Affordable beach towns: Texas leads with three top options

DALLAS (KDAF) — Owning a home near the beach is the ultimate American dream. Beyond the lifestyle perks, living near the coast has proven health benefits, from stress reduction to encouraging a more active, outdoorsy routine. Unsurprisingly, beach towns have long been hotspots for buyers, though many assume such luxury is always out of reach.

But what if it wasn’t? A recent study by Corston Architectural Detail has revealed that some of America’s most charming beach towns come with surprisingly low price tags.

Texas is home to three of the top 10 most affordable places to buy a beach home, including Port Arthur, Corpus Christi, and Port Isabel.

1. Port Arthur, Texas: Median Price: $118,038

Port Arthur steals the show with an average home price just above $118K, making it a rare gem for affordable coastal living. Located along the Gulf Coast, it’s a quieter option compared to other Texas hotspots, with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Its lower cost of living and distance from pricier tourist hubs help explain why it tops the affordability list.

2. Gulfport, Mississippi: Median Price: $200,112

Gulfport offers sandy beaches and Southern charm for just over $200K. With its slower-paced lifestyle and family-friendly vibe, it’s one of the best bargains on the Gulf Coast. Gulfport’s economy isn’t as tourism-driven as Florida’s beach towns, keeping property values in check.

3. Corpus Christi, Texas: Median Price: $222,136

Corpus Christi is a bigger city with all the perks — shopping, nightlife, and endless stretches of beach. Despite being a popular vacation destination, home prices remain affordable. The city’s steady housing market and plentiful amenities make it a standout for buyers on a budget.

4. Atlantic City, New Jersey: Median Price: $222,174

Known for its iconic boardwalk and casinos, Atlantic City may surprise buyers with its relatively low home prices. At around $222K, it’s far cheaper than other East Coast beach towns, possibly due to its seasonal economy and the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

5. Biloxi, Mississippi: Median Price: $229,213

Biloxi combines history, seafood, and Gulf views at a price point under $230K. While it’s a popular weekend getaway, it hasn’t reached the inflated property levels of Florida or California.

6. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi: Median Price: $241,409

This charming Mississippi town has become a hidden favorite among retirees and second-home buyers. Despite its rising popularity, it remains affordable, with homes averaging around $241K.

7. Daytona Beach, Florida: Median Price: $257,409

Florida’s coastal towns often come with hefty price tags, but Daytona Beach remains relatively reasonable. Known for NASCAR, bike week, and its wide sandy shores, it offers a mix of culture and leisure at an accessible price.

8. Port Isabel, Texas: Median Price: $262,472

Situated near the famous South Padre Island, Port Isabel is perfect for those wanting a quieter setting while still being close to buzzing tourist spots. Prices remain competitive compared to other Texas beach towns.

9. Pensacola, Florida: Median Price: $264,116

Pensacola’s white sands and growing economy make it a solid pick for homebuyers. It’s pricier than Texas or Mississippi options but still far cheaper than most Florida coastlines like Miami or Naples.

10. New Bern, North Carolina: Median Price: $277,545

Known for its historic charm and scenic waterfronts, New Bern rounds out the list. It’s slightly more expensive than the Gulf towns, but its colonial-era vibe and slower pace make it a unique coastal option.

Full list of the most affordable places to buy a home near the beach in the U.S.:

Rank	Area	State	Median Home Price (June-July 2025)
1	Port Arthur	TX	118,038
2	Gulfport	MS	200,112
3	Corpus Christi	TX	222,136
4	Atlantic City	NJ	222,174
5	Biloxi	MS	229,213
6	Bay St. Louis	MS	241,409
7	Daytona Beach	FL	257,409
8	Port Isabel	TX	262,472
9	Pensacola	FL	264,116
10	New Bern	NC	277,545
11	Fort Pierce	FL	280,729
12	Rockport	TX	316,578
13	Myrtle Beach	SC	324,722
14	Fort Walton Beach	FL	327,189
15	Galveston	TX	344,004
16	Delray Beach	FL	346,583
17	Cape Coral	FL	351,658
18	Ocean Shores	WA	355,233
19	Ocean Park	WA	356,744
20	Southport	NC	410,077
21	Wilmington	NC	417,310
22	Virginia Beach	VA	418,362
23	South Padre Island	TX	432,260
24	Ocean City	MD	446,212
25	New Smyrna Beach	FL	458,251
26	Rockaway Beach	NY	471,675
27	Cocoa Beach	FL	473,502
28	Seaside	OR	476,159
29	Bandon	OR	485,455
30	Port St. Joe	FL	495,142
31	Fort Myers Beach	FL	510,610
32	Port Aransas	TX	578,731
33	Fernandina Beach	FL	619,770
34	Port Hueneme	CA	629,374
35	Jacksonville Beach	FL	630,732
36	Port Townsend	WA	656,421
37	Tybee Island	GA	664,903
38	Asbury Park	NJ	680,857
39	Cape May	NJ	693,334
40	Hilton Head Island	SC	767,665
41	Rehoboth Beach	DE	827,616
42	Long Beach	CA	853,700
43	Ogunquit	ME	898,521
44	Ventura	CA	900,448
45	San Luis Obispo	CA	1,088,184
46	Pismo Beach	CA	1,117,178
47	Santa Cruz	CA	1,327,361
48	Pacific Grove	CA	1,388,453
49	Carmel-by-the-Sea	CA	2,347,653
50	Nantucket	MA	2,945,439