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Finance

50 Waterfront Cities Where Homes Are a Total Steal

Last updated: May 10, 2025 8:00 pm
Oliver James
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16 Min Read
50 Waterfront Cities Where Homes Are a Total Steal
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There’s just something about oceans and other water bodies that seem to invoke a sense of calm and peace. If you’re like many Americans, then you probably also get a thrill out of watching majestic sunsets or sunrises, hearing the soothing sound of the crashing waves and feeling the sand between your toes. So, why not live by the ocean or any other body of water?

Contents
50. Alexandria, Minnesota49. Muskegon, Michigan48. Duluth, Minnesota47. Providence, Rhode Island46. Algoma, Wisconsin45. Kapolei, Hawaii44. Corpus Christi, Texas43. Laconia, New Hampshire42. Texas City, Texas41. Eerie, Pennsylvania40. Fort Walton Beach, Florida39. Norfolk, Virginia38. Lihue, Hawaii37. Milwaukee, Wisconsin36. Jacksonville, Florida35. Toledo, Ohio34. Carrabelle, Florida33. Middle River, Maryland32. Fort Pierce, Florida31. Palacios, Texas30. Brownsville, Texas29. Daytona Beach, Florida28. Cleveland, Ohio27. Hampton, Virginia26. Port Lavaca, Texas25. Panama City, Florida24. Bremerton, Virginia23. New London, Connecticut22. Essex, Maryland21. Pensacola, Florida20. Freeport, Texas19. Port Angeles, Washington18. Detroit, Michigan17. Salisbury, Maryland16. Coos Bay, Oregon15. Port Arthur, Texas14. Buffalo, New York13. Rochester, New York12. Ocean Shores, Washington11. Long Beach, Washington10. Lanai City, Hawaii9. Atlantic City, New Jersey8. Jamestown, New York7. Maunaloa, Hawaii6. Aberdeen, Washington5. Waianae, Hawaii4. Eureka, California3. Hilo, Hawaii2. Kaunakakai, Hawaii1. Clearlake, California

Trending Now: The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every State

Try This: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires — and How You Can, Too

The primary problem is simple: Beachfront property is often too expensive. Or is it? It turns out, the U.S. is full of cities that can make your dream of living near water come true. GOBankingRates sourced the top beach towns in the U.S. from a variety of sources and looked at the data on cost of living, home values, mortgage payments and more. These cities span the nation, with higher concentrations in places like Hawaii, Texas, Florida and Washington.

Read on to find out where you might just be able to afford the waterfront property of your dreams.

Denise Gerdes / Shutterstock.com
Denise Gerdes / Shutterstock.com

50. Alexandria, Minnesota

  • Median annual income: $57,309

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,601

  • Average home value: $267,625

  • State average home value: $340,599.95

  • Difference: $72,974.91

Read Next: 7 Up-and-Coming Florida Neighborhoods That Retirees Can Afford Now

See More: I’m a Real Estate Investor: 10 Places I Would Never Buy Property

Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move?

Steven D Reynolds / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Steven D Reynolds / Getty Images/iStockphoto

49. Muskegon, Michigan

  • Median annual income: $40,900

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,019

  • Average home value: $170,361

  • State average home value: $243,677.86

  • Difference: $73,316.45

Near You: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

48. Duluth, Minnesota

  • Median annual income: $63,545

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,575

  • Average home value: $263,379

  • State average home value: $340,599.95

  • Difference: $77,220.57

SeanPavonePhoto / iStock.com
SeanPavonePhoto / iStock.com

47. Providence, Rhode Island

  • Median annual income: $61,365

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,336

  • Average home value: $390,530

  • State average home value: $468,794.52

  • Difference: $78,264.54

f11photo / Shutterstock.com
f11photo / Shutterstock.com

46. Algoma, Wisconsin

  • Median annual income: $72,232

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,349

  • Average home value: $225,496

  • State average home value: $306,459.71

  • Difference: $80,963.47

Pictured: Milwaukee

Courtesy of Four Seasons / Christian Horan
Courtesy of Four Seasons / Christian Horan

45. Kapolei, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $121,768

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $5,473

  • Average home value: $915,018

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $81,963.44

RoschetzkyProductions / Shutterstock.com
RoschetzkyProductions / Shutterstock.com

44. Corpus Christi, Texas

  • Median annual income: $64,449

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,345

  • Average home value: $224,777

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $83,607.98

Avoid These: I’m a Home Staging Expert: Watch Out for These 5 Staging Red Flags When You’re Buying a Home

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

43. Laconia, New Hampshire

  • Median annual income: $67,856

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,449

  • Average home value: $409,391

  • State average home value: $496,131.30

  • Difference: $86,740.07

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

42. Texas City, Texas

  • Median annual income: $61,359

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,300

  • Average home value: $217,371

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $91,014.01

Pictured: Port Arthur

martinhosmart / Getty Images/iStockphoto
martinhosmart / Getty Images/iStockphoto

41. Eerie, Pennsylvania

  • Median annual income: $43,135

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,050

  • Average home value: $175,615

  • State average home value: $267,924.52

  • Difference: $92,309.28

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

40. Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • Median annual income: $61,820

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,936

  • Average home value: $323,668

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $93,560.32

Davel5957 / iStock.com
Davel5957 / iStock.com

39. Norfolk, Virginia

  • Median annual income: $60,998

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,785

  • Average home value: $298,335

  • State average home value: $395,912.17

  • Difference: $97,577.51

Discover More: 10 Dangerous Cities You Shouldn’t Buy a Home in No Matter the Price

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com
Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

38. Lihue, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $73,641

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $5,379

  • Average home value: $899,211

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $97,770.39

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

37. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Median annual income: $49,733

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,227

  • Average home value: $205,132

  • State average home value: $306,459.71

  • Difference: $101,328.17

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

36. Jacksonville, Florida

  • Median annual income: $64,138

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,859

  • Average home value: $310,790

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $106,438.27

Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images/iStockphoto

35. Toledo, Ohio

  • Median annual income: $45,405

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $712

  • Average home value: $119,053

  • State average home value:  $229,380.80

  • Difference: $110,327.96

Crystal Bolin Photography / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Crystal Bolin Photography / Getty Images/iStockphoto

34. Carrabelle, Florida

  • Median annual income: $41,563

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,824

  • Average home value: $304,960

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $112,268.04

Joesboy / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Joesboy / Getty Images/iStockphoto

33. Middle River, Maryland

  • Median annual income: $72,970

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,881

  • Average home value: $314,499

  • State average home value: $430,752.21

  • Difference: $116,252.75

Pictured: Ocean City

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

32. Fort Pierce, Florida

  • Median annual income: $45,121

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,797

  • Average home value: $300,487

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $116,741.07

Midwest Move: 5 Midwest Cities Where You Can Buy Luxury Homes for $100,000 or Less

CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com
CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com

31. Palacios, Texas

  • Median annual income: $59,469

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,131

  • Average home value: $189,139

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $119,246.18

Pictured: South Padre Island

Danita Delmont / Shutterstock.com
Danita Delmont / Shutterstock.com

30. Brownsville, Texas

  • Median annual income: $46,735

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,129

  • Average home value: $188,705

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $119,680.47

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

29. Daytona Beach, Florida

  • Median annual income: $47,608

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,777

  • Average home value: $297,073

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $120,154.87

drnadig / Getty Images
drnadig / Getty Images

28. Cleveland, Ohio

  • Median annual income: $37,271

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $643

  • Average home value: $107,571

  • State average home value: $229,380.80

  • Difference: $121,809.89

Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

27. Hampton, Virginia

  • Median annual income: $64,430

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,611

  • Average home value: $269,250

  • State average home value: $395,912.17

  • Difference: $126,662.65

Pictured: Virginia Beach

Eric V Overton / Shutterstock.com
Eric V Overton / Shutterstock.com

26. Port Lavaca, Texas

  • Median annual income: $58,871

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,068

  • Average home value: $178,616

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $129,769.34

Pictured: Galveston

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com
Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

25. Panama City, Florida

  • Median annual income: $57,221

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,702

  • Average home value: $284,572

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $132,655.75

Related Reading: 4 Reasons You Might Regret Buying a Home in Florida

Yongqi Gou / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Yongqi Gou / Getty Images/iStockphoto

24. Bremerton, Virginia

  • Median annual income: $68,556

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,823

  • Average home value: $471,908

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $139,307.00

aimintang / Getty Images/iStockphoto
aimintang / Getty Images/iStockphoto

23. New London, Connecticut

  • Median annual income: $56,237

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,713

  • Average home value: $286,335

  • State average home value: $426,050.76

  • Difference: $139,716.20

Richard Martin / Flickr.com
Richard Martin / Flickr.com

22. Essex, Maryland

  • Median annual income: $67,580

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,671

  • Average home value: $279,296

  • State average home value: $430,752.21

  • Difference: $151,456.35

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

21. Pensacola, Florida

  • Median annual income: $67,722

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,565

  • Average home value: $261,647

  • State average home value: $417,228.14

  • Difference: $155,581.44

Shop Carefully: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com
CrackerClips Stock Media / Shutterstock.com

20. Freeport, Texas

  • Median annual income: $50,704

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $854

  • Average home value: $142,728

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $165,656.81

Pictured: South Padre Island

Eugene Garcia / AP / Shutterstock.com
Eugene Garcia / AP / Shutterstock.com

19. Port Angeles, Washington

  • Median annual income: $60,212

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,659

  • Average home value: $444,541

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $166,674.07

pawel.gaul / Getty Images
pawel.gaul / Getty Images

18. Detroit, Michigan

  • Median annual income: $37,761

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $432

  • Average home value: $72,292

  • State average home value: $243,677.86

  • Difference: $171,385.69

Richard Martin / Flickr.com
Richard Martin / Flickr.com

17. Salisbury, Maryland

  • Median annual income: $53,309

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,527

  • Average home value: $255,343

  • State average home value: $430,752.21

  • Difference: $175,409.63

Pictured: Assateague Island

Kyle Gibson / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Kyle Gibson / Getty Images/iStockphoto

16. Coos Bay, Oregon

  • Median annual income: $60,212

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,659

  • Average home value: $444,541

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $166,674.07

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

15. Port Arthur, Texas

  • Median annual income: $45,357

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $633

  • Average home value: $105,798

  • State average home value: $308,385.14

  • Difference: $202,587.63

benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto
benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

14. Buffalo, New York

  • Median annual income: $46,184

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,340

  • Average home value: $224,057

  • State average home value: $443,364.58

  • Difference: $219,307.88

Check Out: 7 Locations Where Housing Prices Are Plummeting Post-Pandemic

IMG_191 / Shutterstock.com
IMG_191 / Shutterstock.com

13. Rochester, New York

  • Median annual income: $60,212

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,659

  • Average home value: $444,541

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $166,674.07

JeffGoulden / Getty Images/iStockphoto
JeffGoulden / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. Ocean Shores, Washington

  • Median annual income: $54,435

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,290

  • Average home value: $382,766

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $611,214.65

Dmitri Kotchetov / Shutterstock.com
Dmitri Kotchetov / Shutterstock.com

11. Long Beach, Washington

  • Median annual income: $47,188

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,275

  • Average home value: $380,393

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $230,821.85

RoxyAnne / Shutterstock.com
RoxyAnne / Shutterstock.com

10. Lanai City, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $80,464

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $4,475

  • Average home value: $748,093

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $248,888.91

Pictured: Kihei

Vlad Podvorny / Flickr.com
Vlad Podvorny / Flickr.com

9. Atlantic City, New Jersey

  • Median annual income: $35,188

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,416

  • Average home value: $236,698

  • State average home value:  $539,808.00

  • Difference: $303,109.59

Jon Marc Lyttle / Shutterstock.com
Jon Marc Lyttle / Shutterstock.com

8. Jamestown, New York

  • Median annual income: $39,507

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $680

  • Average home value: $113,640

  • State average home value:  $443,364.58

  • Difference: $329,724.98

CrisRG / Getty Images/iStockphoto
CrisRG / Getty Images/iStockphoto

7. Maunaloa, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $80,464

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $4,475

  • Average home value: $748,093

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $248,888.91

Pictured: Holualoa

Jasperdo / Flickr.com
Jasperdo / Flickr.com

6. Aberdeen, Washington

  • Median annual income: $50,008

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,624

  • Average home value: $271,456

  • State average home value: $611,214.65

  • Difference: $339,758.39

Money Expert: Dave Ramsey: Why You Shouldn’t Pay Off Your Mortgage Early Even If You Can

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

5. Waianae, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $77,435

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $3,814

  • Average home value: $637,558

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $359,423.57

Pictured: Kauai

©Shutterstock.com
©Shutterstock.com

4. Eureka, California

  • Median annual income: $51,971

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,485

  • Average home value: $415,360

  • State average home value: $805,913.17

  • Difference: $390,553.57

QuekZongYe / Getty Images/iStockphoto
QuekZongYe / Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Hilo, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $75,589

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $3,091

  • Average home value: $516,681

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $480,300.53

SMJoness / Getty Images/iStockphoto
SMJoness / Getty Images/iStockphoto

2. Kaunakakai, Hawaii

  • Median annual income: $67,083

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $2,736

  • Average home value: $457,474

  • State average home value: $996,981.53

  • Difference: $539,507.34

Pictured: Kihei

Symbiotic Athlete / Shutterstock.com
Symbiotic Athlete / Shutterstock.com

1. Clearlake, California

  • Median annual income: $41,047

  • Monthly mortgage payment: $1,304

  • Average home value: $217,921

  • State average home value:  $805,913.17

  • Difference between typical and state home value: $587,992.34

John Csiszar and Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed coastal cities across the United States to find the cities on the waterfront that are a total steal. First GOBankingRates found waterfront cities as sourced from USAtoday’s Most Affordable Waterfront Cities, WSAZ’s 100 Best Beach Towns, TravelandLeisure’s Best Beach Towns and Best Secluded Beaches, USNewsandWorldReport’s Best Places to Live near the Beach, LoveExploring’s Destinations, TripSavvy’s Best Beach Towns in the US, and Realtor’s Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers. For each city a number of factors were found including; total population, total households, household median income all sourced from the US Census American Community Survey, the cost-of-living indexes as sourced from Sperlings BestPlaces, the average single-family home value from April 2024 as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index, the livabilty index as sourced from AreaVibes and the average single-family home value by state as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. For each home value, the average mortgage cost was calculated by assuming a 10% down payment and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, the average mortgage cost can be calculated. The average expenditure costs are calculated by using the cost-of-living indexes and using the national average expenditure costs for all residents as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey. The average expenditure cost and mortgage cost can be used to find the total monthly cost of living for each city. The difference in home value from statewide averages can be calculated to find the waterfront cities that are undervalued and are considered a steal. The cities were sorted to show the waterfront places with the most undervalued homes. All data was collected on and is up to date as of June 10, 2024.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Waterfront Cities Where Homes Are a Total Steal

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