Places to Live in California Near the Beach: With around 1,000 miles of beaches, a vibrant culinary scene, diverse culture, and a robust job market, California is a dream destination for many. If you’ve always dreamt of living in a coastal city, you’ll find many in this beautiful state.
However, enjoying the Golden State’s incredible offerings often comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of living in California is significantly higher than in most other states of the country. But this shouldn’t discourage you. You can still enjoy California’s stunning coastline here without breaking the bank.
Wondering where to begin? We’ve done the research for you.
Dive into our list of the most affordable places to live in California near the beach in 2024:
Ventura #1
If you’re looking for easy access to Los Angeles’ bustling entertainment scene without the burgeoning costs, Ventura may be a perfect choice. Only one hour away from LA, this beautiful coastal town offers a scenic escape from the hustle & bustle of the big city.
It is home to plenty of parks and offers many beachside outdoor recreational activities. If you’re a foodie, the town is also home to a historic Downtown area that features plenty of excellent restaurants.
What’s more? You’ll also find numerous hospitals and schools here. Buying a house here would mean splurging around $790K. But the average rent here is around $2,200 which makes it a relatively affordable choice as compared to most other beach towns in the state.
Imperial Beach #2
Relocating with family? Imperial Beach may be a perfect choice. Located only a 15-minute drive away from Downtown San Diego, this coastal town comes with a host of unique offerings. From biking at Slough National Wildlife Refuge, indulging in a delectable meal at one of the numerous restaurants along Seacoast Drive to enjoying a fun outing at the beach, there are endless activities to enjoy here.
Couple that with a low crime rate and many excellent schools. Renting a one-bedroom apartment here will cost around $1,895 whereas buying a house would mean spending around $740K. Considering its attractive offerings, it is an affordable choice.
Oceano #3
Perched near Grover Beach, Oceano is an affordable gem with plenty to offer. Enjoy a thrilling ride over sand dunes at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Area, pamper yourself with a shopping spree Downtown or enjoy surfing at the Pismo State Beach, there is an array of recreational activities on offer here.
Although this scenic coastal town doesn’t have as many amenities as the nearby Grover Beach, it is still an excellent pocket-friendly choice. The median home price here is around $689K, significantly less than the state average. If you’d prefer to rent, you can find many options at around $2,510.
Arcata #4
Looking for a vibrant college town vibe? Head to Arcata.
Nestled in Humboldt County, it is home to Humboldt State University and features a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are numerous arts and theatre events held frequently in this lively town. It also has a charming Downtown area that features many shops and restaurants.
Love an active lifestyle? Arcata is surrounded by lush forests and it is only a short drive away from the Redwoods National and State Parks. The median rent here for a one-bedroom apartment is around $987 while the median home price is $525K. It is one of the most affordable places to live in California near the beach.
Eureka #5
Love spending time amidst nature? Eureka may be a perfect place. It is home to a stunning waterfront and the beautiful Sequoia Park which features numerous trails through the Redwood forest, sparkling ponds, and lush meadows amongst other attractions.
If you’re a history buff, the city has a historic Old Town that features Victorian-style architecture. You’ll also find many restaurants and shops here. The median home price here is around $424K and the median rent is around $900 which makes it an affordable gem in the Golden State.
Long Beach #6
Only a 30-minute drive away from Downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach is a lively coastal city. It is home to an active LGBTQ+ community and features a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to plenty of art galleries, performing arts venues, and theatres.
What’s more?
It has numerous biking trails and beautiful parks, offering a host of outdoor recreational activities.
Couple that with easy access to the pristine SoCal beaches. Rental prices average around $1,795 for a one-bedroom apartment. Looking to buy a house? The median home price is $750K, slightly less than the state average. Certain neighbourhoods are safer than others so keep that in mind while choosing a location here.
Oxnard #7
Only an hour away from Los Angeles, Oxnard offers the perfect combination of lush natural beauty with access to the big city entertainment scene. Located in Ventura County, it is known for its picturesque beaches and abundance of outdoor recreational activities.
What’s more?
The coastal city also has a rich history and culture.
It is home to the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District where you can find many buildings featuring Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, and Period Revival bungalow-style architecture along with numerous charming boutiques and restaurants. It also has two automotive museums. Several local events are held throughout the year that bring the community together.
The median house price here is around $675k, lower than the state average. It is also a relatively affordable choice for renters with the median rent price being $2,175.
Samoa #8
Nestled on a peninsula between Arcata Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Samoa is a small town that exudes a serene suburban vibe. From exploring the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area to soaking in some history at Humboldt Maritime Museum, there are numerous recreational activities to enjoy here. Although the town doesn’t have as lively an entertainment scene as many others on the list, its biggest draw is its affordability.
You can rent a spacious apartment for around $1,375 or buy a house for around $390K. This is one of the most affordable coastal towns in the state.
Oceanside #9
Looking for an affordable place near San Diego? Oceanside may be a perfect option. The scenic coastal town has a lively entertainment scene and a stunning waterfront that features many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It also has a beautiful pier, perfect for enjoying a stroll and fishing. Its proximity to San Diego offers easy access to the metropolitan’s plentiful amenities and entertainment options.
You can call this beautiful place home by splurging around $795K on a house. Looking to rent? The average rent here is around $2,195.
Grover Beach #10
If you’re an adventure junkie, Grover Beach won’t disappoint. From enjoying thrilling rides on its sand dunes to indulging in a plethora of water activities on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. Located almost in the middle between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it allows residents to easily access the vibrant entertainment options in these big cities.
What’s more? It has a low crime rate and numerous excellent schools. With the median home price being around $699K, it offers relatively affordable housing options as compared to most other coastal towns in the state. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is also low at $1,700.
So, choose the one that speaks to you and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life in a scenic coastal town in this incredible State.
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FAQs:
Q. Where is the cheapest place to live near the ocean?
Oxnard and Ventura are amongst the cheapest places to live near the ocean in California.
Q. What is the most affordable and safest place to live in California?
Pacheco is the most affordable and safest place to live in the Golden State.
Q. What is the best beach town to live in California?
Malibu is the best beach town to live in California.
Very nice!