You Could Save a Cool $3M by Buying a Beach House Here Instead of Malibu

When you think of buying a house that overlooks a glistening body of water, there’s no better place than Southern California—right? Not necessarily. New research from Filter King shows that when it comes to value, the Pacific Ocean isn’t all it’s cracked up to be: In fact, a beachfront property in Galveston, Texas, could save you a cool $3 million when compared to Malibu. 

The report looked at a variety of factors, from air quality to average temperature, to determine which areas in the U.S. were the best to set yourself up on the shore. And while Galveston was the top pick, five Florida places ranked in the top 10: Panama City Beach, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Pierce, and Miami Beach. 

And remember that just because you live near the ocean doesn’t mean you have to decorate your home with seashells or anchors. Nautical details are nice, but in this Australian beach home, the real selling point is its circular shape and minimalist design. At this Sullivan’s Island retreat outside of Charleston, South Carolina, checkerboard floors and palm leaf prints rule. And on Long Island, subtle beachy vibes—like grass-inspired lampshades and bubble-like fixtures—take the place of cheesy driftwood signs with phrases. Instead, the vibe is as easy as a day at the beach.