A PCS to Camp Lejeune is the perfect time to try the beach lifestyle. Sandy beaches, stunning sunrises, and crashing waves set the stage for a memorable tour. Neighborhoods on the water offer a different pace and culture than those inland, which may have you asking, “Should I live near base or near the beach?”
Whether you want to rent or buy, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from during your time at Camp Lejeune. The best beach towns near Camp Lejeune to find beachfront homes are Emerald Isle, Sneads Ferry, Swansboro, and Cedar Point, North Carolina.
You’ll need to carefully plan your dreams against the beachfront price, however. As you can guess, the closer to the beach, the larger the rent or mortgage payment. Those following a stricter budget may want to rent a house in Jacksonville, NC.
For a quick reminder of your buying or renting power, here’s sample BAH for Camp Lejeune examples:
- E5 with dependents: $1,944
- O3 with dependents: $ 1,941
What to Know About Buying a Beach Home Near Camp Lejeune
Listing the "whys" of buying a beach home is unnecessary. The sound of waves and ocean breezes speaks for itself. But that's not enough to warrant buying a beachfront property. Here’s a list of real, practical reasons to buy a house near the beach.
- Excellent return on investment for a future sale.
- Potential for rental income that pays the mortgage faster.
- Retirement income.
Paying for Your Beach Home
Expect to pay premium prices for a beach home, as beach towns regularly have higher taxes. If you’re looking at homes for sale near Camp Lejeune, check into your VA loan benefit, as VA loans traditionally offer favorable mortgage rates to service members and veterans.
That said, VA loans have stipulations that require a thoughtful approach. One VA requirement states the house must serve as your primary residence for a "reasonable period," often interpreted as 12 months. This guidance is unlikely to hinder you if you’re buying at the start of two- to three-year orders. However, it is worth noting if you’re thinking about buying a house with rental potential.
Check MilitaryByOwner’s homes for rent near Camp Lejeune and homes for sale near Camp Lejeune.
Flood and Water Damage Insurance
You’ll also want to factor in whether you’re using a VA loan or another government-backed mortgage, because lenders typically require flood insurance for homes located in FEMA-designated high-risk flood zones. Along many coastal areas of North Carolina, that added cost can be substantial because of the increased risk of hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding.
Flood insurance varies widely depending on the property’s flood zone, elevation, and structural details. The average annual flood insurance premium in North Carolina is around $800 to $900 per year, though some coastal properties can cost substantially more. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) determines rates based on a property’s specific flood risk, so premiums may be lower or far higher, depending on the location and flood history of the home.
Buyers aren’t the only ones financially impacted by flood zones. Those searching for homes for rent near Camp Lejeune should also be aware of flood coverage, as standard renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage to belongings. While some storm-related water damage may be covered, flood damage usually requires a separate flood insurance policy. Before signing a lease near the coast or in a flood-prone area, it’s worth reviewing your policy carefully to understand exactly what is (and isn’t) covered. To avoid the topic altogether, incoming service members can rent a house in Jacksonville, NC.
The "Everyday" Beach Lifestyle at Camp Lejeune
What is it like to live near the beach at Camp Lejeune? You’ll enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sunsets each day and probably have access to the best seafood you’ll ever eat, but there are some practical matters to point out when thinking of buying a home near the beach.
- Sand: You’ll never win the war, but you can win the daily battle by sweeping and running robot vacuums.
- Rust: It’s just chemistry. Salty water and air combine to form rust wherever possible: garage doors, house exteriors, and cars. You’ll have to keep these types of maintenance costs in your upkeep budget.
- Beach access: It’s imperative to know the precise perimeter of the land you’ve purchased and how to enforce trespassing laws. Work with a real estate agent and attorney who specialize in selling waterfront properties to protect your purchase as much as possible.
- Erosion: It’s going to eat away at your property lines. Work with local erosion professionals to investigate mitigation measures.
- Guests: Prepare for an influx of houseguests and be ready to set boundaries where necessary.
There’s a lot to think about, from finances to hurricanes, but for most beach house dwellers, there’s always more to love about living near the beach than not.
Making a PCS move to Camp Lejeune? Get our free guide to the area below, filled with helpful tips for your military family.
