One of the best things about living in the British Isles is that you’re never too far from the coast. Whether you prefer to trek along the clifftops or relax on the beach, being beside the sea offers something to suit most people.
Although you may have to put up with a significant number of tourists during the peak months, there are plenty of benefits to living along the coastline. We have outlined a few of them below.
Scenic beauty and serenity
Depending on where you go, the scenery at the coast varies significantly across the UK. Cornwall boasts some of the best beaches in the country, while north Norfolk is known for its towering sand dunes and colonies of seals. Kent and Sussex, meanwhile, have imposing chalk cliffs and pebble beaches, whereas the north of Scotland offers unspoilt spots with majestic mountain views.
Few things beat relaxing by the sea, listening to the sound of the sea and the wildlife. Just imagine being able to see or hear it through the window or from your back garden.
Health and wellbeing
Being in nature is great for your mental health, and living by the coast means you have an abundance of it on your doorstep. Embrace the silence with some birdwatching or head out on a boat to see if you can spot some migrating whales.
The seaside also offers plenty of opportunities to try out a range of different activities that can help you keep fit. Such options include:
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Kite Landboarding
Laid-back lifestyle
Urban areas are known for their fast pace of life, high population density, and noise and light pollution. Coastal areas are, by and large, the complete opposite.
However, they don’t have to be. For example, you could buy a new build home in Brighton and get all the benefits of being on the coast and living in a bustling, trendy city.
Of course, if you’re looking for a bit of isolation, the north-east of England, the Scottish Islands and Anglesey in Wales are more likely to have what you seek.
Financial and investment benefits
While being outside of the UK’s major cities usually offers a lower cost of living, it’s not always the case on the coast due to the high level of tourism.
Property at the seaside is unlikely to lose value, though – unless the land it’s situated on is susceptible to erosion. Instead, a decent level of appreciation can be expected; the average price of a coastal house increased by over 50% between 2012 and 2022.
And because these areas are popular with tourists – particularly during the summer – you may have the option to rent out your home for short stays. That could then finance a holiday of your own in a different location.