The Pros and Cons of Living Near the Beach: What You Need to Know

So, you want to live near the ocean, you say? Living on the coast is an fine art. You must be ready to take the good with the bad—the turbulent seas with the warm, sunny days. Discover everything you need to know about living near Seabrook Island beaches and Kiawah Island beaches with our all-inclusive guide. 

If you are ready to find your piece of shoreline paradise, sign up for our complimentary Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island real estate listing alerts. Submit your preferred criteria, and we will notify you of any listings that match your budget and lifestyle needs.

What to Weigh When Living Near the Beach

  • Pro: Instant Stress Relief

When it comes to living near the sea, there are immediate benefits for your mental health. The sounds of lapping waves and the feeling of soft sand beneath your feet are enough to put even the busiest of minds at ease. 

Enjoy bright pink sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean and wander beneath the moss-covered oak trees at Kiawah Island South Carolina beaches. There are so many ways to melt away your worries when you live on Kiawah Island or Seabrook Island.

  • Con: Summer Crowds

One of the disadvantages of living on the coast is summer crowds. For island residents, this means anticipating increased traffic when it comes to travel. 

However, choosing the right beach is a simple solution to this problem. Because Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are gated communities, residents enjoy fewer beach crowds. Kiawah Island’s only public beach access is Beachwalker Park, and the beaches of Seabrook Island are only open to residents, their guests, and those staying in vacation rentals.

  • Pro: Improved Fitness

One of the most important aspects of staying fit is making it fun, and you’ll find plenty of exciting ways to stay active when you are living near the sea. Early morning walks on the beach, bike rides through maritime forests, tennis matches with friends, and championship golf are a few great ways to stay active on Charleston’s sea islands!

  • Con: Wear and Tear

When living near saltwater, you should expect some increased wear and tear on your home’s exterior. Salt air tends to increase the acceleration of rust, so regular maintenance is essential. On the brighter side, maintaining a home near the ocean requires roughly the same amount of maintenance as most other climates. For example, colder climates often have issues related to freezing cold; this is not the case when it comes to Charleston beach living!

For those who would like to leave the home maintenance to somebody else, condo living is an excellent option! You may also consider hiring someone to take care of the job for you, such as Kiawah House Care or Rapid Repairs.

  • Pro: Your Friends and Family Will Love that you're living near the beach

No matter how old you are, the beach is always an exciting place to visit. Grandchildren will love building sandcastles, and adults will enjoy relaxing by the waves and enjoying the many family-friendly activities along the Carolina Coast.

Don’t forget your four-legged family members. Discover all of the best pet-friendly beaches in the area. You are sure to become the go-to vacation destination for all of your family members!

  • Con: Weather

Throughout most of the year, the weather in the Charleston area is one of its greatest pros! However, it is crucial to be aware of the possibility of hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June through November. While they do occur, highly destructive storms are rare. In the event of a hurricane, local government and news outlets ensure that residents are prepared well ahead of time.

Find Your Perfect Beach Home or Villa on Charleston’s Sea Islands

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons of living near the beach, it’s time to find your perfect island home. From cozy villas near championship golf to luxurious homes on the ocean, you’ll find a wide variety of properties available on the private islands of Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island.

Browse our collection of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island homes today.

When you are ready to take the next step, contact us for a home showing and a complimentary island tour. We can’t wait to welcome you to Charleston’s most beloved sea islands!