I'm a beach walker too. Tried living in the West End for a couple of months last year, and discovered just how much of a beach bum I really am. Being the victim of a room invasion didn't help matters. I had a killer view from my porch but felt like a prisoner inside my walls at times. I didn't like having to pack up all my beach gear and arranging a ride, and all of that every time I wanted to be on the beach.
I love to wake up and be within strolling distance of the sand and water. And I love to people watch, so where better to indulge in that than on the 7-mile beach? When the urge hits for a change of scenery, I can get up and walk anywhere I need to go.
I do love hanging at Eddie's on the W. End in the evenings for a few drinks & some good food, though. So that works well for me - beach by day / cliffs by night.