Did anyone see the article in today's Times "Escape" section about Seaside? Along the lines of trouble in paradise, etc. Mostly deals with the aftermath of storms/beach erosion, traffic, maintenance costs, and out-of-reach property values. I can tell you why we did not buy at Seaside, in spite of having stayed at their Honeymoon Cottages on several occasions. First, the traffic on 30A, which would only get worse with time. Second, we felt that maintenance and amenities at Seaside translated into what would become ever-escalating homeowners association dues which we would have no control over. Third, we were singularly unimpressed with how the properties were managed for rental purposes at the time we were buying.
On the "plus" side, I think the Seaside new urban design really set a tone for excellence in future South Walton developments. It put the area on the map in terms of attracting an international recognition and following. And I think (most of) the homes are definitely safer from the ravages of storms by virtue of their setbacks from the water's edge. The price they pay, of course, is absence of direct beach access and lack of Gulf views, in most instances. And we did not want a beach house that did not at least have a nice view of the Gulf, if not direct access.
The article goes on to say that sales are absolutely flat in the area now. This is to be expected in the aftermath of such a well publicized 2005 hurricane season. But I also believe that the hugely escalated prices of real estate (such as the $5M to $7M costs of Seaside homes) has simply priced many people out of the market, particularly when you consider that these are second homes for most. Combine this with increased interest rates, increased property taxes, and the uncertainty of insurance hikes and you have a very nervous potential buyer. Rental income nicely offsets a mortgage of under $1M, but becomes a non-factor for a property priced much higher.
Interested in knowing what some of the Seaside owners think about this???
DBOldfordDBOldfordBeach FanaticNapa Valley, CA990 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
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87Coast is ClearCoast is ClearBeach LoverAtlanta/Seaside83 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
I agree! If 30-A is too tough a place to come visit, then don't.
As far as Seside goes, part of the problem is than many people don't even use the driveways that are with the cottages. Our house in Seaside (2005) was required to have 2 parking spots ON the lot. The street did not count. While I was initially upset with having to give up the space, it probably was for the best and was an early indication Seaside saw the writing on the wall.
As far as Seside goes, part of the problem is than many people don't even use the driveways that are with the cottages. Our house in Seaside (2005) was required to have 2 parking spots ON the lot. The street did not count. While I was initially upset with having to give up the space, it probably was for the best and was an early indication Seaside saw the writing on the wall.
SantiagoSantiagoBeach Fanaticseagrove beach635 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Its all good. However, be careful in the assumptions that you make. I quite possibly know more about the Cottages at Camp Creek than you realize. Perhaps I knew "first hand from the developer" of the development plan long before he ever spoke to you about the project.Got it. Camp Creek Cottages rules. Its the mecca of all development on 30a. Seaside could learn a lot from Camp Creek Cottages. Some people and community groups compliment every project that gets developed on 30a. What does that mean? Excuse me for having an opinion different than yours.
By-the-way, the Cottages at Camp Creek is not at the maximum density that it is zoned for. The "facts" that you speak of are not accurate. The land condo designation has to do with water retention issues and vegetation conservation while obtaining a certain density. It wasn't specifically to cram as many units on the property as possible, as you infer in your posts.
While the project was going through the approval process, several citizens and community groups complemented the developer for his creative plan and his attention to conservation and community concerns. The cottages has maintained its 51% native vegetation conservation.
I'm fine if you don't like the project. However, please make sure that your "facts" are accurate before you post them publically.
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Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertWhile I do understand your concerns of parking in Seaside, this is what I see when I go to Seaside:
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertWhat drug are you on, man? I want some of that! :floor:Honey, it is all about your focus. I also have the pleasure to see Seaside when not one car is on most of the streets of Seaside for a good 3-4 months. From one extreme to the other. In the winter, Seaside is mostly a ghost town.
MermaidMermaidpicky7,871 postsJoined View profileMessagepicky
Honey, it is all about your focus. I also have the pleasure to see Seaside when not one car is on most of the streets of Seaside for a good 3-4 months. From one extreme to the other. In the winter, Seaside is mostly a ghost town.
"Honey????" I thought I was the only one you said that to. :(
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodHoney, it is all about your focus. I also have the pleasure to see Seaside when not one car is on most of the streets of Seaside for a good 3-4 months. From one extreme to the other. In the winter, Seaside is mostly a ghost town.I hear ya. There are many times that we are at the bar at Shades watching basketball and ours is the only car parked on the Seaside semicircle. Of course, that will end as of late December. :(
But blue skies and the absence of clutter is not how I think of Seaside anymore. I think chaos.
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood"Honey????" I thought I was the only one you said that to. :(Hey, he knows me too well. I like to say "honey" when emphasizing a point and trying to avoid being generic.
Actually I don't walk to Seaside. I try to *run* there as often as my feet will allow. I pretty much know the turf in this area from running it and seeing it up close and personal, unlike one could do in a car or on a bike.
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Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertBR, do you drive, walk, or bike to Seaside. I rather enjoy walking around on the back streets. I quickly forget any chaos around Quincy Circle. Sure there are SUVs in Seaside, but they are in Atlanta too, along with 2 million other cars.
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert"Honey????" I thought I was the only one you said that to. :(
Sorry Honey.
katie bluekatie bluekt looin perpetual motion1,068 postsJoined View profileMessagekt loo
katie bluekt looin perpetual motion1,068 postsJoined View profileMessagekt looI stop into Seaside only now and then, but drive thru it all the time. My perspective may be skewed because I'm from Atlanta, but I've never really minded the traffic. It's just a couple minutes to get through it at it's busiest, and usually less. Great opportunity to people watch--it's like a festival. It's beautiful empty, and full, for different reasons. If you're travelling on 30A (and not 98), you're probably not in too much of a hurry anyway. 🙂
On the other topic though, I can totally relate to preferring not to having a giant Expedition right outside my porch as my only view. Must be frustrating.
On the other topic though, I can totally relate to preferring not to having a giant Expedition right outside my porch as my only view. Must be frustrating.
Camp Creek KidCamp Creek KidChristini ZambiniSeacrest Beach1,277 postsJoined View profileMessageChristini Zambini
Camp Creek KidChristini ZambiniSeacrest Beach1,277 postsJoined View profileMessageChristini ZambiniGot it. Camp Creek Cottages rules. Its the mecca of all development on 30a. Seaside could learn a lot from Camp Creek Cottages. Some people and community groups compliment every project that gets developed on 30a. What does that mean? Excuse me for having an opinion different than yours.
Santiago, I respect your opinion and even if you said you hated the development, that is fine with me. You simply made some statements about the land condo designation that were incorrect. I wanted to clarify those statements so some owner of the cottages didn't read your posts and freak out because you said that they didn't own the land under their homes. I am related to the developers so I really do know what I'm talking about.
I didn't say that the Cottages at Camp Creek was the greatest development on 30A--it is pretty much like all of the other small developments. However, it also isn't as terrible as you represented it to be. I apologize if I offended you.
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Coast is ClearCoast is ClearBeach LoverAtlanta/Seaside83 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
While I do understand your concerns of parking in Seaside, this is what I see when I go to Seaside:
SJ, thanks for the photo fix. Just what I needed and better than any drug (and I grew up in the 60's and 70's!! :cool: )
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertI would love to see Seaside in the off season. I bet it is awesome! But I would really just like to drive through without children running out into the street from behind parked cars, or people talking on their cell phones and not looking as they cross the street, etc. It's like driving in NYC- you cannot take your eyes off the road for one minute!
ecopalecopalBeach Fanatic261 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ecopalBeach Fanatic261 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI would love to see Seaside in the off season. I bet it is awesome! But I would really just like to drive through without children running out into the street from behind parked cars, or people talking on their cell phones and not looking as they cross the street, etc. It's like driving in NYC- you cannot take your eyes off the road for one minute!
Are you saying that it is an inconvience to you to be distracted from your cellphone or grooming in the rear view mirror when driving? Incidently,the only reason you should be driving in the residential section of Seaside is to go to your dwelling.
Actually street parking is an urban planning strategy to calm traffic.
I agree that the huge SUVs are a gross intrusion on the ambiance but that is the decadent vehicle of choice for many of the wealthy elite that live or rent there.
SheilaSheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderAre you saying that it is an inconvience to you to be distracted from your cellphone or grooming in the rear view mirror when driving? Incidently,the only reason you should be driving in the residential section of Seaside is to go to your dwelling.
Actually street parking is an urban planning strategy to calm traffic.
I agree that the huge SUVs are a gross intrusion on the ambiance but that is the decadent vehicle of choice for many of the wealthy elite that live or rent there.
Oh my bad! :oops: I did not see the sign that said dwelling owners and guests only posted in Seaside!
By the way, not everyone talks on a cell or grooms in the rearview mirror while driving. But thanks for the reminder to those that might be that thoughtless. Is it ok to drive through Seaside while going to points east or west? Just want to get the protocol correct.
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertOh my bad! :oops: I did not see the sign that said dwelling owners and guests only posted in Seaside!Actually, the Seaside residential streets do have signs posted along 30-A noting that the streets are private, and parking is by permit only. IMHO, Seaside does a great job of welcoming people into the public areas. They have public parking, although that is shrinking, and you can walk through the neighborhoods.
By the way, not everyone talks on a cell or grooms in the rearview mirror while driving. But thanks for the reminder to those that might be that thoughtless. Is it ok to drive through Seaside while going to points east or west? Just want to get the protocol correct.
I find myself looking at homes and people when I drive through there, but I quickly remind myself that some little kid is about to dart out in front of me on a bicycle or on foot. You really do have to pay attention to everything and drive slowly while in these tight-knit communities. I would fall apart if I were to run into someone. I do see people on their cell phones and not paying attention to potential hazards, such as people. It is very dangerous.
SantiagoSantiagoBeach Fanaticseagrove beach635 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Santiago, I respect your opinion and even if you said you hated the development, that is fine with me. You simply made some statements about the land condo designation that were incorrect. I wanted to clarify those statements so some owner of the cottages didn't read your posts and freak out because you said that they didn't own the land under their homes. I am related to the developers so I really do know what I'm talking about.I didn't say mean it was terrible and yes it is very typical. I admitted I was out of line regarding the land under the home issue. After checking further, I think that the property was designated condos to reduce the side setbacks from the typical 7.5' to 5'. Although the development was praised by many parties, this aspect of it was originally met with some skepticism until the developers rightfully convinced them that this was an acceptable use of the land codes, not a disregard for it. I will stand by my statement that it was done for density reasons. Regarding your statement that they did not use the full density allowed, l will not dispute this. As a developer myself, I will say that in many cases, you do not use the full density because the allowed units will simply not fit onto the site plan. There could be many reasons for this such as having to work around the wet areas on the property. At any rate, no apologies are necessary and the ultimate vindication of success for the developer is that the owners are happy with their purchase as you are. Peace.
I didn't say that the Cottages at Camp Creek was the greatest development on 30A--it is pretty much like all of the other small developments. However, it also isn't as terrible as you represented it to be. I apologize if I offended you.
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertI briefly entertained the idea of buying a home in the Cottages at Camp Creek when they were just beginning construction. Several homes around the pool were nearing completion. I thought it worked very well for vacation homes, but I was looking for a full time home. I haven't been in the development for over two years now, but my memory was that the homes were too close together and I don't recall much natural around the homes at all. Is the natural, undisturbed vegetation mostly at the north end of the property?
SheilaSheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
SheilaSoWal InsiderSnellville, GA., Seacrest/Seagrove as often as we 5,781 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderActually, the Seaside residential streets do have signs posted along 30-A noting that the streets are private, and parking is by permit only. IMHO, Seaside does a great job of welcoming people into the public areas. They have public parking, although that is shrinking, and you can walk through the neighborhoods.
I find myself looking at homes and people when I drive through there, but I quickly remind myself that some little kid is about to dart out in front of me on a bicycle or on foot. You really do have to pay attention to everything and drive slowly while in these tight-knit communities. I would fall apart if I were to run into someone. I do see people on their cell phones and not paying attention to potential hazards, such as people. It is very dangerous.
I agree SJ. We always park in the public parking and walk. Sometimes there is a nice way to get a point across as you have exhibted here and then there is the rude blanket statements that hit a nerve with me. I'm sure the post I responded to was not meant to be rude, it just read that way to me.
Truth told we normally take 98 to avoid the crowds and traffic in the Seaside area.
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