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I am a teacher that wants to relocate the the SoWal area.

heddy avatar
heddyBeach Comber
2,517 views
Hello, my name is Heather, I live in Illinois and have decided at this point in my life that I need to live in my one of my favorite places, SoWal. As a newly single 39 year old teacher, I know that I will not be able to live in the place where I have vacationed for years, Seagrove Beach, but if I could be close I would be content. So my question to the locals is: Are there affordable areas to live in the county?

Are there any communities inland a bit that are nice? I have been doing some research into Defuniak Springs. It looks historical, affordable, and a close enough drive to the beach, but the things I have read about it being kind of backwoods and having no solid internet service in some parts, concern me. I'm a progressive person, I love to cook and shop at good markets. I'm not looking for a city vibe but would love to find somewhere with a neighborhood feel.

Any suggestions, advice or websites that could be helpful to my research would be appreciated!!! Thanks!:up::roll:

Replies

14
Mayor of 30aBeach Comber
#2
What are you looking for in rent?
Did you try Santa Rosa Beach? Perhaps look at fort Walton or Mary Esther ?
Niceville or Freeport perhaps- defuniak springs no way, might as call Alabama home
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#3
Ok, Thanks, I knew there had to be something going on with real estate prices that low. :scratch:
Franny avatar
FrannyBeach Fanatic
#4
Heddy, are you looking for rentals only? Have you found a teaching positionin Walton County. I did see that there are several teacher positions available. Walton County School System. Send me your email and I will forward what I find.
Francesca Gage
The Beach Group
850-376-4660 Mobile
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#5
Also, I'm a homeowner now, but assume I cannot afford anything as nice as I have now down there. I live in a postWW1 midwestern neighborhood, that means it has tons of beautiful 1920's house in many different styles on tree lined streets. I know I can't find that but I picture maybe some kind of small cottagey feeling house around 100K , or if renting, I would assume I would need to stay below 1000$ a month. This will require downsizing.
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#6
I have B.S. in elementary education, and a M.S. in Special Education teacher. I have 10 years experience in my field and an extensive resume of volunteer and committee seats. I should be able to find a teaching position wherever I land, but I need to first find a place to focus my search on. I will have to go through the steps of becoming certified in FL.
Lake View Too avatar
Lake View TooSoWal Insider
#7
If you have been to DeFuniak Springs, I hope you saw the Lake Circle, where the finest of Victorian homes grace a great picturesque neighborhood. We have a lot for sale, on that circle, if you are interested, and can build you a new home reminiscent of any era that suits you. (DeFuniak ain't near as bad as lower Alabama- don't fall for a line coming from somebody called "The Mayor of 30-A".):wave:
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#8
I saw pictures of the Circular Lake (I read it was one of only 2 in the world) and have seen the gorgeous old Mansions. I would like to know more about the feel of living in the town. Believe me the city where I live does NOT have a very good reputation but it is my hometown and I love it. How is everyday life? Is there a coffee shop, a bakery, good restaurants, etc.... Plus I'm an Independent, single woman, and a Democrat. That's not going to get me shot or anything is it? lol, I'm only partially kidding :thanks:
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#9
Please keep the replies coming, I want to find out as much as I can about the area. I am determined to make this work!
Mayor of 30aBeach Comber
#10
If you have been to DeFuniak Springs, I hope you saw the Lake Circle, where the finest of Victorian homes grace a great picturesque neighborhood. We have a lot for sale, on that circle, if you are interested, and can build you a new home reminiscent of any era that suits you. (DeFuniak ain't near as bad as lower Alabama- don't fall for a line coming from somebody called "The Mayor of 30-A".):wave:
Wait but they should trust you whom is pawning off your services and plea of " we can build you a home " and "we have a lot for sale in that circle " so Heddy don't take a line from someone that is trying to sell there property to you .........reading your post seems you want to live the beach life / so why move almost 35 miles from the beach? There are condos in seagrove for 1200, palms of destin for 1000 for 2 bedroom and a whole bunch on Craigslist
Lake View Too avatar
Lake View TooSoWal Insider
#11
P.S. To Mayor: I've lived in Seagrove for nearly 30 years. It is the best place to be.:blush:
sheridangibsonBeach Comber
#12
Hi Heddy, look at Carillon Beach. I have a room for rent in my luxury condo overlooking Carillon Lake if you want to rent while you search the area. Call me at 850.212.9877 if you're interested. - I work at Watercolor and it takes me 15 min. to get to work. 2 min. to Rosemary and Alys Beach.

Sheridan Gibson
Franny avatar
FrannyBeach Fanatic
#14
Wait but they should trust you whom is pawning off your services and plea of " we can build you a home " and "we have a lot for sale in that circle " so Heddy don't take a line from someone that is trying to sell there property to you .........reading your post seems you want to live the beach life / so why move almost 35 miles from the beach? There are condos in seagrove for 1200, palms of destin for 1000 for 2 bedroom and a whole bunch on Craigslist

Have you looked at the HOA fees for these condos?
heddy avatar
heddyBeach ComberAuthor
#15
Thanks for all your responses. My move would be for next year. I am in the planning stage.

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