If you would buy a house in one of these communities, which one would you pick? please explain why, if possible. What other communities are worth looking at? Where are the best values?
Replies
107Beach Fanatic
I tend to always go the opposite direction of the consensus and why I believe, as others have pointed out here, Alys will attract the "whos who" and hold value.
IJ,
Ask the people who bought in Alys in 2005 and 2006 what they think about the value of their homes after the developer just undercut the prices they paid by 30-40%.
I am unaware of any whos whos buying in Alys, but their might be some. However, there are a couple whos whos I know of in Watercolor including the esteemed (or maybe not esteemed depending on your point of view) Senator and Dr. Bill Frist (and don't forget the world renowned SueShore
).Beach Fanatic
I tend to always go the opposite direction of the consensus and why I believe, as others have pointed out here, Alys will attract the "whos who" and hold value.
So being the go against the grain kind of person that you are, does that mean that you were selling your real estate holdings in 2003, 2004 and 2005 during the mad days of speculation, but now you are buying everything in sight during the "crash"? Likewise, in 1998 and 1999, were you selling all your equities and then you started scooping them up like crazy in 2001 and again in 2003, and now you are selling them off again?
Also, I guess that means the Hilton palace next to Rosemary is your favorite house along 30A.;-)
Edited
Beach Fanatic
IJ,
Ask the people who bought in Alys in 2005 and 2006 what they think about the value of their homes after the developer just undercut the prices they paid by 30-40%.
I am unaware of any whos whos buying in Alys, but their might be some. However, there are a couple whos whos I know of in Watercolor including the esteemed (or maybe not esteemed depending on your point of view) Senator and Dr. Bill Frist (and don't forget the world renowned SueShore
If they purchased in Alys Beach, or WC, WS, or ANYWHERE in Sowal in the last few years like a stock trade, I'm sure they aren't happy but I have no sympathy whatsoever. The people who purchased for the long term, and the "lifestyle" each community affords them (and that is totally subjective) are the ones I'm talking about. Prices in Alys Beach are higher than the other communities but Alys Beach is "remarkable" (and I mean that as unique - it's what we call in marketing "a purple cow") in every sense, pricing included, and why IMO it's a great place to be and why I believe in the future will be "the place" for the who's who to be. And it's the who's who crowd that has the big money and will spend accordingly
Beach Fanatic
With all due respect you are stating quite a few inaccurate facts about Alys Beach.
Alys will not have the abundance of nature trails that WC has because of its size compared to WC. There will however be more than enough places for kids and adults to bike through. You are correct in stating that Alys will not have as much green space ? again that is because of its size. You also state that for every 1 positive comment you hear you hear 10 negative ones, which may indeed be the case ?I respect that - however I can tell you that for very 1 negative one I hear, I hear 20 positive ones. You define an all white courtyard house/community as monotone and cramped ? I describe it as harmonious, beautiful and serene. There is equal emphasis at Alys on the private realm as the public ? which means that a lot of the green that may be seen as lacking from the exterior is actually visible and lush in the private courtyards (hopefully to the enjoyment of its owner!)
Finally, it is of course perfectly OK to dislike Alys and prefer WC ? but all I can say is that Alys has not yet completed its landscape along its street, swales and path so you are still judging at an incomplete, unfinished look.
Thanks for reading!
Alys will not have the abundance of nature trails that WC has because of its size compared to WC. There will however be more than enough places for kids and adults to bike through. You are correct in stating that Alys will not have as much green space ? again that is because of its size. You also state that for every 1 positive comment you hear you hear 10 negative ones, which may indeed be the case ?I respect that - however I can tell you that for very 1 negative one I hear, I hear 20 positive ones. You define an all white courtyard house/community as monotone and cramped ? I describe it as harmonious, beautiful and serene. There is equal emphasis at Alys on the private realm as the public ? which means that a lot of the green that may be seen as lacking from the exterior is actually visible and lush in the private courtyards (hopefully to the enjoyment of its owner!)
Finally, it is of course perfectly OK to dislike Alys and prefer WC ? but all I can say is that Alys has not yet completed its landscape along its street, swales and path so you are still judging at an incomplete, unfinished look.
Thanks for reading!
Beach Fanatic
So being the go against the grain kind of person that you are, does that mean that you were selling your real estate holdings in 2003, 2004 and 2005 during the mad days of speculation, but now you are buying everything in sight during the "crash"? Likewise, in 1998 and 1999, were you selling all your equities and then you started scooping them up like crazy in 2001 and again in 2003, and now you are selling them off again?
Also, I guess that means the Hilton palace next to Rosemary is your favorite house along 30A.;-)
This thread was asking for opinions and that is what I'm giving ... my opinion. I'm not going to comment on my personal situation ;-) As we have discussed on another thread, I just really believe you and I aren't on the same page, fisher, and we just don't see eye to eye. It's ok!
I don't understand what you mean when you say "I guess that means the Hilton palace next to Rosemary is your favorite housing along 30A" means?? Please explain?
Beach Lover
If you like Alys, but do not like the pricing. The developer seems to be finally reacting to the current state of the market. It appears that the developer is slashing prices on lots and homes (see separate thread on Alys Beach pricing). So, if you like Alys and you believe the market is near a bottom (not my opinion, but others feel differently), you might consider taking a second look and making a lowball offer on something that catches your eye.
Again, I know lots of people that have looked at Alys and the other areas you are interested in and the general consensus I hear (with a few exceptions) is that Alys is too monotone and too cramped. Very few people I know that have searched the area really like Alys after taking a hard look at the product and the community. On the other hand, these people seem to really be drawn to Watercolor and to a lesser extent Watersound due to the natural beauty of the developments and the amenities.
Good luck.
please refer to the alys beach thread for clarification on values incorrectly referenced here.
Beach Fanatic
I tend to always go the opposite direction of the consensus and why I believe, as others have pointed out here, Alys will attract the "whos who" and hold value.
Indigo Jill,
I like the way you think! And you always state your opinion so nicely....:clap_1:
Meow
THIS IS JUST MY OPINION...When I grow up, I want a place in Alys Beach along with my place in WC. Best of both 30-A worlds to me. 
Beach Fanatic
DITTO!!! :clap_1:
Beach Fanatic
Indigo Jill,
I like the way you think! And you always state your opinion so nicely....:clap_1:
Beach Fanatic
THIS IS JUST MY OPINION...When I grow up, I want a place in Alys Beach along with my place in WC. Best of both 30-A worlds to me.
And I am sure Alys would LOVE to have you and Gypsea there....
Meow
DITTO!!! :clap_1:
...they've got east-west purses, don't they? So, let's go for east-west sowal homes!!!!Beach Fanatic
:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:
SoWal Insider
That would take a big purse.
Beach Fanatic
Mine's not big enough 
so it's all on you Miss Kitty.
so it's all on you Miss Kitty.Beach Fanatic
Mine's not big enough
Looking at this quote got me thinking, we could do a whole tread on what "things you would never here a guy say".
Beach Lover
Is no one going to suggest Seaside?
SoWal Expert
Is no one going to suggest Seaside?The original poster seems to have narrowed his/her choices to the three mentioned, and was looking for info on those, specifically.
Beach Fanatic
Is no one going to suggest Seaside?
Seaside is another great town with distinct advantages and also quite different than the other 3 mentioned earlier.
Also ambitious plans are in the works for Seaside's downtown.
Beach Crab
Those communities are all great, but isn't the question really "where" within them? A house in the far corner of Watercolor may not even have near the same qualities as one that has quick access to the beachclub, Seaside restaurants and a pool or two. What I would love to know as a non-local is the "skinny" on spots in these communities.
Does anyone have a view on Cypress Dunes?
Lastly, it seems there are some magic spots along 30A where the savy buyer gets a house, close to the beach, his or her own private pool and close walking access to a great community without the association fee. I am thinking that Water's Edge is one of those spots, as well as Long Vue drive.........am I right?
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Does anyone have a thought on this??
Beach Lover
....
Does anyone have a view on Cypress Dunes?
Lastly, it seems there are some magic spots along 30A where the savy buyer gets a house, close to the beach, his or her own private pool and close walking access to a great community without the association fee...
.
Cyprus Dunes has a spectacular view of the sand dunes and Gulf. But as far as I know they do not have a beach access anywhere in walking distance. It is also my understanding that association fees are high and building costs expensive.
There are some lots along 30 A in Seagrove Beach area from Seaside to Eastern Lake that that meet your description.
Just drive down side streets like San Juan and Greenwood and you will find some hidden bargains. There are some lots that are large enough for your own pool and carriage house and still have room for vegetation.
Smiling Joe is a realtor and would have more info for you.
If you would like more specific info about the areas I mentioned feel free to PM me.
SoWal Insider
Cyprus Dunes has a spectacular view of the sand dunes and Gulf. But as far as I know they do not have a beach access anywhere in walking distance. It is also my understanding that association fees are high and building costs expensive.
There are some lots along 30 A in Seagrove Beach area from Seaside to Eastern Lake that that meet your description.
Just drive down side streets like San Juan and Greenwood and you will find some hidden bargains. There are some lots that are large enough for your own pool and carriage house and still have room for vegetation.
Smiling Joe is a realtor and would have more info for you.
If you would like more specific info about the areas I mentioned feel free to PM me.
Yes -- there are some excellent deals, larger lots (platted in the 50s and 60s I think, most around 50x135) and excellent public accesses nearby. We have a lot in the area and are happy to pay no insurance and no association fees while we take our sweet time trying to decide what to do with it. Most of the lots are zoned single family home only in at leat our pocket of Seagrove, another plus.
If I were a serious, end-user type buyer right now I would have so much funn looking. :clap_1:
Beach Lover
It surprises me how little love Rosemary is given here...for me its the best, with seaside running a close 2nd. watercolor good for kids, alys....jurys still out!!
Meow
It surprises me how little love Rosemary is given here...for me its the best, with seaside running a close 2nd. watercolor good for kids, alys....jurys still out!!
:clap_1: ...you just showed the love for RB! I admire alot about RB, but personally find it too cramped. Kitties need to room to roam.
Beach Fanatic
It surprises me how little love Rosemary is given here...for me its the best, with seaside running a close 2nd. watercolor good for kids, alys....jurys still out!!
I also like Rosemary very much and know a lot of families there who all also are thrilled with their community and its amenities. If I am not mistaken Rosemary also can boast that they have highest number of full time residents (compared to Seaside, WC, & Watersound)
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