This MS Coast city is the most affordable beach town in the US, according to Realtor.com

A Mississippi Coast city was recently rated the most affordable beach town in the United States.

Gulfport topped Realtor.com’s 2023 list of the most affordable beach towns, beating out cities like Newport News, Virginia; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Navarre, Florida.

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes was thrilled to see the city recognized.

“Our ability to offer affordable housing options – whether beachfront properties or homes nestled in our charming neighborhoods – alongside a high quality of life is a testament to our commitment to sustainable growth,” he said. “Gulfport stands out for its natural beauty and affordability and thrives as a dynamic community enriched by a deep cultural heritage, historical significance and a pervasive spirit of unity.”

Realtor Tiffany Kirkland of Harper Realty has been selling homes across the Mississippi Coast for three years. She was not surprised by the distinction.

“I think it’s pretty awesome and pretty accurate,” she said. “There are always great deals around here.”

Housing prices aren’t the only draw to Gulfport. “While our beautiful beaches undeniably make Gulfport a desirable place to live, the city’s overall character truly sets us apart,” Hewes said. “We have a solid local economy, an array of recreational opportunities and a robust education system.”

This is the city’s second time leading Realtor.com’s top 10. In 2018, no other city in the country could beat Gulfport’s median home list price of $184,100 and beachfront properties listed under $300,000.

The median price of a Gulfport home may have risen by about $40,000, but 2023 prices still can’t be beat.

Realtor.com listed Gulfport’s median price within a mile of the beach as $224,900 and the median price per square foot within one mile of a beach was $144.

According to Realtor.com, beach properties are even cheaper these days. “For $225,000, buyers can find a fully renovated condo within a five-minute walk to the beach,” Evan Wyloge of Realtor.com. “Biloxi, MS, directly adjacent to the east of Gulfport, is also quite affordable for buyers.”

Here’s 2023’s list of the 10 most affordable beach towns

1. Gulfport, Mississippi
2. Newport News, Virginia
3. New London, Connecticut
4. Grand Isle, Louisiana
5. Corpus Christi, Texas
6. Atlantic City, New Jersey
7. Navarre, Florida
8. North Beach, Maryland
9. Crescent City, California
10. Shirley, New York

This story was originally published May 10, 2023 at 12:36 PM.

Mona Moore

Sun Herald

Mona Moore was a Service Journalism Desk Editor for the Sun Herald in Mississippi; Mahoning Matters in Ohio; and the Ledger-Enquirer and Telegraph in Georgia. Originally from West Covina, California, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s in corporate and public communication from the University of South Alabama. Mona’s writing and photography have been recognized by press associations in Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida.