Finding a coastal town that balances scenic beauty with affordability can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. This analysis highlights 15 coastal towns across the United States where home prices have seen some of the lowest increases from 2010 to 2024. The data, sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index on December 16, 2024, focuses on towns that offer a desirable blend of value and lifestyle.
While many coastal areas have experienced soaring price hikes due to high demand, these towns stand out for their moderate appreciation, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat by the water or a permanent home in a picturesque setting, these coastal gems deliver exceptional value without the exorbitant costs often associated with oceanfront living.
1. Bridgeport, CT
Bridgeport, CT, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $402,563, and by 2024, it had risen to $627,029, reflecting an impressive 55.76%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
2. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, VA, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $223,782, and by 2024, it had risen to $349,186, reflecting an impressive 56.04%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
3. Bay City, TX
Bay City, TX, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $127,474, and by 2024, it had risen to $205,734, reflecting an impressive 61.39%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
4. Port Lavaca, TX
Port Lavaca, TX, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $116,206, and by 2024, it had risen to $197,397, reflecting an impressive 69.87%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
5. Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City, NJ, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $373,014, and by 2024, it had risen to $714,084, reflecting an impressive 91.44%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
6. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $172,824, and by 2024, it had risen to $331,039, reflecting an impressive 91.55%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
7. Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $264,259, and by 2024, it had risen to $516,422, reflecting an impressive 95.42%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
8. Port Angeles, WA
Port Angeles, WA, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $226,596, and by 2024, it had risen to $493,223, reflecting an impressive 117.67%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
9. Coos Bay, OR
Coos Bay, OR, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $152,663, and by 2024, it had risen to $337,736, reflecting an impressive 121.23%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
10. Newport, OR
Newport, OR, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $211,276, and by 2024, it had risen to $471,216, reflecting an impressive 123.03%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
11. Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor, WA, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $273,294, and by 2024, it had risen to $611,815, reflecting an impressive 123.87%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
12. Portland, ME
Portland, ME, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $223,363, and by 2024, it had risen to $510,667, reflecting an impressive 128.63%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
13. Palm Bay, FL
Palm Bay, FL, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $135,936, and by 2024, it had risen to $347,165, reflecting an impressive 155.39%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
14. North Port, FL
North Port, FL, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $169,987, and by 2024, it had risen to $435,301, reflecting an impressive 156.08%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
15. Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL, is a hidden gem along the coast, offering a perfect balance of affordability and scenic charm. Back in 2010, the average home price was just $122,325, and by 2024, it had risen to $396,238, reflecting an impressive 223.92%. The town’s modest appreciation highlights its value, making it a great opportunity for buyers seeking coastal living without the steep price increases seen in other areas. Its tranquil beaches, welcoming community, and manageable cost of living make it an ideal location for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal life without overspending.
