It turns out that living by the sea isn’t just good for your soul—it might actually add years to your life.
A recent study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health found a clear connection between life expectancy and living near the ocean or gulf. After analyzing population data from more than 66,000 U.S. census tracts, researchers discovered that people who live within 30 miles of coastal waters tend to live at least a year longer than the national average of 79 years.
Why the Coast Wins Over Inland Waters
While proximity to water in general is often linked to better health, this study found a surprising twist:
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Coastal residents live longer on average.
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Urban residents near inland lakes and rivers—even those larger than 4 square miles—had slightly shorter life expectancies, averaging about 78 years.
Dr. Jianyong “Jamie” Wu, lead researcher, points to several likely reasons:
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Milder year-round temperatures and fewer extreme heat days
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Cleaner air and better overall environmental quality
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More opportunities for outdoor recreation
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Better transportation and infrastructure
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Higher average household incomes
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Lower susceptibility to drought
On the other hand, inland urban areas near large bodies of water often face higher pollution levels, increased poverty rates, fewer safe spaces for exercise, and greater flood risk—all factors that can negatively impact health.
The Science of “Blue-Space Living”
The term “blue space” refers to areas near water, and earlier research has already linked it to:
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Higher levels of physical activity
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Lower obesity rates
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Better heart health
But this is the first nationwide, systematic study to compare different types of blue spaces—coastal versus inland—and how they impact longevity.
“We thought any type of blue space would offer health benefits,” Wu explains, “but we were surprised to see such a strong difference. In coastal areas, people are living longer.”
Postdoctoral researcher Yanni Cao adds that the findings might even help explain broader U.S. life expectancy trends, which have recently seen slower recovery compared to other wealthy nations. She notes that environmental and social health determinants—from neighborhood design to climate conditions—play a significant role in these differences.
Florida: The Coastal Capital of the Mainland U.S.
If you’re looking to embrace the benefits of coastal living, Florida might be the ultimate destination. With the longest coastline in the continental United States, it offers more opportunities than anywhere else on the mainland to enjoy the health-boosting perks of ocean proximity.
Whether it’s the salt air, the slower pace, or the year-round access to the beach, science now confirms what coastal residents have always known—life by the water just feels better… and might last longer too.
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