What Real Estate Enthusiasts Need to Know About the West Coast

When people think of the West Coast, they immediately think of California. However, the western seaboard of the United States is so much more than the golden state. The West Coast consists of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Although prices are at an all-time high due to inflation from gas to groceries to home prices, people who live on this side of the country enjoy the best options for outdoor recreation, thriving job markets, unique eateries, and beautiful weather. If you live on the West Coast and are planning to sell your home, here are some points you must know to properly address questions buyers may ask about the West Coast.

The West Coast has more generous land areas.

A central selling point of the West Coast is land availability. Property areas on the western side are generally much more extensive, giving people more options to buy or build bigger homes with larger outdoor spaces at lower prices. The average price per square foot in New York City is $1,200 compared to the $312 per square foot price in Los Angeles. Seattle remains a seller’s market despite steady higher home prices. As of April 2022, the median listing in Seattle was $892,000, growing 12.8% year-over-year, while the median home sold price was $875,000.

The West Coast is less populated.

The West Coast isn’t as populated as the East Coast. As of 2019, the West Coast is home to 53.49 million habitants, while there are already around 118 million inhabitants on the East Coast as of 2017.

The West Coast has better weather, and better ambiance, too.

You know how some people say, “you can buy a great house but not great weather?” That’s how West Coast residents see it. Undeniably, the Pacific Coast offers the most excellent weather in the country. If you are not a fan of the four seasons or weather extremities, this side of the USA is a better fit for you. Summers on the West Coast are generally not too hot, and it also rains less compared to states on the East Coast. If you plan to live in California, the weather is usually warm all year round, and harsh winters aren’t in order, with snow uncommon in most parts of the state.

Aside from the beautiful weather, nature and attractions are also abundant on the West Coast. That’s why it’s a great hook for travelers from all over the world. Meanwhile, if you are eyeing living in the beautiful islands of Hawaii, a typical home is valued at $890,240, subject to seasonal adjustments. Data shows that total sales of houses in Hawaii fell 8% in February, while condo sales increased 3.2% year-over-year.

Homes in the West Coast are easier to maintain.

 Because of the non-existence of weather extremities, it’s easier to maintain a house on the West Coast. For starters, there’s no such thing as bursting pipes due to freezing since it doesn’t experience intense snow, hail, or rainstorms. Home insurance costs are much lower on the West Coast than on the East. Electricity bills are also lower since summer heat does not go overboard, and sometimes all it takes is opening a window to let in some air. In addition, property taxes are also lower on the West Coast. For instance, in Oregon, the property tax rate is only 1.09%.

On the other hand, anchorage in Alaska offers cooler weather, and in terms of affordability, it’s an excellent option for uprooting families. Median home prices are estimated at $298,000 in the city. For home renters, Helena Valley West Central, Riverton, and Green River in Wyoming accounted for 3 of the 5 most affordable towns on the West Coast.

The West Coast is ideal for those who want a laidback lifestyle.

People on the West Coast are more laidback compared to people on the East Coast, who may be more caught in the hustle and bustle of life. West Coast residents live more relaxed, which could make for a better community for you. In fact, one of the best places to retire in the U.S. is on the West Coast, a town on the California coast called Monterey. It was hailed among one of the best places to retire for Americans because of its suburban mix, according to Niche.

The West Coast also has the most diverse states in the USA, with California and Hawaii being the most diverse states in the country. The vast population of the two states consists of various races and ethnicities.

The West Coast may experience some seismic activities.

If the East Coast has hurricanes, it’s good to know that the West Coast has earthquakes. Powerful earthquakes frequently occur along the West Coast because this region is near a boundary between two tectonic plates. California is a hotspot of earthquakes. San Francisco has the highest risk of an earthquake since its located directly on the San Andreas fault. According to LA Times, Sacramento is the best city in California to avoid quakes because there are no active fault lines nearby.

Final Thoughts

It’s crucial to be familiar with some statistics related to the location of your home to be able to effectively sell them to homebuyers. And we hope this article has helped you gain more helpful facts about the West Coast and how you can sell it properly to your target market.

However, if you need to be able to sell your property as soon as possible, whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, you can consider Shorefront Investments, a property investor in the U.S. They buy homes in any condition, which means you don’t need to spend time and money on repairs or refurbishments, and they close deals within a week or two. You just have to fill out a form, wait for them to contact you, and schedule a viewing before you can receive a no-obligation cash offer.