There are many things to consider when living in a coastal area. There are unique aspects that are both incredible and, at times, surprising when living near the Lowcountry coastline.
There are vast opportunities to enjoy local wildlife, natural wonders, watersports, and outdoor lifestyles when living in such a beautiful area.
While this is all true, there are other things to consider, such as rapid weather changes, high humidity, and the salt air and its impact on material things and your health.
What to Think About When Moving to the Beach
While moving to a new area can be exciting, living in a coastal community has unique aspects to consider. It’s important to research the area and be aware of local traffic concerns, beach climate, and beach gear.
Research The Area
It’s crucial for any move to research your destination. This is so there are no surprises when you arrive at your new home. It’s a good idea to find out about things that are important to you.
- Job Prospects: What are the local industries like, and what kind of job market is in your area?
- Healthcare Options: Are there healthcare options nearby if you need ongoing medical care? Ensure your health insurance is accepted. Also, make note of where the local hospitals are.
- Entertainment: Look into concert venues, sporting events, fairs, and other local events. Engage in the local fare and get to know your new city.
- Restaurants: Checking out the local eateries can be fun. Finding a new favorite restaurant can be exciting.
- Schools: If you have school-age children, you will want to check out the local school system and ensure it fits your family’s education needs.
Traffic Concerns
While most people are just excited to live in such proximity to the beach, one issue might be traffic. Consider the number of tourists passing through your new locale and how summertime traffic might be an issue as they flock to the surf and sand.
Be aware of traffic lights and warnings and remain cautious in congested areas.
Understand the Beach Climate and Lifestyle
For many, living along the coast is a dream come true. Watching the setting sun every night while surrounded by the sounds of the surf with the sand between your toes can be heavenly. What about enjoying a hot cup of coffee while sitting on the deck, watching the day come alive?
Those things can be incredibly appealing, but there can be a downside. While coastal living can provide idyllic beauty and tranquility, some things should be carefully considered.
- Coastal Weather Hazards: While it’s not something people like to discuss, it’s important to consider the potential for harsh weather, which is more common along the coast. Hurricanes and tropical storms can lead to property damage and widespread flooding.
- Climate Conditions and Health Impacts: It’s essential to take into consideration the weather patterns and climate associated with living on the coast. Higher humidity, salt air, and tropical temperatures can impact respiratory and circulatory conditions. Sunnier conditions make skincare essential when living on the coast, too.
- Impacts of Salt: The corrosive nature of salt will wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, outdoor furniture, and vehicles, requiring additional maintenance and higher costs.
- Lifestyle Changes: Most coastal communities enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and a slower pace than the hustle and bustle of big city living. Also, remember that most coastal communities strive to remain nestled in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry intercoastal waterways and beaches, requiring longer drive times to reach amenities.
Remember Your Beach Gear
Don’t forget to get your beach on! One of the things you’ll need to remember is to bring your beach gear. Make sure to pack plenty of suntan lotion, bathing suits, beach towels, and, of course, sand toys for the kids.
Take time to embrace the tranquility and the singular beauty of living in a Lowcountry coastal community. There’s nothing like it anywhere in the country.
Things to Consider When Moving From the Beach
While some people might think it crazy to move away from the beach, the transition is necessary for some. They have had their fill of the potential for hazardous weather and the constant worry about beach erosion and property damage. Below are some things to consider when moving from a coastal community.
Beach Gear Storage
It happens to everyone who lives on the coast. You start with a couple of beach chairs and a few towels and end up with enough beach gear for an army. Storing all the goggles, boogie boards, rafts, beach balls, towels, bikes, sand toys, and beach chairs can grow tiresome.
Sometimes, renting a storage unit becomes the only way to have enough storage space. That cost goes away with a move inland.
The other thing that is constantly annoying is the sand. It gets everywhere. It’s in the car, in the house, in the clothes, and in your shoes.
For some, the relief of no more sand and leaving all the beach gear is enough to head for the hills, so to speak, and leave the coastal Lowcountry for an inland destination.
Prepare to Gain Your Inland Legs
Leaving the sand and surf behind, are you crazy? Many might say that, but for some, the allure of air-conditioned splendor with far more accessible amenities like bigger job markets, shopping outlets, healthcare, and restaurants is enough to kiss the sun and surf goodbye for good.
The upkeep cost of cleaning off salt spray from windows and fighting rust and damage to the outside of vehicles and homes can be challenging to combat day after day, too.
Always Cleaning Beach Items
It does become a bit tedious to constantly rinse off the sand from the chairs, sand toys, and umbrellas each time coming inside.
Wiping down every last surface to keep the sand and salt from destroying items can be quite trying, to the point that some pull up stakes and leave the beach.
Wardrobe Changes
Remember the differences in temperature ranges from the Lowcountry coastal region to your new inland destinations. If the winters are harsh, flip-flops won’t cut it. You’ll need better footwear and appropriate cold-weather gear.
It’ll be an adjustment, but watching the seasons change, the leaves changing color, and snow can be as exciting and enticing as the Lowcountry beaches.
Cost of Living Changes
Generally speaking, living inland is less expensive. The cost of living and utilities are considerably lower than in coastal areas. These cost savings can be impressive and a big factor for many families.
Taxes are another area of savings for those living inland; coastal properties are evaluated at a higher value than most inland properties.
Different Climate
Moving inland will mean you no longer have to worry about the potential for hazardous weather. Gone are the concerns over tropical storms and hurricanes ravaging the coast and the potential for damaging flood waters. This also means you can drop the hurricane and flood coverage most homes must have in coastal areas.
This can also mean a difference in air quality. Moving to a more congested area from a coastal Lowcountry community can mean higher pollution rates and lower air quality. This is important for those who have respiratory issues and other health-related issues.
Health and Well-being
For many, living on the coast can mean a tranquil, stress-free way of life. Relaxing the days away and watching beautiful sunsets each night can be much different than living in a crowded community. The pace is faster, and the stress can be higher. It’s important to consider what impact this will have on your health.
Employment and Networking Opportunities
Without question, living in a larger, more populated area can lead to better employment and networking opportunities. This can lead to better pay and easier access to better jobs.
The Practical Considerations When Moving To or From the Beach
While the items above need to be considered when moving to or from the beach, there are other, more practical things to keep in mind. These often go overlooked, but are essential to address.
- Obtaining a New Driver’s License: While it might seem obvious, this is often one of the last things we think about during a move. However, it’s important to get proper identification with your current address. Driving without a current driver’s license could result in a fine.
- Changing Address Information: It’s essential to ensure all correspondence is sent to the appropriate address. All relevant institutions and organizations have the correct address to ensure notifications can arrive on time.
- Regulations: It’s also important to familiarize yourself with any new regulations in your new neighborhood, including car ownership, parking, and property rules as issued by local Homeowners Associations (HOA) to make sure you remain in compliance. There might also be rules about when and how to move into the neighborhood.
- Utilities: Make sure to have the utilities shut off at your old address and turned on at your new one. Nothing is more annoying than arriving at your new home, flipping the light switch, and nothing happens.
While there is a lot to digest when moving to or from a coastal community, you can always rely on Smooth Move to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. Lowcountry homeowners have to come to respect us with repeat business and excellent references.