The Best Places to Buy a Beach House in 2024 (Top U.S. Markets for Investors)

The Evolve Team

August 8, 2023

Imagine waking up in a beach house, breathing in salty air as you sip your morning coffee. There’s plenty of room for the whole family to stay together and no need to worry about how to cook your meals, find beach access, or enjoy some much-needed privacy.

It’s irresistible visions like this that have so many travelers choosing vacation rentals over hotels — and with the U.S. short-term rental market on track to hit a volume of over $20 billion by 2027, there’s growing appeal for vacation rental in oceanfront towns.

So whether you’re a seasoned player looking to grow your business or a first-timer ready to get in on the action, now is the time to make a beach house investment. From coast to coast, here are the best beach towns to buy in for 2024.

In This Article:
Hampton, VA
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Newport, OR
Grand Haven, MI
Gulf Shores, AL
Hilton Head, SC
Ocean Shores, WA
Seabrook Island, SC
Rockaway Beach, OR
Bonita Springs, FL
Galveston, TX
Dauphin Island, AL

How We Chose the Best Beach House Investment Markets

Our rankings are based on a combination of proprietary and public data, with a focus on three key factors:

Vacation rental performance: Focused on beach destinations across the U.S., including bookings and median annual revenue

Median listing prices: Using Zillow, Redfin, and internal data

Estimated operating expenses: Approximately 30% of total revenue, used to calculate cap rate

We also evaluated each market’s ability to outperform averages with an Evolve partnership. Throughout the list, you’ll see examples of how top-performing owners significantly exceed projected revenue.

Note: All projections reflect ideal-state scenarios. Owner use, blocked calendars, and unexpected events (such as natural disasters) are not included.

1. Hampton, VA

Buckroe Beach pier in Hampton, VA, one of the best places to buy a beach house. Image has a graphic overlay depicting the area's median rental revenue of $31,795, median listing price of $264,093, and 8.4% example cap rate.

Hampton offers coastal charm in the Mid-Atlantic region at a more accessible price point than many East Coast beach towns—making it appealing to both travelers and investors.

Why guests love Hampton:

Quiet, family-friendly beaches

Rich history and walkable waterfront areas

Easy access to fishing, boating, and water sports

Why it works for investors:

Median listing price around $264,000, well below nearby Virginia Beach

Strong demand without needing true beachfront location

Top-performing Evolve homes earn up to $55,000 annually

Ideal properties in Hampton:

Three- to five-bedroom homes near popular beaches (like Buckroe)

Private outdoor spaces for families and groups

Guest-ready extras like beach gear, lawn games, grills, outdoor seating, and easy parking

2. Port Saint Lucie, FL

Sunrise over the ocean near Port Saint Lucie, FL, one of the best places to buy a beach house. Graphic overlay shows median rental revenue of $41,997, median listing price of $420,210, and a 7.0% example cap rate.

Set along Florida’s Treasure Coast and less than an hour from West Palm Beach, Port Saint Lucie draws travelers looking for more than just beach time.

What attracts guests:

Access to 21 miles of coastline with Caribbean-blue waters

Championship golf courses and the Botanical Gardens

Riverwalk Boardwalk and a downtown shopping scene

Why investors take notice:

Strong cap rates driven by steady year-round demand

Median annual revenue exceeding $40,000 for well-positioned Evolve homes

Ideal properties in Port Saint Lucie:

Homes with private pools (a major booking driver)

Riverfront or golf-adjacent properties

Beach proximity is helpful, but not required

Note: The county has extra permit requirements, and Florida can be tricky with licensing. It’s smart to confirm requirements before buying.

3. Newport, OR

View of Yaquina Head Lighthouse looking out over the ocean in Newport, OR, one of the best places to buy a beach house. Graphic overlay shows the area's median revenue of $47,339, median listing price of $505,425, and 6.6% example cap rate.

Newport’s dramatic coastline and iconic Pacific Northwest character continue to fuel rising vacation rental demand.

Why travelers book Newport:

Whale watching and picturesque lighthouses

Walkable waterfront dining and quirky attractions

Cool-weather coastal escapes year-round

Why now is a strong buying window:

Rental revenue growth is outpacing home price appreciation

Demand for larger group stays is rising

Top-performing Newport homes:

Ocean-view properties with standout outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and furnished decks

Larger homes that accommodate groups and command higher nightly rates

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $156,053 annually in Newport, OR, making it one of the best places to buy a beach house.

4. Grand Haven, MI

Sandy trail along a beach at sunset near Grand Haven, MI with a graphic overlay depicting the area's median rental revenue of $27,899, median listing price of $311,892, and 6.3% example cap rate.

Grand Haven proves you don’t need saltwater to deliver a classic beach vacation.

Guest appeal:

Soft sand beaches along Lake Michigan with historic lighthouses

Charming downtown and boardwalk

Family-friendly festivals and waterfront activities

Why investors like it:

Strong seasonal demand

Distinct “beach town” identity without oceanfront pricing

What to look for:

Shoreline homes close to downtown

Walkable access to beaches and attractions

Nearby Muskegon offers similar performance at a lower entry point

5. Gulf Shores, AL

Sunset over the ocean and beachfront buildings in Gulf Shores, AL with a graphic overlay depicting median rental revenue of $32,584, median listing price of $394,033, and a 5.8% example cap rate.

Gulf Shores and neighboring Orange Beach bring in roughly eight million visitors each year — and that number is only rising. Growing demand paired with softening home prices makes now the time for investors to jump into the Gulf Shores market.

Why guests keep coming back:

Warm Gulf waters, white-sand beaches, and sunset cruises

Outdoor fun like wildlife excursions and pristine golf courses

Southern-style seafood and family attractions

Ideal Gulf Shores properties:

Beachfront condos

Updated interiors and modern finishes

Ocean-view balconies and shared pool access

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $69,765 annually in Gulf Shores, AL, making it one of the best places to buy a beach house in the U.S.

6. Hilton Head, SC

Sunset over the Harbour Town Yacht Basin marina and lighthouse in Hilton Head, SC with a graphic overlay showing the area's median rental revenue of $45,246, median listing price of $624,652, and 5.1% example cap rate.

Frequently cited as one of the top beaches in the U.S., Hilton Head blends upscale coastal living with steady, reliable demand to the tune of 2.5 million annual visitors. There are higher home prices in this market, but the upfront investment has high revenue potential for those with the right vacation rental management company.

Why travelers love Hilton Head:

Pristine beaches and scenic bike paths

Renowned golf courses and resorts

Relaxed, nature-forward atmosphere

Best-performing homes:

Beachfront or near-beach condos

Resort-style communities with pools, ocean views, and on-site amenities

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $89,117 annually in Hilton Head, SC.

7. Ocean Shores, WA

Golden hour light shines over the ocean, driftwood, and grass near Ocean Shores, WA, with a graphic overlay depicting the area's median rental revenue of $30,249, median listing price of $431,485, and 4.9% example cap rate.

Ocean Shores attracts travelers looking to unplug along Washington’s rugged coastline. You can see success with a variety of property types and price points, from studios to 4-bedroom homes.

Guest draw:

Laid-back vibe and long, walkable beaches

Fresh seafood and outdoor recreation

Year-round coastal appeal

Ideal Ocean Shores rentals:

Beachfront, canalfront, or walk-to-beach locations

Guest-favorite amenities like hot tubs, pet-friendly layouts, and easy beach access

Investor tip: If you’re struggling to find the right property, expand your search to nearby Port Angeles and Port Ludlow for similar performance.

Graphic stating The Evolve Difference, Our owners have earned up to $77,703 annually.

8. Seabrook Island, SC

Sunset over the sand dunes and ocean on Seabrook Island, SC, one of the best places to buy a beach house. Graphic overlay shows median rental revenue of $45,212, median listing price of $674,039, and a 4.7% example cap rate.

This private island community attracts travelers seeking luxury, privacy, and nature — without the crowds.

Why guests choose Seabrook Island:

Gated, low-density island living

Beach clubs, a variety of golf clubs, and spa access

Close proximity to historic Charleston

Why it works for investors:

High nightly rates driven by luxury demand

Guests value amenities over direct beachfront

Top-performing properties:

Homes within walking distance to the beach

Include access to fitness centers, golf courses, and resort-style amenities

Note: Off-street parking is required in addition to the standard permit and business license. If that limits your options, Kiawah Island is a strong nearby alternative.

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $83,639 annually on Seabrook Island, SC.

9. Rockaway Beach, OR

Seagulls fly above the ocean and Twin Rocks at Rockaway Beach, OR, one of the best places to buy a beach house. Graphic overlay shows median rental revenue of $33,594, median listing price of $515,578, and a 4.6% example cap rate.

With Neahkahnie Mountain on one side and the Pacific shoreline on the other, Rockaway Beach delivers the best of land and sea.

Why guests book here:

Scenic views

Festivals and impressive biodiversity

Hiking, clamming, and trout camping

Best property features:

Walking distance to the beach, or mountain and bay views

Hot tubs and game rooms

Pet-friendly policies

Investor tip: Include nearby Seaside in your searches for a resort-town feel with excellent surfing and an oceanfront promenade.

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $105,382 annually in Rockaway Beach, OR.

10. Bonita Springs, FL

Wooden stairway down to the beach in Bonita Springs, FL, with the sun setting over the ocean and a graphic overlay depicting median revenue of $36,574, median listing price of $564,786, and a 4.5% example cap rate.

Bonita Springs pairs natural beauty with fewer regulatory hurdles than many Florida beach markets. Our experts say it’s one of the least stringent markets in the Sunshine State, typically only needing a permit.

What attracts travelers:

White-sand beaches and mangrove-lined waterways

Outdoor recreation and always-sunny weather

A less-crowded feel than nearby Naples or Fort Myers

Ideal Bonita Springs rentals:

Shoreline condos

Include bikes and beach gear

Offer beach club access or shuttle proximity

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $103,367 annually in Bonita Springs, FL, underscoring why it's one of the best places to buy a beach house.

11. Galveston, TX

Early morning sunrise over amusement park rides at the Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston, TX with a graphic overlay depicting median rental revenue of $25,899, median listing price of $400,260, and a 4.5% example cap rate.

This Gulf Coast destination combines sun-soaked shorelines with a lively island city feel. Galveston sees over seven million visitors a year thanks to its all-season appeal.

What guests love:

Rich history and museums

Festivals, amusement parks, and the Pleasure Pier

Sandy beaches with warm weather year-round

Investor tip: Zoning rules vary by neighborhood, so confirm vacation rental eligibility with the city early in your search.

12. Dauphin Island, AL

View of Dauphin Island, AL beach through green grasses, with remnants of an old pier in the water and a graphic overlay depicting median rental revenue of $25,965, median listing price of $458,979, and a 4.0% example cap rate.

Dauphin Island is a charming Gulf Coast destination in Mobile Bay that attracts travelers seeking peace, nature, and privacy.

Guest appeal:

Quiet public beaches and extensive wildlife viewing

Historic sites and local seafood

Slower-paced, unplugged vacations

Ideal properties:

Beachfront homes with water views

Private ocean-facing decks, outdoor showers, and kayaks

Graphic stating that Evolve owners have earned up to $52,782 annually in Dauphin Island, AL.

Buy Your Beach House with Confidence

Investing in a beach vacation rental is a major decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re drawn to a beachfront escape, a mountain cabin, or a family-friendly lake house, our experts help you:

Clarify personal and financial goals

Understand market-specific earning potential

Connect with trusted local real estate agents

Manage your property to maximize income

Helpful Resources for Investors

Benefits of Investing in Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rental Market Analyses

Vacation Rental Income Calculator

With the right guidance, owning a beach house can be both profitable and rewarding. Connect with our team to take the first step toward investing in one of the best short-term rental markets in the U.S.