Living on the beach is a dream for many people, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the one hand, you get to enjoy the beauty of the ocean, the sound of the waves, and the convenience of being close to the beach. On the other hand, there are some downsides to life on the beach that you should consider before making a decision. Weather can be unpredictable, pests can be a problem, and beach erosion could cause problems.
In addition, privacy can be difficult to find, homes require a lot of maintenance, and humidity could lead to mold problems. One of the biggest concerns among homeowners near the ocean is the maintenance cost of owning a property on the beach. Saltwater's corrosive nature, potential flood damage, and costly insurance threaten to punch holes in your pocket. Another factor when it comes to the cost of living are taxes and tolls.
Crossing bridges and other highways can build up over time, depending on how isolated you are. In addition to high property taxes, you may also have local taxes dedicated to keeping coastal areas clean or maintained. As an example, in South Carolina, property taxes are the 7th lowest in the country according to studies, making coastal living significantly more affordable than in places like New Jersey. One of the biggest benefits of living close to the beach is its proximity. Gone are the days when frequent bathers were constantly sitting in traffic.
When you live near the ocean, there's no need to plan a schedule around busy traffic or bedtime because you'll be home. Waking up every day to unwanted negative news and worldly affairs has caused people to suffer severe mental dehydration. But living close to the beach may be the right way out. You don't need to access websites to know if the waves are good; just take a look through the blinds or walk a few blocks. Since beach days will no longer involve a trip to work, you can spend more time on the sand; not to mention that the fact that your house is so close will allow your children to gain independence sooner, as they will be able to come and go to the beach with friends and not much supervision, always in touch with neighbors, etc. Salty air and sand can affect the outside of your home, your car, and other outdoor equipment.
Salty sea air combined with humidity and wind can wreak havoc on your things. You'll definitely have to keep up with outdoor maintenance, more than people who live farther from water. Car maintenance is also an important factor. Consult your mechanic to come up with the best plan to protect your car from salt, sand and general moisture. Locking down an investment property is a challenge, but some of the best places to get a return on your investment are beach houses.
Not only is Boca Raton amazing as a coastal city, but it's a wonderful city to invest in, just like Miami, Sarasota, Savannah, and Hermosa Beach, especially if you're buying a second home. You don't even have to leave home to do yoga at dawn on the beach or go swimming in the afternoon without it. Since there are only a limited number of beachfront properties to go around, a vacation rental or smaller house that is not beachfront can save you A LOT of money while still providing you with convenient access to the beach. Being able to see the ocean from home is a great privilege that many people only dream of and it greatly helps the population living on the coast, even those who do not live exactly close to the ocean but who drive a lot along the beach, to have a much less stressful life. Homeowners near a sandy beach also need to maintain maintenance so that tracking sand inside their house doesn't become a hassle. Ultimately, whether living on or near a beach is right for you depends on your lifestyle and budget.
