WaterSound, located on the western edge of Florida’s Panhandle is part of the 30A collection of seaside communities. Miami Beach, with a population of 80,000 people, has just under 11 million overnight visitors every year. A similar story can be seen across many coastal towns across the Sunshine State.
However, with an incredible 1,350 miles of shoreline, some of Florida’s beach towns fly under the radar. In the case of the collection of small, coastal communities that make up the 24-mile stretch known as 30A, it is this anonymity that created the area’s relaxed and private reputation.Stretching across 24 miles along the coast, 30A sits between Panama City to the east and Dustin to [+]
Forbes Global Properties
Tucked away on the western side of the Florida Panhandle, 30A–named after the two-lane country highway that runs along the coast–is positioned between popular destinations Panama City and Destin.
Laid along the “Emerald Coast,” the shoreline region is home to a long span of rustic, soft sand beaches that touch against the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Mexico, rivaling even the best of the Caribbean Islands. Each of these picturesque towns has its own unique character. Many also offer amenities such as clubhouses and community events. Coastal Abode[+]
Despite the newfound popularity and the subsequent increase in commercial and residential development, Watts says that 30A has yet to lose its laid-back vibe.
“It still feels friendly; it still feels inviting. What people say around here is that it’s flip-flop luxury.”
This completely remodeled home, priced at $7.125 million, features expansive views of Gulf of
Mexico.
Coastal Abode
Homes in 30A
For example, Watts described the town of Rosemary Beach as having an “almost a European village feel with cobblestone streets and a town center” while the next town over, Alys Beach, is a blend of “the Mediterranean and Bermuda, with its emphasis on white, bright beach homes.” Further west, another beach community, WaterColor, is known as an “upscale community made up of beach cottages.”
This rendering for 161 Rolling Dunes in Blue Mountain Beach showcases the high-end finishes of many
… new construction projects in 30A.[+]
While styling may differ, many homes throughout 30A boast similar amenities, including golf cart garages, ocean views and access to community facilities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers and spas.
Capitalizing on the area’s breezy coastal weather, homes often feature outdoor living spaces.
Coastal Abode
Property Prices in 30AAccording to the August market update provided by Coastal Abode, the average sale price for the West End of 30A was $1.7 million and for the East End was $3 million. On the high end of those averages was a $10.9 million sale while the lowest-priced sale landed at $484,000.[+]
…
prices.
Dave Warren Real Estate Photography
The most expensive homes in the area consist primarily of those located directly off the beach, listing for upward of $20 million. In particular, newer construction beachfront homes–often larger than older homes and decked out with modern amenities–come with the most premium price tags.
The stretch of 30A’s coast is famous for turquoise waters and white sand, exemplified in this
…
tranquil scene from Rosemary Beach.getty[+]
“There’s not this 100 percent focus on the beach. The area is known for its hiking and biking trails as well as golf courses, restaurants, and events. The longer people live here, the more things they miss back home. They want restaurants, shopping, and events. So that’s been driving an increase in these local amenities.”
With the recent increase in new residents, restaurants and shopping options have been on the rise.
gettyMany of the towns in 30A were designed with walkability in mind. Seaside is a town that has been hailed as a “model” for New Urbanism, an urban planning movement which promotes eco-friendly practices by creating walkable communities. The small beach town’s reputation for “picturesque perfection” even drew the attention of Hollywood, with Seaside serving as the filming location for the 1998 film [+]
Grayton Beach, a small historic village, abuts the nearly 2000-acre Grayton Beach State Park.
getty
Surrounding 30A
Multiple airports are located within a short distance from the towns of 30A. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is located about 40 minutes away from Miramar Beach.
MORE FROM FORBES
Centuries-Old Coach House Offers City-Close Country Living Near LondonBy Lauren Beale
MORE FROM FORBES
By
10 By
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport sits about 40 minutes away from Miramar Beach.
Tallahassee is located more than 100 miles to the east or roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Mary Forgione01001010