Waterfront Living in Northeast Florida: Beach Life or Intracoastal Life?

Living in Northeast Florida is a dream come true: there is water everywhere! Whether it is beachfront or Intracoastal property, there are countless pros (and a few cons) to consider. Whatever your tastes are, let’s be real, living by the water means a lot of outdoor activities and shared time with family and friends, along with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Below I share my thoughts on the pros and cons of Beachfront vs Intracoastal living.

Beach Life

Pros

• You live on the beach

• Immediate access to outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, etc.

• Beautiful sunrises

• Live with a pool and the beach in your backyard

• Soothing sound of the waves crashing

• Great place to entertain family and friends

• Rental potential

Cons

• Insurance rates

• Beach laws, regulations & restrictions

• Lots of beach-goer traffic (if within close proximity of a Public Beach Access)

• Parking can be limited

• Higher taxes

• Less protection from storms & hurricanes

Intracoastal Life

Pros

• Great sunrise or sunset depending on which side of the Intracoastal you live in

• Boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing access if there is a dock

• Great backdrop to entertain family and friends

• Live with a pool and the water in your backyard

• Manatee and dolphin sightings

• Often less expensive insurance rates than beach-front property

Cons

• No beach access

• More boat traffic (typically)

• Takes longer for boats to get to the ocean

• Still subject to flooding (always check Flood Zone)

Jacksonville is a city surrounded by water. Our rivers, waterways and the Atlantic Ocean are a staple to the lifestyle Northeast Florida residents know and love. So, which will you choose? Our team specializes in waterfront property from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine. Contact us today!