Driftwood Estates

**diajohn** · 08-07-2010, 11:46 AM

We are visiting for a week in mid-August. Our purpose is to get a feel for the area as a possible relocation for our new retirement. In reviewing real estate online, Driftwood Estates stands out for pricing. I have read some information about broken relations with Sandestin, road closures and drainage issues.

It seems to be an excellent location with newer homes.

What is the real story and how scary is it???

John

**30ashopper** · 08-07-2010, 11:57 AM

It's a normal sowal community, there's nothing scary about it really. You really have to come down and drive through there, there are some nice homes. I'm not a personal fan of the brick architecture they used, but it obviously appeals to many. It's secluded and the homes have nice big lots, which is rare for sowal. Access to sandestin is currently not possible and is under dispute, but really, that's about it. The area has never flooded as far as I know.

If you enjoy communities like Driftwood you might also check out bay side sandestin proper, the prices have really fallen quite a bit.

**30ashopper** · 08-07-2010, 12:10 PM

Hmm, I was just looking at the flood zone info, most of the community is flood zone AE, so there is a risk of flooding during storms. Property there will also be subject to higher insurance rates.

**dmr517** · 08-07-2010, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by diajohn

We are visiting for a week in mid-August. Our purpose is to get a feel for the area as a possible relocation for our new retirement. In reviewing real estate online, Driftwood Estates stands out for pricing. I have read some information about broken relations with Sandestin, road closures and drainage issues.

It seems to be an excellent location with newer homes.

What is the real story and how scary is it???

John

John,

I just moved back into my home here in Driftwood Estates from Denver...It is a very nice quiet neighborhood, I have owned here since 2004. I personally love the designs of the brick homes. The news you listed above is not drastic at all, just a few long time homeowners from the HOA which were apart of Sandestin prior to the sale of the land to new developers, are trying to get what they feel is fair to them is all. I guess an on going saga, which would be nice if they win...we got a nice County Park out it though...lol
Donna

**wrobert** · 08-07-2010, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by dmr517

John,

I just moved back into my home here in Driftwood Estates from Denver...It is a very nice quiet neighborhood, I have owned here since 2004. I personally love the designs of the brick homes. The news you listed above is not drastic at all, just a few long time homeowners from the HOA which were apart of Sandestin prior to the sale of the land to new developers, are trying to get what they feel is fair to them is all. I guess an on going saga, which would be nice if they win...we got a nice County Park out it though...lol
Donna

It is a nice park. As soon as it cools off I am using it as a venue for Family reunions since it is so out of the way. Going to get some music cranked up, a couple of hundred or so people, and come down there and enjoy the nice weather.

**Murray Balkcom** · 08-07-2010, 08:29 PM

There are several homes for rent in Driftwood. Since it sounds like you are just beginning to explore SoWal, it might be wise to rent before buying.

**diajohn** · 08-07-2010, 09:40 PM

We would plan to rent for the winter season. Guess I am just really curious when I see very nice homes in a great location that appear underpriced.

**diajohn** · 08-07-2010, 09:45 PM

Donna, the world sure is a small place. We currently live in the Sloan's Lake area of Denver. The Redneck Riviera certainly looks good from here. My wife is burned out on snow (she is originally from Canada) and I grew up on water in North Carolina. Time for a change.....

**Murray Balkcom** · 08-09-2010, 08:34 AM

We don't get much rain in the winter time. You would be wise to rent during a rainy season to really see that area. The battle between Driftwood and the County is drainage, or the lack of. I don't often drive through that area, but I've often seen some of the homes surrounded by water, and I'm talking about interior lots, not waterfront. You might ask the officers of the Home Owners Association at Driftwood about their fight with the County and the status of the drainage issues. Apparently many people live in Driftwood, and they would be good to ask also, before buying a home there.

**diajohn** · 08-09-2010, 09:09 AM

Thank you Murray. I appreciate the responses.

John

**dmr517** · 08-11-2010, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by diajohn

Donna, the world sure is a small place. We currently live in the Sloan's Lake area of Denver. The Redneck Riviera certainly looks good from here. My wife is burned out on snow (she is originally from Canada) and I grew up on water in North Carolina. Time for a change.....

John, I lived in Highlands Ranch and my daughter still lives in the Lawry community of Denver. I had a hard time with the 9 month winter/snow season and 3 month summer season with only 2 weeks of spring and fall season there is why I moved back to me year round warmer weather....lol....yes, it is a very small world. Would love to have you and your wife move to my neighborhood. Donna

**dmr517** · 08-11-2010, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by wrobert

It is a nice park. As soon as it cools off I am using it as a venue for Family reunions since it is so out of the way. Going to get some music cranked up, a couple of hundred or so people, and come down there and enjoy the nice weather.

That is great, however I am sure your 100 family members will not be fond of the parking there...lol...good luck with that!!!