Watersound ("north") ...

[hi n dry]

Cassine Village in Seagrove on 30A has amenites (2 pools and tennis courts and private nature area with trails) and is a short stroll to the beach and easy bike ride to Seaside Village.

Cassine Village is a closer walk to the beach than Seacrest, The Preserve, and most of Watercolor. Cyprus Dunes to my knowledge has no walkable beach access.

There is a very nice new good sized house in there in the $600ks and lots for around $200k. Three properties out of 7 listings have sold in Cassine Village so far this year.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Seacrest Beach has you covered with the pool -- it's 12,000 sq feet. It's a nice community on the east end (I'm a little biased, since that's where we are!;-) ) sandwiched between Alys and Rosemary. There is also an incredible fountain. I don't think I can adequately describe the pool or the fountain. . . .so take a drive down that way the next time you are there. I've heard there are lots available in the 200's and the build out time has been dissolved.

Agree completely. Seacrest is the best option of those that I know about for your price range. There seem to be several available lots between $245K and $300K. These lots were priced (and selling) at $400-$500K and up two years ago so IMO they are an excellent value and you should consider buying ASAP. Others may disagree but I don't know how long lots in the $200K range will last. It appears that a few of them are less expensive than the smaller lots in Treetop just to the north.

In your price range, indeed in just about any price range, you are going to find that the more amenities there are, the farther away you are going to have to be from the beach. Seacrest is a nice happy medium. The pool is great and the homeowners' association dues are reasonable. There is free golf cart shuttle service to the beach from spring break through about October. We feel that our home in Seacrest is very well situated between Rosemary and Alys and we definitely take advantage of shopping, dining, etc.

We also have a lot in Seagrove's Gulf Shore Manor that we plan to hold on to and build on someday. It's a very nice size (50 x 135) no buildout time, zoned single family only and close to the beach. You can definitely find lots in that neighborhood in your price range, though farther back from the beach. The disadvantages are it is a neighborhood not a community HOA and architecture styles vary greatly. The plus side is that you have enough room to build your own pool and carriage house if you want.

Either areas make for excellent rentals if you want to go that route, but in general the closer to the beach you are the better off your rental prospects are going to be.

Anyone know the prices for NatureWalk lots? It's just north of Gulf Shore Manor and looks to be a very nice (future) community with shuttles to the (future) NatureWalk beach club, assuming that beach club concept holds up.

If you buy in WaterSound (north) or the back of WaterColor you will have nicer amenities for sure, but quite a trek to the beach and possibly very high HOA dues.

 

[Franny]

Nature Walk lots were reserved only to builders. I don't know of them selling to individuals, but they will sell home packages. I will check at the sales office for updated info. The place looks beautiful.

 

[Smiling JOe]

As High&Dry pointed out, Cassine Village is mostly forgotten about, and that is one thing which makes it a great buy. There are three public accesses in very close proximity, and it is close to Seaside. It has two pools and tennis courts, beautiful Cypress Ponds, and walking trails which connect into the State Forest trails. It has a mix of townhomes, condos, and single family detached homes. For that which you described, Cassine Village may be your best value right now.

 

[InletBchDweller]

I know of several lots in Seacrest that are around the $250,000 range. One is a 50 x 100 which is the largest lot that Seacrest Beach offered. pool, tram service to beach and deeded beach access makes it a plus. Treetop has some lots lower priced than that. This subdivision will have a different "look" than Seacrest Beach homes. Treetop is gated from Seacrest Beach and Hwy 98, has its own pool, tram, deeded beach access, and use of Seacrest Beachs 12,000 sq ft pool for 9 more years. pm me if interested....

 

[Chickpea]

My two cents worth: if you are looking for a vacation home only then I would try stick to any number of places up and down 30A, especially if you have kids because they will LIVE outdoors in the summer, spring and fall and the sheer number of activities to do is great and as a parent it is all about options!!

If you are going to live here full time then I would also encourage you to look in point washington area because of value - beautiful lots.

Good luck - either way do take your time to look - there are bargains out there right now -I have no idea how long they will or will not last but one thing I can tell you for 100% sure - it is absolutely awesome living here full time!!!!! It is great when tourists come pouring in and this place becomes lively, entertaining and funn - and it is just as nice when season winds down and us locals can see more of each other in calmer environments - best of both worlds!!!

 

[casey]

Thank you all so much ... I cant believe how much this thread has evolved and how much I have learned over the past 24 hours. YOU ALL HAVE BEEN GREAT ... THANK YOU!

a little more of our info:
- this would be a 2nd home ... maybe one day our retirement home
- I am disabled ... so beach access either needs to be a 250 yd walk OR drive and park

Thank you again!

 

[TooFarTampa]

What about Grove by the Sea? It is a sweet little neighborhood and more residential, right? Anything in there that Casey should check out?

Casey if you have a disability, it will be hard to beat free tram service to the beach. Seacrest might be the way to go, though it has less of a "retirement home" feel than a "family friendly" feel. Maybe Treetop will be more residential. It is fairly far from the beach but if you know there will be tram service, you might be happier there.

 

[casey]

retirement is a ways off ...family friendly amenities is the current priority.

 

[iwishiwasthere]

My two cents worth: if you are looking for a vacation home only then I would try stick to any number of places up and down 30A, especially if you have kids because they will LIVE outdoors in the summer, spring and fall and the sheer number of activities to do is great and as a parent it is all about options!!

If you are going to live here full time then I would also encourage you to look in point washington area because of value - beautiful lots.

Good luck - either way do take your time to look - there are bargains out there right now -I have no idea how long they will or will not last but one thing I can tell you for 100% sure - it is absolutely awesome living here full time!!!!! It is great when tourists come pouring in and this place becomes lively, entertaining and funn - and it is just as nice when season winds down and us locals can see more of each other in calmer environments - best of both worlds!!!

I you!!! Wonderful way to look at the tons of tourists. I really like your idea " Best of both worlds":clap_1: