Summer is just around the corner. This means, now is the perfect time to start the search for the perfect beach home. To find the nation's hottest towns, Realtor.com analyzed data from NOAA's National Ocean service and filtered out areas without direct access to a beach. The housing market in Southwest Florida has been the most attractive for the past few years but there are other markets that are slowly getting more attention from homebuyers.
Water Sports
For the more active homebuyer, Florida Keys is a popular choice. Homeowners in the island chain enjoy riding on the waves in the Gulf of Mexico, parasailing and swimming with dolphins. Other Florida cities such as Destin and Panama City Beach also boast well-established water sports businesses.
Clean Waters
If you have been to a major city beach on a summer, you know that some are filled with both people and litter. Where, then, can you enjoy clean waters in the U.S.? The infamous Jersey Shore includes some of the country's cleanest beaches. Plus, being a small-town, the beaches are not as crowded as major city beaches. Avalon and Stone Harbor in New Jersey are among your best bets. But before you get too excited, be sure to check the price tags because beach homes in the area do not come cheap.
Perfect Weather
How can one enjoy the beach if it frequently rains cats and dogs? If your idea of a beach vacation is centered on getting a tan, consider buying a beach home in Kahului, Hawaii which has 273 sunny days and an average temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Southern California is also taking the title of "Sunshine State" from Florida. It has 5 beach towns and an annual average of 280 sunny days.
Night Life
There is always a party in Miami Beach. With 300 nightspots, it is paradise for homebuyers who love to go out all night, dance and have some fun. Miami Beach has something for everyone, from celebrity clubs in South Beach to dive bars along Ocean Drive.
