Best Santa Rosa Neighborhoods--for families

[dunelover]

Ok guys, I have been learning from this board for a while. Thanks for all of the imparted knowledge.

We are advance planning a move to the area and will be looking at areas in early August. My question, what neighborhoods should we consider? We like Santa Rosa Beach because of location, proximity to commercial space, etc. Our price range 300-450k. I have read recommendations for Driftwood and Escada. I like the looks of Botany Bayou.....anyone have any recommendations.....

I need a cottage look w/ 4 beds/ at least 1800 sq. ft. Thanks in advance!

 

[beachmouse]

One concern for Driftwood and Botany Bayou is drainage- the state is not allowing new building in Driftwood until some ongoing problems are corrected, and unless they've made changes, it will moderately flood in Botany Bayou after a heavy rain.

August is actually a pretty good time to look- some of the people who had hoped to sell at the end of the school year might be ready to seriously deal by that point.

 

[SGB]

There are a few new developments on the north side of 98 going in that give you more options. I don't know anything about most of them, but I have been through Carson Oaks off Mack Bayou and it looks very nice. I'd avoid Driftwood for now until they figure out the drainage issues. I like Botany Bayou and have a friend that lives in there and she hasn't mentioned any drainage problems. There are a few smaller, older developments scattered throughout that are very nice. Escada has a LOT of families with kids in it. You also might be able to find something just to the north of 30A that would work for you. There are a lot of kids up and down 30A and kids seem to gravitate to the 30A area to hang out as they get older. Middle schoolers on up find themselves being able to bike or walk to many of their places of entertainment/food/hanging out, along 30A. Being within walking distance of 30A for a teenager would be a plus.

 

[2bohemians]

We are partial to the Gulfview Heights neighborhood. It has easy / quick access to the Goatfeathers beach access, nature/biking/walking trails behind the subdivision, you can hop on the bike path and head over to Gulf Place where you can enjoy free outdoor concerts & artists shops or even grab a pizza at Amore or a coffee at Miss Lucilles or dinner at Smiling Fish or Enzos.

We happen to live in this community and absolutely love it. It's safe and our neighbors are great -- it's a high elevation community and sits far enough back to feel protected from the storms. Honestly, we could go on and on about why we love where we live -- but we will spare you all the details and if you want to know more, we would be happy to help out in any way we can.

We are real estate agents and do have a home listed in your price range in this community, however, it does not sound like it would be large enough for your needs. 145 Ash Street

Best of luck in your search

 

[SHELLY]

Are you going to have to work for a living? If so, you will want to consider the commute too.

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[dunelover]

Are you going to have to work for a living? If so, you will want to consider the commute too.

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We are bringing our business....We will not be driving into destin....yea...thanks for the tip though!

 

[dunelover]

One concern for Driftwood and Botany Bayou is drainage- the state is not allowing new building in Driftwood until some ongoing problems are corrected, and unless they've made changes, it will moderately flood in Botany Bayou after a heavy rain.

August is actually a pretty good time to look- some of the people who had hoped to sell at the end of the school year might be ready to seriously deal by that point.

Thanks beachmouse..... I did not know that about driftwood. I had read about the drainage problems and the county road tax, but must be more serious than I thought. After all of the flooding in OK that we have dealt w/ I am not ready for more. Thanks for the tip about August. I figured, Fall, winter would be a good time as well.

 

[dunelover]

SGB---I have liked some listings I saw in Carson Oaks as well. Thanks.....The interiors look nice from a photo, can't wait to see in person!!

 

[Jdarg]

SGB---I have liked some listings I saw in Carson Oaks as well. Thanks.....The interiors look nice from a photo, can't wait to see in person!!

I loved Carson Oaks- until I saw that there are no yards, no garages, no storage, and your neighbors will hear every noise you make since the houses are right smack up against each other. But we have weird taste.:roll:

Other than that, it has a lovely entrance, pretty homes, is small enough to meet your neighbors, and probably granite counter tops. Just don't bring any stuff with you.

 

[beachmouse]

An area that might work is Flamingo Village. Seems like they were building more for year-round residents, and it's walking distance-close to Butler Elementary.

I'm kind of surprised the Point Washington backers haven't spoken up yet. There are some people here who really, really love that area.