13 Best Coastal Cities in Washington to Live in 2023

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While you might immediately imagine evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains when you think of Washington, the state is also known for its breathtaking beaches. With great waves and rocky bays, kayaking and sailing, fishing and whale watching, these idyllic Washington coastal towns are top-notch. There are plenty of beach towns to check out in Washington, whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to relocate to the coast.

But if you’re not sure which beach towns to check out in Washington, we’ve got you covered. From Anacortes As far as San Juan Islands, Redfin has put together a list of 13 amazing coastal towns in Washington. Let’s explore some of the top beaches in the state, listed in alphabetical order, and how eager you might be to go there.

#1: Anacortes

Average home price: $795,000
Homes for Sale in Anacortes, WA
Anacortes, WA Apartments for Rent

First on our list is Anacortes, located on Fidalgo Island. There are plenty of beaches to explore while in Anacortes such as Sunset Beach, O Avenue Beach, and Tugboat Beach. If you’re considering visiting this coastal city, be sure to hike one of the trails like the Mount Airy Summit Trail or the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, explore Downtown Anacortes, or enjoy the views from Washington Park.

#2: Bellingham

Average home price: $604,850
Average rent for a one bedroom apartment: $1,375
Homes for Sale in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, WA Apartments for Rent

One of the great beach towns in Washington to consider buying a home is Bellingham, home to 92,300 people. There are many beaches to visit such as Glass Beach, Little Squalicum Beach and Marine Park. While in Bellingham, you’ll want to stroll the Taylor Dock Boardwalk or take a hiking trip on the North Chuckanut Trail, explore the city’s museums, shops and cafes, and explore the city’s many nature parks and lakes.

#3: Coupeville

Average home price: $670,000
Homes for Sale in Coupeville, WA
Coupeville, WA Apartments for Rent

One of the small towns on Whidbey Island, coupeville, There are only about 2,000 a year Residents, There are several beaches, such as Captain Coupe Park, to visit on a hot Washington day. If you find yourself headed to Coupeville, be sure to explore the Price Sculpture Forest, explore the town’s charming streets, and drive through the rest of Whidbey Island.

#4: Long Beach

Average home price: $400,000
Homes for Sale in Long Beach, WA
Long Beach, WA Apartments for Rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Long Beach Beach, there are countless places to spend a day enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. About 1,700 people live in Long Beach, where you can also see landmarks like a basalt monolith and a gray whale sculpture, explore the city streets and visit some of the city’s museums.

Cloudy beach with dog running in Moclips

#5: Moclips

Average home price: $335,000
Moclips, WA Homes for Sale
Moclips, WA Apartments for Rent

The charming seaside town of Mocalips has only about 50 permanent residents, which makes it a quiet place to buy or rent. In Mocalips, you can take a stroll through the charming downtown, explore Morroux Beach, or simply enjoy the scenery while reading a book.

#6: Oak Harbor

Average home price: $466,000
Homes for Sale in Oak Harbor, WA
Oak Harbor, WA Apartments for Rent

The city of Oak Harbor has approximately 24,700 residents and is a great coastal place to live. There are plenty of activities to do in this coastal town, such as spending a day at the beach at Windjammer Park. You can also explore downtown’s restaurants and shops and enjoy time outside at one of many other local favorite parks.

#7: Ocean Beach

Average home price: $466,500
Homes for Sale in Ocean Shores, WA
Ocean Shores, WA Apartments for Rent

With a population of approximately 7,100, Ocean Shores is an attractive coastal city to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore here – Ocean Shores Beach, North Jetty, and Pacific Beach. if you find yourself go to the ocean shoresBe sure to take a walk on the Damon Point Trail, dine at a local restaurant, or play a round of golf.

#8: Port Angeles

Average home price: $387,000
Homes for Sale in Port Angeles, WA
Port Angeles, WA Apartments for Rent

Port Angeles is a charming and historic city in northwestern Washington. The city has wonderful beaches like Harborview Park and Hollywood Beach, which are perfect for picnics. While in Port Angeles, be sure to take a walk on the Peabody Creek Trail to the start of Olympic National Park, check out the pier and all the local shops and cafes, and visit the ferry Victoria, B.C.,

aerial view of port townsend_getty

#9: Port Townsend

Average home price: $613,000
Homes for Sale in Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, WA Apartments for Rent

About 10,300 people live in Port Townsend where you’ll find beaches like Fort Worden State Park and North Beach County Park. Other attractions in Port Townsend include exploring the historic sites at Fort Worden Historical State Park, walking the downtown area to see charming Victorian-style homes, or taking a boat charter on the water.

#10: Poulsbo

Average home price: $750,000
Average rent for a one bedroom apartment: $1,125
Homes for Sale in Poulsbo, WA
Poulsbo, WA Apartments for Rent

This coastal city of Poulsbo has a population of 11,900 and several beaches to spend time outdoors, such as Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. Poulsbo is also known by its nickname “Little Norway,” so you’ll find lots of Norwegian-style buildings throughout the area. There are also plenty of activities to explore during your free time, such as spending some time at Liberty Bay Waterfront Park and checking out all the nearby cafes and shops, exploring Poulsbo’s Fish Park, and hiking the Dogfish Creek Trail.

Beach on San Juan Island in Washington

#11: San Juan Islands

Average home price: $790,000
Homes for Sale in San Juan Islands, WA
San Juan Islands, WA Apartments for Rent

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago comprised of 172 islands and reefs – and there are plenty of coastal towns you’ll want to call home. From Friday Harbor and Lopez Island to Orcas Island, there are countless places to visit whether you’re looking for a quiet village or a vibrant port city. There are also several beaches, such as Eagle Cove Beach, Fourth of July Beach, Jackson Beach, Reuben Tarte County Beach, and South Beach. The San Juan Islands have approximately 17,800 residents and you’ll find many other activities like exploring the San Juan Islands National Historical Park, checking out downtown Friday Harbor, or hopping on a ferry to Canada or one of the other nearby islands.

#12: Sequim

Average home price: $471,000
Homes for Sale in Sequim, WA
Sequim, WA Apartments for Rent

Sequim has lots of beaches that are great for spending a day outside, as is Sequim Bay State Park. If you’re looking for a different activity, be sure to check out all of the shops and cafes in downtown Sequim, visit the Purple Haze Lavender Farm and enjoy a meal by the water’s edge.

#13: Westport

Average home price: $599,000
Homes for Sale in Westport, WA
Westport, WA Apartments for Rent

If you decide that Westport is the perfect coastal town in Washington, there are plenty of beachside places to visit, such as Westport Light State Park. In this city of 28,100 people, you can also take in the views from the Westport Viewing Tower, take a fishing charter, or visit Westport Light State Park.

Note, this list is not a comprehensive list of all beach towns in Washington. median home sale price data from Redfin Data Center During June 2023. average rental data rent.com June 2023. derived from population data united states census bureau,

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