California is known for its beautiful beaches, but living by the ocean often comes with a hefty price tag. However, there are still affordable beach towns where you can enjoy coastal living without breaking the bank. These towns offer stunning views, great weather, and a laid-back lifestyle. Here are 22 of the most affordable beach towns in California that you should consider.
Oxnard
Oxnard offers stunning beaches and affordable housing with median home prices around $600,000, significantly lower than nearby Malibu. The town has a charming harbor, beautiful parks, and the Channel Islands National Park is just a short boat ride away. The cost of living is reasonable, with various affordable dining and shopping options. Oxnard’s beaches are less crowded, providing a peaceful retreat for residents and tourists alike.
Ventura
Ventura is known for its scenic coastline and affordable housing, with median home prices around $700,000. It’s a laid-back beach town with a vibrant downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Ventura Harbor Village offers plenty of recreational activities, including boating and fishing. Surfers Point is a popular spot for surfing and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
Grover Beach
Grover Beach boasts a median home price of around $500,000, making it one of the more affordable beach towns in California. It offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to Pismo Beach and its famous sand dunes. The town has a small, friendly community with local parks and a charming downtown area. Grover Beach is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, and beach activities.
Morro Bay
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Morro Bay’s median home prices are around $650,000, providing a more affordable coastal living option. The iconic Morro Rock and picturesque bay make it a beautiful place to live and visit. The town has a bustling waterfront with fresh seafood restaurants and local shops. Morro Bay State Park offers camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities for nature lovers.
Pacific Grove
With median home prices around $800,000, Pacific Grove is more affordable than its neighboring city, Carmel-by-the-Sea. The town is known for its charming Victorian homes and scenic coastline. Lovers Point Park is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and kayaking. The nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row provide plenty of entertainment and educational opportunities.
Arcata
Arcata offers affordable living with median home prices around $450,000. It’s located near Humboldt Bay and the stunning Redwood National and State Parks. The town has a vibrant arts scene, with local galleries, theaters, and annual festivals. Arcata Plaza is the heart of the town, featuring weekly farmers’ markets and community events.
Eureka
Eureka has median home prices around $400,000, making it one of the most affordable coastal towns in California. The historic Old Town district offers a glimpse into the past with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, including Humboldt Bay and the majestic redwoods. Eureka also has a thriving arts and culture scene with numerous galleries and theaters.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg’s median home prices are around $500,000, offering a more affordable coastal living option. The town is known for its stunning Glass Beach and the scenic Skunk Train ride through the redwoods. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens provide a beautiful spot for nature lovers. Fort Bragg’s small-town charm and natural beauty make it an attractive place to live and visit.
Crescent City
With median home prices around $350,000, Crescent City is one of the most affordable beach towns in California. It’s home to the stunning Battery Point Lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. The town offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities. Crescent City’s proximity to the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean makes it a unique place to call home.
Moss Beach
Moss Beach offers median home prices around $900,000, making it more affordable than many Bay Area coastal towns. The town is known for its beautiful Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, where visitors can explore tide pools and marine life. The scenic coastal trails and quiet beaches provide a tranquil escape. Moss Beach’s proximity to San Francisco offers the best of both worlds – coastal living with city amenities nearby.
Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach has a median home price of around $800,000, making it an affordable option in Marin County. The town’s main attraction is its beautiful, wide beach, perfect for long walks and beachcombing. It’s a quiet, laid-back community with stunning views of Tomales Bay. Dillon Beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.
Los Osos
Los Osos offers affordable coastal living with median home prices around $600,000. The town is adjacent to the beautiful Morro Bay State Park and the Elfin Forest, providing plenty of outdoor activities. It’s a quiet, small community with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural scenery. Los Osos is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Trinidad
Trinidad has a median home price of around $650,000, offering affordable coastal living with stunning views. The town is known for its picturesque harbor and Trinidad State Beach. It’s a small, charming community with a rich history and beautiful scenery. Trinidad’s proximity to the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cambria
With median home prices around $850,000, Cambria is more affordable than many other California coastal towns. The town is known for its charming downtown area and beautiful Moonstone Beach. The nearby Hearst Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s history. Cambria’s scenic beauty and small-town charm make it an attractive place to live.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay offers median home prices around $1 million, making it a more affordable option compared to other Bay Area coastal towns. The town is known for its stunning beaches, such as Mavericks Beach, famous for big wave surfing. The charming downtown area offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and local events. Half Moon Bay’s scenic beauty and close proximity to San Francisco make it a desirable place to live.
Carpinteria
Carpinteria has a median home price of around $1 million, offering a more affordable coastal living option in Southern California. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, including Carpinteria State Beach, perfect for swimming and picnicking. It’s a small, friendly community with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of local shops and restaurants. Carpinteria’s close proximity to Santa Barbara provides easy access to city amenities.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach offers median home prices around $800,000, making it an affordable option for coastal living. The town is famous for its stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and iconic Pismo Beach Pier. The nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove attracts visitors every year. Pismo Beach’s combination of natural beauty and small-town charm makes it a great place to live.
Moss Landing
Moss Landing has a median home price of around $750,000, offering affordable coastal living in Monterey County. The town is known for its picturesque harbor and Elkhorn Slough, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Moss Landing State Beach is perfect for beachcombing and birdwatching. The small-town atmosphere and natural beauty make Moss Landing an attractive place to call home.
Seal Beach
With median home prices around $1.1 million, Seal Beach is more affordable than many other Orange County coastal towns. The town offers a charming Main Street, beautiful beaches, and a historic pier. Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks. The friendly community and scenic beauty make Seal Beach a desirable place to live.
Point Arena
Point Arena offers median home prices around $500,000, making it one of the more affordable coastal towns in Northern California. The town is known for its stunning coastline, Point Arena Lighthouse, and the nearby Stornetta Public Lands. The small, artsy community has a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery. Point Arena is perfect for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach offers a median home price of around $2 million, which, while high, is more affordable compared to other nearby coastal cities like Malibu. The town features a beautiful beach, iconic pier, and vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants. It’s known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere. The scenic Strand bike path and numerous parks provide plenty of outdoor recreation options.
Avalon
Avalon on Catalina Island offers median home prices around $1.5 million, providing a unique and affordable island living option. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and charming downtown area. Popular tourist spots include the Catalina Casino, Descanso Beach Club, and various water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. Avalon’s small-town charm and island lifestyle make it a desirable place to live and visit.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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