Summer’s rolling in, and while most people are searching for weeklong beach rentals, your clients might be dreaming bigger. Enter: Realtor.com’s 2025 list of the most affordable beach towns in America.
The team at Realtor.com crunched the numbers to find coastal towns with plenty of inventory (minimum 50 active listings), a true oceanfront lifestyle, and, most importantly, lower-than-expected median list prices. In fact, only one of these topped the national median.
Bonus: the list is capped at two towns per state to keep things geographically diverse.
Let’s break down the top 12, starting with a quick list of the rankings and median prices, followed by town-by-town highlights you can use to educate and inspire your buyers.
Top 12 Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2025
Whether you’ve got second-home shoppers, retirees chasing sunshine, or investors eyeing short-term rental potential, this list delivers a dozen beach towns where the water’s close, and the price tag isn’t insane.
- Pascagoula, MS – $165,610 median list price
- Deerfield Beach, FL – $211,750
- Atlantic City, NJ – $242,450
- Port Richey, FL – $254,925
- Port Lavaca, TX – $292,000
- Myrtle Beach, SC – $299,000
- Ocean Springs, MS – $302,500
- Corpus Christi, TX – $310,000
- Surfside Beach, SC – $310,925
- Long Beach, WA – $403,188
- Ocean Shores, WA – $409,900
- Ocean City, MD – $454,500
Note: Ocean City, MD is the only town on the list with a median price above the national median of $431,250 (April 2025).
1. Pascagoula, MS
April 2025 Median List Price: $165,610
Mississippi’s “Flagship City” has antebellum architecture, a thriving job market (Chevron and Ingalls Shipbuilding lead the charge), and a beach named after Jimmy Buffett. Pascagoula is also rich in recreation and Southern charm.
- Top spots: La Pointe-Krebs House, Petit Bois Island, Buffett Beach
- Buyer bonus: Walkable downtown and water-view homes (historic and new builds)
2. Deerfield Beach, FL
April 2025 Median List Price: $211,750
Located in Broward County, Deerfield Beach is one of Florida’s best-kept coastal secrets. It’s active, artsy, and filled with affordable condos just minutes from the water.
- Key features: Nearly 1,000-ft fishing pier, cable ski courses, hiking trails
- Lifestyle perks: Urban feel with a small-town beach vibe
3. Atlantic City, NJ
April 2025 Median List Price: $242,450
The “Vegas of the East Coast” delivers more than slot machines and nightclubs. Wide public beaches, iconic wooden boardwalks, and resort-style amenities make Atlantic City surprisingly livable—and affordable.
- Standouts: Hard Rock Hotel, Borgata, spa getaways
- Great for: Buyers who want entertainment with their beachfront condo
4. Port Richey, FL
April 2025 Median List Price: $254,925
A sleepy suburb of Tampa-St. Pete, Port Richey wins on value—and that laid-back Old Florida vibe. Lower property taxes and living costs make it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, retirees, and families seeking peace
- Local draws: Waterfront parks, no-flood-zone homes, strong community feel
5. Port Lavaca, TX
April 2025 Median List Price: $292,000
Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca is a magnet for birdwatchers, kayakers, and anyone who wants to unplug. It’s quiet, colorful, and has plenty of four-bedroom homes under $325K.
- Nature-rich: Migratory flyway for 400+ bird species
- Local landmarks: Magnolia Beach, Calhoun County Museum, Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse
6. Myrtle Beach, SC
April 2025 Median List Price: $299,000
Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s also one of the most condo-packed beach towns in the U.S., which helps keep prices accessible. Myrtle Beach is ideal for buyers looking for short-term rental potential or a golf lover’s paradise.
- Golf heaven: 80+ courses nearby, including Nicklaus-designed Long Bay
- Attractions: Ripley’s Aquarium, Family Kingdom, The Dunes Club
7. Ocean Springs, MS
April 2025 Median List Price: $302,500
Art lovers and foodies, this one’s for you. Ocean Springs is a walkable, creative haven just east of Biloxi, packed with independent shops, galleries, and museums.
- Cultural musts: Walter Anderson Museum, Fort Maurepas State Park
- Nickname: “The City of Discovery” for its artistic and historical legacy
8. Corpus Christi, TX
April 2025 Median List Price: $310,000
The biggest city on the list, Corpus Christi has over 100 miles of beach access—but still offers that relaxed coastal energy. There’s something here for every kind of buyer.
- Beach brag: Longest uninterrupted stretch of beach in the U.S.
- Family-friendly: Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, Selena Museum
9. Surfside Beach, SC
April 2025 Median List Price: $310,925
Just south of Myrtle Beach, Surfside lives up to its nickname: “The Family Beach.” It’s quieter, less commercial, and offers great options for single-family living close to the sand.
- Amenities: Local parks, small museum, walkable beaches
- Vibe: Laid-back, neighborly, and low-key
10. Long Beach, WA
April 2025 Median List Price: $403,188
Washington’s entry-level paradise, Long Beach, boasts the world’s longest continuous peninsula beach and is a favorite for hikers, kite-flyers, and history buffs.
- What to see: Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail, World Kite Museum
- Family picks: Funland Family Center, Cranberry Museum
11. Ocean Shores, WA
April 2025 Median List Price: $409,900
Ocean Shores is all about nature, with both ocean and bay access, plus a string of canals that make it feel part Venice, part Pacific Northwest.
- Top spots: Oyhut Wildlife Area, Ocean City State Park
- Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, bird-watching, moped rentals
12. Ocean City, MD
April 2025 Median List Price: $454,500
Yes, it’s the priciest on the list, but Ocean City still beats most East Coast resort towns on affordability. With a seasonal population surge to 350,000+, it’s a short-term rental goldmine.
- Boardwalk highlights: Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Trimper’s Rides
- Inventory note: Only 11% of active listings are single-family homes; condos dominate
Final Takeaways for Real Estate Pros
The 2025 list of affordable beach towns is more than vacation fantasy fodder; it’s a conversation starter. From high-rental areas like Ocean City and Myrtle Beach to hidden gems like Pascagoula and Port Richey, these coastal markets offer options at nearly every price point.
Agents who understand the lifestyle perks, local highlights, and affordability of each town can better guide buyers who are ready to make the leap from beach lover to beach homeowner.
