Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is cheaper than the Hamptons, or even the Rockaways, by a long shot

January has at long last been vanquished, meaning we only have to suffer through another third of a year before beach season is back. For many New Yorkers, Rockaway and the Hamptons are popular choices for a beach visit, if you don't mind braving the A train or the Long Island Rail Road to bask in the sea air. But for those looking for place to call their own and willing to travel further, there are beach houses available for a fraction of the cost. The time to start hunting is now, while competition is sparse and there's still a winter chill in the air.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a good place to start the search. Thanks to its sparkling clean waters, inclusive LGTBQ scene, and central location, Rehoboth is one of the East Coast's most popular beach towns, drawing seasonal visitors from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It's only a three and a half hour drive from New York, which is comparable to a ride on the Jitney in moderately bad traffic. 

This spacious two bedroom, two-bath house in Rehoboth Beach is listed for $66,500.

It has a large, sunlit porch.

There's a open dining/family room with a ceiling fan (the house has central air-conditioning as well).

The living area opens into the kitchen, which has a dishwasher.

It's unclear whether this wine is intended for the new owner, but it might be!

The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, cheerful yellow paint, and an en-suite bathroom.

The second bedroom is painted a pale, mint green.

There is also a vegetable garden bed, and a utility shed.

Sweet sun, when will you return?

The house is about a 12-minute drive from the beach and a 10-minute drive from Dos Locos, which makes the best margaritas in Rehoboth. Use that information wisely.