You can do both at that price. Living on the beach comes with a variety of problems, whether it be tourons or hurricanes. I’d rather rent.
You can get a house close to the beach and a house in the mountains for about $150k each. If you want to REALLY live in the mountains, look at Narrows Va. You can still get a house for under $100k and the views are stunning. Nearby Craig County has a Prepper Festival every year.
The closest thing price-wise in NC might be Ashe County.
http://virginiasmtnplayground.com/
Having attended WCU I’m spoiled for the mountains by Cashiers and Highlands, that’s where my mountain place would be. Nothing else like it, the climate, the waterfalls, all the granite dome balds. Love it.