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Owners of oceanfront, riverfront and lakefront homes share the pros and cons of their experiences and reveal how waterfront living stacks up overall.

The Oceanfront Experience: Beauty and Convenience

"Even after having been there for almost a year now, it's still breathtaking," says cardiologist Arthur Crossman of his oceanfront home in Ormond Beach, Fla.

In a luxury home with "every feature you could possibly ever want" located on a private beach, Crossman, his wife and his two daughters have all the amenities of the ocean at their fingertips. Crossman had previously lived on the river in Florida but now enjoys the convenience of oceanfront living. "The problem in Florida with living on the river is that you can't just jump in the water because of oyster shells," he said. "On the beach, you can just walk out your door, walk up and down the beach, and jump in the ocean."

Proximity to the ocean also means easy access to water sports. Crossman has enjoyed waterskiing in the past and says he would like to purchase a sailboat. When not taking advantage of the beach, the family can still enjoy the ocean breeze while staying protected from the elements on the home's patio.

Crossman advises potential oceanfront homebuyers that there are issues to be aware of, such as the possibility of damage to the home from hurricanes, tropical storms and nor'easters. In the event of inclement weather, Crossman has equipped his home with automatic hurricane shutters and a generator.

"As long as you go in with that understanding, you're never going to be disappointed," Crossman said.

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