We’ve written about the affordability of Ocean Springs for retirees, but this small town offers a great lifestyle for anyone who wants to live near the water. The arts and culture scene here is thriving, especially for an area of this size. From shows at The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, to exhibits at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, to a thriving pottery community, it’s easy to admire or become a part of the creative community. Add to that a surprisingly rich dining scene with James Beard-nominated restaurants, easy access to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and friendly locals, and you’ve plenty of reasons to visit—or stay.

Spend any amount of time strolling along the breezy waterfront or flower-filled town square and you’ll likely start looking for real estate listings. Fairhope is just that appealing. It has managed to retain its small-town feel, even as the area has grown and changed. This is not the place for people who want to live at the beach, but Mobile Bay offers beautiful sunsets, waterfront dining with Gulf seafood, and a lovely pier and boardwalk. It also means that unlike most beach towns, there isn’t an influx of tourists, which adds to the local feel. 

Now that this historic coastal town has a beautiful boutique hotel, The George, word has gotten out about how lovely the area is. Located northeast of Charleston, Georgetown doesn’t have that big city buzz, but it makes up for it with its charming historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and bayfront views. The main drag in the historic district, Front Street, is walkable and filled with independently owned shops. It’s also home to a theater and several museums including the Rice Museum and the South Carolina Maritime Museum. 

This small city on Florida’s Atlantic coast is fun and funky, and filled with colorful homes and buildings that rival Key West. Atlantic Avenue, which runs through the heart of town, is walkable and leads straight to Delray’s public beach. Festivals and outdoor concerts are a part of life here, as are the arts, whether in institutions like The Spady Cultural Museum or local galleries. Delray Beach doesn’t shut down once the sun sets; restaurants and bars keep the city’s nightlife hopping. 

If you like your beach towns small, check out this sweet little hamlet on Virginia’s coast. Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve and Cape Charles Beach are both peaceful, pristine escapes where you can immerse yourself in nature, rather than crowds of people. For shopping, dining, and more, quaint Mason Avenue feels like stepping back in time (but with great, modern-day restaurant options). The town is known for having a strong sense of community pride, and it’s easy to see why.

In 2024, Wilmington landed at the top of our South’s Best Cities on the Rise list, and it just keeps getting better with more food and drink options like the recently-opened Cargo District, and new air carriers that are offering flights in and out of the city. Wilmington is made up of several neighborhoods, each with its own appeal, so you can find the right corner of the city that suits you best. And beach lovers have three different options to choose from, although all are equally fun and laid-back. 

If you prefer the Gulf over the Atlantic, St. Petersburg has gorgeous white sand beaches, plus several parks, like the 900-acre Fort Desoto Beach and Park with canoe trails, floating docks, and more. It’s also a vibrant city with museums, monthly events, and dining options for every taste. The St. Pete Pier, which was revitalized a few years ago, is a popular gathering spot with something for everyone: public art, a playground, fishing spots, restaurants, a marketplace, and a waterfront walkway where you can take in ocean views and the salty sea air. 

One of the South’s—and America's—most beautiful cities, Savannah is more than a vacation destination, it’s a fantastic place to call home. World-class shopping, dining, and cultural events keep this area filled with energy. Much of the city can be explored by foot, and should be, so you can admire the historic buildings and garden squares. The Savannah Riverwalk offers stunning views of the water, but if you’re craving the beach, the shores of Tybee Island are an easy drive away.

This town on Amelia Island is at the very top of the Sunshine State’s east coast, close to the Georgia border. With 13 miles of beaches and a historic downtown with Victorian-era buildings, it is filled with old-fashioned charm, although it remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Life moves a bit more slowly here, but Fernandina Beach knows how to have fun. Year-round festivals and a vibrant arts scene give locals plenty of reasons to get out. 

There's lots of love for this community (it has collected just about every accolade for a town its size) on North Carolina's Crystal Coast. With its maritime history, unspoiled nature, and nostalgic feel, Beaufort does live up to the hype. If you're into boating, you'll be in good company at Town Creek Marina. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on land, there are three local beaches, and nearby islands (some with wild horses) that you can reach by ferry. Beaufort also has great restaurants and shops, plus a charming 12-block historic district.