10 Beach Cities Where It’s Now Cheaper To Buy a Home

In an August 2024 report, Realtor.com found that some of the biggest housing markets in the United States have more homes for sale than they did last year. Since this generally translates to less competition and lower housing prices, you’re in luck if you’re hoping to buy property by the beach — while still enjoying city life.

You’ll want to do your due diligence before purchasing property, but don’t worry. More homes on the market isn’t necessarily a sign of an underlying problem. It could simply be that many people who moved to the beach to work remotely are now heading back to the city where their office is.

If you’d much prefer to live near the water but want to score a great deal, here are 10 beach cities where it’s now cheaper to purchase a home.

• Median home price: $279,900
• Inventory increase: 17.2%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $165

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo is home to such beaches as Erie Basin Marina and Wilkeson Pointe.

• Median home price: $392,800
• Inventory increase: 20.2%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $242

Given its location on the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach has plenty of shoreline and a beautiful boardwalk.

• Median home price: $834,500
• Inventory increase: 26.3%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $906

While less of a beach destination than others on this list, Boston still has some stunning waterfront. It’s also home to Pleasure Bay, a beach with unforgettable views of Boston Harbor.

• Median home price: $969,000
• Inventory increase: 31.3%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $954

On the West Coast, San Francisco is home to some spectacular beaches. It also has everything you could need in a city.

• Median home price: $1,190,000
• Inventory increase: 41.6%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $722

With the Pacific Ocean right there, some Los Angeles homes are prime waterfront properties. Popular beaches include Zuma Beach, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach.

• Median home price: $409,850
• Inventory increase: 68.3%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $193

In Jacksonville, which is just off the Atlantic Coast, you’ve got some lovely white-sand beaches and plenty of year-round sunshine.

• Median home price: $775,000
• Inventory increase: 69.3%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $580

During the summers, the Seattle area is highly popular for Alki Beach and many other waterfront locations.

• Median home price: $530,000
• Inventory increase: 72.2%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $504

You can get a lot for your money in some parts of Miami. That combined with the bustling city life and seemingly endless beaches make it a perfect getaway for many.

• Median home price: $999,000
• Inventory increase: 80.4%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $738

It’s no surprise that California makes this list three times. San Diego’s beaches, including Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, both have a lot to offer in terms of city life. And if you want something a bit more peaceful, there are always hidden beaches.

• Median home price: $415,000
• Inventory increase: 90.1%
• Median listing home price per square foot: $291

Not only is Tampa home to plenty of beaches, but the city also has a lot to offer for those who want a more urban feel. If you do prefer the water, though, there are beaches of all sizes — from Davis Islands Beach to Ben T. Davis Beach.

According to Realtor.com, here are three other beach cities where home prices are more affordable this year:

• Cleveland: The median listing price is $269,900, and the listing percentage increase is 13.7%.
• Chicago: The median listing price is $385,000, and the listing percentage increase is 11%.
• New York: The median listing price is $750,000, and the listing percentage increase is 2.1%.