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[quote=Anonymous]OP -- think about how many times  you would actually want to make that 3 hr. trip (will it become 5 hrs. with traffic -- like OC, Md.?)?  Even at 3 hrs., we just don't like the beach enough to want to do that every weekend.  We love going to the beach and wish we could just go whenever we want... but when we really thought about the cost of owning vs. renting a few times a year, we simply could not justify it.

We've been going to OC for about 7 yrs now and we like it -- we know where to go for groceries and mini-golf and donuts.  But, we also want the flexibility to try new places (either at a beach destination or to spend our vacation dollars at other places).  OC/beach/boardwalk is o.k. while the kids are 0-10... but as they get older, we want to go to the Grand Canyon or Europe.  We see that happening soon.  By not owning a beach place, we have the flexibility to adjust as our interests change.

If I were you, I'd think about how much you expect to spend each year if you own (adding up the costs mentioned above), and then think about what kind of place you could rent and how many times you could go there.  If you are thinking of living there all summer or going every weekend, then probably makes sense to buy.  If you see yourself going for a few weekends in the summer -- maybe buying is more of a burden than it's worth.

The one thing for us where owning is superior than renting is that when you own, you always have the sheets on the bed when you arrive and towels in the closet -- you don't have to bring the ketchup and coffee.  I really don't like packing so much to set up at our rentals... but, it's worth the effort given how much we save by paying only for the days we actually spend at the beach.  (when you own, you are paying for the days you're not there as well).  As for renting out your unit -- I'm not sure I'd want strangers using my beach house, so that may be a way to off-set the costs if you are o.k. with that. But, you are still locked into that particular building/unit/town.  I prefer the freedom to say "let's go to ----- this year."
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