Many people dream of living near the beach, basking in the sunshine, feeling the sand between their toes, and embracing the charms of a town that feels like an "endless summer." However, the reality of the cost often dampens these dreams. But fear not! There are affordable beach towns in Florida where you can still enjoy the splendors of life by the sea.
Neighborhoods.com has compiled a list of these hidden gems by considering factors such as median home value, real estate taxes, and average home costs. Let's dive into the top 10 affordable beach towns in Florida that will make your dreams come true.
1. Titusville
Median Home Price: $130,500
Located on the Space Coast, Titusville may not be as famous as its neighboring communities, but it has a lot to offer. With its small-town charm, 24 miles of unspoiled coastline on Playalinda Beach, and abundant wildlife, Titusville is a hidden paradise. Here, you can find single-family homes for under $200,000, a rarity in many beach towns. Plus, the town's best feature is the ability to witness rocket launches year-round.
2. Sebastian
Median Home Price: $175,900
Situated on the Treasure Coast, Sebastian is a beloved destination for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. Its peaceful surroundings, natural attractions, and unspoiled beauty make it a haven for nature lovers. Sebastian Inlet, a top saltwater fishing spot, and the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America's most biologically diverse estuaries, are just some of the town's highlights. If you're looking for a place where your dollar goes further, Sebastian offers a selection of affordable properties.
3. Port Charlotte
Median Home Price: $150,200
Nestled in Southwest Florida, Port Charlotte is a popular spot for retirees seeking a quiet and welcoming community. Its central location between Sarasota and Fort Myers, as well as its proximity to major cities like Tampa and Naples, adds to its appeal. Port Charlotte shares the Florida tradition of hosting spring training baseball games, with Charlotte Sports Park being the spring training facility for the Tampa Bay Rays. With a variety of homes at different price points, buyers have plenty of options to choose from.
4. Fort Pierce
Median Home Price: $100,100
Situated on the Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on Florida's east coast. Known as the "Sunrise City," it offers a unique blend of entertainment, recreational activities, and rural living. The historic waterfront downtown area is filled with shopping, dining, and a range of entertainment options, including the 1,200-seat Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts. Fort Pierce offers mostly single-family homes at various price levels, as well as some condominiums and townhomes.
5. Daytona Beach
Median Home Price: $141,000
Daytona Beach is synonymous with speed and excitement. From driving along select spots of the beach to the famous Daytona International Speedway, this town has a lot to offer. Beyond the thrill of the race, you'll find cultural attractions like The Peabody Auditorium, where nationally recognized performers and stage presentations take the stage. The Main Street entertainment district is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Daytona Beach also surprises with its range of housing options at affordable prices, including oceanfront properties.
6. Venice
Median Home Price: $241,600
Just 18 miles south of Sarasota, Venice is a popular retirement city known for its historic downtown area and beaches adorned with shark's teeth. The city is home to Wellen Park, a top-selling master-planned community, and offers many other neighborhoods to choose from. While single-family homes dominate the housing market, there are also multi-family options available.
7. Palm Bay
Median Home Price: $136,600
Palm Bay, another gem on the Space Coast, exudes a quiet, small-town ambiance and offers ample land for outdoor recreation. From biking to kayaking and walking, there's no shortage of activities for nature enthusiasts. The town boasts natural attractions along the banks of Turkey Creek and an unspoiled beach. With a variety of housing options, including communities without homeowners associations, Palm Bay caters to various preferences.
8. Melbourne
Median Home Price: $155,300
Melbourne, one of the most populated metro areas on the Space Coast, still manages to retain a small-town quality that appeals to residents of all ages. Satellite launches from nearby Cape Canaveral can be witnessed from the town, adding a touch of wonder. Historic Downtown Melbourne offers a quaint environment for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The 155-mile estuary, Indian River Lagoon, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and surfing. Single-family homes dominate the market, but there are also condos and townhomes available.
9. Port Orange
Median Home Price: $165,800
Situated in Volusia County near Daytona Beach, Port Orange offers residents an attractive escape from the more touristy areas, while still being close to the beach and other attractions. With a variety of single-family and multi-family residences at different price points, Port Orange has something to suit every budget.
10. Tarpon Springs
Median Home Price: $155,800
Located just north of Clearwater on the Gulf Coast, Tarpon Springs is a peaceful community attracting retirees, snowbirds, and more. With its heritage as a sponge fishing center and a strong Greek presence, Tarpon Springs boasts a unique culture. The downtown and waterfront areas offer residents shopping, dining, and other attractions. While single-family homes are prevalent, multi-family residences are also available.
Methodology
To identify these affordable beach towns, Neighborhoods.com used data from the EPA, U.S. Census, and Sperling's Best Places. Factors such as median home value, median income, monthly home costs, real estate taxes, average annual temperature, and median number of bedrooms were taken into account.
Now that you know about these affordable beach towns in Florida, you can pack your bags and make your dream of beachfront living a reality. Enjoy the sun, sand, and affordable paradise!