HI MUMMY2CHLOE
I am going to reply before I read everyone elses thoughts, so maybe this is nothing new. This is what I would do:

I would want to be together as a family. And with a 7 days on 7 days off roster, living in really cheap rent...what is stoipping you from going to the beach during his 7 days off...even camping by the beach is fun? Obviously not every week off, but some weeks off, you might be able to go somewhere else as a family.

And the small school sounds like great opportunity...you would soon meet others.. And because you are renting...if it doesn't work out you can always move to the beach later....

now I have read the thread: oh maaaan! bummer...i hope you can find a place soon. I am not familiarvwith the area, so can't help with ideas or knowing people who might be renting...

all the best