According to the Zillow Home Value Index as of November 2024, the most affordable coastal communities in the southeastern United States reveal distinct geographic and economic patterns, with Florida leading the count at eight communities while maintaining a wide range of price points from $251,750 to $323,396. The analysis of 24 coastal towns and cities shows Texas and Mississippi communities clustering at the more affordable end of the spectrum, with median home values generally under $200,000, while South Carolina’s coastal communities tend to command higher prices, ranging from $300,720 to $325,260.
The price distribution among these communities shows clear stratification, with only Bayou La Batre, AL and Port Arthur, TX offering median home values under $100,000, while the majority of communities (15) fall between $200,000 and $325,260. The most dramatic price gap appears between Pascagoula, MS ($134,221) and Port Lavaca, TX ($180,475), creating a clear delineation between the most affordable tier and the mid-range communities. The data also reveals significant appreciation patterns, with Florida’s Fort Pierce showing remarkable growth at 199.5% since 2015, while Port Arthur, TX recorded the most modest appreciation at 42.7%.
The geographic distribution of affordable coastal communities highlights the continued accessibility of Gulf Coast properties compared to Atlantic Coast locations, with Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama communities providing the most affordable options for coastal living. Meanwhile, Florida demonstrates the greatest diversity in pricing, offering options across multiple price points, while South Carolina’s communities maintain consistently higher values, reflecting the premium placed on Atlantic Coast properties in the Palmetto State. Most notably, despite being categorized as “affordable” relative to their coastal location, these communities have shown robust appreciation since 2015, with the majority seeing 60-120% increases in value.
#24. Surfside Beach, SC
Home values in Surfside Beach have risen from $163,896 in June 2015 to $203,878 in June 2020, reaching $325,260 by November 2024, representing a 98.5% increase over the nine-year period. This steady appreciation reflects the town’s growing popularity while maintaining relatively affordable prices for a South Carolina beach community.
Known as “The Family Beach,” Surfside Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to nearby Myrtle Beach. The town features a two-mile stretch of pristine beach, a fishing pier, and numerous family-friendly attractions while maintaining a small-town atmosphere that distinguishes it from its more commercialized neighbors.
#23. Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach has seen home values increase from $164,666 in June 2015 to $234,128 in June 2020, reaching $323,396 by November 2024, marking a 96.4% appreciation. This growth reflects the area’s increasing desirability while remaining one of the more affordable Florida beach communities.
Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach combines military presence from nearby Eglin Air Force Base with tourist appeal. The city offers white-sand beaches, a vibrant downtown district, and proximity to extensive military and aerospace employment opportunities.
#22. Savannah, GA
Savannah’s home values have climbed from $148,005 in June 2015 to $190,829 in June 2020, reaching $321,546 by November 2024, showing a 117.3% increase. This substantial appreciation reflects the city’s growing popularity while maintaining relatively accessible price points for a major coastal city.
As Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah combines historic charm with coastal access. The city features its famous downtown historic district with 22 squares, antebellum architecture, and a thriving arts scene, while offering access to nearby Tybee Island for beach activities.
#21. Atlantic Beach, SC
Atlantic Beach has experienced home value growth from $188,281 in June 2015 to $222,968 in June 2020, reaching $314,869 by November 2024, representing a 67.2% increase. This more modest appreciation has helped maintain the town’s relative affordability compared to neighboring beach communities.
Known historically as “The Black Pearl,” Atlantic Beach holds cultural significance as one of the few beaches accessible to African Americans during segregation. Today, this small community preserves its unique heritage while offering one of the more affordable entry points to South Carolina beach living.
#20. Apalachicola, FL
Apalachicola’s home values have risen from $138,232 in June 2015 to $209,320 in June 2020, reaching $302,568 by November 2024, marking a 118.9% increase. This appreciation reflects growing interest in Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” while maintaining more accessible prices than many Florida coastal communities.
This historic fishing town is known for its oyster harvesting heritage and laid-back atmosphere. The community features historic Victorian architecture, a working waterfront, and proximity to pristine beaches while maintaining its authentic Old Florida character.
#19. Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach has seen home values increase from $163,064 in June 2015 to $199,842 in June 2020, reaching $300,720 by November 2024, showing an 84.4% appreciation. This growth reflects the city’s enduring popularity while remaining one of the more affordable major beach destinations in the Southeast.
As the hub of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination known for its 60-mile stretch of beaches, numerous golf courses, and family attractions. The city offers a full range of urban amenities while maintaining more accessible housing prices than many comparable coastal resort cities.
#18. Carrabelle, FL
Carrabelle’s home values have grown from $127,855 in June 2015 to $180,702 in June 2020, reaching $286,694 by November 2024, marking a 124.2% increase. This significant appreciation reflects growing interest in Florida’s forgotten coast while maintaining relatively affordable prices.
This small fishing town on Florida’s panhandle offers an authentic Old Florida experience with its working waterfront and pristine beaches. The community is known for its world’s smallest police station, excellent fishing opportunities, and unspoiled natural environment.
#17. Pass Christian, MS
Pass Christian has experienced home value growth from $174,815 in June 2015 to $214,426 in June 2020, reaching $285,658 by November 2024, representing a 63.4% increase. This moderate appreciation has helped maintain the town’s position as one of the more affordable historic coastal communities.
Known for its historic antebellum homes and small-town charm, Pass Christian offers a quieter alternative to nearby Gulf Coast communities. The town features a scenic harbor, historic district, and beautiful beaches while maintaining its traditional Mississippi Gulf Coast character.
#16. Panama City, FL
Panama City’s home values have increased from $131,517 in June 2015 to $186,483 in June 2020, reaching $272,014 by November 2024, showing a 106.8% appreciation. Despite significant hurricane impact in 2018, the city has shown strong recovery and growth while maintaining relatively affordable housing prices.
This major Gulf Coast city offers a combination of beach access, urban amenities, and employment opportunities. The area features multiple colleges, a major medical center, and extensive recreation options while remaining more affordable than many Florida coastal communities.
#15. Fort Pierce, FL
Fort Pierce has seen dramatic home value appreciation, climbing from $90,126 in June 2015 to $164,690 in June 2020, reaching $269,899 by November 2024, marking a remarkable 199.5% increase. This growth represents the highest appreciation rate among affordable coastal communities while still maintaining accessible price points.
Known as the “Sunrise City,” Fort Pierce combines historic downtown charm with Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean access. The city features a renovated downtown, historic farmers market, and excellent fishing opportunities while offering more affordable prices than neighboring Treasure Coast communities.
#14. Steinhatchee, FL
Steinhatchee’s home values have risen from $119,760 in June 2015 to $155,818 in June 2020, reaching $265,885 by November 2024, representing a 122.0% increase. This appreciation reflects growing interest in Florida’s Nature Coast while maintaining relatively affordable prices.
This small fishing village offers an authentic Old Florida experience along the Gulf Coast. The community is known for its excellent fishing, scalloping opportunities, and natural beauty while remaining one of Florida’s more affordable coastal destinations.
#13. Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs has experienced home value growth from $142,574 in June 2015 to $181,602 in June 2020, reaching $258,247 by November 2024, marking an 81.1% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s growing appeal while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Known for its thriving arts community and historic downtown, Ocean Springs offers a unique blend of cultural amenities and coastal living. The city features numerous art galleries, restaurants, and access to Gulf Islands National Seashore while remaining more affordable than many coastal communities.
#12. Pensacola, FL
Pensacola’s home values have increased from $118,629 in June 2015 to $174,355 in June 2020, reaching $257,620 by November 2024, showing a 117.2% appreciation. This growth reflects the city’s rising popularity while maintaining more accessible prices than many Florida coastal cities.
As “The City of Five Flags,” Pensacola combines rich historical heritage with modern amenities. The city features a historic downtown, strong military presence with NAS Pensacola, and access to pristine Gulf beaches while offering relatively affordable housing options.
#11. Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach has seen substantial home value growth, rising from $108,761 in June 2015 to $168,410 in June 2020, and reaching $251,750 by November 2024, marking a 131.5% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s ongoing development while maintaining relatively affordable housing options.
Famous for its beach driving, NASCAR heritage, and Bike Week, Daytona Beach offers a unique coastal living experience. The city features its iconic speedway, extensive entertainment options, and 23 miles of white-sand beaches while remaining one of Florida’s more affordable beach cities.
#10. Garden City, GA
Garden City has experienced significant home value appreciation, climbing from $97,408 in June 2015 to $129,761 in June 2020, reaching $235,365 by November 2024, showing a 141.6% increase. This growth reflects the city’s strategic location while maintaining affordable housing options.
Located near the Port of Savannah, Garden City combines industrial significance with coastal access. The community offers proximity to Savannah’s amenities and beaches while maintaining some of the most affordable housing prices in the coastal Georgia region.
#9. Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi’s home values have risen from $148,269 in June 2015 to $182,096 in June 2020, reaching $216,510 by November 2024, representing a 46.0% increase. This moderate appreciation has helped maintain the city’s position as one of Texas’ more affordable coastal communities.
Known as the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” Corpus Christi is a major coastal city offering extensive amenities. The city features the USS Lexington Museum, Texas State Aquarium, and miles of Gulf beaches while maintaining relatively affordable housing prices.
#8. Biloxi, MS
Biloxi has seen home values increase from $133,744 in June 2015 to $163,086 in June 2020, reaching $215,545 by November 2024, marking a 61.2% appreciation. This growth reflects the city’s continued recovery and development while maintaining affordable housing options.
As a major Gulf Coast gaming destination, Biloxi combines casino resorts with historic coastal charm. The city features numerous entertainment options, a thriving seafood industry, and beautiful beaches while offering some of the most affordable coastal living in the Southeast.
#7. Gulfport, MS
Gulfport’s home values have grown from $104,482 in June 2015 to $138,431 in June 2020, reaching $188,962 by November 2024, showing an 80.9% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s recovery and growth while maintaining very accessible housing prices.
As Mississippi’s second-largest city, Gulfport offers a full range of urban amenities along the Gulf Coast. The city features a major seaport, strong military presence with the Naval Construction Battalion Center, and extensive beaches while remaining one of the most affordable coastal cities in the Southeast.
#6. Mobile, AL
Mobile has experienced significant home value growth, rising from $105,139 in June 2015 to $134,444 in June 2020, reaching $187,554 by November 2024, representing a 78.4% increase. This appreciation reflects the city’s economic development while maintaining affordable housing options.
As Alabama’s only saltwater port, Mobile combines historic charm with modern industry. The city features antebellum architecture, major shipbuilding facilities, and access to Gulf beaches while offering some of the most affordable urban coastal living in the Southeast.
#5. Port Lavaca, TX
Port Lavaca’s home values have increased from $121,643 in June 2015 to $154,173 in June 2020, reaching $180,475 by November 2024, showing a 48.4% appreciation. This moderate growth has helped maintain the city’s position as one of Texas’ most affordable coastal communities.
This working port city offers authentic Texas Gulf Coast living. The community features excellent fishing opportunities, birding locations, and industrial employment while maintaining some of the most accessible coastal property prices in Texas.
#4. Pascagoula, MS
Pascagoula has seen home values rise from $82,381 in June 2015 to $98,822 in June 2020, reaching $134,221 by November 2024, marking a 62.9% increase. This growth reflects the city’s industrial strength while maintaining very affordable housing options.
Known for its major shipbuilding industry, Pascagoula offers a working waterfront community experience. The city features the state’s largest employer, Ingalls Shipbuilding, along with access to Gulf beaches and fishing while remaining one of the most affordable coastal cities in the Southeast.
#3. Freeport, TX
Freeport’s home values have grown from $84,118 in June 2015 to $121,374 in June 2020, reaching $128,981 by November 2024, representing a 53.3% increase. This moderate appreciation has helped maintain the city’s position as one of the most affordable coastal communities in Texas.
As a major deepwater port, Freeport combines industrial significance with coastal access. The city features extensive chemical and port facilities, along with nearby beaches and fishing opportunities, while offering some of the most accessible coastal property prices in Texas.
#2. Port Arthur, TX
Port Arthur has experienced modest home value growth from $74,699 in June 2015 to $99,681 in June 2020, reaching $106,595 by November 2024, showing a 42.7% increase. This relatively moderate appreciation has maintained the city’s position as one of the most affordable coastal communities in the Southeast.
Known for its significant oil refining industry, Port Arthur offers a working coastal city environment. The city features major industrial employers, access to Gulf beaches, and Cajun cultural influences while maintaining some of the most affordable coastal housing prices in Texas.
#1. Bayou La Batre, AL
Bayou La Batre’s home values have increased from $54,585 in June 2015 to $69,464 in June 2020, reaching $79,620 by November 2024, marking a 45.9% appreciation. This moderate growth has maintained the city’s position as the most affordable coastal community in the Southeast.
Famous as the “Seafood Capital of Alabama” and for its portrayal in “Forrest Gump,” Bayou La Batre is an authentic working waterfront community. The city features a significant seafood processing industry, shipbuilding facilities, and access to Gulf fishing while offering the most accessible coastal property prices in the southeastern United States.
