10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Moving to the Beach

Moving to the beach often sounds like a dream come true— ocean views, the soothing sound of waves, and endless days of sunshine. While this lifestyle has its perks, there are some surprises beach life may have in store. Here’s what they don’t always tell you about making the big move to the coast.

1. Sand Will Be Everywhere

No matter how careful you are, sand will find its way into your car, home, and even your bed. It’s a small price to pay for the beauty of beach life, but you’ll need a good vacuum and a sense of humor. In the end, you just get used to it.

2. Salt Air Is Not Friendly to Your Belongings

Beach life is synonymous with salt life, but that lovely salty breeze is also quite corrosive. Cars, outdoor furniture and appliances, and even metal fixtures inside your home may show wear and rust faster than you’d expect.

3. Hurricane Preparedness Is a Must

Living by the ocean means dealing with the possibility of hurricanes. You’ll need to know how to prepare your home, keep emergency supplies stocked, and consider insurance policies carefully.

Make sure you have an evacuation plan, as coastal communities are often evacuated ahead of a hurricane.

4. It’s Not Always Peaceful

Tourists, events, and seasonal crowds can disrupt the tranquility of your beach haven. Some beaches become lively hubs of activity during peak seasons, which might be overwhelming.

We live on a pretty quiet street, but on big beach holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day, we’ve seen cars parked way up our street.

5. Wildlife May Become Your New Neighbors

From curious seagulls to sneaky crabs, you’ll likely encounter local wildlife more often than you anticipate. And if you live in Atlantic Beach, add in coyotes, barred owls and red foxes. Be prepared to share your outdoor space with the creatures of the coast.

6. Beachfront Properties Come with Hidden Costs

Owning a home near the ocean can mean higher property taxes, insurance premiums, and ongoing repairs. It’s worth budgeting for these expenses before making the move. Insurance will be a big pain, and companies tend to regularly drop beach property owners. (It’s happened to us regularly)

7. Sun Protection Is a Daily Commitment

The coastal sun is intense, and you’ll quickly learn that sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. Skin protection becomes part of your daily routine, even for quick trips outside.

We keep a basket with sunscreens of various strengths right by the door for a quick application before heading out.

8. Renovations May Be Tough

Depending on your area, you may run into a lot more rules and regulations when trying to secure building permits. We had a hard time finding a pool builder that even wanted to take a job in our area.

Even small changes may require inspections, as we found out when getting a new door. These regulations are in place to make sure your changes meet certain hurricane standards.

9. You’ll Encounter a Lot of Marine Life

Of course you’d expect to encounter marine life, but living at the beach means you encounter every season. These marine life spottings often stretch over a few days to weeks.

One day the beach may be covered in horseshoe crabs, or starfish or jellyfish. One time I saw the beach covered in some kind of clam shells. You never know what fish or animal you’ll see when you are at the beach every day.

10. You’ll Love It No Matter What

This may be the one thing people actually will tell you- if the beach life is for you, you’ll love it no matter what. We went through two hurricanes our first year at the beach, everything is covered in sand, and every single day I still feel grateful that I live in such a beautiful place.

Moving to the beach is a unique experience that offers beauty, relaxation, and a few unique challenges, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.