[2023]-#5 Most Affordable Places To Live in California Near The Beach | Small Beach Towns In California To Live

[2023]-#5 Most Affordable Places To Live in California Near The Beach | Small Beach Towns In California To Live

California is known for its high cost of living, especially in areas close to the beach. However, there are some affordable options if you’re looking to live near the beach. Here are some of the most affordable places to live in California near the beach:

1. Oxnard:

Located about an hour north of Los Angeles, Oxnard offers a more affordable option for beach living. It has a population of around 200,000 and boasts 20 miles of coastline. Oxnard also has a thriving agriculture industry, which helps keep the cost of living lower.

Oxnard

Oxnard is a city in Ventura County, California, located about an hour northwest of Los Angeles. It is one of the more affordable places to live in California near the beach, offering 20 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean.

Oxnard has a population of around 200,000 people and is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Silver Strand Beach and Mandalay Beach. The city also has a thriving agriculture industry, which helps keep the cost of living lower compared to some of the other beach towns in California.

In terms of housing, Oxnard offers a variety of options ranging from affordable apartments to beachfront homes. The median home price in Oxnard is around $600,000, which is more affordable than many other beach towns in California. Rent prices in Oxnard are also relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of around $1,700 per month.

In addition to its beaches, Oxnard has a variety of other outdoor activities and attractions to offer. The city is home to several parks, including the Oxnard Beach Park and the Channel Islands Harbor, which offer boating, fishing, and other water sports. The city also has a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Overall, Oxnard is a great option for those looking to live near the beach in California while keeping their living expenses relatively affordable.

2. Imperial Beach:

Located just south of San Diego, Imperial Beach offers a small-town feel and some of the most affordable beachfront properties in California. It has a population of around 28,000 and is known for its surf scene.

Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach is a small coastal city in San Diego County, located just south of San Diego, California. It is one of the most affordable places to live in California near the beach, with a population of around 28,000 people.

Imperial Beach offers some of the most affordable beachfront properties in California, with a median home price of around $800,000. While this may seem high, it’s still significantly lower than other beach communities in Southern California, such as Laguna Beach or Newport Beach. Rent prices in Imperial Beach are also relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of around $1,600 per month.

In addition to its affordable housing, Imperial Beach is known for its surf scene and laid-back beach town feel. The city has a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a weekly farmer’s market. There are also several parks in the area, including the Tijuana Estuary and Border Field State Park, which offer outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and beachcombing.

Imperial Beach is also home to the iconic Imperial Beach Pier, which is a popular destination for fishing and sightseeing. The pier is also the location of several annual events, including the Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition and the Sun & Sea Festival.

3. Morro Bay:

Located on the central coast of California, Morro Bay offers a laid-back beach town feel with a population of around 10,000. It’s known for its natural beauty, including Morro Rock, and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a small coastal city located on the central coast of California, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It has a population of around 10,000 people and is one of the more affordable places to live in California near the beach.

Morro Bay offers a variety of housing options, from affordable apartments to beachfront homes. The median home price in Morro Bay is around $775,000, which is more affordable compared to other coastal cities in California. Rent prices in Morro Bay are also relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of around $1,400 per month.

In addition to its affordable housing, Morro Bay is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The city is home to Morro Rock, a massive volcanic peak that rises out of the ocean, and several beaches, including Morro Strand State Beach and Morro Bay State Park. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and other water sports.

Morro Bay is also a popular destination for fishing, with several charter boats and fishing piers in the area. The city is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as several art galleries and museums.

 

4. Eureka:

Located on the northern coast of California, Eureka offers a more affordable option for beach living. It has a population of around 27,000 and is known for its Victorian architecture and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Eureka

Eureka is a small coastal city located in Humboldt County, California, on the far northern coast of the state. It has a population of around 28,000 people and is one of the more affordable places to live in California near the beach.

Eureka offers a variety of affordable housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. The median home price in Eureka is around $350,000, which is significantly lower than many other coastal cities in California. Rent prices in Eureka are also relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of around $1,000 per month.

Eureka is known for its beautiful beaches, including Samoa Beach, Clam Beach, and Moonstone Beach. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and other water sports. The city is also home to the Eureka Boardwalk, which offers stunning views of the bay and access to several shops and restaurants.

In addition to its beaches, Eureka is known for its historic architecture and arts scene. The city has several art galleries, museums, and theaters, as well as a weekly farmers’ market. Eureka is also home to the Sequoia Park Zoo, which features a variety of animals and exhibits..

5. Crescent City:

Located in northern California near the Oregon border, Crescent City offers a more affordable option for beach living. It has a population of around 7,500 and is known for its rugged coastline and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Crescent City

Crescent City is a small coastal city located in Del Norte County, California, on the far northern coast of the state. It has a population of around 7,500 people and is one of the more affordable places to live in California near the beach.

Crescent City offers a variety of affordable housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. The median home price in Crescent City is around $275,000, which is significantly lower compared to many other coastal cities in California. Rent prices in Crescent City are also relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of around $900 per month.

Crescent City is known for its beautiful beaches, including South Beach, Pebble Beach, and Crescent Beach. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and other water sports. The city is also home to Battery Point Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the ocean and access to several shops and restaurants.

In addition to its beaches, Crescent City is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by redwood forests, and several state parks and campgrounds are nearby, including Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Keep in mind that even in these more affordable beach communities, the cost of living is still higher than in many other parts of the country. However, if you’re determined to live near the beach in California, these options may be worth considering.

Q: What is the cost of living like in these affordable beach towns in California?

A: The cost of living in these affordable beach towns in California can vary, but they generally have a lower cost of living compared to more expensive coastal cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. However, it’s important to budget and prioritize expenses, as housing, transportation, and entertainment costs can still add up.

Q: What is the job market like in these affordable beach towns in California?

A: The job market in these affordable beach towns in California can vary, but many offer opportunities in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and healthcare. Some of these cities also have thriving port industries or military bases that can provide job opportunities. It’s important to research the local job market before making a decision on where to live.

Q: What is the transportation system like in these affordable beach towns in California?

A: The transportation system in these affordable beach towns in California can vary, but many offer public transportation options such as buses, trains, and light rail systems. Some towns also have bike-friendly infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly downtown areas. However, it’s important to consider transportation options when choosing where to live, as traffic and parking can be challenging in some areas.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in these affordable beach towns in California?

A: Living near the beach provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Many of these affordable beach towns also have parks and hiking trails nearby, providing options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Q: What are some factors to consider when choosing an affordable place to live in California near the beach?

A: Some factors to consider when choosing an affordable place to live in California near the beach include cost of living, job opportunities, transportation options, access to amenities, and quality of schools. It’s important to research these factors and prioritize what’s most important for your lifestyle and budget.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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