Living by the seaside is a delight for people of all ages, and it turns out there’s a good reason for this.
Recent research suggests that people who live within a mile of the ocean have a 22% less chance of developing mental illness. So, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to pack your bags and move closer to the shores of America, you’re in luck.
These are some of the best beach towns you should consider.
1. Port Aransas, Texas
Fondly known as ‘Port A’, This sleepy seaside town on Mustang Island bustles with optimism and good humor.
It’s not surprising with over 18 miles of golden beachfront to explore. luxury properties springing up all over town, and eternally blue skies. A low rate of unemployment and the ever-decreasing crime rate add to the attraction.
Parents delight in the fact that the town boasts a very low student-teacher ratio and school test scores are 70% above the national average.
Abundant birdlife, great opportunities for fishing, and plenty of water sport options are some of the weekend attractions in Port Aransas.
2. Jacksonville, Florida
The Sunshine State has long been a top choice for beach lovers and retirees alike. Jacksonville combines all the best that Florida has to offer with a low cost of living, low housing costs, and excellent schools.
Add to that both a river and ocean to play in and Jacksonville has it all for active families looking for somewhere to take root.
Jacksonville boasts a bustling business center, many interesting cultural offerings, excellent golfing, and endless seaside activities. It’s a hub of surfing in Florida and also home to the headquarters of the PGA tour.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
If you’re serious about island-style living, Hawaii takes the cake. This vacation paradise offers plenty of opportunities for residents to thrive. The unemployment rate is 42% lower than the national average and
It’s a regular contender on lists of the best places to live in the US too, offering a family-friendly vibe and good schools.
Opportunities for dining, shopping, and nightlife are excellent in Honolulu and the iconic crescent beach, Diamond Head crater, and swaying palm trees make it a pleasant, attractive place to live.
4. Great Neck, New York
Great Neck consists of not one, but nine tiny towns along Long Island’s North Shore. Locals call this peninsular enclave the Gold Coast thanks to the many benefits it brings to residents.
The area is only a short drive to Manhattan, yet it’s awash with New England style streets and luxurious mansions. Recreation and healthcare are excellent and residents enjoy a high income per capita in relation to the rest of the country.
Outstanding schools, as well as beautiful parks, bays, and marinas add to the appeal of this swish neighborhood.
5. Manhattan Beach, California
According to 24/7 Wall St., this town is the best place to live in the US outright, while some say Twain Harte is the best beach town to live in, but we digress – you can decide for yourself.
Manhattan Beach is just 20 miles from downtown LA, giving residents easy access to all the charms of the big city, without the crowds.
It’s an upmarket town with many gorgeous luxury homes lining the streets. Yet, sand section homes tend to have smaller lots than those in the other parts of Manhattan Beach, making them perfect for first-time homeowners.
When you live in Manhattan Beach, the Pacific Coast becomes your playground offering a wealth of healthy outdoor activities for all ages. There are excellent schools in the area too and unemployment is very low at just over 5%.
Most households in this area earn over $150,000 a year and the crime rate is less than half the national average.
6. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
There’s a lot to love about this small surf-washed barrier island town. Most homeowners here started out with a vacation property and ended up making things permanent instead.
Four miles of wide golden beaches, a friendly small-town vibe, and abundant natural resources are all part of the charm in Wrightsville Beach. There are stunning blue waters, abundant fishing piers, nature preserves, and trails in tap in this small town close to Wilmington.
On the business end of things, unemployment is almost 50% less than the national average, and income per capita soars 103% above average.
7. Portland, Maine
Portland combines the best of its rich history with a buzzing creative high-tech economy. The small city is alive with art, culture and culinary bliss, making it ideal for vacationers as well as those looking for something more long-standing.
The charming downtown area boasts gorgeous stone and brick architecture as well as cobblestoned streets leading to excellent shops, pubs, and diners.
It also has a low employment rate and high average income per capita when compared with the national averages. Students in Portland schools do well compared with the rest of the country and the town has a solid infrastructure for hassle-free living.
8. Seaside, Oregon
Oregon’s oldest town is still drawing the crowds. That’s most likely because of its wide beaches, fun family activities, and great shopping.
It’s also home to the world’s largest amateur beach volleyball tournament and features classic carnival-style summer entertainment. Walking, biking, hiking, and running are some of the top activities in this part of the world too.
Lifestyles are simple here thanks to a relatively low household income all around, but it’s a great destination for families thanks to its good schools and high graduation rates.
9. Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Sand dollars and scenic beauty are the trademarks of this sleepy hamlet at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Quaint pubs are a big attraction when the sun sets, while the glorious beachfront keeps people busy all day long.
When they’re not lounging on the shores, residents of Sullivan’s Island enjoy a high rate of employment, low cost of living, and outstanding educational facilities.
It’s no surprise that luxurious mansions line the shores of this charming destination thanks to the good life available here.
Making the Most of the Best Beach Towns and More
Even the best beach towns are better when your living spaces are as luxurious as you would like them to be.
Keep browsing through our website if you’re interested in viewing sophisticated upmarket homes either on the seaside or beyond.
