Tybee Island & Georgia Beach Homes: Best Buys 2025

Thinking of buying a beach house in Georgia? Whether it’s the charm of Tybee Island, the luxury of St. Simons, or the affordability of lesser-known coastal towns, Georgia’s shoreline offers a rare mix of lower prices than Florida, strong rental yields, and year-round beauty.

In this 2025 guide, you’ll discover where to buy for the best returns, what to expect for property costs, and insider tips to avoid common pitfalls. If “oceanfront homes in Georgia” or “affordable Georgia coastal towns” are on your wishlist, this is your shortcut to the right investment.

Lower costs, strong rental income, and steady appreciation make Georgia’s coast a smart buy.

• Property Appreciation: 5–8% yearly in most beach towns
• Rental Income: $35K–$80K/year in vacation hotspots like Tybee Island
• Lower Property Taxes: More affordable than Florida coastal markets

• Over 15 million visitors travel to Savannah and Georgia’s coastal islands annually, fueling demand for vacation rentals.

• Average Airbnb occupancy rates in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island range from 50-65%, ensuring steady rental income.

• Hurricane Preparedness – Some coastal areas require flood insurance, with annual premiums between $1,800–$4,500.

• Coastal Building Standards – Many new homes feature storm-resistant materials, elevated foundations, and impact windows.

Georgia’s best coastal towns offer stunning scenery, strong investment opportunities, and a laid-back lifestyle. Let’s explore the top locations for buying a beach house in 2025.

Tybee Island is Savannah’s closest beach getaway, known for its relaxed atmosphere, strong vacation rental market, and beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a top pick for investors looking for short-term rental income and families seeking a vacation home.

• North Beach – Quiet, residential area with beachfront homes starting at $600,000.

• Back River – Offers stunning waterfront properties with dock access, priced from $700,000 to $1.5M.

• Mid-Island – Centrally located with affordable beach cottages starting at $450,000.

• Cost of living is 8% higher than the national average due to housing costs.

• Median home price (2025): $675,000, with 6-9% annual appreciation.

• Strong Airbnb market with homes generating $40K-$80K annually.

St. Simons Island is known for its upscale lifestyle, historic charm, and high-end beachfront properties. It attracts retirees, second-home buyers, and investors looking for luxury rentals.

• East Beach – Premier oceanfront community with home prices starting at $1M+.

• Sea Palms – Golf course community with homes from $500,000 to $900,000.

• King City – A historic neighborhood with charming coastal homes priced at $600,000+.

• 15% higher than the national average, mainly due to luxury housing.

• Median home price (2025): $850,000, up 5% year-over-year.

• Strong resale value due to limited beachfront inventory.

Jekyll Island offers a quiet, nature-focused lifestyle with stunning beaches and strict development restrictions, preserving its natural beauty. It’s a great option for buyers looking for peaceful coastal living with strong long-term appreciation.

• Ocean Oaks – Gated community with luxury beachfront homes starting at $1.2M.

• The Cottages at Jekyll Island – New development with upscale townhomes priced from $600,000 to $900,000.

• Historic District – Features charming coastal homes starting at $450,000.

• Cost of living is 10% lower than nearby islands.

• Median home price (2025): $700,000, with 4-6% annual appreciation.

• Rental restrictions limit short-term Airbnb opportunities, making it better for long-term investments.

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Georgia’s coastal real estate market is steadily growing, offering affordability compared to Florida while maintaining strong rental demand and property appreciation.

• Statewide Median Home Price: $325,000

• Tybee Island: 6-9% appreciation, driven by vacation rental demand.

• St. Simons Island: 5-7% appreciation, catering to luxury buyers.

• Jekyll Island: 4-6% appreciation, with strong long-term value.

Georgia’s coastal towns offer strong rental income potential, especially in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island.

• Tybee Island – 7-10% annual rental yield, with vacation homes earning $45K-$80K per year.

• St. Simons Island – 5-7% rental yield, best for luxury long-term rentals.

• Jekyll Island – 5-6% rental yield, ideal for long-term appreciation.

Compared to Florida and other coastal states, Georgia offers lower taxes, more affordable home prices, and a lower overall cost of living for beach homeowners. However, expenses vary depending on the location, property type, and proximity to the water.

• Lower Property Taxes: Georgia has some of the lowest property taxes in the southeastern U.S., making it more affordable to own a beach house compared to Florida or Texas.

• Flood & Hurricane Insurance: In certain coastal areas, flood insurance is required, with annual premiums ranging from $1,800 to $5,000, depending on risk factors.

• Higher Insurance Costs in Luxury Areas: St. Simons Island and Sea Island tend to have higher insurance costs due to their high property values and hurricane exposure.

Owning a beach home requires regular maintenance due to exposure to saltwater, humidity, and storms.

• Annual Maintenance Costs: Expect to pay between $5,000–$12,000 per year for upkeep, including exterior maintenance, HVAC servicing, and storm preparations.

• Utility Costs: Electricity, water, and internet services typically range from $250 to $450 per month, depending on the property size and location.

• Beachfront Homes vs. Inland Homes: Properties directly on the beach experience more wear and tear from saltwater exposure, leading to higher maintenance costs.

Georgia’s coastal towns offer strong vacation rental markets, particularly in Tybee Island and St. Simons Island. Short-term rentals can generate $35,000-$80,000 per year, depending on location, amenities, and seasonality.

Quick Tip: Vacation rental demand is highest in Tybee Island due to its proximity to Savannah and strong summer tourism.

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Georgia’s beach towns provide a slower pace of life, scenic coastal beauty, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat, an investment property, or a laid-back getaway, Georgia’s coast has the perfect spot for you.

• Mild Winters & Warm Summers – Enjoy year-round coastal living with comfortable temperatures.

• Outdoor Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, golfing, and biking trails are popular among residents and tourists.

• Top-Ranked Golf Courses: Sea Island Golf Club and The King and Prince Golf Course in St. Simons Island attracts golf enthusiasts from across the country.

Should you buy or rent? It depends on your long-term goals.

✔ You want long-term appreciation of 5-10% annually.

✔ You plan to rent it out (Tybee Island has high Airbnb demand).

✔ You want a permanent vacation home with customization options.

❌ You only visit seasonally and want to avoid maintenance costs.

❌ You prefer flexibility without the long-term commitment.

❌ You’re waiting for home prices to drop before purchasing.

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If you’re deciding between Tybee Island’s rental powerhouse, St. Simons’ luxury market, or Jekyll Island’s peaceful charm, Georgia offers a coastal home for every budget and goal.

The smartest move isn’t just buying - it’s financing right. With reAlpha, you can get pre-approved for your mortgage before you even book a showing, giving you instant negotiating power in competitive beach markets.

Here’s how you save big:

• 25% commission rebate just for using a reAlpha agent
• 50% rebate when you bundle your mortgage with reAlpha mortgage partners
• Unlock the full 75% rebate by adding Title services to your deal
• Get exclusive mortgage rates that can shave hundreds off your monthly payment

Why wait? Secure your financing now, shop with confidence, and close in as little as 21 days. Your Georgia beach home could be yours - and earning rental income - before summer ends.

In 2025, median coastal prices range from $450K in Jekyll Island’s historic areas to over $1.5M in luxury neighborhoods.

Yes - 7–10% rental yields and high summer demand make Tybee Island a top short-term rental market.

Compared to Florida, yes. Affordable Georgia coastal towns start in the mid-$400Ks, with lower taxes and insurance.

Yes in most areas. Expect $1,800–$5,000/year depending on location and risk.

Tybee Island leads with 6–9% annual appreciation, followed closely by St. Simons at 5–7%.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in Georgia with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved