Sandusky earns top ranking in affordable watertown list

SANDUSKY — A prominent YouTube channel recently ranked Sandusky No. 1 on its list of Top 10 Affordable Waterfront Towns, published this past week. World According to Briggs, which has more than 1.3 million subscribers with 1,300-plus videos published to its channel, placed Sandusky in the top spot on a nationwide list. A 23-minute video begins with the criteria for how the channel graded each coastal city. "Dreaming of waterfront views without emptying your bank account? This video explores several charming towns across the U.S. where you can enjoy waterfront living without breaking the bank. From the East Coast to the West, discover affordable real estate options and embrace a peaceful living near the water." And here are some excerpts about why Sandusky earned the proverbial gold medal: • "Most people know Sandusky because of Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. But what people don't know is that this Lake Erie town has been doing some serious glow-up work in recent years." • "While the coasters scream overhead, downtown Sandusky has been quietly reinventing itself with new restaurants, breweries, parks and a marina that looks way fancier than you'd expect for northern Ohio." • "This is like the comeback kid here: The town has industrial roots. Steel, coal and shipping were all big here. But it's slowly morphed into a budget-friendly lakeside destination that isn't trying too hard." • "They've revitalized the waterfront, have walkable streets and have enough old brick buildings to remind you that this place has been around the block." • "The best part: The homes here, on average, are only around $147,000. That's not a typo. You can live near Lake Erie, walk to the water and maybe even hear coaster screams in the distance all without going broke." • "For retirees, remote workers and anyone who wants to stretch their dollar, Sandusky is an easy win. It ranks at the top of our list not just in affordability but in balance." • "It's got enough to do, plenty of charm and a future that looks better than its Rust Belt past. If you thought Ohio couldn't pull off a coastal cool list, Sandusky would like a word with you." Here's the list in full: 1. Sandusky, Ohio 2. Superior, Wisconsin 3. Washburn, Wisconsin 4. Astoria, Oregon 5. Havre De Grace, Maryland 6. Two Harbors, Minnesota 7. Camden, Maine 8. Escanaba, Michigan 9. Southport, North Carolina 10. Florence, Oregon