10 Best Towns Where You Can Find a Bargain Beach House
Median home price; $467,500
10-year home-price change: -21 percent
Average summer temperature: 70 degrees
A classic, family-friendly shore town, Bethany Beach has a bustling boardwalk and is a great spot for swimming, boating or windsurfing.
Median home price; $217,000
10-year home-price change: 4 percent
Average summer temperature: 61 degrees
The cooler weather here means that enjoying the beach is more about boating and camping than swimming and sunbathing.
Median home price; $378,000
10-year home-price change: -31 percent
Average summer temperature: 67 degrees
Madison is home to Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, with more than two miles of beaches.
Median home price; $184,350
10-year home-price change: -41 percent
Average summer temperature: 75 degrees
Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” Dauphin Island is a family-friendly community where residents can enjoy a bird sanctuary, golf courses and white sand beaches.
Median home price: $322,500
10-year home-price change: -28 percent
Average summer temperature: 60 degrees
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this town has a thriving restaurant and shopping scene, along with clear water and sandy beaches.
Median home price: $497,500
10-year home-price change: -44 percent
Average summer temperature: 77degrees
The most expensive town on this list, Palm Beach is a destination for both vacationers and retirees, with beautiful beaches, golf and plenty of cultural events.
Median home price: $181,000
10-year home-price change: -27 percent
Average summer temperature: 72 degrees
A suburb of Providence, the beach here is a great place to sunbathe and watch the boats.
Median home price: $51,000
10-year home-price change: -46 percent
Average summer temperature: 77 degrees
The southernmost town in Maryland, this Chesapeake Bay community bills itself as “the Crab Capital of the World.” Next to its Wellington Beach is a harbor lined with seafood packing plants.
Median home price: $99,000
10-year home-price change: -59 percent
Average summer temperature: 67 degrees
Located on the South Shore of Long Island, Mastic Beach is a haven for artists who enjoy not only the surf, but also the growing Village Center.
Median home price: $71,000
10-year home-price change: -68 percent
Average summer temperature: 71 degrees
This town along the northern New Jersey shore offers a free beach with views of New York City’s skyline.