The average housing price is less than $200,000: this is one of the most affordable beach towns in the United States

Living on the beach is often associated with a high cost of living and expensive real estate. But according to a new report by GoBankingRates, this is not always the case. The site has ranked beach towns across the country based on factors such as the cost of groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, and home prices.

So, if you're looking for an affordable beach town to call home, look no further than Texas, as the Lone Star State is home to six of the top 10 places on the list, including the city of Port Lavaca, which ranked second, Travel+Leisure reports.

As of August 2023, the median home price in this town on the shores of Lavaca Bay was only $170,500, and the annual cost of living was 77.1, which is lower than the national average.

The city has just over 11,000 residents and is located about two hours away from four major cities - Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio - making it ideal for remote workers or retirees. Winters are milder, allowing residents to spend time outdoors enjoying the area.

Sea fishing is a favorite pastime thanks to the town's marina and several piers, where fishermen often line up day and night. Those who want to be more active can rent a kayak and explore the coast from the water. Indianola Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular places to dine, fish, and relax, as it has a public boat dock and a waterfront restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Birdwatching enthusiasts may have heard the name Port Lavaca before, as this city is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, where you can observe over 400 species of birds. Grab your binoculars and head to the Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary, Magic Ridge, or the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area to see pink-capped hummingbirds, wood storks, and various species of gulls.

Port Lavaca is also a great place for beach lovers, as it is just a 10-mile drive from Magnolia Beach Park, the only natural seashell beach on the Gulf Coast. Other popular spots include Lighthouse Beach and Alamo Beach.

The city's historic main street is lined with businesses, some dating back to 1917 and including the Main Street Theater, founded in the 1930s.

Other Texas cities on GoBankingRates.com's list of the most affordable beach towns are Port Arthur and Palacios. You can read the full report at gobankingrates.com.