We are from Atlanta ... and we will be visiting South Walton this summer for two weeks. We have had a long term dream to own a house near the beach as our 2nd home. But because of land/home prices, we have resigned ourselfs to the fact we cannot own beachfront.
Tis summer we want to look at land in a few communities. Primarily, we are interested in WaterSound "north" and WindMark Beach. We are attracted the the wide array of amenities at these properties. But, we have some concerns:
- seems nothing is selling at Watersound
- Watersound's access to the beach
- Windmark's beaches and ocean not as pretty as 30a
Does anyone have any recent info and/or opinions on these developments ... are they selling ... are they priced fairly ... is one a better investment that the other?
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!
Replies
31
SoWal Insider
Casey, there is a BIG difference between WaterSound North and "beachfront." Lots and lots in between. Are you willing to share your budget and must-haves? If so, lots of people here would be willing to steer you toward things you probably don't know about. 
Beach ComberAuthor
Thank you for the quick reply. I am still learning how this board works, so I appreciate your guidance. Here are our decision making factors:
- budget = $250K for land
- build within 5 years
- nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
- good long term investment.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
- budget = $250K for land
- build within 5 years
- nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
- good long term investment.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
Beach Lover
WSN mite be a good play for you...its within a couple of miles of the beach and access should be granted through WaterSound Beach club (granted u mite be expected to pay for that access). if you don't want to pay many public beaches or can park at seaside, greyton, whatever. will be a nice community at full buildout. very little selling in WSN, but then again very little selling anywhere...but pricing is pretty fair imho.
that being said...if you're budget for land is $250K, i'm not sure you couldn't find something pretty darn close to 30A right now. check some of the other threads but i think you are in the ballpark. check watersound west beach they have cottage lots for under 300k...will have a nice pool etc and has a loooong boardwalk access to the beach.
don't know much about windmark...the biggest dif i see is that windmark feels more isolated/rural. not that sowal is a booming metropolis but destin and pcb are close and plenty to do outside of WSN within sowal. don't think this is the case with windmark.
hope that helps
that being said...if you're budget for land is $250K, i'm not sure you couldn't find something pretty darn close to 30A right now. check some of the other threads but i think you are in the ballpark. check watersound west beach they have cottage lots for under 300k...will have a nice pool etc and has a loooong boardwalk access to the beach.
don't know much about windmark...the biggest dif i see is that windmark feels more isolated/rural. not that sowal is a booming metropolis but destin and pcb are close and plenty to do outside of WSN within sowal. don't think this is the case with windmark.
hope that helps
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Thank you for the quick reply. I am still learning how this board works, so I appreciate your guidance. Here are our decision making factors:
- budget = $250K for land
- build within 5 years
- nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
- good long term investment.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
How about a lot in Seacrest Beach, next to Rosemary. No build out time. South of 98 and one big swimming pool all for 250k?
Banned
How about a lot in Seacrest Beach, next to Rosemary. No build out time. South of 98 and one big swimming pool all for 250k?
WOW! that sounds like a great deal! where do i sign up?:shock:
Beach Fanatic
WOW! that sounds like a great deal! where do i sign up?:shock:
Send me a PM and I can sign you up.
Beach Fanatic
Phase I of Windmark is directly on Port St Joe bay. I love Port St. Joe as I have family there and have spent much time there, but it doesn't have the same feel as the neighborhoods on 30A... very quiet. Windmark does have great access to Cape San Blas (which I LOVE), and the marina is close by. While there are big plans for the old paper mill site, I'm not sure that the nearby chemical plant is going any where soon (the town needs those jobs). I read that plans for the St. Joe Company development Bonfire Beach to be built in Mexico Beach near Tyndall have slowed considerably due to the market downturn. I think there are some locals on this board who live in or near St. Joe and who may be able to weigh-in on price and movement.
Good luck to you, and enjoy the hunt for just the right place!
Good luck to you, and enjoy the hunt for just the right place!
Beach Lover
I checked out some model homes at WSN last week. Good amenities and a lot of house for the price. Also good lot prices. They have several builders on board and some awsome prefab houses. Don't be fooled by the fact that they are prefab. They are VERY nice and priced right. They are marketing to permanent residents and true second home buyers rather than as a resort. So if you want to feel like part of a community it is a good choice. When you are close to the beach you may just have a different set of neighbors every week during the season and none the rest of the time.
SoWal Expert
Phase I of Windmark is directly on Port St Joe bay. I love Port St. Joe as I have family there and have spent much time there, but it doesn't have the same feel as the neighborhoods on 30A... very quiet. Windmark does have great access to Cape San Blas (which I LOVE), and the marina is close by. While there are big plans for the old paper mill site, I'm not sure that the nearby chemical plant is going any where soon (the town needs those jobs). I read that plans for the St. Joe Company development Bonfire Beach to be built in Mexico Beach near Tyndall have slowed considerably due to the market downturn. I think there are some locals on this board who live in or near St. Joe and who may be able to weigh-in on price and movement.The last I heard about Bonfire Beach was that Tyndall AFB did not want it to be developed stating that there was potential for misguided drone planes to crash in that area.
Good luck to you, and enjoy the hunt for just the right place!
I'm serious. WaterSound (formerly, North) has lots starting around $140K. Construction must begin within 4 years and has to be completed by year five. They are scrapping a few holes of golf which they had originally planned and are building a centrally located park with outdoor ampitheater similar to WaterColor's Cerulean Park. They will have a swimming pools as well. As Palmbeach stated, they are marketing WaterSound as a community for year-round residents. There are discounts on the BeachClub and Camp Creek memberships if you buy in WaterSound. I think WaterSound has some potential for a year round residence. Did I mention that they are also building retail stores at the western side of the entrance, which will be close to the same size as currently seen in Destin Commons?
I've been to Windmark and cannot say that I was wowed. I can think of too many other places where I would rather live
Beach Lover
Our fourth and final phase of WaterColor includes homesites starting at $161K (in the Summersweet Place neighborhood) and completed 3 BR/4 bath homes starting at $697,500 (in the Turtle Ridge neighborhood).
Phase 4 has its own pool, access to the WaterColor Beach Club and all other WaterColor amenities, and it's only a few blocks down the Hwy 395 bike path to the closest public beach access.
Please PM me if you'd like more info. I'm a sales associate at WaterColor.
Phase 4 has its own pool, access to the WaterColor Beach Club and all other WaterColor amenities, and it's only a few blocks down the Hwy 395 bike path to the closest public beach access.
Please PM me if you'd like more info. I'm a sales associate at WaterColor.
SoWal Expert
I posted the incorrect starting list price in WaterSound. They have several lots starting at $160K, not $140K.
Beach Fanatic
what do you folks think of Watersound Beach West? What is the buildout time? Do you have to go with one of Joe's approved and therefore ridiculously gauge happy builders?
How far is that "long boardwalk" to the beach? Does it spit you out right next to Deer Lake Park, or is that not quite accurate?
How far is that "long boardwalk" to the beach? Does it spit you out right next to Deer Lake Park, or is that not quite accurate?
SoWal Insider
Thank you for the quick reply. I am still learning how this board works, so I appreciate your guidance. Here are our decision making factors:
- budget = $250K for land
- build within 5 years
- nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
- good long term investment.
THANK YOU AGAIN!
How big of a lot are you looking for in your $250K price range? Keep in mind that what may appear as a bargain $250K lot "near the beach" can mean a "postage stamp-sized" lot with neighbors so close you'll only have space for a one-sided fence.
.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
We are from Atlanta ... and we will be visiting South Walton this summer for two weeks. We have had a long term dream to own a house near the beach as our 2nd home. But because of land/home prices, we have resigned ourselfs to the fact we cannot own beachfront.
Tis summer we want to look at land in a few communities. Primarily, we are interested in WaterSound "north" and WindMark Beach. We are attracted the the wide array of amenities at these properties. But, we have some concerns:
- seems nothing is selling at Watersound
- Watersound's access to the beach
- Windmark's beaches and ocean not as pretty as 30a
Does anyone have any recent info and/or opinions on these developments ... are they selling ... are they priced fairly ... is one a better investment that the other?
I think you have better choices than Watersound North in your price range. First of all, prices in Watercolor and Watersound Beach have been coming into your $250k price range over the last few months. A lot in WSB recently closed for $313k and a couple of lots in WC have closed at just under $250k with a couple of current listings at just over $250k (I would be willing to bet you could make an offer for under $250k and the owners would jump at the chance to sell). With the current downward trend in the prices of raw lots, you will likely see more lots in WC and WSB move below $250k. There are also two lots for sale in Rosemary for under $400k--above your range but who knows what a seller would ultimately take.
Although beach access in the Preserve and Cypress Dunes is not as good as in WC or WSB, you can get lots in these developments for well under $250k and be right on 30A. Another option would be Seacrest.
Finally, a cottage in Watercolor sold for around $650k last year and another sold recently for $775k. There are boatloads of houses for sale in Watercolor--several for under $1 million. I would expect to see prices fall further in mid to late summer if the market doesn't pick up considerably in the near future. There are lots of owners needing to exit the market and they will start getting "desperate" if another selling season goes by and their homes are still on the market.
Bottom line, look in these beach communities first and make some offers before "settling" for Watersound North. Also, do lots of homework on pricing before making offers. Prices have been falling for the last year and a half or so. Don't look at comps from 3, 6 or 9 months ago. They are outdated. Look at comps only from the last month or two when analyzing the market.
Good luck.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Casey, You're getting some good advice on this thread.
We also had the "dream" and it FINALLY became a reality last year!
I would urge you to get as close to 30A & the beach(with access) as you can--- as it is your dream to have a "beach"
2nd home. A previous poster mentioned The Preserve at Grayton Beach which would definitely be worth taking a look at, as it more than meets your criteria. I am partial, as I still own one Preserve lot that is currently listed below $230k. There are pros and cons to any development. I would be happy to share my views of The Preserve with you....if you want more info, please feel free to send me a private message....Good Luck!
We also had the "dream" and it FINALLY became a reality last year!
I would urge you to get as close to 30A & the beach(with access) as you can--- as it is your dream to have a "beach"
2nd home. A previous poster mentioned The Preserve at Grayton Beach which would definitely be worth taking a look at, as it more than meets your criteria. I am partial, as I still own one Preserve lot that is currently listed below $230k. There are pros and cons to any development. I would be happy to share my views of The Preserve with you....if you want more info, please feel free to send me a private message....Good Luck!
Admin
This thread is very impressive with answers from just half a day. Thanks everyone! ;-)
Beach ComberAuthor
I am so thankful for everyone's input. You all have been so helpful. Although we have not started the "official home/land buying process" yet, I have done tons of research. Our hope is to find a:
- nice lot
- 5 year build time
- close to 30a
- in a development with nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
It sounds like my immediate budget of $250K for land is realistic? Can you provide info on other existing or upcoming developments that meet my criterea? Thank you again!
- nice lot
- 5 year build time
- close to 30a
- in a development with nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
It sounds like my immediate budget of $250K for land is realistic? Can you provide info on other existing or upcoming developments that meet my criterea? Thank you again!
Beach Fanatic
Our hope is to find a:
- nice lot
- 5 year build time
- close to 30a
- in a development with nice amenities ... especially swimming pool
It sounds like my immediate budget of $250K for land is realistic? Can you provide info on other existing or upcoming developments that meet my criterea? Thank you again!
Seacrest Beach has you covered with the pool -- it's 12,000 sq feet. It's a nice community on the east end (I'm a little biased, since that's where we are!;-) ) sandwiched between Alys and Rosemary. There is also an incredible fountain. I don't think I can adequately describe the pool or the fountain. . . .so take a drive down that way the next time you are there. I've heard there are lots available in the 200's and the build out time has been dissolved.
Beach Fanatic
I believe I have the least expensive lot on the market South of 30A! It is a short walk to the public access (with bathrooms!) Close to restaurants,
75 x 102 (pretty large, considering some of the postage sized lots), no build out time and you can put in your own pool. You might have a Gulf view and Lake view of Draper Lake from a third floor!
You can pm me if interested!
Thanks!
75 x 102 (pretty large, considering some of the postage sized lots), no build out time and you can put in your own pool. You might have a Gulf view and Lake view of Draper Lake from a third floor!
You can pm me if interested!
Thanks!
Beach Lover
Cassine Village in Seagrove on 30A has amenites (2 pools and tennis courts and private nature area with trails) and is a short stroll to the beach and easy bike ride to Seaside Village.
Cassine Village is a closer walk to the beach than Seacrest, The Preserve, and most of Watercolor. Cyprus Dunes to my knowledge has no walkable beach access.
There is a very nice new good sized house in there in the $600ks and lots for around $200k. Three properties out of 7 listings have sold in Cassine Village so far this year.
Cassine Village is a closer walk to the beach than Seacrest, The Preserve, and most of Watercolor. Cyprus Dunes to my knowledge has no walkable beach access.
There is a very nice new good sized house in there in the $600ks and lots for around $200k. Three properties out of 7 listings have sold in Cassine Village so far this year.
SoWal Insider
Seacrest Beach has you covered with the pool -- it's 12,000 sq feet. It's a nice community on the east end (I'm a little biased, since that's where we are!;-) ) sandwiched between Alys and Rosemary. There is also an incredible fountain. I don't think I can adequately describe the pool or the fountain. . . .so take a drive down that way the next time you are there. I've heard there are lots available in the 200's and the build out time has been dissolved.
Agree completely. Seacrest is the best option of those that I know about for your price range. There seem to be several available lots between $245K and $300K. These lots were priced (and selling) at $400-$500K and up two years ago so IMO they are an excellent value and you should consider buying ASAP. Others may disagree but I don't know how long lots in the $200K range will last. It appears that a few of them are less expensive than the smaller lots in Treetop just to the north.
In your price range, indeed in just about any price range, you are going to find that the more amenities there are, the farther away you are going to have to be from the beach. Seacrest is a nice happy medium. The pool is great and the homeowners' association dues are reasonable. There is free golf cart shuttle service to the beach from spring break through about October. We feel that our home in Seacrest is very well situated between Rosemary and Alys and we definitely take advantage of shopping, dining, etc.
We also have a lot in Seagrove's Gulf Shore Manor that we plan to hold on to and build on someday. It's a very nice size (50 x 135) no buildout time, zoned single family only and close to the beach. You can definitely find lots in that neighborhood in your price range, though farther back from the beach. The disadvantages are it is a neighborhood not a community HOA and architecture styles vary greatly. The plus side is that you have enough room to build your own pool and carriage house if you want.
Either areas make for excellent rentals if you want to go that route, but in general the closer to the beach you are the better off your rental prospects are going to be.
Anyone know the prices for NatureWalk lots? It's just north of Gulf Shore Manor and looks to be a very nice (future) community with shuttles to the (future) NatureWalk beach club, assuming that beach club concept holds up.
If you buy in WaterSound (north) or the back of WaterColor you will have nicer amenities for sure, but quite a trek to the beach and possibly very high HOA dues.
Beach Fanatic
Nature Walk lots were reserved only to builders. I don't know of them selling to individuals, but they will sell home packages. I will check at the sales office for updated info. The place looks beautiful.
SoWal Expert
As High&Dry pointed out, Cassine Village is mostly forgotten about, and that is one thing which makes it a great buy. There are three public accesses in very close proximity, and it is close to Seaside. It has two pools and tennis courts, beautiful Cypress Ponds, and walking trails which connect into the State Forest trails. It has a mix of townhomes, condos, and single family detached homes. For that which you described, Cassine Village may be your best value right now.
SoWal Insider
I know of several lots in Seacrest that are around the $250,000 range. One is a 50 x 100 which is the largest lot that Seacrest Beach offered. pool, tram service to beach and deeded beach access makes it a plus. Treetop has some lots lower priced than that. This subdivision will have a different "look" than Seacrest Beach homes. Treetop is gated from Seacrest Beach and Hwy 98, has its own pool, tram, deeded beach access, and use of Seacrest Beachs 12,000 sq ft pool for 9 more years. pm me if interested....
Beach Fanatic
My two cents worth: if you are looking for a vacation home only then I would try stick to any number of places up and down 30A, especially if you have kids because they will LIVE outdoors in the summer, spring and fall and the sheer number of activities to do is great and as a parent it is all about options!!
If you are going to live here full time then I would also encourage you to look in point washington area because of value - beautiful lots.
Good luck - either way do take your time to look - there are bargains out there right now -I have no idea how long they will or will not last but one thing I can tell you for 100% sure - it is absolutely awesome living here full time!!!!! It is great when tourists come pouring in and this place becomes lively, entertaining and funn - and it is just as nice when season winds down and us locals can see more of each other in calmer environments - best of both worlds!!!
If you are going to live here full time then I would also encourage you to look in point washington area because of value - beautiful lots.
Good luck - either way do take your time to look - there are bargains out there right now -I have no idea how long they will or will not last but one thing I can tell you for 100% sure - it is absolutely awesome living here full time!!!!! It is great when tourists come pouring in and this place becomes lively, entertaining and funn - and it is just as nice when season winds down and us locals can see more of each other in calmer environments - best of both worlds!!!
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