Find a Job You Really Want In
Let’s go surfing now! Everybody’s learning how. Come on a safari with me.
If the Beach Boys have been running through your head lately, it may be a sign that you need a beach in your life.
Generally speaking, living in paradise comes with a big price tag. But it doesn’t necessarily need to.
We looked into the median income, average rent and unemployment rates in beach cities across the U.S. to determine the best beach cities to start your career.
Top 10 Beach Cities
- Laguna Beach, California
- Hermosa Beach, California
- San Clemente, California
- Swampscott, Massachusetts
- Palos Verdes Estates, California
- Santa Cruz, California
- Edmonds, Washington
- Gulfport, Florida
- Stratford, Connecticut
- Carlsbad, California
Starting a career isn’t easy anyways, much less starting a career in a beach city.
But with these 10 beach cities, it couldn’t be easier. Don’t forget to read further for our full list of the best beach cities for starting a career.
HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST BEACH CITIES TO START YOUR CAREER
We looked at 119, prime beach cities and ranked them on the following areas:
- Median Income
- Average rent
- Unemployment
We first examined the median income to find the cities where young professionals can expect to bring home the biggest paychecks. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy creature comforts and pay off hefty student loans which goes a long way.
However, big paychecks can come with big bills- so next we looked at average rent costs. For those just graduating college and moving to jump-start their careers, it can be a struggle to scrape together first month’s rent, last, and a security deposit. That first paycheck may not make it into their bank account for a month! The smaller the monthly rent, the better.
We then looked at average unemployment. If that first job doesn’t end up being a dream job, getting your next job is easier when you’re in a city with a strong labor market.
Finally, we identified the best city in each state according to these categories. All of our data came from the most recent Census ACS.
Note: In order to keep the list from being vacation hotspots with little employment opportunities, we only looked at cities with a working population of at least 5,000.
1. Laguna Beach, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0
Average Rent: $2,230
Average Income: $103,555
Our No. 1 pick is a simple no-brainer. Laguna Beach, California, features a 0% unemployment rate, which means starting your career here is already destined to take off without you putting in any effort. In addition, the city boasts a high average income of $103,555, which is the ninth highest in the country.
2. Hermosa Beach, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0
Average Rent: $2,143
Average Income: $100,537
Hermosa Beach in the great state of California is next up on our radar. Also featuring a 0% unemployment rate, it’s easy to see why this is such a great place to start a career. Plus with an average income of $100,537, you’ll have no trouble paying for the average rent of $2,143.
3. San Clemente, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0
Average Rent: $1,843
Average Income: $77,949
A little lower in rent (and income), San Clemente in (you guessed it) California comes in at No. 3. You’ll successfully find a job here (and keep it) with a 0% unemployment rate. Instead of stressing over starting your career like your colleagues, you’ll be able to relax on the beach.
4. Swampscott, Massachusetts
Unemployment Rate: 0.6
Average Rent: $1,742
Average Income: $79,454
Swampscott, Massachusetts is another great beach city to start your career. The city has a low unemployment rate of .6% and the average rent is only $1,742.
5. Palos Verdes Estates, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.8
Average Rent: $2,490
Average Income: $130,938
Next up is Palos Verdes Estates, which is located in California (of course!). The beach city is great for all of those who are starting out in their careers. From it’s .8% unemployment rate alone, you’ll surely be able to find a job right away and will have it for years on end. But we haven’t even told you the best part yet. Palos Verdes Estates has the third highest average income out of all the beach cities at $130,938. You’ll be buying a beachfront property in no time!
6. Santa Cruz, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0
Average Rent: $1,797
Average Income: $62,928
Santa Cruz, California is next on our list. The beach city is perfect for starting a career with its 0% unemployment rate. Plus, you won’t have to worry about making rent with the average set at $1,797.
7. Edmonds, Washington
Unemployment Rate: 0.7
Average Rent: $1,418
Average Income: $65,511
At No. 7, Edmonds, Washington, boasts a .7% unemployment rate while also featuring a low average rent of $1,418. With $65,511 as the average income, this is definitely a great beach city for your career.
8. Gulfport, Florida
Unemployment Rate: 0.0
Average Rent: $995
Average Income: $47,152
With one of the lowest rent and unemployment rates, Gulfport, Florida comes in at No. 8 on our list. This beach city supports a 0% unemployment rate with average rent being set at $995. Those numbers make you want to grab your surfboard and head on down.
9. Stratford, Connecticut
Unemployment Rate: 0.4
Average Rent: $1,294
Average Income: $59,222
Stratford, Connecticut is a great beach city for those of you who are just starting out. The city supports your lazy beach days by offering an average income of $59,222. Oh, and don’t forget that once you have a job here, you probably won’t be let go with the city’s .4% unemployment rate.
10. Carlsbad, California
Unemployment Rate: 1.3
Average Rent: $1,970
Average Income: $84,568
It’s not all so bad in Carlsbad, California. The beach city has everything you need to get your career off the ground with the average income of $84,658 and the unemployment rate set at 1.3%.
Summary of the Best Beach Cities to Start Your Career
Whether it’s the warm weather you’re hoping for or just the sound of waves that soothes your soul, all of these beach cities offer a wide range of features that you’re sure to love.
What’s more, is that all of these cities have something in common (aside from being beach cities, of course).
They’re all great places to start your career. So what are you wanting for? You better start packing your sand castle buckets.
| State | City | Unemployment Rate | Average Rent | Average Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Laguna Beach | 0% | $2,230 | $103,555 |
| California | Hermosa Beach | 0% | $2,143 | $100,537 |
| California | San Clemente | 0% | $1,843 | $77,949 |
| Massachusetts | Swampscott | 0.6% | $1,742 | $79,454 |
| California | Palos Verdes Estates | 0.8% | $2,490 | $130,938 |
| California | Santa Cruz | 0% | $1,797 | $62,928 |
| Washington | Edmonds | 0.7% | $1,418 | $65,511 |
| Florida | Gulfport | 0% | $995 | $47,152 |
| Connecticut | Stratford | 0.4% | $1,294 | $59,222 |
| California | Carlsbad | 1% | $1,970 | $84,568 |
| New York | Long Beach | 0.6% | $1,842 | $73,764 |
| Florida | North Palm Beach | 0% | $1,462 | $54,105 |
| Connecticut | Milford | 1% | $1,582 | $70,482 |
| California | Manhattan Beach | 1% | $2,499 | $122,445 |
| California | San Mateo | 1% | $2,301 | $82,799 |
| California | Malibu | 1% | $2,550 | $133,049 |
| California | Dana Point | 1% | $2,007 | $74,485 |
| California | Coronado | 0% | $2,401 | $57,833 |
| Mississippi | Long Beach | 0% | $943 | $40,569 |
| Hawaii | Kailua | 0.3% | $2,447 | $63,378 |
| Maine | Brunswick | 1% | $803 | $51,088 |
| Washington | Anacortes | 1% | $1,163 | $55,276 |
| Florida | Palm Beach Gardens | 0.4% | $1,638 | $54,750 |
| California | Alameda | 2% | $1,720 | $73,834 |
| Rhode Island | Newport | 1% | $1,200 | $53,679 |
| Maine | Old Orchard Beach | 1% | $873 | $50,876 |
| Florida | Vero Beach | 0% | $880 | $35,610 |
| New York | Rye | 2% | $2,133 | $141,947 |
| Connecticut | Norwalk | 1% | $1,597 | $62,670 |
| Florida | Jacksonville Beach | 2% | $1,308 | $62,638 |
| Alabama | Gulf Shores | 3% | $1,046 | $39,319 |
| Florida | Sarasota | 0% | $1,069 | $37,808 |
| Illinois | Beach Park | 1% | $1,558 | $52,783 |
| Florida | Dunedin | 1% | $1,052 | $46,638 |
| Florida | New Smyrna Beach | 1% | $1,106 | $45,013 |
| Texas | Galveston | 0.8% | $936 | $41,567 |
| Florida | Key Biscayne | 2% | $2,448 | $87,750 |
| Florida | Delray Beach | 0% | $1,465 | $43,266 |
| California | San Buenaventura | 1% | $1,579 | $53,799 |
| California | Carpinteria | 0% | $1,894 | $48,943 |
| California | Redondo Beach | 2% | $1,987 | $84,023 |
| Virginia | Virginia Beach | 0.8% | $1,339 | $48,422 |
| Florida | West Palm Beach | 0% | $1,220 | $37,690 |
| California | Long Beach | 1% | $1,252 | $46,913 |
| Florida | Destin | 1% | $1,404 | $49,107 |
| Florida | Cocoa Beach | 2% | $1,179 | $52,969 |
| Florida | Jupiter | 1% | $1,572 | $54,952 |
| Washington | Shoreline | 2% | $1,423 | $60,969 |
| Florida | Naples | 3% | $1,343 | $69,761 |
| Florida | Boca Raton | 2% | $1,663 | $64,726 |
| Florida | Pensacola | 1% | $942 | $41,740 |
| South Carolina | North Myrtle Beach | 1% | $1,045 | $43,614 |
| Maryland | Riviera Beach | 2% | $1,742 | $59,715 |
| California | Goleta | 1% | $1,898 | $53,717 |
| Florida | Coral Gables | 3% | $1,583 | $69,336 |
| California | Santa Monica | 4% | $1,734 | $83,216 |
| Florida | Royal Palm Beach | 0.2% | $1,685 | $44,967 |
| Florida | Fernandina Beach | 1% | $1,273 | $45,000 |
| Maine | Portland | 2% | $1,079 | $47,053 |
| Florida | St. Augustine | 1% | $1,030 | $34,978 |
| Ohio | Beachwood | 4% | $1,679 | $72,639 |
| Delaware | Wilmington | 2% | $974 | $44,434 |
| California | Morro Bay | 1% | $1,464 | $47,679 |
| Illinois | Round Lake Beach | 1% | $1,281 | $41,178 |
| Massachusetts | Newburyport | 9% | $1,274 | $82,301 |
| Florida | Panama City Beach | 2% | $1,198 | $45,606 |
| California | Newport Beach | 5% | $2,175 | $95,792 |
| New York | Port Washington | 6% | $1,789 | $89,630 |
| California | Seal Beach | 4% | $1,848 | $76,881 |
| California | Pacific Grove | 4% | $1,689 | $66,993 |
| Florida | Satellite Beach | 3% | $1,359 | $57,822 |
| Florida | Bonita Springs | 1% | $1,218 | $37,021 |
| South Carolina | Myrtle Beach | 1% | $875 | $32,413 |
| Mississippi | Ocean Springs | 3% | $915 | $46,896 |
| Florida | Stuart | 2% | $1,078 | $40,923 |
| California | Encinitas | 5% | $1,886 | $79,545 |
| Florida | Daytona Beach | 2% | $894 | $33,351 |
| California | Monterey | 3% | $1,711 | $55,369 |
| Florida | Atlantic Beach | 3% | $1,246 | $52,579 |
| Maine | South Portland | 3% | $1,226 | $51,665 |
| Florida | Miami Beach | 2% | $1,338 | $45,598 |
| Florida | Apollo Beach | 5% | $1,576 | $61,095 |
| New York | Mastic Beach | 2% | $1,791 | $51,538 |
| Massachusetts | Salem | 5% | $1,237 | $55,003 |
| California | Grover Beach | 3% | $1,328 | $50,029 |
| Texas | Port Lavaca | 2% | $699 | $40,242 |
| Florida | Hollywood | 2% | $1,172 | $39,287 |
| California | Pacifica | 5% | $2,248 | $72,814 |
| Florida | Clearwater | 2% | $1,052 | $40,535 |
| California | Benicia | 8% | $1,720 | $76,607 |
| Mississippi | Biloxi | 2% | $851 | $35,959 |
| California | Huntington Beach | 6% | $1,832 | $67,996 |
| Florida | Marco Island | 3% | $1,595 | $53,496 |
| Florida | Boynton Beach | 2% | $1,458 | $41,293 |
| Florida | Pompano Beach | 2% | $1,210 | $37,265 |
| California | Santa Barbara | 3% | $1,737 | $52,118 |
| Florida | Jensen Beach | 5% | $1,014 | $47,302 |
| Florida | Tarpon Springs | 6% | $836 | $44,567 |
| Florida | Vero Beach South | 4% | $912 | $39,406 |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
