30a Real Estate -Santa Rosa Beach Real Estate
About 30a Communities
Scenic Hwy 30A which stretches along the Gulf of Mexico for 20 truly amazing miles in the central panhandle region of Florida has become one of the most sought after vacation and second home destinations in the entire eastern half of the United States. This stunning drive takes you through historic, old Florida style beach communities as well as newer, amenity rich and up-scale developments all among a rare collection of dune lakes and a rich biodiversity of natural habitat. This is one stretch of Florida beach that has been smartly developed with an eye toward maintaining the natural beauty of the area without the “sprawl” of unchecked growth that took place for many years all over the state.
Famous for it’s perfect combination of brilliant white sand beaches and emerald green waters, Scenic Hwy 30A is home to a series of coastal dunes that are not seen anywhere else in the entire state. This beauty serves as a backdrop to the communities of Watercolor Florida, Watersound Florida, Seaside Florida, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach that dot the drive along Scenic hwy 30A. Each of these communities represent outstanding architectural design, award winning planning, much sought after amenities from fine dining to kayaking, yolo boarding, hiking, camping, great casual night spots and much more.
Watercolor Florida is a smart, 500 acre coastal community of upscale private homes, many available for vacation rental that are enhanced with half of this acreage being permanently dedicated to walking and biking paths and beautiful and peaceful “green spaces”.
Watersound Florida is a bit more upscale with gated security, a mile of private gulf beach and high-end “cape cod” architecture found in the homes and condominiums. The Beach Club at Watersound offers a large swimming pool with full service restaurant and bar and private beach accessibility.
Seaside Florida, “being one of the first cities in America designed on the principals of New Urbanism, the town has become the topic of slide lectures in architectural schools and in housing-industry magazines, and is visited by design professionals from all over the United States” This quaint, “shabby chic” neighborhood of upscale Florida beach cottages also gained fame as the main filming location for the movie The Truman Show. Thousands of people not staying anywhere on 30A make Seaside a day time destination.
Rosemary Beach is a master planned, beachside community on the east end of 30A with a West Indies feel to it. Cobblestone streets with gas lanterns lend a European touch as well. Lots of activity abounds in Rosemary as it is home to arts festivals, wine festivals, outdoor entertainment and great dining and shopping all as an integral part of this 500 home/condominium community.
“An oasis of luxury with a distinct Mediterranean feel, Alys Beach is the crown jewel of Florida’s Emerald Coast. It is a beach community founded in New Urbanism and built to the exacting standards for the utmost in luxury living. Designed and constructed for the most discerning property owners, these luxury beach homes offer gourmet kitchens with commercial grade appliances, cozy fireplaces, and central courtyards with generous dipping pools.”
There is also much to choose from if you are more inclined toward the more traditional, “old Florida style” communities such as Grayton Beach with its funky collection of artists and the famous Red Bar. Blue Mt. Beach Florida which sits as one of the highest areas above sea level and yet provides stunning views of the Gulf. Gulf Place on the West end of 30A is a more traditional collection of neighborhoods with a slower pace of daily life.
Every community along this beautiful stretch of gulf front highway has its own charm and personality. Premium four star resort vacation accommodations, world class golf and tennis, outstanding beach cuisine, second home opportunities, thriving arts community, a shoppers paradise, absolutely stunning beaches; this area has become the “go to” destination” for people from every area of the Eastern United States.