So you’re thinking a PCS move to Camp Lejeune is the perfect time to try the beach lifestyle. It’s true! There are plenty of options: rent, buy a primary residence, or buy a house with rental income in mind.
It makes sense to get a taste of what beach living is all about, courtesy of the U.S. military, before making a choice to plant roots and live the post-military life of your dreams!
Near Camp Lejeune, the best opportunities to find a beachfront home or a property with nearby beach access are in Emerald Isle, Sneads Ferry, Swansboro, and Cedar Point, North Carolina. You’ll have to carefully plan your beach dreams against the beachfront price, however. As you can guess, a small distance to the beach equals a large rent or mortgage payment.
For a quick reminder of your buying or renting power, take a look at two 2021 BAH for Camp Lejeune examples.
*The home below is no longer available.
109 Windjammer South, Emerald Isle, NC, 28594
This rental house is located in picturesque Emerald Isle, North Carolina, a top destination for any beach lover. The four-bedroom home is just one block from the beach in the gated community of Lands End. The wrap-around porch not only shows off ocean vistas but extends the living space outdoors. Coastal North Carolina offers plenty of porch-worthy days throughout the year. The outdoor amenities go on: outside shower, private bedroom deck, patio and trellis, and community pool and tennis courts.
Inside, plenty of windows let natural light stream through all of the living spaces. The neutral gray paint and flooring are ideal for matching your furnishings. Camp Lejeune is just 16 miles away. The location is the best of both worlds: a quick commute and a beach lifestyle.
Want more information and home photos for this rental? Click the listing above.
Do we really need to list the “whys” of buying a beach home? Of course, the reasons are compelling and self-explanatory, but here’s a list of rationale people use to buy a house near the beach.
You’re well aware you’ll pay premium prices for a beach home (don’t forget beach towns regularly have higher taxes), which is why you’re first consideration is likely checking into your VA Loan benefit. VA Loans traditionally offer favorable rates to servicemembers and veterans.
But did you know to take advantage of your VA Loan, you have to live in the house as a primary residence for 12 months in most circumstances? If you’re thinking about buying a house with rental potential, keep this timeline in mind.
If you’re a first-time home buyer and want to learn more about the VA Loan, check out these resources.
You’ll also want to account for whether or not you use a VA Loan; mortgage lenders require flood insurance, which could be a hefty sum every year. The reason, of course, is the regular potential from coastal flooding and the increased chances of hurricane strikes. According to FloodSmart.gov, there’s at least a one in four chance of flooding in high-risk beach areas during a 30-year mortgage.
Value Penguin and Lending Tree report that, on average, flood insurance for North Carolina homeowners is $718 per year. However, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulates the prices against the location of the flood zone the property is in—your premiums could be much higher or lower depending on the flooding risk.
Home renters, take note, as traditional renters insurance does not cover flood damage to your personal property. For specifics (you might have coverage for storm damage), check your current renter's insurance policy. You’ll probably need to look into a flood endorsement or separate flood insurance policy through the Nation Flood Insurance Program.
Yes, you’ll be drenched in 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.
So, what do you think? Still interested in the beach lifestyle near Camp Lejeune? 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.
Keep checking MilitaryByOwner’s Camp Lejeune housing inventory; we regularly post new homes!