Find a Job You Really Want In
Looking to launch your career while enjoying sun, sand, and surf? You’ve come to the right place! The allure of beach living is irresistible, and now more than ever, it’s possible to find a fulfilling career in coastal cities across the U.S.
While the cost of living in beach towns can be high, we’ve uncovered ten incredible beach cities that offer a balance of affordability, good job prospects, and a desirable lifestyle.
After analyzing factors like median income, average rent, and unemployment rates, we’ve compiled the best beach cities to kickstart your career in 2026.
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 your career can be daunting, especially in a beach city where the competition may be fierce. However, these ten locations offer a promising environment for new professionals eager to make their mark.
Keep reading for our comprehensive guide on the best beach cities to launch your career.
HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST BEACH CITIES TO START YOUR CAREER
We evaluated 119 prime beach cities across the U.S., ranking them based on these criteria:
- Median Income
- Average Rent
- Unemployment Rate
Our first focus was on median income, identifying cities where young professionals can earn competitive salaries. While money can’t guarantee happiness, it can certainly help with living expenses and student loan repayments.
Next, we examined average rent costs. For recent graduates, securing funds for first and last month’s rent, along with a security deposit, can be challenging. Lower rent means more financial flexibility.
We also looked at unemployment rates. A lower unemployment rate indicates a robust job market, making it easier for newcomers to find employment, even if their first job isn’t their dream role.
Finally, we selected the best beach city in each state based on these metrics. All data is sourced from the latest Census ACS.
Note: To ensure our list focuses on viable job markets, we only considered 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 top choice is Laguna Beach, California, boasting a 0% unemployment rate. This makes it an attractive destination for launching your career without added stress. The city also features a high average income of $103,555, ranking it among the highest in the nation.
2. Hermosa Beach, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
Average Rent: $2,143
Average Income: $100,537
Hermosa Beach is another excellent option, also reporting a 0% unemployment rate. With an average income of $100,537, residents can comfortably afford the average rent of $2,143.
3. San Clemente, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
Average Rent: $1,843
Average Income: $77,949
Ranked third, San Clemente also enjoys a 0% unemployment rate, allowing you to focus on building your career while enjoying beach life. Rent here averages $1,843.
4. Swampscott, Massachusetts
Unemployment Rate: 0.6%
Average Rent: $1,742
Average Income: $79,454
Swampscott, Massachusetts offers a favorable environment for job seekers with a low unemployment rate of 0.6% and an average rent of $1,742.
5. Palos Verdes Estates, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.8%
Average Rent: $2,490
Average Income: $130,938
Palos Verdes Estates ranks fifth, featuring an unemployment rate of 0.8%. The average income is an impressive $130,938, making it a lucrative place to start your career.
6. Santa Cruz, California
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
Average Rent: $1,797
Average Income: $62,928
Santa Cruz, known for its vibrant community, also enjoys a 0% unemployment rate, with an average rent of $1,797 and an average income of $62,928.
7. Edmonds, Washington
Unemployment Rate: 0.7%
Average Rent: $1,418
Average Income: $65,511
Edmonds, Washington features a low unemployment rate of 0.7% and average rent of $1,418, making it a desirable location for new professionals.
8. Gulfport, Florida
Unemployment Rate: 0.0%
Average Rent: $995
Average Income: $47,152
Gulfport, Florida, stands out with one of the lowest rents at $995 and a 0% unemployment rate, making it an attractive option for job seekers.
9. Stratford, Connecticut
Unemployment Rate: 0.4%
Average Rent: $1,294
Average Income: $59,222
Stratford, Connecticut offers an average income of $59,222 and a low unemployment rate of 0.4%, making it a great beach city for career starters.
10. Carlsbad, California
Unemployment Rate: 1.3%
Average Rent: $1,970
Average Income: $84,568
Carlsbad, California, while experiencing a slightly higher unemployment rate of 1.3%, still offers a robust job market with an average income of $84,568.
Summary of the Best Beach Cities to Start Your Career
Each of these charming beach cities presents unique opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle, perfect for those looking to balance work and leisure. Whether it’s the warm climate or the calming sound of waves, these locations provide a great backdrop for your professional journey.
All these cities share one common trait: they are excellent places to begin your career. So why wait? It’s time to grab your beach gear and start your new adventure!
| 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.
