This Is One of the Most Affordable Beach Towns in the U.S., Study Finds

The median home price in this Gulf of Mexico coastal town is under $200,000.

Beach living is often synonymous with a higher cost of living and expensive real estate, but according to a new report by GoBankingRates, that’s not always the case. The website ranked beach towns around the country according to factors such as the cost of groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and home prices.

So, if you are looking for an affordable waterfront community to call home, consider Texas, as the Lone Star state is home to six of the top 10 destinations on the list, including the town of Port Lavaca, which ranked second.

As of August 2023, the median home value in this town along Lavaca Bay was just $170,500, and the annual cost of living was 77.1, lower than the country’s average.

The town is home to a little over 11,000 residents and it is located about two hours away from four major cities — Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio — making it ideal for remote workers or retirees. Winters here are milder and allow residents to spend time outdoors enjoying the area.

Saltwater fishing is a favorite pastime activity thanks to the town’s marina and several piers where anglers often line up during the day and night. Those who’d like to stay more active can also rent a kayak and explore the coastline from the water. Indianola Fishing Marina is one of the most popular spots for dining, fishing, and hanging out since it features a public boat launch and a waterfront restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bird-watching enthusiasts may have already heard the name Port Lavaca, as the town is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, where over 400 species of birds can be observed. Grab a pair of binoculars and head to Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary, Magic Ridge, or the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area for a chance to spot Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, and different species of gulls.

Port Lavaca is also an excellent destination for beach lovers as it is just a quick 10-mile drive from Magnolia Beach Park, the only natural shell beach on the Gulf Coast. Other popular spots include Lighthouse Beach and Alamo Beach.

The town’s historic main drag is lined with businesses, some of which date back to 1917 and include Main Street Theatre, founded in the 1930s.

Other Texas towns on GoBankingRates.com’s list of most affordable beach towns are Port Arthur and Palacios. You can read the full report on gobankingrates.com.

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