We are hoping to relocate to a location in one of the southern states that is near the ocean, has a quaint charm (like a walkable main street) and doesn't cost a fortune.
After we do retire - we will possibly be able to afford approximately 250$ tops. Is there a place with these features? Can't seem to find information for any communities advertised under 400K

This area is still pretty affordable (east coast of Florida south of Daytona Beach and north of Vero Beach) but there is a measurable movement off the barrier islands here having learned some potent lessons about hurricanes in these last couple of years. Is it that high on your list that it be oceanview? Are you prepared for the hassle and heartache that comes with that?

Although you didn't really ask, I would advise that you consider living on the mainland or along the Intracoastal river instead and make the short drive to the beach when the mood strikes you. Florida does a small town very nicely, in my humble opnion. ;)

Have you looked into the Florida panhandle?

I have traveled to the east coast and have been in the Vero Beach area. Can you name some towns that are affordable with a walkable main street (possibly inland - 5 to 6 miles)
I have never been to the Panhandle, but would love to research some towns if I had some names. Can you guys oblige? As snobby as this may sound, we are Starbucks kind of people... any ideas?
Thanks

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Originally Posted by Honeyshay

We are hoping to relocate to a location in one of the southern states that is near the ocean, has a quaint charm (like a walkable main street) and doesn't cost a fortune.
After we do retire - we will possibly be able to afford aproximately 250$ tops. Is there a place with these features? Can't seem to find information for any communities advertised under 400K

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You can pick up a fixer upper on the Gulf Coast for next to nothing.

You really should look into Wilmington NC. I personally have never been, but my boyfriend rants & raves about it. I live in Charlotte NC, and will be taking a trip there soon. From what I can tell they have an old historic downtown, and as long as you are not looking to work, it seems like a lovely area (small job market). Just a suggestion if you don't want to move to a very busy place.

Also check out Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. More charm than you can shake a stick at. Smaller communities that are quite charming are Beaufort North Carolina and Beaufort South Carolina. You can check out real estate prices online in all the places mentioned. You might want to check out real estate prices in some of the smaller beach communities in the Carolinas, too. Outer Banks and the various islands will be pricey.

On the FL panhandle, I visited a friend in Tallahassee and he took me down to Apalachicola. Very nice area. We stopped for a drink in an old hotel there, and it was straight out of the Caribbean. I expected to see Humphrey Bogart coming around the corner. :-)

Vasily

Hi. I currently live in the Outer Banks. There are some affordable places here in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or southern Nags Head. Since we are between the sound and the ocean, you can enjoy the best of both sides. Nags Head Cove is a good place to start. Also Wilmington, N.C. is very affordable. Carolina Beach is a little more secluded and less touristy, but you are probably going to get that wherever you go.