Pros and Cons of Living on the Water

Having a home on a beach, lake or river seems idyllic. And while waterfront living can offer stunning views, a sense of serenity and a host of recreational benefits, it also comes with several distinct challenges you may not have considered. 

For this article, we’ll delve into some of the advantages — and drawbacks — associated with waterfront living. Then it’s up to you to decide if a “cottage by the sea” is right for you. 

Oceanfront Living

Pros 

Many people dream of a home by the ocean (or what they call “down the shore” in New Jersey) and it is an appealing prospect. Here are some reasons why. 

For starters, a whole variety of exercise and recreational options are just steps away. Exploring tide pools, swimming, surfing and taking long walks along the shoreline soon become part of your daily routine. Beach houses are often located on dead-end streets, so there’s significantly less traffic even in densely populated areas. If you’re in an area that caters to tourists, nearly all amenities and services will be conveniently located nearby, offering easy access to restaurants, shops and nightlife.  

Spending time on the beach is a wonderful way to improve your mood and well-being. There are stunning views and ample natural light all around you. And in most cases, enjoying that beautiful scenery requires little effort since beaches tend to be maintained and cleaned by the local municipality rather than individual owners. 

Cons  

Although they comprise some of the most expensive real estate anywhere, oceanfront homes tend to be situated close together and you might have less personal privacy than you bargained for. While it’s almost certain you’ll strike up friendly conversations with your neighbors, you should be aware that a significant percentage of these people will be around for only a few days or weeks, which can impact your ability to make lasting social connections.  

Coastal homes require specialized exterior finishes and paints that provide protection against salt and sand damage. Weather conditions in these areas may also be severe at times, potentially requiring improvements like impact windows, as well as more frequent roof maintenance and replacement. If you’re thinking about moving to the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, you’ll probably want to invest in additional upgrades and improvements, including hurricane shutters. A fuel-powered generator can be a lifesaver, especially if the area is prone to power outages. 

Peak tourist season is almost certain to draw crowds and create traffic. And living expenses, including the cost of food and other necessities, will likely be noticeably higher in popular coastal destinations. It’s also not uncommon for restaurants and businesses near the ocean to shut down off-season, which means it can get a bit lonely if you’re living there year-round. 

Living Near Rivers and Lakes 

Pros 

You’ll likely wind up with a bigger home at a lower price when you buy on a lake or river versus on the coast. With more space comes more privacy and you probably won’t feel as “exposed” as you would at the beach.  

Living near a river or lake puts you close to nature. Even better, the climate tends to be cooler and less humid because of the water currents, a distinct benefit when temperatures soar. Dining out and shopping for groceries will probably cost you a lot less than at the beach, although lakeside resort towns will probably still be somewhat more expensive than locations farther away from the water.   

You can enjoy activities on a river or lake that might be difficult if not impossible at the ocean: Fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, canoeing and even a rope swing can all be part of your freshwater fun. And while ocean beaches also don’t usually have trees, a river or a lake will usually have plenty, so there’s less risk of overexposure to the sun. 

Cons   

Traveling anywhere will likely mean going by car, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to hop on a bus or call an Uber in more remote places. Rivers and lakes will always have people walking around and taking in the scenery, which can be a bit off-putting if you value your privacy.  

Areas near a river or lake are always prone to bugs and mosquitoes since it’s their natural breeding ground. Be prepared to have plenty of bug repellant or a zapper handy. 

Fencing can be an issue, especially if you own a pet but still want an unobstructed view of the water. If you don’t want your pet wandering off, you might consider an invisible fencing system. 

Rules, Regs and Real Estate 

The purchase price of your waterfront property is only the beginning. Whether the house is on the ocean or situated on a river or lake it will almost certainly be subject to specific rules. For example, there may be a coastal commission or other organization that dictates what you can and can’t do to your home in terms of renovations or even increasing its size. And it’s not uncommon for a river to have right-of-way privileges for visitors looking to stroll along it. 

In many locations you’ll have to carry flood insurance which can be expensive and sometimes not available at all. If the property is in a flood zone or on a flood plain, even a relatively minor storm could cause damage and result in an insurance claim.  

Which brings us to a bigger issue: Is owning waterfront property a sound investment? Let’s just say it all comes down to a mixture of your personal preferences, the location you’re considering and the realities of current market conditions. For a deeper dive into how climate change could potentially impact the value of oceanfront properties, check out this study conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists, an independent research organization. 

Getting Ready to Move? 

Why not let United Van Lines take care of the heavy lifting? United’s full-service moving packages provide flexibility to mix and match the services you want and need, from packing and unpacking to standard furniture placement.          

Get a cross-country moving quote from United Van Lines today.          

Want to get ahead of planning your move? Check out our week-by-week moving checklist. If you prefer access to these pro tips on the go, our exclusive House Key magazine is for you.     

Our state and city guides contain plenty of information about locations both on the coast and inland, including cost of living, neighborhoods, culture and more.