Waking up to a stunning waterscape just outside your doorstep is the quintessential vacation experience for many. Whether it’s a tranquil babbling brook, a leisurely winding river, a private boat dock, or the mesmerizing crash of ocean waves, the dream of a perfect home often revolves around being close to water. However, with the capriciousness of weather and the rapidly escalating property prices, determining the most suitable location to purchase a waterfront property can be challenging. Even if it’s intended for use during a few vacations throughout the year, it must fit within your budget for year-round maintenance.
If you’re exploring the U.S. for an appealing waterfront deal, your first step should involve deciding the type of water body you desire to be close to: bay, gulf, lake, ocean, river, and so on. Following this, you can focus your search on properties within your budget located in these chosen areas. Below, we’ve already identified some of the prime destinations to consider for buying a waterfront vacation home, enabling you to commence your search or simply enjoy some real estate browsing.
Where to Purchase a Residence Along a Bay
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, is not recognized for affordable real estate, making it less suitable for seeking a bay-front property at a bargain. However, it excels in offering robust and consistently appreciating property values. Its proximity to the U.S. Naval Academy ensures that a vacation property along the Chesapeake Bay remains easily rentable throughout the year, appealing to homeowners seeking enjoyment, particularly during the Northeast’s summer months. With a budget of under $1 million, one can expect a 3-bedroom residence spanning over 2,000 square feet, featuring a boat slip and captivating views of the bay and neighboring islands. For those interested in one-bedroom condos, the Eastport area presents options starting at approximately half a million dollars, inclusive of a dedicated parking spot. It’s important to note that regulations concerning renting out one’s residence, parking spot, or boat slip may vary based on condo and homeowner’s association policies, necessitating thorough verification before finalizing a purchase.
Where to Purchase a Residence on the Gulf
Walton County, Florida
Mark Shattuck, a custom home architect specializing in waterfront residences, holds the Gulf Coast stretch of beach along 30A from Rosemary Beach to Seaside to Gulf Shores among his favorite waterfront locations. He describes it as a piece of paradise, boasting white-sand beaches, ideal water temperatures, remarkable architecture, and delightful cuisine—a vacationer’s dream. While the majority of homes in this gulf stretch fall well within the multi-million dollar range, there are currently ten homes available in Walton Beaches, Florida, priced below $220,000 (as of the current writing). Offering convenient access to Rosemary Beach and a commute of less than twenty minutes to the highly sought-after Santa Rosa Beach, prospective homeowners will find substantial value for their investment in a vacation home within this segment of the Gulf of Mexico.
Where to Purchase a Home by a Lake Lake
Keowee, South Carolina
Shattuck recommends that prospective home buyers carefully consider Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Stretching nearly 29 miles, this lake is an ideal haven for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene escape. It boasts a population of spotted bass and picturesque sandy beaches. The lake’s expanse is substantial enough to offer waterfront properties in over 10 different cities, encompassing the lively college town of Clemson and the more peaceful community of Seneca. Among the available options are numerous 2-bedroom lakefront cabins in move-in condition, priced between $190,000 and $300,000. For an additional investment of $50,000 or more, buyers can expect to secure extra acreage, an additional bedroom, and increased storage space.
Where to Purchase a Home on the Ocean
Oregon Coastline
The vistas of the Pacific Ocean from California are renowned and highly sought after. However, for more budget-friendly options than the high-priced properties in California, one can turn to beachfront homes just a state to the north, in Oregon. The stretch of coastline between Siuslaw National Forest and Fort Stevens State Park offers numerous homes priced under $1 million, providing access to picturesque beaches that would cost four to five times more in neighboring states. The most affordable options start in the low $400,000s for a seaside condo in Seaside, Oregon. Optimal value for your investment, however, likely lies just under $1 million for a relatively customized home in Otter Rock.
Where to Purchase a Home on a River
Hudson River, New York
GETTY IMAGES/PHIL HABER PHOTOGRAPHY Real estate along the Hudson River can be among the most costly on the East Coast due to Manhattan prices. Spanning over 315 miles in length, the Hudson presents numerous properties with riverfront access in both New York and New Jersey.