Live the Dream: 5 Houses Right on the Beach for Less Than $1 Million

By Lisa Johnson Mandell | April 5, 2024 |

1. 484 E Third St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Price: $939,900

Elevated oceanfront: There’s nothing but gleaming-white sand between this house and the sea, so you could be surfing and sunning in seconds. Or your renters could be, because this secluded, three-bedroom home comes with an excellent rental history.

Perched on stilts for both views and flood safety, the 1,374-square-foot residence has two decks with knockout vistas. Built in 1980, almost everything inside has been updated, including the LVP flooring, paint, and tiled shower. All the furniture seen in the listing photos is included in the price of the home, so it’s move-in ready.

The place was once listed for $1.1 million before landing at its current price, which might make you wonder why this beach house has been on the market for 230 days. It could be because the lot is currently deemed non-rebuildable. That means you can remodel the house, but you can’t tear it down and build another in its place.

2. 3 W, Big Pine, FL

Price: $729,000

Far out: Experience true off-the-grid life in this Cook Island cottage, which is powered by solar panels, a generator, and a propane tank. You even have to hire a captain to ferry you to the property.

Once you get there, you’ll find a two-bedroom, 700-square-foot retreat on a parcel with a bright white, sandy beach and fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean.

A sizable porch spans the front of the home and overlooks the water. Now, we won’t say it doesn’t need a little work, including a potential rebuild of the pier. But if you’re up for an adventure, this place will certainly provide it.

3. 6975 Neptune Ave, Gleneden Beach, OR

Price: $649,000

Happy hexagon: This uniquely shaped beach house is on the market for the first time in more than 50 years. This two-bedroom, six-sided abode sits on a rocky bank overlooking the ocean.

Built in 1973 on a corner lot with a view, the 768-square-foot domicile has windows galore and can comfortably sleep more people than you might think. It also has direct public-beach access.

In addition, it’s close to a golf resort, restaurants, shopping, bars, grocery stores, food carts, and even a brewery.

4. 117 Oregon Dr E, Nags Head, NC

Price: $875,000

Outer Banks beauty: Lavender, blue, and lime make for a cheery color scheme inside this beachfront beauty. The only thing that might make residents happier is watching whales and dolphins from the living room or from the 45-foot, Atlantic Ocean-facing deck.

Nags Head happens to be the epicenter of the Outer Banks, or what locals call the OBX. This three-bedroom, 1,196-square-foot home really brightens up the beach, and its 8,000-square-foot oceanfront lot has plenty of room for outdoor gatherings.

It was originally built in 1979 but has been updated over the years. It boasts a newer roof, Corian countertops, and windows, all installed in 2020. Located close to scenic North Carolina Route 12, the property offers easy access to all the local attractions.