Olympic National Park is just north of Aberdeen, while the small coastal town is within a day's drive of Seattle, Olympia, and the Puget Sound. you'll find restaurants. 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. Median list price: $329,950. Freeport is extremely cheap. Savannah, GA. Overflowing with character and plenty of charm Savannah will make you want to immediately call the... 3. Just 15 minutes south of the bustling tourist shops, … Over 22 miles in fact. 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. Though you might find a rare gem in the rough, your odds are much better along the Gulf Coast. This string of land is essentially a miniature version of the Outer Banks. The surf'n'turf restaurant has outdoor seating and a beautiful bar in a building dating back from the early 1900s. But if you want to be in the heart of the Outer Banks territory, you're going to pay more. 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. 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. 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. More golf courses than you can count, restaurants galore, shops, shows, boating, fishing, you name it and it can probably be done at Myrtle Beach. Beautiful bays and inlets tend to do that to you. Whale-watching, kayaking, fresh seafood, and serene (if not a little gray) beauty of nature. Pensacola might be the place for you. The streets carry a small-town feel, and local restaurants offer great southern dishes. This is a place of relaxation. The Most Affordable Places to Live on the East Coast 1. Jacksonville, FL. Make no mistake, this area is not for the classic beach bum. Prepare yourself for a different way of life, as a slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere exists in this area of the country. To the south, the coast is dominated by Padre Island, a rural and beautiful area, with the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge along with it. But it's close to the water and within driving distance of other beaches. Palm Bay, Florida. If you're the life of the party and enjoy always having something to do, this is the place to be. Along the bay, you'll find 200 North Beach Restaurant and Bar. Though not as fancy as other names, Freeport offers raw value. This area is in an underdeveloped state, and buyers seem to have the advantage because of it. This quieter town is close enough to New Orleans that you'll be able to find a party if you want it. If you want a little more action, Myrtle Beach is still probably one of the best places in terms of affordable beach towns. The closest major urban area is Wilmington, N.C. You can get there in an hour or two, but as a whole Jacksonville is pretty remote. Bay St. Louis is a quieter locale. You have the wonderful aesthetic of the ocean, with the small town of Southport nearby. 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. Check out the Front Street Grill with its beautiful water views. South of Houston, you have a city close enough to get your urban fill. You have to take a ferry to reach it, and it is entirely private homes.) A quick drive over a bridge, or on a ferry, will take you to any of the southern parts of the Outer Banks. Though more expensive than some other names on this list, Port St. Lucie certainly is a great option for affordable beach towns. Population: 114,194. Deerfield is within minutes of Hillsboro Beach, Deerfield Island Park, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, among others. There are also highly variable rates of maintenance depending on the size and age of your dwelling. Nature reserves, state parks, and fishing are aplenty. Murrells Inlet, SC. Already the second-largest city in Mississippi, Gulfport has lighthouses, waterparks, an international airport, and is within a morning drive of downtown New Orleans. In terms of raw pristine natural coastal beauty, these small narrow islands are very difficult to beat. It is very similar to Gulfport and Ocean Springs. Though carrying cheaper values than Gulfport, the area is stuck in with one of the largest oil refineries in the country. The drawback here is the ever-increasing congestion and traffic. Though remote, Jacksonville offers reasonable home values that will get you within the distance of these otherwise very expensive beaches. With time, this will probably change, as more and more catch on to affordable housing. It is an outdoorsman's paradise. Along Beach Blvd. The city has an aquarium, oodles of restaurants, naval carriers to explore, and a host of coastal islands nearby. Did I mention it's close to New Orleans? The proximity gains you access to various breweries, restaurants, and golf courses. I speak from personal experience when I say that the amount of growth in the past decade has been substantial. Owning property here strategically places you close to many popular areas. There are aquatic preserves, state parks, golf courses, all within a few miles. 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. Mustang Island State Park buffers the bay from the ocean and offers a great place to see nature. The small beach town runs just east of Gulfport and Biloxi. Receive full access to our market insights, commentary, newsletters, breaking news alerts, and more. For those in the northwest that might not be looking to make the move to the Gulf, Aberdeen, Wash. offers some nice value for a different kind of affordable beach town experience. Action Alerts PLUS is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. The beautiful town of Galveston is not too far to the northeast. Downtown has a beautiful southern feel, with large oak trees, and various brick buildings along the streets. © 2020 TheStreet, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. It's not exactly a beach town in the idyllic sense. To its immediate east, you can day trip to Emerald Isle, and the beginning of the southern tip of the Outer Banks.