From the white sands of Hawaii to the idyllic New England seaside, Americans flock to the beach for rest and relaxation. Median home prices in these towns are too expensive for most. But there are some equally charming US locales that boast being affordable beach towns. SmartAsset, a financial information source, compiled a list of 25 budget-friendly beach cities. Granted, not all of these median prices are on the water. But if you don’t have to book a hotel or drive more than 20 miles to the water, you’re doing ok. Here are the top 10:
1. Gulfport, Mississippi
Median home price: $120,600
Average temperature: 77.1 (90.6 high)
The second largest city after Jackson, the state capital, Gulfport boasts miles of white sand beaches. Nearby Ship Island is a popular beach destination accessible from the Gulfport dock. Top employers are the U.S. Navy (home of the Seabees), the local hospital, school district, tourism, casinos and shipyard. Gulfport was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina, but has experienced growth since rebuilding. It's number 1 on the affordable beach towns list for a combination of home value, property size, taxes and home ownership costs.
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