15 Best U.S. Beach Towns to Live in Year-round, According to Real Estate Experts

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

“Hilton Head Island offers a rare blend of pristine beaches, world-class golf, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle with strong long-term property value,” says Caitlin Smith, a realtor with Sequel at Compass South Carolina. “Its commitment to natural preservation, bikeable communities, and top-tier amenities makes it ideal for both full-time residents and second-home buyers.” If it’s pleasant year-round weather you’re seeking, Hilton Head delivers. The subtropical climate means the winters are relatively mild, and you can enjoy the beach (even if it’s a walk instead of a swim) 12 months of the year.

Malibu, California

“Malibu embodies the quintessential Southern California beach lifestyle—27 miles of stunning Pacific coastline where Hollywood glamor meets genuine surf culture. The dramatic Santa Monica Mountains descending into the ocean create an unmatched sense of privacy and natural beauty, while remaining just 30 minutes from the cultural and business epicenter of Los Angeles,” says Tal Maimon, CEO of The Maimon Group. “Through managing exceptional properties across LA’s coastal communities, I’ve found that Malibu attracts those who refuse to compromise between world-class urban access and the tranquility of oceanfront living.” If Malibu is in your budget—the average home value is north of $3 million—the California coast awaits.

Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

North Carolina has an abundance of coastal destinations to consider for your primary residence, but Smith says Wilmington’s amenities, paired with the charm of the nearby beach town, Wrightsville Beach, can’t be beat. “Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach combine a laid-back coastal vibe with a vibrant downtown and strong local culture,” she says. “Residents enjoy easy beach access, boating, and walkable neighborhoods, along with a growing food scene and a lifestyle that feels both active and approachable.”

La Jolla, California

Love the idea of San Diego, but crave a destination that feels more beach town than city? Consider La Jolla. “La Jolla represents San Diego’s ‘crown jewel’—where rugged Pacific coastline meets refined village charm and some of California’s most prestigious addresses,” says Maimon.

“La Jolla functions more like a seaside village than a large coastal market, which is central to its appeal for full-time residents,” adds Matt Brown of William Raveis Real Estate. “Average home prices sit at the top of the West Coast range, supported by land scarcity, high owner occupancy, and proximity to major medical and research institutions.” Brown also adds that village areas like Bird Rock and La Jolla Shores “continue to attract buyers seeking walkable neighborhoods with a strong sense of community,” and the “beaches, parks, respected schools, and year-round amenities allow La Jolla to function well beyond peak travel seasons.”

Seaside, Florida

With over 1,300 miles of coastline, Florida makes an appearance a couple of times on this list—and the resort community of Seaside is one of Smith’s picks. “Seaside stands out for its charming, walkable design and strong sense of community. With pastel cottages, bike paths, and sugar-white-sand beaches, it’s ideal for those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle with thoughtful planning and timeless appeal,” she says. Plus, you’ll get all the financial perks that come with being a Florida resident, including no state income tax and tax-free retirement income.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Not only is Virginia Beach one of the best places to visit in the Commonwealth, but it’s also one of the top places to live on the coast, thanks to several factors. While it’s technically a city, Virginia Beach is rich in classic beach-town allure. There’s art (especially in the ViBe Creative District), a nostalgic boardwalk, and, of course, unparalleled access to the water. Niche.com also gives it an “A” for public schools, diversity, nightlife, outdoor activities, and a good atmosphere for families—all of which are necessary for a well-rounded full-time lifestyle.

Laguna Beach, California

“Laguna Beach offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural sophistication that’s rare to find in American beach towns. The dramatic coastline, world-class art galleries, and walkable village atmosphere create a lifestyle that appeals to discerning residents seeking both tranquility and cultural engagement,” says Maimon, adding that “Laguna’s microclimate and intimate community feel make it consistently desirable for those seeking the finest coastal living.” That said, the cost of living in Laguna Beach is 64.9 percent higher than the national average, so keep that in mind when shopping for your forever home.

Cape May, New Jersey

The Mid-Atlantic is an underrated region for beach towns, but it’s home to several communities you may want to add to your shortlist. Take Cape May, for instance. One of the most beautiful small towns in the U.S., this 2,800-person destination is famous for its beaches, Victorian architecture, and storied history as America’s oldest seaside resort. The average home value is around $700,000; while relatively high, it’s not all that surprising, considering the housing market in New Jersey as a whole features an average home value of around $555,000. It’s also significantly lower than somewhere like Spring Lake, a New Jersey beach town where the home values shoot above $1 million.

Naples, Florida

Although it’s been called the “Unofficial Grandparent Capital of Florida,” Naples, where the median age is 67, is a thriving beach town in its own right. “Naples consistently stands out as a year-round beach town because it combines coastal living with strong infrastructure, quality schools, and a walkable downtown anchored by Old Naples, Aqualane Shores, and Coquina Sands,” says Brown. “Areas like the Bayshore Arts District highlight Naples’ evolving side, where galleries, local dining, and new residential pockets are reshaping a historically overlooked corridor into a creative, livable neighborhood with proximity to downtown and the botanical gardens.” Brown also notes a few other reasons you may want to move to Naples, including “no state income tax, well-maintained public spaces, and a deep bench of cultural and recreational amenities.”

Charleston, South Carolina

Although Charleston is certainly a city, it has all the features of a beach town (plus three of its own beach destinations: Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach). “Charleston blends historic charm with coastal living like no other city. With walkable neighborhoods, a renowned culinary scene, and nearby beaches, it appeals to buyers who value culture, character, and timeless Southern architecture alongside coastal access,” says Smith. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties, also notes that while many “snowbirds” call the Holy City home, it has a younger, buzzy population—thanks, in part, to its role as a college town.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

As far as West Coast beach towns go, you don’t want to overlook Oregon. Sure, the Pacific Northwest isn’t known for its year-round beach weather, but there are other reasons why somewhere like Cannon Beach is great for a full-time abode—particularly if you’re a remote worker. Just under 1.5 hours from Portland, this is a place where you can immerse yourself in the outdoors as much as you want, whether it’s a morning walk on the beach, a hike in Oswald West State Park, or a trek through Ecola State Park. Potential residents should be aware, however, that the cost of living in Cannon Beach is 7.1 percent higher than the national average; the average home value is also around $870,000.

Vero Beach, Florida

“Vero Beach appeals to full-time residents who want ocean access without heavy tourism or speculative pricing. Average home prices remain accessible compared to many Florida beach towns, which has helped support stable year-round ownership rather than short-term turnover,” says Brown. According to recent Zillow estimates, the average home value in Vero Beach is around $355,000, which is significantly more palatable than what you’ll see in other coastal real estate markets in Florida. “Strong local schools, a protected shoreline, and a quieter downtown contribute to a lifestyle centered on consistency and long-term livability,” he adds.

Savannah, Georgia

Similar to Charleston, Savannah is a Southern city with amazing beach access (Tybee Island’s beaches are just a short drive away). “Savannah is a terrific town for people of all ages,” says Lichtenstein, who describes it as “artsy, diverse, and growing.”  The cost of living in Savannah is also 8 percent lower than the national average, and there are real estate options for buyers with varying budgets, with an average home value of around $320,000.

Carpinteria, California

According to Brown, there are several compelling reasons to call Carpinteria, population of about 13,000, home. “Carpinteria offers a rare version of coastal California that still feels grounded and livable year-round. Home prices reflect its proximity to Santa Barbara, but strict zoning and limited new construction have helped maintain balance and protect neighborhood character,” he says. “Areas around Linden Avenue and the coastal corridor continue to evolve with small businesses, dining, and residential improvements that support daily life rather than tourism.” Plus, he adds, there’s a “strong school district, walkable layout, and swimmable beaches,” all of which are paramount for many long-term residents.

Newport, Rhode Island

New England beach towns may not have beach-friendly weather year-round (the winters are cold), but that shouldn’t stop you from considering living somewhere like Newport, Rhode Island. Best known for its Gilded Age mansions and its title as the “Sailing Capital of the World,” Newport offers residents a life filled with history, beach walks, culinary feats, and much more. Redfin does share that the housing market is “somewhat competitive,” and the real estate company notes that, as of December 2025, “Newport home prices were up 14.7 percent compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.3 million.” Affordable? Not quite. But charming? Definitely.