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The Coastal Towns of Northwest Florida’s Scenic 30A Gain in Popularity as the Most Desirable Beach Communities b y E r i n O d e n
Zyberk joined with Seaside founders Daryl and Robert Davis to create the most idyllic beach community on the principals of new urbanism. They laid the groundwork for building the most intentionally designed series of beach communities along our treasured coastline. The visible growth of our area and vibrant home market is a testament to the appeal of our coastal com- munities. Once somewhat unknown, our coastline is now in the limelight. At times, we long for our yesterday beach town of days gone by. But, as will be with any place that is so uniquely special, we are now sharing the love of our precious coast with the many others who have discovered paradise and want to join in with us and call it home. Yahoo Finance recently showcased 30-A, reporting “the small communities of Santa Rosa Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside and others ooze small-town charm yet still maintain the strengths of the industry, namely gorgeous beaches, delicious seafood, and friendly locals. As more and more visitors desire “‘authentic”’ travel experience, places like 30-A are well-positioned to be great investments.” Trip Advisor recently echoed a new nickname for the 30-A area of Northwest Florida as the “Martha’s Vineyard of the South.” Many credit the appearance and success of new ur- banism. The planned community of Seaside sparked the trend, when designers Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plat- er-Zyberk teamed up with founders Daryl and Robert Davis to lay the groundwork for the idyllic community. They certainly set a high bar that each new development appears to raise. Writer Jennifer Parker, of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture documents Sea- side as the “first new urban community,” which she de- fines as “an argument against suburban sprawl and the re-awakening of the American city. Its principles state that walkable, connected, mixed use community will yield a better quality of life.” The full 30-A coastline, es- pecially in Walton County, has its roots in new urban- ism. A coastline drive, shopping tour, or art hop through Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, Alys Beach, and others will dazzle the senses. Visitors and residents appreciate, in awe, the masterfully and intentionally developed com- munities based on new urbanism fundamentals. Con- gress for the New Urbanism lists, among others, the following principles of new urbanism: • Walkable from the center of town to any edge in five minutes. • Streets are built for people using multiple forms of transportation (walk, bike, bus, car). • Public spaces are crucial and should encourage interaction.
• Developers use a collaborate approach in design to include engineers, appraisers, lenders, public works officials, community leaders, and others. • Mixed-use properties are commonplace but aes- thetically well-appointed. References on National News and Magazines: The Wall Street Journal clarifies the character of the panhandle in its 2020 article “The Emerald Coast Emerges as Florida’s Crown Jewel.” Writer Beth DeCarbo explains that the Emerald Coast is a high-end, luxurious playground of yachts, visual and performing arts, private jets, and architectural masterpieces in lovely villages filled with down-to-earth locals and appreciative visitors and investors. The 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Wards named Rosemary Beach’s The Pearl Hotel as the tenth top hotel in Florida. Architectural Digest.com urges readers to explore Alys Beach, describing the development as, “a skyline of white stucco buildings that evokes Santorini, complete with sensuous curves and angled rooftops to punctuate blazing sunsets and perfect blue skies. Combine the luxurious hospitality of a posh resort with the friendly vibe of a low-key beach town.” Multiple industry reports document the increased demand for Florida destinations “within driving dis- tance,” spurring exploding popularity since the onset of the pandemic. Walton County has experienced remark- able population growth and profitable growth of the real estate vacation rental markets. Along 30-A, home prices appreciated 24% in 2021 following a similar, astounding appreciation of 23% in 2020. The coastline of beachfront communities in Walton County share many blessings beyond the eclectic yet co- hesive beauty and daily convenience of new urbanism. The azure waves and tropical breezes soothe souls as they recline on clean beaches. Browsers and diners are dazzled by one-of-a-kind galleries and restaurants. An- nual festivals and friendly locals welcome guests from all over the world. While they share many wonderful characteristics, the communities of 30-A are also each known for unique offerings. Erin Oden is the principal broker and owner of Coastal Luxury, a real estate firm that maintains a strong em- phasis on intimate market knowledge and expertise in the luxury and Gulf-front market. Erin can be reached at (850) 502-1220 or erin@coastalluxury.com. Or, stop by Coastal Luxury, located directly on 30-A, the first office east of Alys Beach. Search all available properties at coastalluxury.com/SEARCH.
Visitors and residents appreciate, in awe, the masterfully and intentionally
developed communities based on new urbanism fundamentals. O nce a rural, undiscovered expanse of sugar sand paradise, the Florida Gulf Coast’s 30-A corridor has now emerged as one of the most sought- after areas in which to live, vacation, and invest. Our area has received an immense amount of national coverage recently, from The Wall Street Journal to Condé Nast to Architectural Digest , just to name a few. Clearly, our early developers and visionaries were on to something magnificent when Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-
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