9) Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
Appropriately named after the bay on which it sits, Bay Saint Louis is another well-kept secret on the Gulf Coast. The Bay Saint Louis Beach is the main attraction in this sleepy town of roughly 11,000, but the interesting combination of marshland, river, and ocean create a unique environment. The boulevard running along the shore makes accessing the water easy at nearly any point. There’s even 2 miles of beach that’s pet friendly! The Old Town charms with its little yoga studio, several cafes, and art galleries. On Main Street you’ll even find a community theater, along with plenty of different eateries. And if you feel like breaking free of the small-town vibes, New Orleans is just an hour away. The median home value is $150,000 and it’s possible to get a two-story, multi-bedroom home near the waterfront for under $200,000.
