9 Best Places To Call Home On The Pacific Coast In 2025
Stretching from the temperate rainforests of Washington to the sun-baked shores of southern California, the Pacific Coast region encompasses the western seaboard states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Along this dramatic coastline, you’ll find everything from rugged cliffs and sea stacks to sweeping sandy beaches and hidden coves. Yet not all coastal towns are beyond reach for your budget in 2025. There are still small towns sprinkled throughout the region where housing remains more affordable than the state's average. In this article, we highlight nine such gems where a mix of scenic charm, outdoor activity, and local culture makes calling the Pacific Coast home both desirable and doable.
Gold Beach, Oregon
Gold Beach offers housing priced at an average of $411,000, which is significantly below Oregon’s median of $519,000, making it a viable option for those seeking affordability on the Pacific Coast. The town’s riverside and oceanfront homes offer a mix of classic cottages and newer builds, many with river or ocean views. The small population fosters strong community ties and manageable infrastructure demands.
Adventure awaits at the convergence of the Rogue River and Pacific Ocean: take a jet boat ride upriver, fish for salmon or steelhead, hike in the nearby Siskiyou Mountains, or explore tidepools along the rocks. Don’t miss the Cape Blanco Lighthouse nearby, and drive the winding road to Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint for dramatic cliff views and scenic overlooks.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Ocean Shores, with just under 7,000 residents, remains one of the more affordable coastal towns in Washington, with median home values around $400,000 that are below the state’s average of $664,200. Many retirees and remote workers are drawn here by its relaxed pace, ocean access, and a lower cost of living than in Puget Sound suburbs. Real estate options include modest single-family homes and small cottages close to the dunes or canals.
Outdoor recreation is the town’s hallmark, with residents being able to walk miles along the sandy beach or catch winter storms from a waterfront bluff. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards in Grays Harbor, fish off the Ocean City Pier, and enjoy seasonal festivals that highlight local art, seafood, and community spirit.
Crescent City, California
Crescent City offers lower house prices of about $357,000, which are considerably lower than the state's average home price of $866,000, thanks to its remote northern location. Residents benefit from the blend of ocean, forest, and small-town services without exorbitant pricing.
Nature lovers can hike in Redwood National and State Parks just beyond town, kayak or fish along the Smith River estuary, or stroll the shoreline at low tide to visit the Battery Point Lighthouse. Whale watching and sea lion spotting are common from scenic overlooks, while nearby pebble beaches and headlands provide excellent photography, tidepool exploration, and tranquil sunsets. Crescent City also boasts a growing community of artists and small business owners, giving its downtown a creative, locally driven feel. Cafes like Paragon Coffeehouse foster a sense of community and coziness. The mild coastal climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from beachcombing and tidepooling to exploring scenic drives along the Redwood Highway.
Port Orford, Oregon
Port Orford, with an average home price of $580,00, is a somewhat affordable destination that offers unforgettable local charm. With its rugged character and minimal development, many houses are modest cottages, cabins, or renovated fishermen’s dwellings. The affordability stems from its remoteness and small scale, yet the quality of life remains high for nature lovers. The oldest town on the Oregon coast, Port Orford, is a unique town where the mountains and forests meet the ocean.
Here you can explore the Cape Blanco headlands, hike segments of the Oregon Coast Trail, or fish for salmon and rockfish right off the rocks. Scenic boat tours reveal marine life and kelp forests, while Battle Rock Park offers outstanding tidepooling and sunset vantage points. You’ll also find local galleries and community events, such as the Redfish Music Festival, that highlight coastal arts and history.
Westport, Washington
Westport keeps housing costs modest compared to pricier Puget Sound and Seattle-area coastal communities, with an average price of just $440,000. Many homes are simple beach or fishing cottages rather than luxury estates. The town’s identity as a working fishing port helps maintain more grounded real estate pricing and local services.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate chartered salmon and halibut fishing, surf breaks along North Jetty Beach, and the Westport Marina & Discovery Trail for walking or cycling. The Grays Harbor Lighthouse is open seasonally, and you can launch boats or kayaks into the harbor. Coastal bird-watching is strong here, with migratory species following the estuary and dune systems nearby.
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings often has real estate prices lower than Oregon’s northern coastal markets, especially for homes farther from the immediate waterfront. With an average home price of $470,000, Brookings offers a more affordable option that doesn't lack in activities and lifestyle. The relatively mild climate and community amenities make Brookings an appealing place to live at a better value. Many homes are woodland or hillside properties with forest or river views.
The town lies adjacent to Azalea Park, famous for its spring blooms, and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor — a dramatic stretch of sea stacks and hidden coves. You can kayak or snorkel in kelp forests, fish or raft the Chetco River, or walk coastal trails. Crabbing or clamming from local docks and shoreline fishing are additional draws.
Eureka, California
Eureka features neighborhoods that remain relatively affordable by California coastal standards. Many Victorian homes, smaller historic houses, and mid-century residences lie within price ranges below more sought-after coastal enclaves. The city offers full services without the sky-high premiums of southern coastal regions. With an average home price of just $414,000, Eureka remains an affordable option compared to the state's overall average.
Along with being budget-friendly, Eureka offers residents plenty of activities to enjoy. Visit Redwood National and State Parks just outside town for towering forest trails, or stroll Eureka’s Historic Old Town and tour the Carson Mansion. Ride the bay waterfront paths, take a ferry to nearby islands or marine reserves, and drive through the Avenue of the Giants for amazing redwood scenery. Don’t miss tidepooling at Trinidad Head or coastal fishing excursions.
Port Angeles, Washington
Port Angeles, with around 20,000 residents, often features home prices below those in many Puget Sound coastal zones. The housing mix includes modest single-family homes, condos, and small craftsman houses within reach of the shore. Proximity to Olympic National Park raises appeal but keeps pricing moderate. While ranking slightly higher than others on the list, Port Angeles' $499,000 average home price still falls under the state's average.
This town is a gateway to Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rainforest, ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Kayak the Strait of Juan de Fuca, explore tidepools, or walk along the Olympic Discovery Trail. You can also take the ferry to Victoria, BC, or explore local arts museums and galleries downtown for culture and community.
Oceano, California
Oceano, with an average home price of $819,000, tends to offer lower housing costs than many of the more glamorous Central California coastal towns. Many properties are modest beach homes or inland houses just off the dunes, which are the state's largest coastal dunes. Its location in San Luis Obispo County gives access to amenities without coastal premium pricing.
Activities include dune surfing and walking at the Oceano Dunes, kayaking in the Oceano Lagoon, and biking scenic trails connecting to Pismo. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a seasonal highlight, and nearby beaches invite shelling and long strolls. Sunset views, local surf culture, and small cafes round out the coastal lifestyle.
Whether you prefer the misty waves of the Pacific Northwest or the sunlit shores of California’s Central Coast, there are still small towns along the Pacific Coast where you can stretch your housing dollars further, without giving up coastal character. Each of these nine communities offers a balance of affordability, access to nature, recreational options, and local culture. In 2025, these towns stand out as hidden coastal retreats where life by the sea need not come with a jaw-dropping price tag. For readers seeking a slower pace, scenic beauty, and affordability, these towns make compelling candidates for a new home.
