Best Places to Buy a Beach House in Georgia

Georgia’s coastline may be smaller than Florida’s or Alabama’s, but it offers a unique blend of historic charm, strong investment potential, and stunning waterfront properties. From the serene beaches of Tybee Island to the luxurious retreats of Sea Island, Georgia’s beach towns provide excellent opportunities for buyers looking for vacation homes, investment properties, or retirement getaways.

Compared to Florida, Georgia offers more affordable coastal real estate, lower property taxes, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive option for buyers. In Georgia, beach houses in areas like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island remain popular for their lifestyle appeal. The state's median home price is $374,500 as of early 2025, with rents averaging $2,000 per month. Georgia's cost of living is below the national average, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.This guide will help you discover the best places to buy a beach house in Georgia in 2025.

Georgia’s coastline provides a mix of historic charm, tourism-driven rental income, and solid long-term appreciation. Compared to Florida, it offers lower competition in the vacation rental market while still benefiting from strong demand.

✅ Property Appreciation – Coastal homes in Georgia have seen annual appreciation rates of 5-8%, depending on the location.

✅ Rental Income – Short-term vacation rentals in prime areas can generate $35,000–$70,000+ per year due to strong tourism demand.

✅ Lower Property Taxes – Georgia has relatively low property taxes compared to Florida, reducing long-term ownership costs.

• Over 15 million visitors travel to Savannah and Georgia’s coastal islands annually, fueling demand for vacation rentals.

• Average Airbnb occupancy rates in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island range from 50-65%, ensuring steady rental income.

• Hurricane Preparedness – Some coastal areas require flood insurance, with annual premiums between $1,800–$4,500.

• Coastal Building Standards – Many new homes feature storm-resistant materials, elevated foundations, and impact windows.

Georgia’s best coastal towns offer stunning scenery, strong investment opportunities, and a laid-back lifestyle. Let’s explore the top locations for buying a beach house in 2025.

Tybee Island is Savannah’s closest beach getaway, known for its relaxed atmosphere, strong vacation rental market, and beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a top pick for investors looking for short-term rental income and families seeking a vacation home.

• North Beach – Quiet, residential area with beachfront homes starting at $600,000.

• Back River – Offers stunning waterfront properties with dock access, priced from $700,000 to $1.5M.

• Mid-Island – Centrally located with affordable beach cottages starting at $450,000.

• Cost of living is 8% higher than the national average due to housing costs.

• Median home price (2025): $675,000, with 6-9% annual appreciation.

• Strong Airbnb market with homes generating $40K-$80K annually.

St. Simons Island is known for its upscale lifestyle, historic charm, and high-end beachfront properties. It attracts retirees, second-home buyers, and investors looking for luxury rentals.

• East Beach – Premier oceanfront community with home prices starting at $1M+.

• Sea Palms – Golf course community with homes from $500,000 to $900,000.

• King City – A historic neighborhood with charming coastal homes priced at $600,000+.

• 15% higher than the national average, mainly due to luxury housing.

• Median home price (2025): $850,000, up 5% year-over-year.

• Strong resale value due to limited beachfront inventory.

Jekyll Island offers a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle with stunning beaches and strict development restrictions, preserving its natural beauty. It’s a great option for buyers looking for peaceful coastal living with strong long-term appreciation.

• Ocean Oaks – Gated community with luxury beachfront homes starting at $1.2M.

• The Cottages at Jekyll Island – New development with upscale townhomes priced from $600,000 to $900,000.

• Historic District – Features charming coastal homes starting at $450,000.

• Cost of living is 10% lower than nearby islands.

• Median home price (2025): $700,000, with 4-6% annual appreciation.

• Rental restrictions limit short-term Airbnb opportunities, making it better for long-term investments.

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Georgia’s coastal real estate market is steadily growing, offering affordability compared to Florida while maintaining strong rental demand and property appreciation.

• Statewide Median Home Price: $325,000

• Tybee Island: 6-9% appreciation, driven by vacation rental demand.

• St. Simons Island: 5-7% appreciation, catering to luxury buyers.

• Jekyll Island: 4-6% appreciation, with strong long-term value.

Georgia’s coastal towns offer strong rental income potential, especially in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island.

• Tybee Island – 7-10% annual rental yield, with vacation homes earning $45K-$80K per year.

• St. Simons Island – 5-7% rental yield, best for luxury long-term rentals.

• Jekyll Island – 5-6% rental yield, ideal for long-term appreciation.

Compared to Florida and other coastal states, Georgia offers lower taxes, more affordable home prices, and a lower overall cost of living for beach homeowners. However, expenses vary depending on the location, property type, and proximity to the water.

• Lower Property Taxes: Georgia has some of the lowest property taxes in the southeastern U.S., making it more affordable to own a beach house compared to Florida or Texas.

• Flood & Hurricane Insurance: In certain coastal areas, flood insurance is required, with annual premiums ranging from $1,800 to $5,000, depending on risk factors.

• Higher Insurance Costs in Luxury Areas: St. Simons Island and Sea Island tend to have higher insurance costs due to their high property values and hurricane exposure.

Owning a beach home requires regular maintenance due to exposure to saltwater, humidity, and storms.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: Expect to pay between $5,000–$12,000 per year for upkeep, including exterior maintenance, HVAC servicing, and storm preparations.

• Utility Costs: Electricity, water, and internet services typically range from $250 to $450 per month, depending on the property size and location.

• Beachfront Homes vs. Inland Homes: Properties directly on the beach experience more wear and tear from saltwater exposure, leading to higher maintenance costs.

Georgia’s coastal towns offer strong vacation rental markets, particularly in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island. Short-term rentals can generate $35,000-$80,000 per year, depending on location, amenities, and seasonality.

Quick Tip: Vacation rental demand is highest in Tybee Island due to its proximity to Savannah and strong summer tourism.

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Georgia’s beach towns provide a slower pace of life, scenic coastal beauty, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat, an investment property, or a laid-back getaway, Georgia’s coast has the perfect spot for you.

• Mild Winters & Warm Summers – Enjoy year-round coastal living with comfortable temperatures.

• Outdoor Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, golfing, and biking trails are popular among residents and tourists.

• Top-Ranked Golf Courses: Sea Island Golf Club and The King and Prince Golf Course in St. Simons Island attracts golf enthusiasts from across the country.

Should you buy or rent? It depends on your long-term goals.

✔ You want long-term appreciation of 5-10% annually.

✔ You plan to rent it out (Tybee Island has high Airbnb demand).

✔ You want a permanent vacation home with customization options.

❌ You only visit seasonally and want to avoid maintenance costs.

❌ You prefer flexibility without the long-term commitment.

❌ You’re waiting for home prices to drop before purchasing.

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The best Georgia beach town for you depends on your investment goals and lifestyle preferences:

• For Short-Term Rentals & Airbnb Income: Tybee Island offers the best rental potential with high annual returns.
• For Luxury & Long-Term Investment: St. Simons Island provides high-end properties with strong resale value.
• For a Quiet & Nature-Focused Lifestyle: Jekyll Island is the best choice for secluded beachfront living.

If you’re ready to invest in a beachfront home in Georgia, Be My Neighbor can help you:

• Analyze market trends to find the best location for your budget.
• Evaluate rental potential to maximize your return on investment.
• Connect with top local real estate experts to guide you through the buying process.
• Contact Be My Neighbor today for a free consultation!
• Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Georgia real estate updates.

Looking for other top beach destinations? Check out our guides on Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina!

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Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

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