The data team at Realtor.com found the U.S. towns where buyers can find the most affordable homes near the water. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Bring a bag with you, just in case you get lucky on your search! So what are you waiting for? They both overflow with charm, cute shops, and quaint restaurants enticing visitors to stay longer than they'd planned. The area, founded in 1559, stands as on of the first European settlement in the New World. There are also many shops and restaurants in the town center. The city has gorgeous historic architecture and a robust downtown with its Southern charm. Buyers looking for a deal can check out this three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo with a private beach on the market for $150,000. For visits during low tide, walk out to the expansive sandbars to explore the harbor. That said, Madison itself offers visitors plenty of interesting places to visit, including four beaches (three run by the town and one by the state) to choose from, and the Miegs Point Nature Center (located within the State Park) is a must for wildlife lovers. There are excellent beaches in Milford, and this is one of the biggest attractions of living in this area. This is the perfect place to relax after you've washed the sand from your hair. Water Street) lined with cute shops housed in 18th- and 19th-century buildings, you'll find fabulous restaurants and the small but beautiful duBois Beach. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. The main stretch of sand, Clinton Town Beach, faces the entrance to Clinton Harbor and offers an access area for kayaks, a playground, a dog walking trail and a shaded pavilion, among other amenities. Before packing up for the day, make a pit stop at Meigs Point Nature Center, where more than 50 species of local wildlife are on display in various exhibits. Connecticut. Another popular option is the small sandy beach at Bradley Point Park, where you can stroll along the 1.7-mile-long waterfront path that connects to Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary. Top 50 Most Affordable Beach Towns Note: All figures shown are averages in each city. Don't miss the outdoor Fairfield Farmers Market, where you can grab delectables like fresh honey, kombucha, and the freshest kale every Saturday from June 14th to October 4th. Best Connecticut Coastal Towns - New England Surrounded by water on three sides, Waterford offers two can't-miss stretches of sand. If you are renting rather than buying a property, then this is a good place to live as it has the lowest rental prices in the state. You can go deep-sea fishing, be on a barrier island, then have a nice dinner at one of our casinos.. City of Milford 10. You will find plenty of things to do in Madison, whether you are looking to relax on the beach or explore the towns shops and restaurants. The cost of living in this city is 12 percent lower than the state average. With so many beaches to choose from in such a small space, it's easy to see why Fairfield tops our list of the best beach towns in Connecticut. The white-sand beaches of Gulfport, situated about halfway between Mississippis border with Louisiana and the Alabama border, tops our list once again. TheEPAreports that many cities, states, and regions have recorded changes in their rainfall, which has led, Read More The 20 Worst U.S. Cities for Climate ChangeContinue. The area also offers lots of shopping centers, casinos, sailing, and water-skiing. While the Nutmeg State may not be the first to come to mind when planning a sunny beach vacation, rest assured that this East Coast gem offers a boatload of beautiful beaches, and enough charming beach towns to find the perfect place for a weekend getaway. It is also the second most affordable city in terms of property prices, with the median property price at just over $82,000. Some of the best things to do in Mystic include visiting the Mystic Aquarium, going on a boat tour, and exploring the Mystic Seaport Museum. These are seven of the best beach towns in Connecticut. One of the cutest waterfront villages in all of New England, Mystic technically only has one public beach in town! Beach devotees looking to live on Navarre Beach can score a condo for around $450,000. The city is perched on the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula, where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay near its mouth to the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you'll also find cute museums like the Hyland House, Thomas Griswold House, and Henry Whitfield State Museum. The Bay State's best beach towns: New ranking names the Top 25 places to summer in Massachusetts. Is this familiar? federal listing of beaches and their locations, decent-sized, three-bedroom home in the bay, U.S. Home Prices Are Up, Down, and All Over the PlaceSee How Theyre Faring Where You Live, The Cities Where Homes Are Still Selling at Breakneck Speedand the Ones Where Sales Have Slowed Down Most. And hes right: In Mystic, CT, just a few miles east, homes near the beach cost more than three times as much per square foot. You won't find signs to direct you to this hidden gem, so keep your eyes peeled. Calf Pasture Beach which is named for the 17th-century settlers who used the land for grazing cattle draws visitors looking to kayak, swim and enjoy amenities like sand volleyball courts and a skate park. From the tip of Stonington Point, which lies on a peninsula mere steps from the beach, you can enjoy panoramic views of three states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. Boasting a laid-back summer vibe, this town's quirky shops and low-key (yet yummy) restaurants make visitors feel immediately at home. SC Beach Towns You Can Actually Afford To Live In - YouTube It's across the street from the beach. Another beach town in Connecticut that is worth a visit is Westport. On the other hand, renting a property is quite expensive compared to other areas in Connecticut. North Beach boasts a boardwalk with a dedicated bike path and plenty of shops. Amy Hartle is the owner and editor of New England With Love, a comprehensive resource for travel in the New England region. Source: SmartAsset 2022 Study Get the data Embed The town of Madison has so many quaint small-town things to do and cute places to stay, too! How You Can Invest in Real Estate With Only $1,000, 10 Reasons Flexmls is a Superior Real Estate Product, The 20 Best Places to Live in California Near the Beach, The 10 Best Places to Live in Oregon for Families, The 20 Worst U.S. Cities for Climate Change, The 20 Worst Places to Live in Connecticut, Restaurants that Serve The Best Pizzas In Connecticut, The 20 Best Places to Get Breakfast in Connecticut, The 20 Richest Towns in Connecticut in 2022, The 20 Best Places for Single Moms to Live in Europe, How Floyd Mayweather Achieved a Net Worth Is $560 Million, The 20 Best Places to Live in New York for Families, How Steve Harvey Achieved a Net Worth of $120 Million, The Five Most Expensive Samurai Swords in The World. The town offers plenty of options for fishing and boating as well as fine dining. Featuring fine golden sand, plenty of paths, and a wooden fishing pier, it's easy to forget you're in Connecticut when visiting this beach. For around $270,000, beach lovers can get a decent-sized, three-bedroom home in the bay located less than a mile from the water. The most affordable beach towns of 2023 have been unveiled by realtor.com, . The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Aim to arrive at sunset to witness breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. Check out Inn at Ocean Avenue for a historic B&B experience that will be the perfect cap to your New London stay! Not sure where to visit first? The beach also offers a place to launch smaller boats, kayaks, and canoes (from the nearby Madera Park). Author's tip: Walnut Beach Creamery offers handmade ice cream so delicious, it literally melts in your mouth. If you're looking to walk along fine, soft sand; swim through calm waters; kayak; or SUP, you'll love any time spent in Madison. Keep in mind, though, that many Connecticut beaches charge admission or parking fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so plan accordingly. Amy lived in Vermont for 15 years, attended Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and continues to travel regularly around the entire New England region. If you are moving to Connecticut, then you will find that the affordability of areas varies significantly. In the 15th position on this list of the most affordable places to live in Connecticut is Hartford, which is the capital of the state, although it is only the third-largest city in Connecticut. Technically Stonington Borough, this tiny suburb has been dubbed one of the prettiest coastal towns in New England. Between Anchor, Gulf, Walnut, Woodmont, and Middle (the closest to the town's main amenities) beaches, there is a bevy of glistening strands to choose from. And 40 miles away, you can hit spectacular Virginia Beach, the best in the state. Everywhere from Connecticut to California. High Tides, Low Prices: America's 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns To Buy A Home, According - TravelAwaits 7+ Best Beach Towns in Connecticut [Surprising] While this sandy beach might not be the best spot to take a dip, that hasnt scared off new residents who are drawn by the lower prices. In addition to its beaches, Greenwich Point Park (aka Tods Point) also has walking trails for a scenic waterfront nature walk and is one of the most beautiful places in the Nutmeg State, so be sure to visit while in Greenwich. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Non-residents can expect to pay $40 per car on weekdays and $65 on weekends and holidays. A local real estate agent can answer questions, give guidance, and schedule home tours. Deerfield Beach, Florida. Yes, both areas are on Long Island and both have beachesbut thats where the resemblance ends. Its a place where I can sit and clear my head. Read our list of the best beach towns in Connecticut. Bridgeport 8. In addition to the museum, Mystic is known for its quaint shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery. With miles of coastline on Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. And for about $100,000 more, beach lovers can get a four-bedroom home thats literally just around the corner from Ocean Beach. Located mere steps from busy Washington Street, this popular part of town is known locally as SoNo (a.k.a. Median list price:$224,900 Median price per square foot:$144 2. Top 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns 1. The affluent Connecticut town actually ranks as the most affordable ocean-facing beach town in America, according to a new WalletHub survey released Wednesday. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The lifestyle an area offers is often one of the essential criteria for those who want, Read More The 20 Best Places to Live in California Near the BeachContinue, Oregon is well past its Wild West days, and it has become one of the most desirable places in all of the majestic Pacific Northwest. People here dont have to go into Philadelphia [about an hour northwest] for live music or the nightlife.. It is home to some of the states best beaches, including West Beach and East Beach. 7. Not many would believe it. Connecticut's most populous city is home to some of its most beautiful beaches. 11) Fairfield. The cost of living there is low, and the median house price is $195,000. Newport News has one of the richest histories of any place on our list. And consider this geographic head-scratcher: Crescent City, about 20 miles south of the Oregon border, is the northernmost location of any beach town on this years list. You probably don't have time to hunt that hard for beach-day bliss. This picturesque coastline is an ideal spot for swimming, saltwater fishing and scavenging for seashells. Atlantic City is the country's most affordable beach town for the second year in a row according to Realtor.com. East Lyme is also home to a few town beaches that non-residents can buy day or season passes for, but theres more to this beach town in Connecticut than just beaches! I was so excited to visit the Connecticut beaches. Those who dont like to get wet can go fishing on the pier or pedal along a scenic bike path. Located steps from the beach, this gourmet treat shop features unique flavors like Grapenuts, Holy Canolli, and Twix. New London still has the same feel its had for a long time., Median price within 1 mile of a beach: $309,500 Median price per square foot within 1 mile of a beach: $190. North Beach is located on the Chesapeake Bay, about 30 miles east-southeast from Washington, DC. By proceeding, you consent to receive calls and texts at the number you provided, including marketing by autodialer and prerecorded and artificial voice, and email, from Realtor.com and othersPersons who may contact you include real estate professionals such as agents and brokers, mortgage professionals such as lenders and mortgage brokers, realtor.com and its affiliates, insurers or their agents, and those who may be assisting any of the foregoing. You can walk the picturesque boardwalk, explore the woodland, and of course, swim. The streets are empty and devoid of some of the summer-based charm. Also, during the summer, the beach hosts multiple Family Movie Nights. Harvey's Beach is a definite draw with its fine sand and calm waters. Yes, you'll hear (and see) trains rumble past every once in a while, but to many, this only adds to the park's allure. Residents of the town are just across the Santa Rosa Sound from Santa Rosa Islands Navarre Beach. What follows are the most affordable beach towns Realtor.com identified for 2022. Sunbathers at McGee Beach can rent cabanas as well as personal watercrafts and pedal boats. For non-New Englanders, Connecticut might not be the first place that comes to mind when envisioning affordable beach towns. The average home price here is $597,900. From quaint small towns to more cosmopolitan cities like Stamford and Hartford, you won't get bored in the Nutmeg State. The median rent is significantly lower than the average for the state, and the median property price is around $227,000. 6 Connecticut Beach Getaways | Visit CT When it comes to beach towns in Connecticut, Old Saybrook has a lot to offer those in search of spectacular coastal views! 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Connecticut, 17 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hartford, CT, 15 Best Attractions & Things to Do in New Haven, CT, Connecticut in Pictures: 26 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 11 Best Places for Camping in Connecticut, 16 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Connecticut, 17 Top-Rated Things to Do in Litchfield, CT, New Haven in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 8 Stunning Beaches on the Makarska Riviera, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Top Attractions & Things to Do in Greenwich. If you're looking to walk hundreds of yards along sandbars, spotting crabs with each step, low tide is where it's at. You can't visit Norwalk without stopping to see the seals and touch a stingray at the impressive Maritime Aquarium. The 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers, 2021 By Erica Sweeney They range in style from Federal to post-Revolutionary to Greek Revival to Italian Renaissance Revival. You can enter for free, but you'll have to pay for parking. Atlantic City, famed for its casinos and boardwalk, almost always ends up on the list of affordable beach towns. You can find Meriden halfway between Hartford and New Haven in the central part of Connecticut. Population 4,354. Meanwhile, Shady Beach which sits immediately east of Calf Pasture Beach is a great place to have a cookout since the beach offers grills and picnic tables (rental fees may apply on select days). 2023 Best Places to Live in Connecticut - Niche (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The Town Beach sits between two private sections of the White Sand Beach Association. For example, there are good schools, a lively nightlife, a diverse community, and lots of outdoor activities. Groton has a population of approximately 40 thousand people. The 10 Best Places to Retire in Connecticut - NewHomeSource Or for about $100,000 less, you can own a free-standing home on the inside of the Santa Rosa Sound. 5 Beach Towns You Can Actually Afford - Southern Living It overtook 2020's winner Gulfport, a Magnolia State neighbor located approximately 13 miles west. This is one of the barrier islands that make up Fire Island National Seashore. There are also plenty of pretty parks and outstanding restaurants in the area, which has a dense suburban feel. Hartford is notable for its historical landmarks and its employment opportunities in various sectors. It is a relatively small town, with a population of just over 27 thousand. The 20 Most Affordable Places to Live in Connecticut By Liz Flynn Posted on April 21, 2023 Everyone has different priorities when they are choosing an area to make their home. Head to the charming coastal town of Westport if your main objective is to unwind while on vacation. Eisenhower Park is a winner with kids (hello, playground and splash pad), as well as tennis aficionados. There are so many great places to stay in Mystic, but for a historic Mystic hotel experience that is just right around the corner from Mystic River Park, consider a stay at The Whalers Inn. Only locations with at least 50 properties within a mile of the water in the past year were included. Median list price: $309,500 Whether you plan to spend time at nearby duBois Beach (a soft, sliver of sand perched at the tip of nearby Stonington Point) or hope to play games at the rockier Esker Point Beach in Groton, Mystic is the perfect beach town to use as a base. Be sure to visit in summer on a Monday night when the park hosts its seasonal Cruise Nights event, which features antique cars driving past the beach while a live DJ plays classic tunes. You can walk through.. View nearby homes. For$225,000, buyers can find a fully renovated condo within a five-minute walk to the beach. Maybe youre thinking a beach home could be your second home or vacation getaway. For more content like this follow. Westport, CT Rated the Most Affordable Beach Town in America in New Anyone yearning for the friendliness of a small town and the resources of a large city should visit Fairfield. It was relatively unknown and less expensive than the Los Angeles area where shes from. Town of Manchester 5. The town is also home to the Westport Country Playhouse, a famous theater. There's also Pleasure Beach, a triangular barrier island that once contained a popular amusement park before fires destroyed it and the only bridge leading to the mainland. FBS offers two products which are designed to assist companies in providing services to their customers. What Is Your Favorite Affordable Beach Town? (West Haven, Milford For some people, the emphasis is on living in the catchment area of the top schools, while finding employment is an incentive for others. Newport News, Va. about your inquiry and other home-related matters, but not as a condition of any purchase. Over 300 miles of shoreline cling to the southern side of the state, which extends from Greenwich in the west to Stonington in the east. On summer nights there are concerts, free movies, and fireworks. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Williams Beach Park is 120 feet of quaint and cozy sandy shore that is hosted by the Ocean Community YMCA, with a nice playground for the kiddos to play on when they tire of splashing in the water. Hammonasset Beach State Park is the main draw in beautiful Madison, one of the best beach towns in Connecticut. Its a true seaport town. Madison is a small town located on the shoreline of Connecticut. Another local favorite is Harvey's Beach, which offers warm, shallow waters and 300 feet of shoreline, making it popular among families. What it lacks in size, though, it makes up for with clean, clear water and a perfect sandy base. Looking to score major points with your kids? According to Only In Your State, the cost of living in Norwich is 12 percent lower than the state average. At high tide, spend the bulk of your time wading in the warm water. Walk along the town's quaint and historic Main Street, where you'll find shops ranging from Lululemon to teen-fave Brandy Melville. Meriden is in the central part of Connecticut, also known as the Constitution State, between Hartford and New Haven. Median price within 1 mile of a beach: $200,000 Median price per square foot within 1 mile of a beach: $150. If your perfect beach trip involves soaking up some sun, visit Clinton. Spend several hours on one of two beaches in McCook Point Park before venturing up the nearby bluff for a picnic lunch. This CT beach town is a popular coastal escape from NY, and its no wonder when you take into consideration how beautifully kept the beaches of Greenwich are! Ocean Beach Park is also home to a boardwalk, an arcade, food stands, a mini-golf course, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and so much more. Msg/data rates may apply. Town of East Hampton 3. Meanwhile, Short Beach appeals to visitors looking to stretch their legs, as it offers a calisthenics course, a playground and courts for various recreational sports. Most affordable beach town in CT : r/Connecticut - Reddit As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers in 2023, According to Realtor.com. Popular with kayakers, swimmers, and tiny tots armed with shovels, this 25-acre strand requires out-of-towners to purchase a daily pass for a visit. If you hit the beach early in the morning or late at night, however, you can access the area for free. They range from sandy beaches to rocky shores, from splashy playgrounds buzzing with bar scenes and family activities to quiet seasides where cracking open a book while sipping a spiced mojito is de rigueur. 15 Charming Beach Towns You Can Visit on a Budget New Bedford, Massachusetts Median list price: The cost of living is high in New Bedford, running about 7% above the U.S. average. No worries. It has 192 square miles of shoreline. When it comes to beach towns in Connecticut, you can find white soft sand beaches perfect for wriggling your toes in the sand and cute coastal towns that are absolutely ideal for spending a day enjoying that crisp coastal breeze! Few towns are as charming as Old Saybrook. Our last beach was in Mystic. There are plenty of fun things to do in this wealthy beach town, like shopping the designer stores on Greenwich Ave, and if youre looking for a lavish place to rest your head at night, the Delamar is one of the best hotels in New England for a luxury getaway! (Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com) 1. Westport, CT West Haven Clinton, CT East Lyme Stratford Fairfield Bridgeport Norwalk Old Saybrook Waterford, CT Belongs on List? Thats a testament to the enormous size of the Golden State. New London is like a little gem of affordability, says Keith Turner, mortgage lender with Homestead Funding, in New London. Hartford 6. Read our list of the best beach towns in Connecticut. The town is also home to the Westport Country Playhouse, a famous theater. Median price within 1 mile of a beach: $414,990 Median price per square foot within 1 mile of a beach: $256.