Atlantic City Makes the List: Top Affordable Beach Town Where You Can Live, Work, and Thrive

Atlantic City has once again captured national attention, this time earning the #3 spot on Realtor.com’s 2025 list of “Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers.” With its combination of coastal charm, accessible home prices, and a city government deeply invested in revitalization, it’s no surprise Atlantic City is being recognized as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and thrive.

At the 17th Annual Jersey Shorecast, hosted by Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism (LIGHT), regional experts discussed what lies ahead for the 2025 summer season. Despite cautious outlooks around consumer spending, labor shortages, and international travel, Atlantic City continues to attract attention for one critical reason: opportunity.

And now, there's new national recognition to back it up.

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Realtor.com evaluated dozens of coastal destinations nationwide, considering median home prices, inventory levels, and location appeal. Atlantic City rose to the top thanks to its affordable housing stock including single-family homes and condos and its strategic position as both a beach resort and growing year-round city. The report, which evaluated coastal cities based on median home prices and inventory levels, reinforces what residents, investors, and city leaders have long known: you don’t have to be a millionaire to live near the ocean or build a future by it.

This national spotlight underscores what locals already know. Atlantic City offers more than just affordability. It's a city in motion, with new events, festivals, and immersive experiences and emerging as a bright spot on the East Coast, where affordability, investment potential, and cultural revitalization intersect. Whether you're a full-time resident or weekend traveler, there's always something happening in Atlantic City.

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#LiveinAC: Affordable Beach Living, Rich in Culture

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Atlantic City’s local leadership is actively investing in growth, quality of life, and opportunity. Recent public investments include beach replenishment, roadway improvements, and beautification efforts, all of which are making the city more walkable, livable, and visually appealing. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance quality of life and attract both new residents and investors alike.

With a median home price well below the national average for beach towns, Atlantic City offers families, professionals, and retirees an accessible path to coastal living. But it’s not just about the ocean views. It’s about quality of life. From beach replenishment projects and newly paved roads to art installations and free family-friendly events, Atlantic City is actively investing in becoming a place where residents can thrive.

The city’s new "Keep it Local" campaign encourages residents and visitors to support small businesses that reflect the city's diverse culture and entrepreneurial energy. That same local spirit extends to new programs like the Small Business Academy, which equips residents with the tools to launch or grow their own businesses.

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#WorkinAC: Adapting and Innovating in Tourism and Beyond

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Whether you #WorkInAC or just visiting, there's always something to do in Atlantic City. A growing lineup of cultural events, concerts, and festivals, including the newly expanded Soar & Shore Festival, is helping extend the city’s tourism season and turn quick visits into longer stays. With amenities like golf courses, wineries, and free beachfront attractions within reach, Atlantic City is emerging as a year-round destination where lifestyle and opportunity intersect.

But the work doesn’t stop there. The city is actively creating new pathways in industries beyond tourism. Through programs like Atlantic City's Youth summer employment, partnerships with Atlantic Cape Community College and Stockton University, and the expansion of tech and digital media internships through initiatives like the Great Day Atlantic City platform, local residents are gaining access to training and career opportunities in areas such as communications, IT, digital marketing, and public service.

Local Entrepreneurs, too, are finding support through business development workshops, city grant programs, and networking resources that are growing Atlantic City’s small business ecosystem. Whether it's starting a café, launching a clothing brand, or managing a new hospitality concept, residents are finding new ways to build careers and create community wealth.

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#InvestinAC: A City Poised for Long-Term Growth

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This ranking reinforces what many already believe: Atlantic City is not just a place to vacation, it’s a place to build a life. With revitalized neighborhoods, small business support programs, and regional marketing campaigns highlighting the city's strengths, Atlantic City continues to attract first-time homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a new beginning by the sea.

In addition to attracting national recognition for housing affordability, Atlantic City is capturing investor interest thanks to city-led infrastructure upgrades and public-private collaboration.

Beautification efforts---from the City's four community development corporations' street banners to boardwalk improvements, are revitalizing the city’s look and feel. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Atlantic City’s IT Department recently saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by handling complex installations in-house, demonstrating the kind of fiscal responsibility and innovation that creates trust for future investment.

The big takeaway from this year’s Jersey Shorecast? While some coastal towns may be bracing for slower growth, Atlantic City is building momentum. Through resilience, reinvention, and community-driven strategies, the city is positioning itself as more than a beach town—it’s becoming a place where you can build a life, a business, and a future.

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#LiveinAC  |  #WorkinAC  |  #InvestinAC

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