This is America’s most livable beach town, according to a new ranking

Chincoteague, Virginia comes out on top

By Amanda Teague Published August 18, 2025 4:00 AM

Chincoteague — BruceEmmerling / Pixabay

Ever visit a beach town and think, I could live here, only to be put off by the crowds or sky-high prices? A new study has pinpointed the U.S. coastal communities that strike the best balance between affordability and quality of life.

Oregon Generators analyzed 35 popular beach towns using data from Zillow, Realtor, and BestPlaces, ranking them on home prices, rent, crime, cost of living, commute times, weather comfort, and unemployment rates.

Recommended Videos

Chincoteague, Virginia, claimed the top spot with a Quality of Life Score of 73.59. This charming island town on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is known for the wild Chincoteague ponies of the nearby National Wildlife Refuge, gorgeous beaches, and an overall laid-back vibe. With an average home price of $641,751, a low crime index of 26.8, short 21.5-minute commutes, and just a 6.1% unemployment rate, it offers all the perks of coastal living without the heavy price tag.

In second place, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, proves that a major tourist destination can still be livable. While crime rates are higher, affordable rents ($1,804 median) and the nation’s shortest beach-town commute (16.5 minutes) keep it appealing.

Third place goes to Cannon Beach, Oregon, a stunning spot famous for its Haystack Rock, tidepools, art galleries, and miles of hiking trails. While home prices average $1.34 million, its comfortable year-round climate (temperature comfort index of 8.5) and low crime index of 37.6 make it a dream for those who can afford it.

America’s most livable beach towns: The full list

Chincoteague, Virginia
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Cannon Beach, Oregon
St. Augustine, Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Tybee Island, Georgia
Rockport, Texas
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Edisto, South Carolina

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

The most popular beach in the U.S. isn’t where you’d expect

Myrtle Beach came out on top

Myrtle Beach

When you think of the most beloved beach destination in America, your mind might drift to somewhere in sunny Florida or the California coast. But according to new 2025 search data, the beach topping everyone’s wish list isn’t in either state. It’s in South Carolina.

A recent study by PrivacyJournal analyzed Google search trends related to more than 100 popular beaches across the country, focusing specifically on out-of-state interest. By examining beach-related keywords like hotels, activities, and things to do, the study identified which beaches residents of each state searched for the most (excluding their own local shores). And the clear winner? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Travel

This West Coast city was just named the most walkable in the U.S.

Seattle came out on top

aerial view of seattle

A new study has just revealed America’s most walkable cities, and Seattle claims the top spot. In an era where travel trends are shifting toward convenience, budget-friendliness, and wellness, walking vacations are on the rise. According to Google search data, “walking vacation” queries are up 29% and “staycation” searches have climbed 13% over the last quarter. In response, footwear brand FitFlop released its first-ever U.S. Walkability Index, analyzing which cities are best explored on foot.

The index ranked 30 major U.S. cities based on several pedestrian-friendly factors: distance, time, elevation gain, and step count between the city’s top five attractions, along with its overall Walk Score. Seattle came out on top thanks to its compact layout and relatively low-effort walking routes. Major attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market are all within a 1.4-mile radius, ideal for a day of sightseeing without needing a car or public transit. The city’s moderate elevation and a solid Walk Score of 74.4 sealed its status as the most walkable city in the country.

Travel

JSX quietly launches luxe new routes to Florida — here’s why you haven’t heard

JSX aircraft

Semi-private luxury airline JSX will begin flying to three new destinations, but don’t expect to hear much about them. That’s because the carrier doesn’t use standard airport terminals and faces restrictions on public advertising. In this case, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey prohibits public advertising of scheduled flights from Teterboro Airport, where the new routes originate.

For that reason, the carrier can only promote the routes via its loyalty program, Club JSX. Still, the new routes — to Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale — offer a tantalizing winter getaway for luxury-minded travelers.