What’s Wrong With Ocean Shores, WA? (Lots…don’t move there)

The other day I got a text message from my recent married cousin, “Hey, looking at affordable places in the PNW and Ocean Shores came up…. what’s wrong with it?”

It’s a good question, as I often wonder that myself when I look at houses in a certain area and notice that prices are a bit lower than I was expecting.

Ocean Shores is one of those towns that looks perfect on paper. Oceanfront homes for under $400,000. Miles of beaches. No traffic. Laid-back vibes. It almost feels like a secret—one of the last affordable beach towns in the Pacific Northwest.

But if you’ve spent more than a long weekend here, you probably know where this is going.

I’ve been to Ocean Shores more times than I can count, and I’ve talked to locals, visitors, and real estate dreamers alike. And while it’s true that Ocean Shores has some unique appeal—especially if you’re into quiet beach walks, clamming, or watching deer meander through your yard—it also has a long list of issues that tend to catch people off guard.

So, what’s actually wrong with Ocean Shores? Here’s what you should know before you pack up and move—or even book that weeklong Airbnb.

The “Bad” About Ocean Shores

1. It Feels… Half Abandoned

You know that strange feeling when you drive into a town that seems like it’s just waiting to be something more? That’s Ocean Shores. It has the layout of a place that was supposed to be a bustling coastal community—but never quite got there.

There are tons of empty lots, some streets that still aren’t paved, and entire stretches of town that feel like they were forgotten halfway through development. You’ll find half-closed shops, motels that have seen better days, and buildings that look like they haven’t had a fresh coat of paint since the ’80s.

To be fair, some people like this about Ocean Shores. It’s quiet. Low-key. Not full of Seattle tech bros or boutique juice bars. But if you’re expecting a vibrant beach town, you may find it… lacking.

2. Crime and Poverty Are Bigger Issues Than You’d Expect

Ocean Shores has a small-town population—roughly 7,000 full-time residents—but its crime rate is surprisingly high for its size. Property crime in particular (theft, vehicle break-ins, vandalism) is a recurring issue, and when you talk to locals, nearly everyone has a story.

A quick look at crime mapping tools shows Ocean Shores regularly ranks above state and national averages for property crime. Violent crime is less common, but not unheard of.

It’s not just about crime, either. There’s a visible struggle with poverty, homelessness, and addiction. For a town that seems to market itself as a peaceful coastal retreat, the contrast between the real Ocean Shores and the brochure version can be jarring.

3. Weather is a Dealbreaker for Some

If you’re dreaming of beach days and coastal sunshine, pump the brakes.

Ocean Shores gets nearly 80 inches of rain per year. That’s Seattle-level drizzle—with more wind and less charm. Summers are short and mild (on a good day, you might hit the low 70s), but the rest of the year? Cloudy, wet, and often windy enough to make even walking the beach unpleasant.

Seasonal depression is a very real thing here. And with little nightlife or indoor entertainment, the gloom starts to wear on you—especially if you moved here thinking it’d be some kind of beach paradise.

4. Infrastructure is Bare-Bones

This one surprised me the most. For a town with this much real estate turnover, Ocean Shores is surprisingly under-equipped.

There’s one grocery store. Limited medical care. Spotty cell service depending on where you are. Roads flood often. Sidewalks are rare. And during storms or king tides, parts of the town get completely cut off.

Ocean Shores also has a water table just a few feet below the surface, which creates all kinds of complications for septic systems and drainage. Some neighborhoods routinely deal with standing water or marsh-like conditions all winter long.

As for emergency services, the town does have police, fire, and medical response, but staffing is limited—and response times aren’t always ideal.

5. Tourists vs. Locals: A Town With an Identity Crisis

Ocean Shores exists in a weird in-between state. It’s not quite a tourist town like Seaside, Oregon or Leavenworth, WA—but it does get flooded with visitors every summer, especially when the weather warms up or during big events like the motorcycle rally or sand and sawdust festival.

This leads to tension. Locals complain about tourists clogging up roads, being disrespectful on the beach, and trashing rental properties. Tourists complain about lack of restaurants, shops closing early, or things just feeling “off.”

There’s also a growing number of out-of-towners buying up second homes or vacation rentals—which drives up prices while offering little back to the community itself.

6. Real Estate Is (Still) Cheap… But That Doesn’t Mean It’s a Good Investment

Yes, you can still get a house near the beach for less than the price of a Tacoma teardown. But Ocean Shores real estate is a mixed bag.

Many homes are poorly built, outdated, or require flood insurance. Some neighborhoods are barely maintained or have high HOA fees with very little to show for it. And resale values don’t grow like they do in other parts of Washington.

A lot of people move here thinking they’ll rent out their house on Airbnb or VRBO—but the town has been cracking down on short-term rentals. And with tourism being so seasonal, those rental profits don’t always pan out the way people hope.

7. You’ll Either Love It or Regret It

There’s no in-between with Ocean Shores. It’s not a terrible place—it just isn’t what people expect. It’s not a thriving coastal village. It’s not a sleepy artist town. It’s not really a resort destination.

What it is… is a funky, flawed little community that appeals to a very specific kind of person.

If you’re the type who loves coastal isolation, doesn’t mind gray skies, and wants to be left alone to do your thing—this place might suit you just fine. But if you need strong community, access to amenities, or even just a decent latte, you might find yourself packing up sooner than you planned.

Soooo, what’s good? Should I move there?

Honestly? It depends on your expectations.

If you’re looking for affordability, peace and quiet, and don’t mind some rough edges—Ocean Shores might work. But if you’re hoping for a vibrant, walkable coastal town with a thriving downtown, it’s probably not the dream destination you’re picturing.

There are real problems here—crime, poverty, weather, infrastructure—but there’s also a kind of stubborn charm. People who love Ocean Shores really love it. Just make sure you visit more than once (and during the off-season) before you commit.