Many people dream of owning a beach home. Imagine waking up to the sounds of waves breaking on the shore. Sipping a cup of coffee while you look out at the sun glimmering against the ocean.
While a coastal lifestyle may seem idyllic, there are pros and cons of buying beachfront property, just like everywhere else. We’ll look at the arguments for and against it to help answer the question: Is buying a home near the beach worth the cost?
Why it’s worth the cost
People pay to visit where you live
Let’s take a look at a place like Orange Beach, AL for instance. Whether you buy in the city itself, or the areas around Orange Beach, you’re spending your days and nights in a vacation spot.
Orange Beach is an extremely popular tourist destination. People plan and save all year just to spend a few days there. While you may not actually be on a permanent vacation, it’ll sure feel like it!
The beach lifestyle
To do sunrise yoga at the beach or to go for an afternoon swim, you barely have to leave your home. You don’t have to take your car with you, park it, or plan your fun in the sun around traffic patterns.
You can put your toes in sand just a few steps from your front door. Every morning you will be greeted by beautiful sunrises and the ocean breezes every evening.
You’ll never be bored
There is always something to do. Take a walk to find seashells. You can spend the day paddling, kayaking, surfing, or playing in the sand together.
Dolphin sightings are always a possibility. Or, just relax on the deck and enjoy a glass of wine or a book. There’s no such thing as being bored when you live near the beach.
The fresh air
Take advantage of the oceanside breezes by opening your windows. Cool ocean breezes are an asset to your health and mental well-being.
During those hot Orange Beach summer months, you can prop your doors open and create a cross-breeze. Not only does it feel great, but you can lower your cooling costs as well.
Home value
When compared to homes that aren’t near the beach, your home’s value will be considerably higher. Even smaller homes with less amenities will have a higher value than their larger, landlocked counterparts.
It’s no secret that oceanfront land is in high demand. For this reason, homes near the beach have a tendency to hold their value longer, and appreciate more over time.
Supplemental income
Want to live in a home that offers you the chance to make some additional money? Owning a home near the beach is a perfect extra earner.
Renting out your beach house is a great way to make extra cash if you enjoy traveling or simply need a little more income. While the spring and summer are the most popular times to rent homes near the beach, often the fall months are booked too!
Rent your home out to tourists when you’re taking your own vacation. You have the potential to make enough to cover a month or two in mortgage payments in as little as a week.
Things to consider
Sand
While this may not seem like a huge deal, just ask anyone that lives near the beach how frustrating this can be. Your house will have sand. Like, everywhere.
It doesn’t matter how many times you vacuum and sweep. It doesn’t matter if there is an outdoor shower. Or, even if you have multiple spots outside for people to clean up the sand before they enter your home. Living on the beach means accepting a little bit of sand.
Salty air
Unfortunately, that lovely, salty scent from an ocean breeze comes at a cost. Salty air, combined with higher humidity, can cause damage to your home, car, and outdoor equipment.
Exterior maintenance is a must to protect your home and possessions no matter where you live. It’s even more necessary than for those who live further from the water.
Hopefully, your new home near the beach will come equipped with a garage. If not, consider other measures. Building a shed or investing in car covers can protect your belongings and save you money in the long run.
Tourists
It can be quite annoying to live here during tourist season. It is the peak season at the beach and can be quite irritating for those who live there year round.
Parking on the curb, blocking your driveway and trying to access the beach from your property will be some of the problems. All of this is part and parcel to oceanside living.
This is a simple fix though. You can rent out your house during summer to make extra money and travel around the world.
Insurance
When you choose to live near the beach, chances are your homeowners insurance will be very expensive. Places like Orange Beach are vulnerable to hurricanes, other storms, rising sea levels and beach erosion. Weather-related damage and other elements are more common.
Insurance companies charge more for properties on the beach than properties elsewhere. This should be taken into consideration by your mortgage broker when determining affordability.
Visitors
The stream of friends and family wanting to visit will seem endless. This can be either a positive or negative. A beach house is like having a boat. You’ll find a lot more friends than you thought.
If you love having visitors and hosting social events, then great! This shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, if you move near the beach for peace and solitude, this can get a little annoying.
The bottom line
Just like anywhere else, only you can decide if coastal living is the right choice for you and your loved ones. Do your research, and weigh out the pros and cons. We know you’ll make the right decision!
