The Best Beach Towns in Georgia for Coastal Living and Investment

Sea breezes, laid-back charm, and golden-hour views. Georgia’s beach towns offer more than just a pretty escape. They’re places where everyday life feels a little lighter, and smart investments still exist.

From sleepy fishing villages to lively coastal hubs, each spot moves at its own rhythm. Some draw you in with local festivals and easy access to the beach. Others win you over with golf cart mobility, fresh seafood, and neighbors who greet you by name.

This piece explores the best beach towns in Georgia for those chasing sun, sand, and solid property value. Whether you’re looking to move, invest, or simply daydream, here’s where lifestyle and opportunity meet.

What to Look For in a Coastal Town in Georgia

Buying near the beach sounds simple until you start weighing all the details. The truth is, no two coastal towns are alike. Not in Georgia, not anywhere. 

Some offer peace and quiet with just the essentials. Others buzz with tourists, rentals, and a packed calendar of events. The right fit depends on your goals. You need to have clarity on your needs and wants: 

• Are you planning to settle in full-time?
• Or do you prefer to rent out your property?
• Would you like to keep it as a second home?

Basic Considerations For Homebuyers

Start with access. How close is the beach? Is it walkable, or will you need to drive and hunt for parking? A home steps from the sand may come at a premium, but it can also hold its value longer.

Next, look at lifestyle amenities. Think grocery stores, pharmacies, local clinics, public parks, marinas, and walkable town centers. A beautiful beach is great, but not if you’re driving 40 minutes for basics.

Check the seasonal flow. Some towns swell in Spring Break and the summer months, and quiet down the rest of the year. Others have a steady, year-round population. This affects everything from traffic and restaurant hours to rental income if you plan to lease your home or condo.

Don’t skip the numbers. Research the housing market, property taxes, insurance costs (especially flood and wind), and recent price trends. Areas with a growing local economy and infrastructure tend to offer more stability for buyers.

And finally: community. Don’t settle for virtual tours or listing photos, and visit; talk to neighbors. See how it feels. The right town won’t just match your budget, it’ll match your pace.

9 Best Coastal Towns in Georgia to Live

Tybee Island

Just 30 minutes east of Savannah, Tybee Island is the kind of coastal town where life slows down but never gets dull. This small barrier island offers a blend of beach-town energy and close-knit community, where it’s just as common to see locals biking to the beach as it is to see out-of-towners grabbing seafood on the pier.

Why Tybee Island Works for Homebuyers and Investors

Beach Access is a Given

Tybee spans just 2.5 miles long and about 1 mile wide, so you’re always close to the water. South Beach, considered the island’s downtown area, is the social hub of Tybee Island, boasting its iconic pier, a variety of restaurants, and a lively crowd.

Conversely, North Beach is quieter, with wide sand and a more residential vibe, making it an ideal location for those looking to buy Tybee Island houses for sale. Mid Beach is another coveted beach neighborhood offering a little of both worlds, and it’s ideal for buyers looking for balance.

The Island Lives Year-Round

Tourism peaks in summer, especially with visitors from cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. But Tybee isn’t just a seasonal destination—it’s home to about 3,100 full-time residents. Year-rounders enjoy local spots like Salt Island Fish & Beer, paddleboarding at sunrise, and art fairs that reflect the island’s quirky, creative spirit.

Rentals Are Regulated, and That’s a Good Thing

Short-term rentals are in high demand here, but the city has placed limits on vacation rental licenses in certain residential areas to protect the community’s feel. That helps maintain property values and keeps the rental market competitive. As of early 2025, the median home price sits around $722,500, with rates varying based on beach access and rental licensing status.

It’s Livable and Not Just for The Weekend

Tybee has the essentials for year-round living: a local grocery store, post office, urgent care, and shops for daily needs. And with Savannah just a short drive away, residents can access top hospitals, schools, and city conveniences without giving up the beach life. Internet access is also strong; Xfinity offers speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps, which is more than enough for remote work.

St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island, the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant community. With its moss-draped oaks, pristine beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities, it’s a destination that appeals to both residents and investors.​

Why St. Simmons Island Works for Homebuyers and Investors

Proximity to Beaches and Outdoor Activities

The island boasts over 30 miles of bike paths, making it easy to explore its scenic landscapes. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, and golfing. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort offers oceanfront dining and a championship golf course. ​

The Year-Round Appeal

Unlike some seasonal destinations, St. Simons Island maintains a steady influx of visitors throughout the year. Its mild climate, historical sites like the St. Simons Lighthouse, and events such as the RSM Classic golf tournament contribute to its year-round attractiveness. ​

Strong Rental Market

The island’s popularity as a vacation destination supports a robust short-term rental market. As of March 2025, the median home sold price was approximately $799,500, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. 

Short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have an average occupancy rate of 53% (with some sources reporting up to 59%), with an average daily rate of $363, resulting in an average annual revenue of approximately $41,816. ​

Regulated Short-Term Rentals

Glynn County requires short-term rental properties to obtain a certificate under Chapter 2-31 of the Code of Ordinances. This regulation ensures a level playing field for all rentals and maintains the quality of life for residents. ​

Diverse Real Estate Market

The St Simons Island real estate market caters to a range of preferences and budgets. As we mentioned before, the typical property sold for amost $800K, reflecting rising demand and the island’s continued appeal among discerning, high-end buyers.

St. Simons Island combines the charm of Southern coastal living with solid investment potential. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a vacation home, or an income-generating property, the island offers a compelling case for homebuyers and investors alike.

Design-wise, St. Simons Island is a refined blend of architectural styles that reflect coastal charm and Southern elegance. Here, you’ll find everything from classic Lowcountry and Colonial Revival homes with deep front porches and tabby concrete to newer custom builds that lean into modern coastal design with open floor plans, expansive windows, and clean lines. 

Many properties are designed to take advantage of the island’s natural beauty, with layouts that emphasize indoor-outdoor living. Think wraparound verandas, screened-in porches, and spacious backyards shaded by moss-draped oaks.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island moves at its own pace. It’s quiet, yes, but never dull. This barrier island, once a retreat for America’s wealthiest families, now welcomes anyone looking for serenity with a bit of soul. With wide beaches, walking paths shaded by live oaks, and a firm cap on development, it offers a different kind of coastal living. One that values balance.

Life’s Slower Here and That’s the Point

There are no high-rises. No neon signs. Just 35% of the island is developed. The rest is protected land; maritime forest, salt marshes, and sandy shores. It makes for peaceful mornings and fewer crowds, even in high season. Locals bike instead of driving, and kids still chase crabs at low tide. You’ll find a small-town feel here, just with better views.

Proximity to Nature and Necessities

Homes on Jekyll Island are tucked into quiet neighborhoods but still close to the essentials. There’s a grocery store, a school, a historic district with charming shops, and even Georgia’s only sea turtle rehab center. For medical needs or bigger errands, Brunswick is just 20 minutes away.

And then, there’s Driftwood Beach, a surreal stretch of shoreline with weathered trees and quiet sunrises. Even longtime locals still stop to take photos.

A Tight Rental Market, On Purpose

If you’re considering a rental property, know this: Jekyll Island is managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, not a traditional county. They limit overnight rentals, require a license, and collect a 3% gross revenue fee. That means fewer listings and more consistent demand. It’s a regulation that works in your favor, protecting both the community feel and long-term investment stability.

As of early 2025, homes here average around $663,000, up roughly 18% from last year. Inventory is limited, but that’s part of what makes buying here so appealing.

Seasonal… but Never Deserted

Summer brings a quiet buzz: families on vacation, couples on bikes, folks sipping iced coffee on hotel porches. But Jekyll never feels overwhelmed. Fall and spring are actually local favorites, with fewer visitors and perfect weather. And because part of the island hosts conferences and golf tournaments, there’s always a steady stream of visitors.

For buyers who value calm over commotion, and long-term value over flash, Jekyll Island real estate might be the best-kept secret on the Georgia coast. It’s not for everyone, and that’s precisely why it works.

Sea Island

If you’re looking for beach access without the buzz, Sea Island might be what you’ve been hoping for. Tucked between St. Simons and the Atlantic, this private island offers a quieter, more refined version of coastal Georgia where five-star luxury blends with unmatched privacy.

Homes here don’t just sell location. They sell peace of mind. And for those who want oceanfront living without crowds, Sea Island delivers.

Lifestyle Built for Comfort and Calm

Life on Sea Island is slower, softer. You won’t find strip malls or packed boardwalks. Instead, there are tree-lined streets, private clubs, and spaces built for stillness. The Cloister and The Lodge, the island’s two luxury resorts, offer spa services, fine dining, and golf that’s earned global attention. Residents have access to exclusive amenities like private beach clubs, tennis centers, and deep-water docks.

You don’t have to love luxury to live here, but it certainly helps.

The Beach Is Your Backyard

Sea Island homes offer access to five miles of private shoreline, and most of them are within minutes (if not steps) of the sand. There are no public beaches here. That means fewer crowds, cleaner sands, and a level of quiet that’s rare anywhere on the East Coast. And because the island is connected to St. Simons by a single causeway, traffic stays low even in summer.

Seasons That Still Feel Like Home

Sea Island has that rare blend of sunny summers and mild winters. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, with many families visiting for holidays or school breaks. But the community doesn’t vanish in the off-season. Many homeowners split their time between Sea Island and other cities –Atlanta, Charlotte, New York– but come back often enough to keep things lively.

If you’re looking for a home that feels personal, not touristy, this might be your place.

Investment with Intention

Buying on Sea Island means buying into exclusivity. As of early 2025, homes typically start around $3 million, with some topping $10 million, especially on oceanfront lots or near the Cloister gates. It’s a tight market with little turnover, and that’s part of the appeal. High property values are backed by strong demand and limited inventory. And while short-term rentals are tightly controlled by the Sea Island Company, long-term investment value tends to hold firm.

You’re not just buying a home here—you’re buying into a private community with its own standards, rules, and protections.

Brunswick

There’s something quietly compelling about Brunswick. It doesn’t shout for attention, but if you spend time here, it stays with you. Set just inland from Georgia’s barrier islands, this historic port city offers a rare mix of affordability, access to the coast, and everyday livability.

If you’re looking for a place near the water that feels grounded and real, Brunswick might be worth more than a passing glance.

Where Lifestyle Meets Livability

You’ll find Victorian homes with wraparound porches, local bakeries with handwritten menus, and a marina that still smells like salt and shrimp boats. The downtown area is undergoing a thoughtful revival, with galleries, boutiques, and a growing restaurant scene. Farmers’ markets pop up on weekends. Local art walks are actually local. And when the weather’s right, which it often is, everybody’s outside.

This isn’t vacation living but regular life, with a desirable coastal bonus.

Beaches Just Minutes Away

Brunswick sits right on the mainland, but it’s just 15–20 minutes to St. Simons or Jekyll Island. That means you get coastal access without the tourist traffic. Spend the day on the sand, then come home to quiet streets and lower property taxes. It’s the best of both worlds for families or retirees who want proximity, not price tags.

Year-Round Appeal, With a Local Base

Unlike the islands, which swell in season, Brunswick keeps a steady rhythm all year. It’s a working port city with a strong local economy, tied to shipping, fishing, healthcare, and education. It’s also home to the College of Coastal Georgia and the Southeast Georgia Health System, so there’s a built-in year-round population that supports local businesses.

You’ll feel like a resident here, not a visitor.

Affordability Meets Opportunity

Here’s the real standout: Brunswick housing is affordable. The median home price as of early 2025 hovers around $250,000 to $300,000, significantly lower than on the nearby islands. That makes it ideal for first-time buyers, families, or investors looking for long-term growth. 

Some areas are primed for renovation, others are already seeing steady appreciation. Rental demand remains solid, particularly for long-term tenants who work locally but prefer to live near the water.

Zoning is less restrictive than on the islands, and short-term rentals are allowed in many areas, just make sure to check city ordinances.

St. Marys

St. Marys doesn’t rush you. It welcomes you in quietly, with wide river views, shady streets, and the soft sound of boats pushing out toward Cumberland Island. It’s the kind of place where people know their neighbors and front porches matter. And for those looking to live near the water without the crowds or the cost, it’s a town worth a closer look.

Coastal Living Without the Island Price Tag

St. Marys sits along the St. Marys River, just a few miles from the Florida line. While it’s not a beach town in the traditional sense, it offers deep water access, public marinas, and a ferry ride to Cumberland Island National Seashore, one of the most pristine stretches of undeveloped coastline in the country.

You won’t find boardwalk noise here. You’ll find sailboats. Fishing trips. Sunset views from the waterfront park.

A Year-Round Community

This isn’t a seasonal destination that shuts down when summer ends. St. Marys is a lived-in town with year-round schools, a historic downtown, and a strong local economy, anchored by Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, one of the region’s largest employers. That brings a steady population and stable demand for housing, especially among military families and contractors.

It also brings services, restaurants, and small businesses that stick around through all four seasons.

A Laid-Back Market with Room to Grow

Homes in St. Marys are generally affordable. As of early 2025, the median sale price sits around $295,000–$325,000, depending on proximity to the waterfront or newer developments. There’s room here for both first-time buyers and investors—especially in neighborhoods near the historic district or with easy access to the base.

Short-term rentals are allowed in certain areas, but they’re not overwhelming the community. Most buyers lean long-term. Steady appreciation, moderate taxes, and low insurance costs (compared to barrier islands) make this a smart spot to buy and stay.

Lifestyle Built for Simplicity

Want walkable? The downtown district offers it. Think coffee shops in historic storefronts, shrimp boats at the marina, and weekend festivals that still feel local. For nature lovers, Cumberland Island is just a ferry ride away. For commuters or retirees with Florida ties, Jacksonville is under an hour south.

It’s close to what you need, far from what you don’t.

St. Marys feels like a place to pause. To live, not just invest. For homebuyers looking for balance between water access and affordability, simplicity and community, it delivers quietly and steadily.

Darien

Just off I-95, about halfway between Savannah and Brunswick, Darien feels tucked away—but not out of reach. It’s a town built on shrimp boats, Spanish moss, and river sunsets. Quiet, a little gritty, and full of heart, Darien offers coastal living that’s still affordable, still personal, and still flying under most people’s radar.

If you’re looking for somewhere low-key, scenic, and genuinely local, Darien might be your kind of coastal.

Natural Beauty Without the Fuss

Darien sits where the Altamaha River meets the Atlantic, surrounded by one of the largest intact salt marsh systems on the East Coast. That means wide, open water views without the crowds. You won’t find sandy beaches here, but you will find boardwalk trails, fishing docks, and riverfront parks with space to breathe.

It’s a place where herons outnumber high-rises, and sunsets are part of the daily routine.

A Real Community With Year-Round Rhythm

Darien isn’t seasonal. It’s steady. With a population of around 1,500, it’s small, but there’s a strong sense of local pride. The town hosts festivals like the Blessing of the Fleet every spring, and its downtown has a handful of restaurants, shops, and a historic inn that draw both locals and passersby.

It’s the kind of place where people still wave from porches and mean it.

Coastal Living That’s Actually Affordable

This is where Darien stands out. As of early 2025, the median Darien home price is around $225,000 to $260,000. For buyers priced out of places like St. Simons or even Brunswick, Darien offers a chance to stay near the coast without stretching the budget.

The market here is small but growing. There’s interest from retirees, second-home buyers, and investors looking ahead. You won’t find huge developments, but you might find a fixer-upper with a marsh view or a cottage on a quiet street ready for your touch.

Access Without the Noise

Darien is just minutes from I-95, making it easy to get to Savannah, Brunswick, or even Jacksonville. You get the benefits of a quiet town with quick access to bigger cities, hospitals, and airports. And for nature lovers, Sapelo Island is just a ferry ride away from nearby Meridian, a rare chance to explore a protected coastline that still feels untouched.

Darien isn’t polished. It’s personal. And for the right buyer, it’s full of potential. If you’re looking for calm water, slow mornings, and a chance to invest before the spotlight arrives, this town deserves more than a drive-through glance.

Sapelo Island

Sapelo Island isn’t for everyone, and that’s its strength. Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island feels worlds away from the mainland, even though it’s just a 20-minute ride from Darien. There are no hotels. No traffic lights. No daily rush. What you’ll find instead is a rare kind of peace, layered with history, tradition, and natural beauty that hasn’t been paved over.

This is a place where land means more than just square footage, it carries story.

A Protected Slice of the Coast

Over 90% of Sapelo is managed by the state of Georgia and the University of Georgia Marine Institute. That means no big resorts, no flashy boardwalks. Just unspoiled beaches, marshlands, and ancient sand dunes. 

Public access is limited to guided tours, unless you’re a resident or part of the tight-knit Hog Hammock community one of the last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the U.S.

If you’re drawn to quiet nature and cultural richness, this is as real as it gets.

Living on Sapelo Means Living Differently

This isn’t a commuter town. You get here by ferry, which runs a few times a day and carries groceries, gear, and sometimes goats. There’s no gas station. No grocery store. Mail arrives by boat. Residents value independence, self-reliance, and strong community ties.

That said, many own second homes here, using them as retreats. The rhythm is slower, and the isolation is part of the appeal.

Property Here Is Rare and Deeply Personal

Homes on Sapelo are extremely limited and mostly concentrated in Hog Hammock. These properties are often family-owned, passed down through generations. Some are available to purchase, but buyers need to respect local customs and zoning regulations, which are strict, for good reason.

As of early 2025, you won’t find much inventory online. Prices vary widely depending on history, condition, and land rights. Don’t expect a standard market. Expect conversations. Relationships. Respect.

For the Right Buyer, It’s a Treasure

Sapelo isn’t about convenience. It’s about meaning. For those who value privacy, ecology, and cultural heritage, it offers something few places do: the chance to live gently, with space and silence.

If you want Wi-Fi, a Target run, and Uber Eats, this isn’t your island. But if you want wild beaches, starry nights, and a connection to something deeper than real estate trends, Sapelo offers something money can’t always buy.

Skidaway Island

Just 25 minutes from downtown Savannah, Skidaway Island offers a unique blend of Lowcountry nature and suburban convenience. It’s not a resort town. It’s not a sleepy fishing village. It’s a community where families, retirees, and remote professionals can all feel at home, with marsh views and Spanish moss as the backdrop.

If you’ve been looking for something close to the coast but rooted in everyday living, Skidaway might just fit.

A Nature-Focused Lifestyle

Much of the island is made up of tidal marshes, maritime forest, and trails. At its heart is Skidaway Island State Park—a favorite for hiking, birding, and afternoon picnics. You’ll find deer in the mornings, egrets on the water, and a canopy of oaks overhead.

There’s a slower rhythm here, and it shows in how people spend their time. Golf carts are common. So are sunset walks and front porch conversations.

The Landings: A Private World Within

While the island itself is quiet and mostly residential, its largest and best-known community is The Landings, a gated development with its own marinas, golf courses, fitness centers, restaurants, and trails. For those who want resort-style amenities without leaving home, it delivers.

Homes inside The Landings range widely, from smaller cottages to luxury estates. As of early 2025, prices start around $500K and can stretch well past $1.5M, depending on size, view, and updates.

Close to Everything, Without Feeling Crowded

Skidaway gives you space, but not isolation. You’re just a short drive from Savannah’s historic district, medical centers, schools, and shopping. Tybee Island’s beaches are under 45 minutes away. And with Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport nearby, getting in and out is easy.

The island sees very little tourism itself. That means less traffic, no crowded boardwalks, and a steady year-round pace.

A Smart Buy for Long-Term Living

This is a place people move to and stay. The real estate market is steady, with home values showing slow, healthy appreciation. HOA rules and conservation-focused planning help protect long-term value, especially within The Landings.

It’s not the cheapest place on the map, but you get what you pay for: peace, access, and a well-maintained community.

Skidaway Island doesn’t try to impress you. It just makes it easy to stay. For buyers who want low-maintenance coastal living close to a city (but far from the noise), it checks a lot of quiet, important boxes.

The Bottom Line: Best Small Beach Towns in Georgia

Georgia’s coast isn’t loud about its beauty, and that’s part of its charm. From the laid-back rhythm of Tybee to the quiet, secluded elegance of Sea Island, each town offers its own version of coastal living. Some lean toward simplicity. Others offer luxury. A few are still flying under the radar.

Whether you’re looking for a second home, an investment with long-term value, or a place to settle into something slower, there’s room here for all of it. The right beach town isn’t just about ocean access; it’s about how life feels once you get there.

And along Georgia’s shoreline, it still feels good.