The best of both worlds – sand and surf combined with big-city living – is becoming an easier investment for potential homebuyers across the United States.
With more homes for sale and less competition from other buyers, home prices are more negotiable than before in several metropolitan areas.
Several coastal cities, where the “back-to-office trend is definitely playing a role,” are seeing an increase in home listings while still being affordable, said Ron Myers, president of Ron Buys Florida Homes. Real estate agent.com.
The list, compiled by Realtor.com, includes coastal cities, from the walkable, welcoming streets of Miami to the beautiful beaches of San Diego.
Here are the five most beautiful coastal cities in the United States where it is becoming easier and cheaper to shop.
1. Tampa, Florida
Pictured: Tampa, Florida, a popular relocation destination for Gen Z and millennials.
Topping the list are the stunning beaches of Tampa, Florida, just one of three sunny states on the list.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the center of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the metropolitan area ranked among the top 10 cities for both Gen Z and Millennials to relocate to.
Tampa is also becoming a booming city, with a median home price of $415,000 and a 90.1 percent increase in home listings. Earlier this year, LinkedIn found Tampa was gaining new workers at an increasing rate, tracking location changes on the profiles of its 206 million U.S. users in 2023.
Packed with plenty of places to eat and drink, this southern town features Ben T. Davis Beach and the smaller, man-made Davis Islands Beach.
2. San Diego, California
Pictured: San Diego, California, which has a high median home price of $999,999 but where housing inventory has increased a dramatic 80.4 percent.
Located on the Pacific coast, this western city features the infamous Mission and Pacific beaches.
With lively waterfronts, the median home price is $999,000 and listings are up 80.4 percent.
Known for its idyllic climate, residents can visit the wide range of family-friendly attractions such as the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California.
Over the past 100 years, the city has also seen its biggest jump in home value.
In fact, home values in the metropolitan area appreciated a whopping 1,572 percent between 1890 and 2006, adjusted for inflation, according to a research tool created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
3. Miami, Florida
Pictured: Miami, Florida nightlife
Known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, this Cayman State city boasts a median home price of $550,000 and a 72.2 percent increase in properties for sale.
The city also boasts an incredible coastline, including South Beach, known for its diverse offering of nightlife, and its sister, North Beach, which features a much more relaxed scene.
And when it comes to the real estate market, it has become a buyer’s market after condo owners were forced to cut prices — with a catch.
Condo owners across the state have been forced to cut prices by as much as 40 percent to sell their properties rather than pay huge repair costs to comply with new state laws introduced following the collapse of the Champlain Tower South in Miami-Dade County, which killed 98 people.
Price reductions also come with higher homeowners association fees intended to subsidize costs.
4. Seattle, Washington
Pictured: Seattle, Washington, where listings increased by 69.3 percent
Located in the Pacific Northwest, the home of the Space Needle is known for its heavy rainfall and eclectic culture.
Median home prices in Washington, which had previously seen a 6 percent year-over-year drop, are now at $775,000 and listings are up 69.3 percent.
The most popular beach of all is Alki Beach, located along Puget Sound, a picturesque inlet of the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Rainier tourist attraction can also be seen from Seward Park Beach, located on the shore of Lake Washington.
5. Jacksonville, Florida
Pictured: Jacksonville, Florida, which ranks fifth on Realtor’s list
Rounding out the top five is another sunny city, best known for its crystal-clear waters and pale blue sand.
Median home prices in Jacksonville are at $409,850 and listings are up 68.3 percent.
This Atlantic coast city is home to numerous museums and art galleries, including the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
However, in the Jacksonville metropolitan area, there was a 12.6 percent decrease in non-luxury homes, with a 20.9 percent increase in luxury homes, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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