it for granted? I’d love to hear what you think are the biggest advantages—and maybe some challenges—of making the beach your permanent home.
That’s such a thoughtful question! I think most people never truly get tired of the sunshine and ocean views — it stays special, especially when you slow down enough to enjoy it. The biggest advantage is definitely the relaxed pace and that constant connection to nature. But there are a few challenges too, like higher maintenance from salt air, hurricane season in some areas, and sometimes the cost of living can be higher. For most people though, the trade-off is more than worth it.
This list really speaks to me because I’ve always dreamed of trading the noise of the city for the calm rhythm of the waves. The idea of sunshine and sea air every day sounds perfect for reducing stress. I’m curious though — which of these beach towns do you think offers the best mix of solitude while still being practical for everyday living, like groceries, healthcare, and basic conveniences?
That’s such a great question! I’ve found that many of these towns balance the beauty of beach life with practical amenities, though some lean more rural than others. Places like Gulf Shores or Cape May offer that quiet, small-town vibe but still have easy access to shopping, healthcare, and community activities. It really comes down to whether you prefer convenience or absolute seclusion.
Such a wonderful roundup of beach towns! I’ve been exploring the idea of a coastal move for years, but it’s tough to balance affordability with quality of life. Reading your list makes me wonder — for someone moving from a colder climate, do you think adjusting to year-round warmth and humidity is easier than most people expect, or does it take time to truly embrace that lifestyle?
That’s such a great point, because the climate change can be a big adjustment. At first, the humidity and constant warmth can feel overwhelming if you’re used to four seasons. But most people adapt faster than they expect, and the ocean breeze really helps. The bonus is that you can spend so much more time outdoors, and it’s amazing how quickly that becomes your new normal. After a little while, many people say they can’t imagine going back to cold winters!
Your list of beach towns really made me think about the realities as well as the dreams. We all picture sunny days and ocean breezes, but things like hurricane season, tourism swings, and even cost of living can make a huge difference. Out of all the places you included, which do you feel offers the best year-round balance of beauty, affordability, and resilience?
You’re absolutely right — there’s always a balance between the dream and the day-to-day realities. Some towns really shine in that way, though. Sarasota is one that offers a great mix of culture, affordability, and strong infrastructure, so it holds up well year-round. Cape May is another favorite because it blends charm, resilience, and a close-knit community feel. It really comes down to what matters most to you, but those two stand out for their overall balance.
I actually lived in a small beach town for a couple of years, and while the peace and slower pace were amazing, I did notice how quickly little things like salt air wore down cars and outdoor furniture. Your list made me smile because it reminded me of those challenges, but also the joy of walking barefoot on the sand every evening. Did you find that locals in the towns you featured have tips for handling those everyday quirks?
I’m so glad my list brought back those memories for you! And yes, the salt air is definitely one of those hidden challenges of coastal living. Locals usually have lots of little tricks, like rinsing cars often, using stainless steel or treated wood outdoors, and keeping covers on patio furniture when not in use. It’s extra maintenance for sure, but like you said, the trade-off of barefoot walks on the beach every evening makes it more than worthwhile.
I love how you described the balance of sunshine, sand, and solitude. It makes me want to plan a long road trip to visit each of these towns just to get a real feel for them. If you personally had to pick one from your list to settle in for the next 10 years, which one would you choose — and what tipped the scale for you?
That sounds like such a fun idea — a road trip would be the perfect way to get a true feel for each place. If I had to choose just one to settle in for the long haul, I’d probably lean toward Sarasota. It has such a nice balance of beautiful beaches, cultural activities, and everyday conveniences that make life easier. The mix of natural beauty and a vibrant community really tips the scale for me.
I have to say that you’ve outdone yourself! These are awesome beach towns!
I’ve been to Ft. Lauderdale and Naples because I live in Florida and these are all such beautiful places to live.
Your first image is breathtaking to say the least!
There isn’t one of these places I wouldn’t want to live except maybe Westport CT. I don’t do snow anymore!
If you had to pick just one, which one would it be?
I love Florida, so it would be between Fort Lauderdale and Naples. Probably Naples as that is closer to where I am at now. I don’t do snow anymore either and would probably nix Coos Bay as well. Although beautiful, my aunt and uncle live there and it rains a LOT. LOL Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
WOW, beautiful place to live:)
My son always dreams to live in a beach city and lately, he speaks about it more and more often. He is 17 years old and the time passes very fast. Anyway, I will show him this list of beach cities so he can already get an idea:) Just a question, please. What does a non-US citizen need to do in order to be able to live in one of these beach cities? Is it easy to get a visa?
Thank you very much in advance!
I know that it is not as difficult as most seem to get a Visa to live in the USA. It is all about your presentation to the consulate, and about 100,000 student visas are handed out every year. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
What a great compilation Leahrae.
This will really be helpful in the future.
I already bookmarked this page.
When that time comes, it’ll definitely come in handy.
Thanks.
Great Pearl. Please let me know if you need any additional information 🙂
We all need to relax and go to a good place which can help us feel better.I like this website because it helps me feel the spirit of going to trip with my beloved ones.
I like the view of Fort Lauderdale for sure and if I have money I will take at least one month of vacancy to stay there.
Those beach towns you recommended us are the best in the world.
Thank you for sharing with us this article.
You are very welcome Julienne. I live in Florida so have a bit of preference for anywhere here actually, except mid state which is too far away from the water. I think if you are going to live on the coast, it should be on the water. Thanks for stopping by!
We love holidays and love going to the beach. I believe that visiting beach can impact our health and well-being and sea air is good for sleep because it is generally cleaner and fresher air, with higher levels of oxygen.
Your article is a guide to help those who want to enjoy their time on worlds best beaches. Living a few weeks or months next to the beach allows us to spend our free time relaxing at the beach and spending quality time together.
Exactly Bushra! Thanks for visiting.
Ciao, ciao! I have always loved going to the beach. And I remember as a kid spending even a month each year at a beach town. I have wonderful family memories there. I have always wanted to move over to a beach town. And reading through your list, Fort Lauderdale seems the perfect option for me. I love arts and love Venice. Thank you very much!
You are very welcome. I live in Florida so I can say that Fort Lauderdale and Naples are both great beach towns.
Leahrae,
Love the website and the content. The Top Ten Beach Town’s article was very interesting and offered up a wide variety of beach towns on both coasts and north vs. south – something for everyone. I had not considered several of the areas you mentioned but can see the draw in the entire list.
I have spent considerable time in Charleston, SC and Naples, FL but only visited some of the California and Oregon towns mentioned. If price were no object, Laguna Beach, CA would make my list (we lived there in the late 90’s). The Pacific beaches offer an amazing sunset, moderate temperatures and low humidity year-round. Charleston, SC by comparison is quaint (becoming very expensive) but the summers are blistering.
Your post ties in well with the rest of the site and should offer additional cross-sell opportunities.
It’s clear you are lite years ahead of me in your site and content, as well as advertising. Congratulations!
Pete
You are correct Pete, but being a Floridian, I am kind of biased to the East coast for my top beach town choices. I do live on the beach, so I feel I have it made 🙂
According to your top 10 beach town list, I would first go to Santa Cruz to meet pretty female students since it is a beach location mixed with intellect. My second place would be Fort Lauderdale since it is full of arts and I’m an artist. Third beach would be Charleston since it is nearby the ocean. Anyway, keep dropping that good content.
Thanks Jean 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your visit to the best beach towns to live in.
Beach towns are amazing places to be it’s ever lively with bracing fresh coastal breeze helps to blow away the cobwebs and revive the soul! Interestingly, I discovered that the reason sea air is so healthy and makes us feel great, is that it contains tiny droplets of sea water enriched with salt, iodine, magnesium and trace elements, which are scattered into the air by wind and waves. For sure I will love it.
Me too Seun! Thanks for the visit to the Best Beach Towns to Live I!
I notice that all these beach towns are in the USA. Do you plan on writing an article on beach towns in other parts of the world in the near future? As a canadian, I’d be curious about some beach destinations in Canada. Of the beach towns you have listed here, I think the Coos Bay in Oregon, would appeal more to me, I hate large towns. The average cost of $160,000 of a house there is certainly more affordable too. Thanks
Yes Madeleine I do plan on providing the best beach towns worldwide 🙂 In fact, that is going to be my next review. I will let you know when I have it up for viewing. Thanks for stopping by to see the best beach towns to live in.
Nice! Great job listing the pros of these 10 beach towns.
Coos Bay, Oregon sounds ideal. Though I was born and raised in the city, lately I’ve found myself drawn to peace and quiet and I would definitely have that with a population of only around 20,000.
And the price range for real estate isn’t bad either.
Yes, Coos Bay is absolutely beautiful. I have family there, and I guess the only down side is the rain. Living in the sunshine state though, I am realizing that the rain is not such a bad thing. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh this sets me on some serious day dreaming jaunts! Who wouldn’t love to live in a beach town?For people thinking of where to retire house prices are important and it is good that you included some information about that. I’ve lived on the northwest coast and never found it too cold. Walking the beaches and picking wild blueberries comes to mind…I have also driven around Oxnard CA, and while it’s expensive for many, if you own an ocean going vessel, that’s a great place to make a home with your own handy dock. Whatever coast you’re on, you always have the calming sound of the waves!
Exactly and I am on the East coast, about 10 minutes from the beach. I love it and it is always calling me. Guess I am just a beach bum at heart 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi again, Leah.
I’ve dropped by for another beach adventure.
If money was no object, it would probably make choosing a beach-lifestyle and a beach-home a lot easier.
As you move further North the climate gets a little more chilly but the activities change as well. I live just North of Washington State in the Vancouver region so I understand a bit about fog and chilly days.
We adapt well to this harsh climate and have even managed to get the “polar bear” crowd swimming on New Year’s Day.
The beach-lifestyle is growing in popularity and is not about to go out of style, any time soon.
Your 9 examples are all worth considering, but since I live on the Pacific Coast I feel that my opinion would be slightly biased.
Wetsuits and red wine are often used to keep the chill at bay, on those foggy days, when the sun has left us for California.
Paul
Well I know too Paul as I lived in Alaska for 22 years. I now live in Florida and I guess I am a beach bum at heart and the beach just calls me. I don’t get much done living so close, that is for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
Those are wonderful places to live and visit if you can be to visit all of them places looks stunning and wonderfully made the only side effects is you must be filthy rich to be able to own one of those homes and beach front house .but that is why they are for the rich the place is great and we’ll taken care so money is no issue because you will be getting a great value of your money
Thanks for visiting Charles and I would have to disagree 🙂 I am certainly by no means “filthy rich” and I live on Clearwater Beach in Florida. There are deals out there for those who really want the beach lifestyle. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello – I love the topic of this post as I always enjoy visiting new beach destinations. I haven’t really thought about living in a beach town, but your post has brought a new consideration into that thought. I have visited some of these destinations in the past, but you have introduced me to some I never would have thought about.
Thank you for the information,
Michele
You are very welcome Michele! Please come back and visit beach travel destinations again soon 🙂
I have lived by the sea before, and I really did enjoy that, and may well like to do it again some time.
The beach towns you mention sound really lovely, and the prices of property sound very reasonable. I would think that if you live in the US you would be happy in any of them.
But I live in the UK, so they would be quite impractical for me. But of all the beach towns I have visited in Europe, the one that I really loved was Barcelona, in Spain. It has all the buzz of a city, beautiful architecture, a great climate and a most beautiful beach too. Although realistically I know that I will never get to live there!!
Thank you so much for your information.
Chrissie 🙂
You are very welcome Chrissie, and yes Barcelona is beautiful !
WOW this is amazing. This article has the best beach locations in the world. Instead of going all over the web and searching for different towns with amazing beach you can come to this article because it has everything at one place.
Thank you for the research about the beach towns and sharing it with us.
You are very welcome Sujandar! Glad you enjoyed!