Why did pilgrims and puritans settle near the coast?

Pilgrims and Puritans settled near the coast primarily for access to waterways, which facilitated trade, transportation, and fishing. The coastal areas offered fertile land for agriculture and resources necessary for building and sustaining their communities. Additionally, proximity to the ocean provided opportunities for economic activities, such as shipbuilding and commerce with Europe. These factors made coastal settlements advantageous for their survival and growth in the New World.