5 Cheapest Beach Towns In Florida (Gulf Coast Edition)
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Redington Beach
- Panama City Beach
- Venice Island
- Don Pedro Island
- Destin
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
If you’ve ever dreamed about living near the beach in Florida but figured it was way out of reach, let me stop you right there—because it’s not. I recently put together a full list of 25 beach towns on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can walk to the beach. And guess what? Some of them are shockingly affordable.
This list focuses on the five cheapest beach towns in 2025, and every one of them still checks the box for walkability, real livability, and Gulf Coast lifestyle. So if you’re not trying to spend $2 million for a cottage with sand in the front yard, keep reading.
1. Redington Beach
This one surprised even me. Redington Beach sits between Madeira Beach and Indian Rocks, and it’s not on most people’s radar—but it should be. Based on current home values, active listings, and cost of living, it ranked as the most affordable beach town on the Gulf. And it’s not a fluke. This is a real beach town where you can still get in under $600K.
2. Panama City Beach
PCB has a reputation—it used to be a party town, and there’s still some of that. But it’s evolving. With 27 miles of shoreline and a bunch of new development, the median home price around $485K feels like a steal. It’s not quite 30A, but it’s also not trying to be. It’s wide open, full of opportunity, and absolutely worth a look.
3. Venice Island
Venice keeps showing up for a reason. It’s laid-back, walkable, full of charm, and somehow still affordable. Most homes here hover in the mid-$500Ks, and the entire island is basically within walking distance to the beach. With a real downtown, shark tooth beaches, and an old-school vibe, it’s a rare find.
4. Don Pedro Island
This one’s for the adventurous. You can only get to Don Pedro by ferry, and most people cruise around in golf carts once they’re there. But the payoff is one of the lowest average sold prices on the coast—under $500K. It’s remote, it’s peaceful, and it’s priced like no one knows it exists.
5. Destin
Destin is the panhandle’s answer to family-friendly, beach-town living. It’s more commercial than some of the boutique spots like 30A, but that comes with perks—like restaurants, fishing, and activity. Median home prices are still sitting in the mid-$600Ks, and you’re getting walkability, Gulf views, and a ton of flexibility.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to assume beachfront living is out of reach—but these five towns prove otherwise. Whether you want small-town charm, a remote island, or just something with a little more bang for your buck, Florida’s Gulf Coast still has options. You just have to know where to look—and in 2025, these are the places that are giving people a shot at the dream.
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