Though remote, Jacksonville offers reasonable home values that will get you within the distance of these otherwise very expensive beaches. Median home price: $187,889. Pensacola might be the place for you. A bona fide city, Corpus Christi offers more of urban coastal experience. To its immediate east, you can day trip to Emerald Isle, and the beginning of the southern tip of the Outer Banks. Owning property here strategically places you close to many popular areas. Less than 30 miles from the Miami area, you'll never be far from all kinds of nightlife and events. Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. It's not a surprise, as U.S. Census data shows these Gulf Coast states as having some of the lowest median home values in the country. A quick drive over a bridge, or on a ferry, will take you to any of the southern parts of the Outer Banks. One drawback of the picturesque beach town is a higher than average crime rate. Built essentially on a peninsula to the east of Morehead City, you'll find views of the water in basically every direction. The city has an aquarium, oodles of restaurants, naval carriers to explore, and a host of coastal islands nearby. Nestled between Gulfport and Ocean Springs, Biloxi is a part of this affordable area of Mississippi. With home values below $100,000, if you've ever dreamed of beachfront property, this is where you can make your dream a reality. If you like a quiet, laid back place that harbors the feeling of a New England fishing village, Beaufort might be for you. Savannah, GA. Overflowing with character and plenty of charm Savannah will make you want to immediately call the... 3. You're also a reachable drive from Wilmington, N.C., which gives you access to urban amenities and culture. But if you're looking for coastal areas, you're already aware of the drawbacks. Myrtle is affordable, but it is no secret. Boca Raton is just north, Pompano Beach just south. So many beaches. Depending on how close to the water you get, your homeowners' insurance rates can vary substantially, and some of these areas are subject to hurricane damage. North of Jupiter, and south of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie is close to many Florida beaches. If you're looking for an affordable beach town that offers solitude and tranquility, look elsewhere. The beaches might not offer the same size and scale as the Carolinas, and there's a fair bit of industrialization, but Freeport makes up for it in sheer affordability. Median list price: $329,950. Nature reserves, state parks, and fishing are aplenty. Though you might find a rare gem in the rough, your odds are much better along the Gulf Coast. Though not as fancy as other names, Freeport offers raw value. Nestled on the eastern side of North Bay, Aberdeen is within minutes of beaches like Ocean Shores, Copalis Beach, Cohasset Beach, Bay City, and a multitude of state parks and wildlife areas. The coastal Mississippi town certainly doesn't offer the amenities of more popular locations, but that is the secret to its financial value. With a beautiful downtown, botanical gardens, boardwalks, and many restaurants, Port St. Lucie offers a nice city with warm weather that is close to many coastal attractions. The natural beauty of this area simply cannot be overstated. Already the second-largest city in Mississippi, Gulfport has lighthouses, waterparks, an international airport, and is within a morning drive of downtown New Orleans. Certainly one of the more expensive names on this list, Sunset still offers value compared to its neighboring Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, and Oak Island. The desire to own a beach house might be one of the most common dreams in the U.S. Based on some previous rankings from last year, Gulfport seems to have a pretty stronghold at the top of most lists of this nature. This quieter town is close enough to New Orleans that you'll be able to find a party if you want it. If you need the resources of the city, Jacksonville is about 30 miles south, while the old-world beauty of Savannah is a few hours up Interstate 95. South of Houston, you have a city close enough to get your urban fill. Niche.com gives Port St. Lucie an overall B rating and generally good reviews in terms of crime. The beach town is close to Fort Lauderdale, without costing too much money. Along Beach Blvd. Did I mention it's close to New Orleans? If you dream of owning property near the coast, there are still affordable beach towns left where you can do it for a reasonable price. Less a town, and more of an island with beach homes on it, Sunset Beach offers a value play that nestles you between North Myrtle Beach to your south, and Wilmington, North Carolina to your north. There are also highly variable rates of maintenance depending on the size and age of your dwelling. … Mustang Island State Park buffers the bay from the ocean and offers a great place to see nature. Again, the crime rate here does seem to be a bit higher. I speak from personal experience when I say that the amount of growth in the past decade has been substantial. Want the weather of Florida without the cost of some places? If you like the quiet coastal southern feel, Ocean Springs is one of the few places left that are affordable. Nestled in the heart of the southeastern coast of Florida, Deerfield Beach is close to everything. Boca Raton is just north, Pompano Beach just south. Prepare yourself for a different way of life, as a slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere exists in this area of the country. Though more expensive than some other names on this list, Port St. Lucie certainly is a great option for affordable beach towns. This string of land is essentially a miniature version of the Outer Banks. The Most Affordable Places to Live on the East Coast 1. But, if you dream of owning property within a distance of that remarkable coastal air, there are still places left where you can do it for a reasonable price. But it's close to the water and within driving distance of other beaches. The longtime beach resort capital of the East Coast has a host of activities for pretty much anyone. This town is definitely on a different pace than some of the names listed in Florida. Beautiful waters, mixed with the Historic Pensacola Village and the array of neighboring sands close by, Pensacola offers a lot to appreciate for the price. Beautiful bays and inlets tend to do that to you. Again, this is an area offering a different set of coastal attractions. It is also close to the much-coveted and private Bald Head Island (Don't get your sights set on visiting Bald Head too often. Buoyed by the U.S. military's presence, Jacksonville, N.C. sits on New River, a few miles from the ocean. A drive across a bridge from Biloxi, Ocean Springs has the Gulf Islands National Seashore, restaurants along Bienville Blvd, brewing companies, a casino resort, and a few golf courses within driving distance. This is a place of relaxation.