Waterfront Living Without the High Price Tag
What could be better than waking up and seeing a stunning view of an ocean or river? It’s more than just a dream, and these cities don’t just offer it to you - they can provide it for a reasonable price, too.
Toledo, Ohio
Also known as the “Glass City” for its roots in the glass industry, Toledo isn’t the first waterfront city you think of, but it has a lovely location on the edge of Lake Erie. Manufacturing jobs declines have made Toledo undervalued, but ripe with property potential.
Carrabelle, Florida
Carrabelle eschews the tourist draw of mainstream Florida for quiet, small town charm on the so-called “Forgotten Coast,” though it holds all the draws Florida’s renowned for - including white sands and a working waterfront. It’s a hidden gem so prices are low… for the time being, at least!
Middle River, Maryland
Middle River sits on the titular waterbody, an estuary leading to the Chesapeake Bay with docks, inlets and boats-a-plenty; it’s the ideal location for fans of water activities and easy access to nearby Baltimore. The surrounding areas have steep property prices, but Middle River remains affordable.
Fort Pierce, Florida
Fort Pierce is a coastal town with historic significance, a Saturday farmer’s market and situated near the Indian River Lagoon. Properties near Hutchinson Island and the inlet are an especially good deal - they’re a fraction of the price you’ll find just an hour south!
Palacios, Texas
Palacious has avoided the surge of prices to hit other Texas coastal towns and retains its slow pace of living for anyone who wants to enjoy life at a leisurely place. If you want great seafood, angling, birding or simply enjoy a sea breeze, Palacious won’t leave you salty.
Brownsville, Texas
Because it’s just inland of the Gulf, Brownsville benefits from beautiful warm weather, palm trees and a combination of Tex-Mex culture. It isn’t just one of the most affordable waterfront cities, either; it’s one of the cheapest in the entire U.S. and perfect for first time buyers.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Although it’s got a reputation for fast living thanks to the racetrack and spring break associations, property values are still quite low in Daytona Beach - especially if you’re a little inland from the coast. A revitalized downtown area and 23 miles of sandy beaches certainly sell Daytona living.
Cleveland, Ohio
Known as home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland has been quietly transforming, and while it’s seen some population decline (reducing property values) it’s far from stagnation. Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River neighborhoods are being revitalized, so urban lake life is an affordable goal.
Hampton, Virginia
Because it’s one of the country’s oldest cities, Hampton has a rich historic culture reflected in its homes and military presence. It often flies under the radar but it offers a diverse stock of housing options - from bungalows to colonial-era properties - with some lovely waterfront locations up for grabs.
Port Lavaca, Texas
A small town on the Lavaca Bay, Port Lavaca is a treat for fishing fanatics and nature lovers alike - assuming you prefer cozy coastal living. It’s not a tourist magnet, and therein lies its appeal (and the explanation for such affordable properties).
Panama City, Florida
Panama City - not to be confused with Panama City Beach - is located alongside St. Andrews Bay and offers a selection of historic neighborhoods, a burgeoning art scene and waterfronts without the chaos of squabbling tourists. 2018’s Hurricane Michael caused property prices to plummet, but the rebuild has begun in earnest.
Bremerton, Washington
Nestled near the Puget Sound, Bremerton is a navy and shipbuilding city with an arty vibe and a ferry ride away from Seattle. That means you get the benefits from proximity to the larger city without prices that make your wallet cry salty tears!
New London, Connecticut
Located at the mouth of the Thames River, New London is a grab bag of wonders: it’s a port city, college town, and arts hub all wrapped in cobblestoned streets and historic wharves. Compared to other Connecticut cities, prices are budget-friendly.
Essex, Maryland
If you’re looking for cozy waterfront living, Essex - which sits on a peninsula northeast of Baltimore - has peaceful marinas, seafood joints and easy city access. Without tourism attractions or luxury branding, Essex remains under the radar and keeps prices modest.
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola has rich Florida sun and powder-soft beaches, but its slower growth and military presence has kept property prices affordable. Escambia Bay houses and other quieter waterfront locations are so cheap they’ll make your head spin.
Freeport, Texas
Don’t be fooled by Freeport’s no-frills industrial background - you can still enjoy plenty of fishing opportunities, beaches and access to the Gulf of Mexico. The industrial presence keeps Freeport prices low, but if you enjoy the vibe it’s a gem.
Port Angeles, Washington
Anyone who enjoys draw-dropping scenery will love Port Angeles, a Pacific Northwest wonderland between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Mountain views and ferries to Canada are everyday treats, but its remote nature and small-town vibe keep prices low.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit hugs the Detroit River like a lover, and in recent years it’s rekindled passion by revitalizing its infrastructure such as riverwalks and bicycle paths. It’s struggled economically in the past, but Detroit’s quickly improving; nevertheless, property prices remain a steal.
Salisbury, Maryland
Boasting close proximity to both the Wicomico River and the Chesapeake Bay, Salisbury combines university vibes with small-town comforts for residents who want a blend of modern and traditional appeal. Its quiet living pace keeps prices on the down-low, unlike other nearby coastal hotspots.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Although it maintains a small-town feel, Coos Bay is actually the largest city on the Oregon coast! If you’re looking for a moody and atmospheric maritime charm, Coos Bay has it in spades - all while keeping prices much humbler that Oregon’s other pricey coastline alternatives.
Port Arthur, Texas
Port Arthur’s an industrial city with a vulnerability to hurricanes, so the real estate prices remain low. If that’s no deterrent though, there’s plenty to love about it! There’s a welcoming cajun influence and a lot of heart - this is a community that can literally weather a storm.
Buffalo, New York
Set between Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Buffalo saw its booming economy drop in the late 20th century and it’s remained affordable ever since. It’s a little chilly, but if the cold never bothered you anyway, the city’s undergoing a renaissance with revitalized waterfront opportunities.
Rochester, New York
Combining industrial history with natural beauty, Rochester sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and has music in its roots - which is ideal if you want to enjoy some tunes while you enjoy its many water features. Even locations in proximity to large hospitals are modest!
Ocean Shores, Washington
Ocean Shores offers stunning natural beauty composed of a six-mile peninsula filled with beaches, canals and wildlife close enough to reach out and touch. As long as you don’t expect real estate, Ocean shores does affordable, peaceful living very well.
Long Beach, Washington
It’s called Long Beach for a reason, and that’s because of the 28 miles of glorious sand! Boardwalks, fried oysters and nostalgic moments by the sea are up for grabs, and if remote calm locations by the sea are your bag, Long Beach is a dream destination.
Escanaba, Michigan
Found on Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba offers Great Lakes charm with everything you’d expect from a cozy waterfront city; think lighthouses, fishing piers and beautiful forests if you prefer a solid ground under your feet. It’s remote, quiet and its low prices are hush-hush, too.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
After a 20th century boom Atlantic City has experienced some economical challenges which have led to lower property costs. The waterfront remains just as beautiful as ever though, with romantic boardwalks and energy slowly returning to the city itself.
Jamestown, New York
Jamestown is comfortably sandwiched between Lake Erie and the Chautauqua Lake. If you love to laugh (it’s the best medicine, don’t you know) it will appeal: comedian Lucille Ball hails from there, and it’s also home to the National Comedy Center. Despite those claims to fame, Jamestown’s still super affordable!
Alpena, Michigan
Alpena earned its nickname - the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes” - thanks to its many shipwreck diving sites and aquatic preserves, so water activities are a big part of life there. Even so, the property prices are those of a landlocked city, and an affordable one, at that.
Aberdeen, Washington
With roots as a lumber boomtown and famous as the birthplace of musician Kurt Cobain, Aberdeen combines Misty port living at the side of the Chehalis River with looming, atmospheric forests for the brooding poet in you. Housing prices have remained low since its post-timber decline.
Erie, Pennsylvania
Unsurprisingly situated near Lake Erie, this city has history as a railroad and shipping hub but it’s far quieter these days. That makes it peaceful and charming, particularly Presque Isle, one of the Great Lakes beach beauties. The Median property prices are far below the national average!
Eureka, California
A combination of salty California coastline and majestic redwood forests aren’t Eureka’s only appeal; its Victorian architecture also makes it seem like a city frozen in time. If you’re after misty mornings rather than California heat, Eureka offers beach-town living at a fraction of the cost.
Superior, Wisconsin
Superior balances on the tip of the titular lake and its name isn’t just a moniker - it’s a promise. Shipyards, picturesque sunsets and bustling docks make Superior feel like you’re living in a maritime painting with some of the best lakefront housing prices in the region.
Astoria, Oregon
Famous among classic ’80s movies fans as the filming location for “The Goonies,” if you’ve seen the film you know what to expect: moody mist-filled atmospheres, weathered Victorian houses and perfect conditions for creativity. Despite its fame, you can get river views for the price of a Portland apartment.
Clearlake, California
Clearlake shares its name with the nearby waterbody, and if you love fishing, boating and farmer’s markets, it’s a paradise. Despite a prime location near Napa and Sonoma, it still offers incredibly affordable waterfront properties, and it’s ideal if a rustic lifestyle calls to you.
