The 10 Best U.S. Beach Towns to Live In

Elizabeth Rhodes
·4 min read

Ocean breezes, endless sunshine, daily walks along the sand, and a laid-back way of life all entice Americans to relocate to the country's many beach towns. From charming cities on the California coast to Florida's popular shores, there are dozens of destinations to consider, so it can be hard to pick one as your new home.

Related: More beach vacation ideas

Thankfully, personal finance site WalletHub has determined the best beach towns to live in around the United States, ranking them according to 63 indicators, including affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and overall quality of life. The top 10 ocean towns to live in (listed below) are unsurprisingly concentrated in states boasting ample coastline, like Florida, California, and Hawaii.

WalletHub also looked at data like violent crime rates, water temperatures, nightlife establishments and restaurants per capita, and more to help you make the right decision. And while our list focuses on beach towns near the ocean, the site also rounded up the best lake beach towns to live in (Traverse City, Michigan; Folsom, California; and Redmond, Washington snagged the top three spots, with others in North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin in the top 10).

Related: 17 Delightful U.S. Beach Towns With Laid-back Vibes and Stunning Coastal Views

1. Naples, Florida

Naples pier, Florida entrance sign with palm trees and American flag on flagpole in wealthy neighborhood community
Naples pier, Florida entrance sign with palm trees and American flag on flagpole in wealthy neighborhood community

Getty Images

Out of 145 oceanside beach towns, Naples, Florida, took the top spot with its unbeatable quality of life and relative affordability. Located on Florida's Paradise Coast along the Gulf of Mexico, the town offers lots to see and do, including pristine, white-sand beaches and day trips to nearby Everglades National Park.

2. Lahaina, Hawaii

Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, A beautiful sunny view of Lahaina with blue sky and clouds from the pacific ocean.
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, A beautiful sunny view of Lahaina with blue sky and clouds from the pacific ocean.

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Lahaina, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii, was ranked highly for its quality of life and safety in WalletHub's study. The town is packed with history, art, and culture, and during the winter, it's a great place to go whale watching.

3. Boca Raton, Florida

A kitchen counter with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront from a condo residence in Boca Raton, FL.
A kitchen counter with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront from a condo residence in Boca Raton, FL.

Dan Forer/Getty Images

Home to great golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and of course, beautiful Atlantic beaches, Boca Raton really has it all. The town earned high marks for its affordability, weather, economy, and quality of life.

4. Newport Beach, California

The beautiful view from little Corona State Beach in Corona Del Mar or "CDM" in Southern California. CDM is part of Newport Beach.
The beautiful view from little Corona State Beach in Corona Del Mar or "CDM" in Southern California. CDM is part of Newport Beach.

Getty Images

Located south of Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast, Newport Beach was among the top 15 cities for health and education and quality of life, according to Wallethub. There's plenty to see and do across the city's 10 neighborhoods, including boating, hiking, water sports, whale watching, and more.

5. Santa Monica, California

Stock photograph of Colorful Beach Homes and Hotels in Santa Monica California USA on a sunny day
Stock photograph of Colorful Beach Homes and Hotels in Santa Monica California USA on a sunny day

Getty Images

Combine the perks of living in a large city, a beachy atmosphere, and coastal views in Santa Monica, California — the city ranked third for its great quality of life. Located a short distance from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is home to nearly four miles of beaches and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

6. Sarasota, Florida

Scenic View Of Harbor And Sea Against Sky During Sunset
Scenic View Of Harbor And Sea Against Sky During Sunset

Lucinda Lee/EyeEm/Getty Images

Another destination ranked highly for its quality of life, Sarasota, Florida, is a Gulf Coast gem. Sarasota has a range of unique attractions, including the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which features a collection of circus antiques. Nearby Lido Key and Siesta Key offer beautiful sandy beaches.

7. Kailua, Hawaii

The sunrise lights up the high-end homes of the Lanikai neighborhood. This is the view from Lanikai Pillbox trail.
The sunrise lights up the high-end homes of the Lanikai neighborhood. This is the view from Lanikai Pillbox trail.

Getty Images

Located on the island of Oahu, Kailua offers residents the best of both worlds, with incredible beaches and outdoor activities just a short drive from the bustle of Hawaii's capital city, Honolulu.

8. Carlsbad, California

People enjoying the South Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad, CA
People enjoying the South Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad, CA

Marcel Fuentes/Getty Images

With miles of shoreline, golf courses, breweries, and family-friendly attractions like Legoland California, Carlsbad has lots to offer both visitors and residents of all ages. Plus, it's under an hour's drive from nearby San Diego.

9. Encinitas, California

Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA at sunset
Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, CA at sunset

Getty Images

Just about 10 miles south of Carlsbad, Encinitas provides many of the same perks — great weather, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back feel. This Southern California city is also known for its great surfing and colorful gardens.

10. Vero Beach, Florida

Residential community on the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida.
Residential community on the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida.

John Coletti/Getty Images

Located on Florida's Atlantic coast, Vero Beach scored well for weather, safety, and quality of life. Living in Vero Beach means easy access to the beaches and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including water sports and fishing.