Growing up we went to the beach a lot in Alabama and Florida panhandles. My parents bought a condo on the beach many years ago and we enjoyed it. But like mentioned everything corrodes and they is a lot of upkeep and constant tinkering. There’s also days you get so tired of dealing with salt spray and don’t even want to see salt or the beach. Weather and hurricanes were always an issue we had to think about and deal with. Ultimately a major hurricane got their complex and totally flooded my parents condo. Took half a year to repair and of course contractors cut corners just like everyone does, so problems came with the repairs too. I think visiting the beach is nicer than having to leave on it unless you’re truly about that beach bum salt life lol. Trust me I love the beach but there’s a reason I hardly go there these days. Tourism makes summers an absolutely nightmare trying to go places if you’re a local. My sister lives in Gulf Shores and she hates all tourists lol and complains it takes forever just to get groceries or go eat somewhere. When we leave a beach vacation it feels good to get back home and go hit the lake. Don’t forget about taxes and hella high insurance if you’re looking in an area that can flood or has hurricanes. It’s not cheap!