General discussion & info about South Walton, Florida.

All About SoWal

Advertise or find a business, discuss business.

Business & Services

Jobs

Festivals, classes, gatherings, activities.

Events & Music

Food & Dining

Marketplace

property, realtors, builders, development, infrastructure ...

Real Estate

For Sale

Wanted

Other

Commercial

Long Term Rentals

Vacation Rentals

SoWal Lounge

fisher

Beach Fanatic

[quote="Buckhead Rick, post: 303546"]We were told this past weekend that  Rivercamp is  moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties.  The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which  I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market.  Not that anyone has a great advantage.
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend.  Now lets see some SALES.[/QUOTE]

At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur.  They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Buckhead Rick">We were told this past weekend that Rivercamp is moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties. The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market. Not that anyone has a great advantage. 
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend. Now lets see some SALES.</blockquote> 
At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur. They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.

pete23

Beach Comber

You should take a look at the homes under construction in Grande Pointe at Inlet Beach.

Miss Kitty

Meow

Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A?  :idontno:

grace

[quote="Miss Kitty, post: 303688"]Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A? :idontno:[/quote]
As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell:cool:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Miss Kitty">Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A? :idontno:</blockquote>As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell:cool:

[quote="grace, post: 303828"]As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell:cool:[/quote]
 
No no...I am sorry...I mean the beach club they plan on building on the Seagrove Villa site...I think it is called "Rick's Hammock" or something like that.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="grace">As in Hammock Bay??? Do tell:cool:</blockquote> 
No no...I am sorry...I mean the beach club they plan on building on the Seagrove Villa site...I think it is called &quot;Rick&#039;s Hammock&quot; or something like that.

Indigo Jill

[quote="fisher, post: 303558"]At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur. They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.[/quote]
 
IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go.  This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them.  Brilliant strategy IMO.
 
From alysbeach.com:
 
[I][SIZE=1]"Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with [B]a geothermal system[/B] that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home's internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home.  [/SIZE][/I]
[I][/I]
[I][SIZE=1]Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. [B]The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition."[/B][/SIZE][/I]

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="fisher">At the asking prices for lots and homes in Naturewalk, it may be a good while before any significant sales occur. They will have the same problem Alys is having--too late to the party and asking prices that are well above comparable properties in Rosemary, Watersound and Watercolor.</blockquote> 
IMO, Alys Beach can&#039;t be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO. 
 
From alysbeach.com: 
 
&quot;Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with a geothermal system that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home&#039;s internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home. 
 
Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition.&quot;

iqueequeg

Beach Lover

[quote="Indigo Jill, post: 303845"]IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.
 
From alysbeach.com:
 
[I][SIZE=1]"Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with [B]a geothermal system[/B] that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home's internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home. [/SIZE][/I]
 
[I][SIZE=1]Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. [B]The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition."[/B][/SIZE][/I][/quote]
 
 
Except for "Prominence"
 
From prominencefl.com
 
"Geothermal heating and air conditioning is required in all homes and commercial businesses within Prominence. Hydro-Temp Earth Coupled Heat Pumps pull heat from the earth to warm the home during the winter. During the summer months, the same system pulls heat from your home and transfers it to the earth. Additionally, waste heat from the system can be used to heat water. This system redirects energy to the earth saving you on monthly expenses, eliminates the need for outside condenser units and is better for the environment."
 
and
 
"All residential and commercial buildings within Prominence will bear the ?[I]Fortified?for safer living?[/I]? distinction as identified by the Institute for Business & Home Safety for its comprehensive construction standards and techniques. A home built to this standard has incorporated certain disaster-resistant features during construction which are more comprehensive than the current building code requirements. This increased structural strength enhances a home?s capability to withstand severe weather events."
 
Just kidding though, Alys is really very nice and in a different category than Prominence.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Indigo Jill">IMO, Alys Beach can&#039;t be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO. 
 
From alysbeach.com: 
 
&quot;Sustainable practices at Alys Beach include: Most homesites are oriented to allow passive heating and cooling from the sun and Gulf breezes, with a geothermal system that uses the natural temperature of the earth to regulate the home&#039;s internal climate. White exterior walls and roofs reflect sunlight, keeping homes and neighborhoods cooler; masonry construction ensures a durable, long-lasting and energy-efficient home. 
 
Construction waste at Alys Beach will be reduced by up to 75 percent through increased efficiency and an on-site reuse/recycling program. The energy- efficient design, high-quality construction and environmentally-friendly materials used in the homes will make them the first in northwest Florida certified as green homes by the Florida green building coalition.&quot;</blockquote> 
 
Except for &quot;Prominence&quot; 
 
From prominencefl.com 
 
&quot;Geothermal heating and air conditioning is required in all homes and commercial businesses within Prominence. Hydro-Temp Earth Coupled Heat Pumps pull heat from the earth to warm the home during the winter. During the summer months, the same system pulls heat from your home and transfers it to the earth. Additionally, waste heat from the system can be used to heat water. This system redirects energy to the earth saving you on monthly expenses, eliminates the need for outside condenser units and is better for the environment.&quot; 
 
and 
 
&quot;All residential and commercial buildings within Prominence will bear the ?Fortified?for safer living?? distinction as identified by the Institute for Business &amp; Home Safety for its comprehensive construction standards and techniques. A home built to this standard has incorporated certain disaster-resistant features during construction which are more comprehensive than the current building code requirements. This increased structural strength enhances a home?s capability to withstand severe weather events.&quot; 
 
Just kidding though, Alys is really very nice and in a different category than Prominence.

scooterbug44

SoWal Expert

Geothermal is great, but they're not using it just because of its environmental benefits - that's the marketing spin - in reality, values go down fast when you put a bunch of noisy AC compressors next to concrete walls!

Geothermal is great, but they&#039;re not using it just because of its environmental benefits - that&#039;s the marketing spin - in reality, values go down fast when you put a bunch of noisy AC compressors next to concrete walls!

[quote="Indigo Jill, post: 303845"]IMO, Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go.  This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them.  Brilliant strategy IMO.
 
[/QUOTE]

Maybe, maybe not.  The brilliant strategy hasn't paid off yet in terms of robust sales, and sales will tell you how the market perceives the story in terms of pricing, quality, design, etc.  In Alys, sales have been virtually non-existent over the past year or two.  The only significant sales activity occurred during the initial offering of properties a couple of years ago during the end of the boom.

Sales activity in the planned communities continues to be led by Watercolor, followed by Watersound, Rosemary, and Seaside.  Sales activity in the other planned communities along 30A such as Alys, Naturewalk, Cypress Dunes, The Preserve, Draper Lake, etc. is barely detectable.  While I am not a fan of St Joe, they did a great job in developing marketable product with broad consumer appeal in Watersound and Watercolor.  That's why property continues to sell in these developments.  The other problem with Alys (and Naturewalk and Watersound West Beach and Draper Lake) is the fact that it will be decades before these places are built out--that means ongoing construction traffic, noise, messes, etc. Watercolor, Rosemary and Watersound Beach (obviously Seaside) are way down the path in terms of buildout.

Things might change, but so far, the market has not been overly receptive to the Alys concept.

I personally love the fortified and "green" building features in Alys, but so far, the market hasn't responded.  Maybe the market will respond if/when prices are dropped by EBSCO.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Indigo Jill">IMO, Alys Beach can&#039;t be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.</blockquote> 
Maybe, maybe not. The brilliant strategy hasn&#039;t paid off yet in terms of robust sales, and sales will tell you how the market perceives the story in terms of pricing, quality, design, etc. In Alys, sales have been virtually non-existent over the past year or two. The only significant sales activity occurred during the initial offering of properties a couple of years ago during the end of the boom. 
 
Sales activity in the planned communities continues to be led by Watercolor, followed by Watersound, Rosemary, and Seaside. Sales activity in the other planned communities along 30A such as Alys, Naturewalk, Cypress Dunes, The Preserve, Draper Lake, etc. is barely detectable. While I am not a fan of St Joe, they did a great job in developing marketable product with broad consumer appeal in Watersound and Watercolor. That&#039;s why property continues to sell in these developments. The other problem with Alys (and Naturewalk and Watersound West Beach and Draper Lake) is the fact that it will be decades before these places are built out--that means ongoing construction traffic, noise, messes, etc. Watercolor, Rosemary and Watersound Beach (obviously Seaside) are way down the path in terms of buildout. 
 
Things might change, but so far, the market has not been overly receptive to the Alys concept. 
 
I personally love the fortified and &quot;green&quot; building features in Alys, but so far, the market hasn&#039;t responded. Maybe the market will respond if/when prices are dropped by EBSCO.

[quote="Miss Kitty, post: 303688"]Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A?  :idontno:[/QUOTE]

That would be great if the beach club/condo development is delayed for a few years.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Miss Kitty">Is it too silly to think that no building at Naturewalk might mean no Hammock on 30A? :idontno:</blockquote> 
That would be great if the beach club/condo development is delayed for a few years.

Beaudroix

On the quality comparison from Prominence to Alys Beach
 
Alys Beach uses single glazed (one pc of laminated glass) impact windows that are more apt to condensation.
 
Prominence uses higher cost insulated (one pc of laminated glass / 1/2" airspace / additional pane of glass) impact windows that eliminates condensation and provides much more insulated values.

On the quality comparison from Prominence to Alys Beach 
 
Alys Beach uses single glazed (one pc of laminated glass) impact windows that are more apt to condensation. 
 
Prominence uses higher cost insulated (one pc of laminated glass / 1/2&quot; airspace / additional pane of glass) impact windows that eliminates condensation and provides much more insulated values.

jodiFL

[QUOTE]Geothermal is great, but they're not using it just because of its environmental benefits - that's the marketing spin - in reality, values go down fast when you put a bunch of noisy AC compressors next to concrete walls![/QUOTE]
Since I have worked in the construction industry, I can tell you that geothermal has become quite popular in many areas, not just the ones advertising it. The company I worked for has been installing GT in Watercolor, The Retreat and Seaside among others for years. I totally agree that this is nothing but spin designed to attract people that want to become environmentally friendly, but dont want to make any sacrifices in order to do it. They can brag about how they are doing their part but in all actuality are only going that way because it lowers the light bill while still keeping that 4000sq.ft second home at a comfy 70 degrees year round.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="">Geothermal is great, but they&#039;re not using it just because of its environmental benefits - that&#039;s the marketing spin - in reality, values go down fast when you put a bunch of noisy AC compressors next to concrete walls!</blockquote>Since I have worked in the construction industry, I can tell you that geothermal has become quite popular in many areas, not just the ones advertising it. The company I worked for has been installing GT in Watercolor, The Retreat and Seaside among others for years. I totally agree that this is nothing but spin designed to attract people that want to become environmentally friendly, but dont want to make any sacrifices in order to do it. They can brag about how they are doing their part but in all actuality are only going that way because it lowers the light bill while still keeping that 4000sq.ft second home at a comfy 70 degrees year round.

heathernken

In my opinion, Fisher has it right. There is a great house in Watersound West, down the end, closest to the beach access. 2400 ft and 4BR for 815k- but who would want to endure what may be years while it gets built out? There are less than 10 houses up and god knows how many lots. This is I think the main reason we see all of the activity in the more complete communities. There is a 4BR 2400 sq ft house in watercolor for 950K- which would be the better investment? Unfortunatley I think the truth is that neither is a good investment for anyone not able and willing to hold for a long time. In a market that is littered with empty million dollar homes that can be easily rented long term for 2500-3k per month, for the first time since I got in this business 12 years ago, I say now is not the time to buy. Next summer may be, but the prudent shopper sits on the sidelines for now.

Matt J

SWGB

[quote="Buckhead Rick, post: 303546"]We were told this past weekend that  Rivercamp is  moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties.  The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which  I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market.  Not that anyone has a great advantage.
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend.  Now lets see some SALES.[/quote]
 
Wild Heron has the added benefit of not being in the flight path of a certain new airport.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Buckhead Rick">We were told this past weekend that Rivercamp is moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties. The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market. Not that anyone has a great advantage. 
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend. Now lets see some SALES.</blockquote> 
Wild Heron has the added benefit of not being in the flight path of a certain new airport.

SoWal Insider

[quote="sowalgayboi, post: 306070"]Wild Heron has the added benefit of not being in the flight path of a certain new airport.[/QUOTE]I smell lawsuit!...just kidding, the new sell can mention easy ingress/egress from the airport.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="sowalgayboi">Wild Heron has the added benefit of not being in the flight path of a certain new airport.</blockquote>I smell lawsuit!...just kidding, the new sell can mention easy ingress/egress from the airport.

Smiling JOe

It's funny seeing Alys Beach compared to Prominence, since Prominence doesn't even have beach access. Their closest Public Beach Access is Deer Lake State Park, and they will have to pay daily fees and depart before sunset.

It&#039;s funny seeing Alys Beach compared to Prominence, since Prominence doesn&#039;t even have beach access. Their closest Public Beach Access is Deer Lake State Park, and they will have to pay daily fees and depart before sunset.

[quote="Indigo Jill, post: 303845"]IMO, [B]Alys Beach can't be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique[/B] and far superior as far as building practices go.  This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them.  Brilliant strategy IMO.
 [/quote]

This was very apparent at this weekend's Caliza Pool open house! Definite WOW factor there!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Indigo Jill">IMO, Alys Beach can&#039;t be compared to any other community along 30A - the community is totally unique and far superior as far as building practices go. This attention to detail and dedication to creating a superior end product will allow them to keep their price points set above other 30A communities - there really is no competition for them. Brilliant strategy IMO.</blockquote> 
This was very apparent at this weekend&#039;s Caliza Pool open house! Definite WOW factor there!

[quote="scooterbug44, post: 306126"]This was very apparent at this weekend's Caliza Pool open house! Definite WOW factor there![/quote]IMO, Alys Beach will fair this storm very well. EBSCO has almost nothing in the land, and the cost of land is what is pinching most developers right now. Alys Beach has the ability to draw only the top money from around the country. They are not looking at the same buyers as the rest of 30A. I doubt you will see EBSCO lowering their prices because Alys Beach really doesn't have any competition in our area, and my guess is that they can hang on through our down market. You must also consider the fact that for the buyers whom they are targeting, a couple hundred grand isn't worth negotiating. If their buyer's want the product, they simply write the check. Our current real estate market conditions will not greatly influence the purchasing decisions of those high-end buyers.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="scooterbug44">This was very apparent at this weekend&#039;s Caliza Pool open house! Definite WOW factor there!</blockquote>IMO, Alys Beach will fair this storm very well. EBSCO has almost nothing in the land, and the cost of land is what is pinching most developers right now. Alys Beach has the ability to draw only the top money from around the country. They are not looking at the same buyers as the rest of 30A. I doubt you will see EBSCO lowering their prices because Alys Beach really doesn&#039;t have any competition in our area, and my guess is that they can hang on through our down market. You must also consider the fact that for the buyers whom they are targeting, a couple hundred grand isn&#039;t worth negotiating. If their buyer&#039;s want the product, they simply write the check. Our current real estate market conditions will not greatly influence the purchasing decisions of those high-end buyers.

If I was a Realtor on 30A, given the stock market, I would be marketing the high end properties now.

Buckhead Rick

We were told this past weekend that  Rivercamp is  moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties.  The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which  I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market.  Not that anyone has a great advantage.
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend.  Now lets see some SALES.

We were told this past weekend that Rivercamp is moving the sales center to the Wild Heron building, and the sales folks will be selling both properties. The major diference is WH lots have no build out while RC still does, which I assume may put them at a disadvantage in todays market. Not that anyone has a great advantage. 
It was nice to see some building at Natureswalk this weekend. Now lets see some SALES.

Wild Heron/Rivercamps

Grayton BeachCam

Dune Allen BeachCam

Seagrove Beach SkyCam

Inlet BeachCam

Miramar BeachCam Majestic Sun

Santa Rosa BeachCam

Walton County Fair

The Red Bar Jazz Band

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton

International Coastal Cleanup Day Was A Success In South Walton

Merchants Of Alys Beach Announce New Dining & Shopping Options

No beachcams yet

More cams

Include enough context for a reply on the first pass: who you are, what this is about, and anything time-sensitive we should know.

Write a clear note and we will route it fast

SoWal Contact Form

What helps the SoWal team reply on the first pass

Use these links when your request already has a clear destination.

Prefer a direct route before you write?

Use this when you are not sure where your request belongs and need the SoWal team to route it.

Questions, corrections, and quick help

Share newsworthy updates, corrections, community tips, or photography that can improve SoWal coverage.

Story tips, local leads, and photos

Reach the team for business visibility, partnership planning, or other commercial opportunities.

Listings, sponsorships, and business requests

Use this path for media coordination, press follow-ups, or requests that need a communications contact.

Press outreach and interview requests

Tell us what you need and how to reach you.

Send your note here and the SoWal team will route it appropriately.

Choose the quickest route for your message

Forum account areas

Log in to view member profile, alerts, messages, watched content, bookmarks, preferences, and staff tools.

Member-only forum areas use your SoWal forum account.

Use your forum username or email to post, reply, follow threads, and manage your account.

Log in to the forum

Log in to the SoWal forum

Find people and visit their public forum profiles.

Members

Enter the six-digit code sent to {email}.

Check your email

Join the conversation

Welcome to SoWal

Sign in to SoWal

Signature preview

Ads support our local stories, BeachCams, and community guides. If you use an ad blocker, allow SoWal, then check again.

Help keep SoWal local

Your feedback helps us make SoWal better.

How was this story?

Get local stories, events, and South Walton highlights in your inbox.

Stay close to the coast

Choose whether SoWal may use optional cookies. Necessary cookies keep the site working.

Your privacy, your choice

Site navigation

Submenu

Bite-sized stories, curated itineraries, and community events delivered to your inbox on the regular.

Wild Heron/Rivercamps

Latest conversations

Write a reply

Cars of 30A At Alys Beach: Event Highlights & Photo Gallery

Sixth annual Run Watersound At Watersound Town Center October 24, 2026

Support Our Parks: The 2026 Friends of Camp Helen Pumpkin Patch Is Open

Annual Events and Festivals in South Walton