Looking for an affordable oceanfront east coast city kind of like Monterey Bay (live in)

[dsjago]

We live in Northern California and I love the feel of Monterey Bay/Cannery Row. I know it's kind of a touristy area but I just love the whole feel of Northern California once you get closer to the beach. We live somewhat inland and all of our family is back in PA so we are wanting to relocate anywhere on the east coast since plane tickets won't be as ridiculous. My husband's in the military so we don't make much but I know there's got to be something affordable over there. Ideally we'd like a place near a beach because my hubby loves to surf and I'd love to own a colonial home. We plan on having another kid or two in the future so a family-oriented place would be ideal.

any suggestions you have would be much appreciated!! thanks in advance

[kyle19125]

I would highly recommend checking out the Portland, Maine area. It has much the same vibe of Cannery Row in the Old Port area and is much more affordable. The beaches to the south of Portland have some pretty good surfing as well.

Portland Maine
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[kyle19125]

You might also look at Portsmouth, New Hampshire just to the south.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[ckhthankgod]

Maybe Virginia Beach. Dover Delaware might be similar in terms of being a bit inland, but is very close to the ocean. It also has an Air Force base too.

I believe that Portsmouth or nearby Rochester in New Hampshire has a Naval base.

[jeffredo]

This is no equivalent to the Monterey Peninsula. There's a reason its expensive and almost universally loved.

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by jeffredo

This is no equivalent to the Monterey Peninsula. There's a reason its expensive and almost universally loved.

I think that's why the OP said "kind of like" rather than "the East Coast equivalent."

[ckhthankgod]

I was thinking about Cape Cod, but I don't know if it is affordable. Same with the Newport area of Rhode Island.