Do you dream of moving to a warmer location where you can spend your days soaking up the sun?
In the United States, property that is located close to the coast tends to be notoriously expensive. While many people dream about moving to Florida, they often assume that living there will be too expensive. However, Florida boasts a number of affordable communities when you know where to look. Even if you are on a budget, it’s possible to turn your dreams of beachside living into a reality.
So, let’s take a look at the cheapest beach towns in Florida and what they have to offer.
Pensacola
This affordable beach town is located on the north shore of Pensacola Bay, in the northwestern corner of the Florida Panhandle. This community can be found in one of the oldest settled areas of North America. The area boasts several white sandy beaches as well as historic sites and plenty of entertainment options.
The median home value here is around $235,000, which translates to around $930 per month. The town has a large number of carefully restored Spanish Colonial buildings, which can be admired by taking a walking tour. The Seville historic district is one of the oldest and most intact in the entire state.
A great appreciation for history…
Must-see attractions include Forts Barrancas and Pickens, TT Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, and the Museum of Commerce. History buffs will appreciate the Pensacola Historical Museum, which presents overviews of the nations whose flags flew over Pensacola. This charming coastal community is also a gateway to the white sand beaches and barrier islands of the Emerald Coast.
Deerfield Beach
Second, in the cheapest beach towns in Florida, this community is popular with fun-loving families who enjoy outdoor activities. This vibrant beach town is blessed with plenty of year-round sunshine and intense natural beauty. There are two local theme parks where residents of all ages can let off a little steam.
Deerfield Beach is a friendly community that also boasts plenty of job opportunities. Properties are affordable, and the median home price is around $290,000. Families can easily find a home to rent for around $1,000 per month while they are searching for a new home.
Water and thrills!
Quiet Waters Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area and is a great place to have fun. The park covers more than 430 acres and comes complete with a large lake for cable water skiing and boating. The main water park also features a large collection of slides and water tunnels for visitors to explore.
Fort Walton Beach
This vibrant beach resort community boasts a luxurious atmosphere combined with reasonable retail rates. The median house price here is around $350,000. People who have a little more cash to splash can also choose a property close to the coast with stunning ocean views.
There are plenty of job opportunities in the area, and many people move to Fort Walton Beach for work. The top employers here include Eglin Air Force Base, Walton Beach Medical Center, and Northwest Florida State College. Professionals in a large number of fields can find lucrative employment options here.
Local history and culture…
One of the most popular attractions in the area among families is Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. This is the perfect place to let off a little steam and make some lasting memories. The nearby Indian Temple Mound Museum is the perfect place to learn about local history and culture.
Vero Beach
The crime rate in Vero Beach is just 2.8 per one thousand residents, making this one of the safest parts of the state of Florida. The community is nestled between the Indian River and the Atlantic and is popular among retirees and middle-aged couples. The median home value is around $350,000, and there are plenty of stunning options.
This community boasts 26 miles of sand for residents to unwind on. One of the most popular stretches of sand can be found at Round Island Park. In addition to soaking up the sun, residents gather here to watch manatees cavorting in the water.
Ready to dance the night away?
Vero Beach also has a vibrant nightlife scene for residents to enjoy. There are several excellent restaurants as well as art galleries and varied shopping opportunities. This community is quickly becoming one of the state’s hotspots, and this is the perfect time to secure real estate.
Clearwater
The settlement of Clearwater is located on a beautiful peninsula on the state’s west coast. There are some 35 miles of white sand beaches situated on 20 barrier islands for residents to enjoy. The city of Tampa can be reached in thirty minutes, while a large number of theme parks are also nearby.
One of the main attractions here is Clearwater Beach, which is the perfect place to soak up the sun. This is a popular place for residents to gather to take part in a wide range of activities. Popular activities here include canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and collecting shells.
Engulf yourself in the sea and nature!
Residents can also take a trip to the nearby Caladesi Island is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics, snorkeling, and scuba diving. This large and lovely state park boasts a three-mile nature trail winding through the island’s interior. A ferry departs each hour from the nearby Honeymoon Island, which is also a great place to unwind.
Tarpon Springs
This charming settlement is a very affordable place to live. While the property market is flooded with cheap homes, there are also plenty of places to rent. The median rental rate is just $930 per month, and there are numerous options to choose from.
This community was once a hotspot for swordfishing and green sponge sea diving. A large number of boating events are held here throughout the year. There are also plenty of excellent seafood restaurants for residents to check out.
A rich Greek culture to experience…
The Greektown District is a vibrant community that celebrates Greek culture and history. Tampon spring also boasts a large number of impressive historic buildings for residents to admire. Some of the most interesting examples of local architecture include Arcade Hotel, Old Tarpon Springs City Hall, and Safford House.
Lake Worth
This community has a refreshingly Bohemian feel to it and attracts people from all over the world. Shopping is a particularly popular activity here, and the downtown district is blessed with a wide range of different types of shops. There are also several family-friendly stretches of sandy beaches for families to unwind on.
Lake Worth boasts a large number of charming communities for potential residents to choose from. It’s worth taking the time to explore the different areas to find the perfect fit. Some of the top neighborhoods here include Bryant Park, College Park, Parrot Cove, and Vernon Heights.
A piece of paradise is pricey…
The median home price in this pretty part of the state is around $412,000. People who want to live on the edge of the coast will need to pay a little more for their piece of paradise. Lake Worth also offers numerous job opportunities, including the possibility of establishing a business in the main downtown district.
Siesta Key
With a population of around 5,500 people, Siesta Key is a great place for families with young children. The crime rate is particularly low here and is just 6.4 per one thousand residents. The median property price is around $970,000, while there are also plenty of more affordable options.
This picturesque barrier island can be found around a 90-minute drive from Tampa and St Petersburg. There are numerous job opportunities in Siesta Key, especially for IT professionals. The island boasts more than thirty public schools as well as an excellent healthcare system.
What about Turtle Beach?
Turtle Beach can be found at the very southern tip of Siesta Key and features a family-friendly and sporty atmosphere. This is a great place to take part in activities like volleyball, while the onsite playground is the perfect place to take the kids. Keen fishermen can cast out their lines at the nearby Blind Pass Lagoon while other family members play on the beach.
Siesta Beach is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of the world. The sunsets here are particularly stunning and should not be missed. Other local attractions include Historic Bridge Street Pier, Anna Maria Island, Sunset Point, and Siesta Key Breeze Trolley.
Titusville
This large yet friendly community is popular with young professionals and retirees. Boasting a crime rate of just 6.5 per one thousand residents, this is a safe place to raise a family. While the median home value is around $250,000, there are more affordable options to choose from.
Titusville boasts a pristine natural landscape that offers 24 miles of protected coastline. There are several stunning stretches of sand here, including Playalinda Beach. Hiking along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge is a popular activity among residents of all ages.
Kennedy Space Centre!
This community is also known as Space City, USA, because it is just a mile away from the Kennedy Space Centre. A number of aerospace programs are operated here, including a prominent moon landing program. The American Space Museum showcases these programs and is the perfect attraction for families.
Animal lovers can have fun exploring Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. This is the perfect place to view endangered animals in their natural environments, such as marshes and swamps. Visitors can also take part in a wide range of activities here, including kayaking and trekking.
Fort Pierce
For the last of the cheapest beach towns in Florida is another safe community, and the crime rate is just five in one thousand. Fort Pierce stretches along the Treasure Coast in St. Lucie County. It covers an area of 29 square miles and is particularly popular among middle-aged couples and retirees.
Residents are treated to a diverse range of cultural and contemporary activities to enjoy. The choicest properties in this part of the state command stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also plenty of more affordable options a couple of miles from the coast.
Do you like fishing?
The area is famous for its excellent education and conservation institutes. The Manatee Observation and Education Center is the perfect place for families to visit. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is another particularly popular place for residents to spend time.
The area boasts tranquil streets that are safe to explore at any time of the day or night. Many residents are drawn to the area for world-class fishing opportunities. Other popular local attractions include Sweetwater Hammock Preserve, Jack Island Preserve State Park, Jetty Park, and George LeStrange Preserve.
Important Info To Help You Make The Move!
Before you relocate, there are many factors to consider, but non more than safety. So, let’s help you by starting with the 10 Most Dangerous Cities In The US, followed by the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Los Angeles, and the Most Dangerous Cities In Florida.
Now, on a more positive note, let’s take a look at the Safest Neighborhoods In Atlanta, the Best Places To Live In Florida For Families, as well as the Best Neighborhoods In Long Island, and the Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia in 2023.
If you’re moving on a budget, we recommend the Cheapest Places To Live In California, but if money is no object, then you’ll be interested in the Richest Cities In California. and finally, if you like to compare, check out New York Vs Chicago – Which Is Better?
Final Thoughts
Living in a charming seaside community doesn’t have to break the bank if you choose wisely. One of the great things about living close to the coast is that you have numerous free attractions to enjoy. Swimming, cycling, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach are all free and very popular pastimes.
Most of these coastal communities offer affordable accommodation options and numerous job opportunities. There are also some excellent schools and other amenities for families to take advantage of. There is no better time to make the move and finally secure your place in the sun.
Good Luck with your move, and enjoy the Florida sunshine!
