S
ummer is just around the corner, and families are eagerly counting down the days until school is out. For those who want more than a week or two at the beach, Realtor.com has identified the most budget-friendly towns in the U.S. where vacation-home buyers can get the best value.

    For the second year in a row, Pascagoula, Mississippi, tops the list as the leader in beach house affordability. The Gulf Shore city has made significant efforts to revitalize its downtown area over the past decade, and it's now seeing the benefits of this investment. With a strong local job market, walkable shopping district, and stunning waterfront homes, Pascagoula is an attractive option for those looking for a beach town with a rich history.

    Other newcomers to the list include Long Beach, Washington, and Ocean City, Maryland, which offer a mix of affordability and amenities. The expanded roundup includes 12 coastal towns across seven states, including New Jersey, Florida, and the Carolinas.

    To determine the most affordable beach towns, Realtor.com economists analyzed federal data on beaches and their locations before creating a list of coastal cities and towns. They ranked these towns by median list prices in April for single-family homes, excluding mobile homes and only considering cities with at least 50 active listings.

    Here are the top 12 most affordable beach towns in the U.S., along with their median list prices:

    1. Pascagoula, MS - $165,610

    Pascagoula has a rich history dating back 300 years, with stunning antebellum architecture and a strong local job market. The city is home to pirates, presidents, and Jimmy Buffett, and its main public beach is named after the late singer.

    2. Deerfield Beach, FL - $211,750

    Located in Broward County, Deerfield Beach offers an urban feel with coastal living, including award-winning beaches, hiking trails, and a fishing pier.

    3. Atlantic City, NJ - $242,450

    Atlantic City is known for its casinos and nightclubs, but it's also a great value for beach towns. The city has wide, well-maintained public beaches and an iconic wooden boardwalk.

    4. Port Richey, FL - $254,925

    This small town in Pasco County offers affordability and a strong sense of community. It's surrounded by nature preserves and parks, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

    5. Port Lavaca, TX - $292,000

    Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca is a charming getaway with relaxing beaches and a top bird-watching destination. The town has a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors.

    6. Myrtle Beach, SC - $299,000

    Myrtle Beach is a popular resort city with 60 miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches. It's also known as the "Golf Capital of the World," with over 80 golf courses in the area.

    7. Ocean Springs, MS - $302,500

    This quaint town near Biloxi has a thriving arts community and independent shops. It's home to many art galleries, studios, and museums, making it a great destination for culture lovers.

    8. Corpus Christi, TX - $310,000

    With over 300,000 people calling it home, Corpus Christi is the most populous city on this year's list. It offers an affordable coastal lifestyle with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities.

    9. Surfside Beach, SC - $310,925

    This small town on South Carolina's Grand Strand is nicknamed "the Family Beach." It offers 2 miles of pristine oceanfront and a good mix of relatively affordable single-family homes and condos.

    10. Long Beach, WA - $403,188

    Located in Pacific County, Long Beach is celebrated as the home of the world's longest continuous peninsula beach. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails, parks, and wetlands teeming with birds.

    11. Ocean Shores, WA - $409,900

    This charming coastal town offers recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It's also known for its picturesque canals and lakes, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

    12. Ocean City, MD - $454,500

    Rounding out the list is Ocean City, a popular resort town with miles of pristine beaches and a bustling boardwalk. It's a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, but note that its housing inventory skews heavily toward condominiums.