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6 Affordable Florida Beach Towns

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Florida’s tropical weather and laid-back lifestyle make it one of the most attractive states in the country. World Atlas lists it among the most-visited states in the U.S., but why just visit when you could live there? Most people who dream of calling the Sunshine State home want to live on the beach, but prices can be a significant barrier. While some of the state’s prime real estate is expensive, living in these affordable Florida beach towns is probably cheaper than you realize.

1. Hobe Sound, Martin County

Hobe Sound is one of Florida’s more beautiful beach towns and also one of its most affordable. Local properties put you close to Hobe Sound Public Beach, a picturesque patrolled beach with separate areas for boogie boards, fishing, and dogs. This unincorporated part of Martin County is also home to several other natural wonders such as the Blowing Rocks Preserve, Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, and Hobe Sound Nature Center. Practice your swing at one of three golf clubs within Hobe Sound’s borders.

Despite all its top amenities, Hobe Sound is still incredibly affordable compared to the national average for rent prices. The monthly median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,250 per month.

2. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County

Fort Walton Beach is a tourist town, so there’s always plenty to do. The sandy beach is one of this town’s main attractions. You’ll also find art venues and tourist spots such as Heritage Park & Cultural Center, Emerald Coast Science Center downtown, and top stores and restaurants uptown. With monthly median rents costing $1,635 for a one-bedroom place, Fort Walton Beach is another one of the most affordable Florida beach towns attracting sun-seekers.

3. Palm Bay, Brevard County

Although it’s the most populous city in Brevard County, Palm Bay is nowhere near as busy as Florida’s buzzing metropolises. However, its large population puts big city conveniences close to homes, such as a recently expanded highway system, well-rated public schools, and top recreational facilities. When you’re not spending time on the sand, hike the trails, go biking or boating, or enjoy a picnic in one of the local parks.

Palm Bay is a family-friendly town, but its multiroom rentals are still relatively affordable. The median monthly rent for one-bedroom apartments sits at $1,335, while two-bedroom places cost around $1,600. If you can make do with a smaller space, you can really save. The monthly median for studios is $900.

4. Indian Harbour Beach, Brevard County

Just a 30-minute drive away, you’ll find another one of the most affordable beach communities in Florida, Indian Harbour Beach. Indian Harbour Beach is the perfect place for relaxing, with miles of pristine sand, a friendly dog park, and beachside cafes. All the big-city conveniences of Melbourne are a little more than 10 minutes away. Despite all its advantages, this coastal small town boasts low accommodation prices, with the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment at just $1,000. 

5. Lynn Haven, Bay County

Lynn Haven is another Florida town offering reasonable property prices and above-average incomes. Opportunities in the city’s health care, transportation, and manufacturing industries give households a substantially more than the average income in Florida. 

Leslie Porter Park has a small beach area, boat ramp, two playgrounds, and grills for outdoor cookouts. If you don’t feel like making your own meal, visit during Food Truck Fridays. The larger beaches of Panama City are also less than 15 minutes away. Aside from the beach, Lynn Haven has plenty of other recreational opportunities. There are several dog parks, sporting fields, and great bars and restaurants. New additions, including the Lynn Haven Bayou Park and Preserve, James E. Rogers Park, and Oyster Bayou Waypoint Park, should make Lynn Haven even more appealing.

The monthly median rent for one-bedroom apartments in Lynn Haven is $1,145, while two-bedroom places are only a little more at around $1,228.

6. Fernandina Beach, Nassau County

This community one of the most affordable coastal towns in Florida, especially when you consider its secluded location on beautiful Amelia Island. The 13-mile beach is one of the state’s best, with wooden boardwalks, three adjacent parks, and calm, clear water. Just don’t disturb the sea turtles who often come onto the beach to lay their eggs from May to October.

When the weather cools, enjoy Fernandina Beach’s golf courses, upscale retail options, and top restaurants. This beach town also has a jam-packed social calendar with events such as the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Taste of Amelia food festival, and Juneteenth Jump-off bringing locals and visitors together. Rentals in Fernandina Beach are at the upper end of this list, with median monthly rent costing $1,250 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Head to Zumper and turn those dreams of living your best life by the beach in Florida into reality. Search thousands of rental listings in affordable Florida beach towns. Filter properties in the cheapest beach towns in Florida by price to find all the best bargains in the Sunshine State.

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