This Small Florida Town Is One of the Most Affordable Places to Buy a Beach House in the U.S.
Surf, sand, and sunset views galore.
South Florida's picture-perfect oceanfront landscapes and sun-kissed beaches have always been a draw for vacationers and second-home buyers. But for the past few years, the real estate market in the Sunshine State has been sizzling hot, with demand for prime beachfront real estate at an all-time high, driving home prices in popular destinations into the stratosphere.
That doesn't mean owning a vacation home in Florida is completely out of reach. In fact, one of the most affordable beachfront towns for homeowners in 2022, according to Realtor.com, is located between two of the most exclusive communities in the state: Palm Beach and Miami. But homes there come with a much lower price tag.
We are talking about the small town of Deerfield Beach, where the median listing home price as of June 21 was $270,000, according to Realtor.com. (The median home sales price in the U.S. as of Q1 of 2023 is $436,800, according to the Motley Fool, and the average home price in Florida is $383,000.)
"Deerfield Beach is a bit of a hidden gem and offers the benefits of seaside living at a much lower price. There's lots of variety when it comes to homes, with more expensive homes right on the water and less expensive options further inland," Clare Trapasso, Realtor.com's executive news editor, told Travel + Leisure.
With 554 homes for sale across 14 neighborhoods right now ranging from $37,500 to $6.2 million, Deerfield Beach has a residence to match many buyers' preferences — and budgets.
But what makes this sunny town, home to about 86,000 residents, a great vacation home destination is the variety of activities, natural sights, and resort-style amenities that it offers visitors of all ages.
While the South Florida shoreline has no shortage of fantastic beaches, Deerfield Beach stands out with its "Blue Wave" beach status, designated by the National Clean Beaches Coalition. (A Blue Wave certification means a beach meets strict criteria for health, cleanliness, and safety.)
And while the crystal-clear and clean waters of the Atlantic Ocean — and the endless recreational opportunities they provide — are certainly a draw, the town's main attraction is the International Fishing Pier, a 976-foot pier, where fishing enthusiasts and onlookers flock daily.
The town is also home to Quiet Waters Park, where amenities include campgrounds, a marina, and the longest cable water-skiing course in the country. Travelers also love walking along Deerfield Beach's boardwalk, beautifully framed by swaying palms, and grabbing a bite in one of the many eateries that offer the freshest, locally caught seafood — often with a side of gorgeous ocean vistas.
For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
