Watersound vs. Naturewalk vs. Wild Heron

[TreeFrog]

- Often the communities are gated

I moved here from Memphis, so I understand the desire to avoid "urban risk". But here's the deal with SoWal that out-of-town developers and buyers sometimes don't seem to get - It's safe here, no gate required.

The most vibrant communities here are Seaside and Grayton, one by plan and one that just worked out that way. Neither one is gated community. Rosemary Beach and (eventually) Alys Beach are following along nicely, too - no gates in either.

On my street near Eastern Lake, we all know and watch out for each other (both permanent residents and owners of vacation houses). The only time we were concerned about a stranger nosing around, the Sheriffs were here in 5 minutes and questioning them. Meanwhile, we enjoy meeting and greeting all the vacationers who stroll or golf-cart along our street.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't want to have a "bunker mentality" about my home. If I have to have gates, guards, and security cameras to feel safe, then I'm just going to move somewhere else.

Sorry Casey, not picking on you, it's just a pet peeve.

 

[casey]

Absolutely NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE ... I posted here to have questions answered. I am not an expert (not even a resident), so your input is valuable. For us "out of towners", the notion of a gated community (not a gate around my home as your post indicated) would seem to correlate to safety and exclusivity. But, it is nice to know that neither factor should be a high priority.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Here is a thought on gated communities... if every community is gated, what is so exclusive about any of them?:funn:

Casey, I can see safety being an issue if you have small kids or pets, and the development is on a busy street. Other than that, your next door neighbor in the gated community might be as likely to steal you possessions as the guy walking down the street. Neither one happen that often.

 

[TreeFrog]

Absolutely NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE ... I posted here to have questions answered. I am not an expert (not even a resident), so your input is valuable. For us "out of towners", the notion of a gated community (not a gate around my home as your post indicated) would seem to correlate to safety and exclusivity. But, it is nice to know that neither factor should be a high priority.

I did mean gated communities, not a gate around my house.

I think the term "exclusive" could easily be applied to Seaside and Rosemary, for example. A lot of people are excluded from owning or renting in either one, simply by the price of admission. Without question, neither one needs gates to maintain property values.

 

[Smiling JOe]

There are no sales in Nature Walk because they are reserved to buiders only and the developer has not made them close on the lots, probably because of the issues with the beach club.

Franny, it has been a few months since I toured NatureWalk, however, the day I toured it was the first day that they opened the lots for sale. I still have in my possession the price list for 33 lots in Phase I. Even on NatureWalkatSeagrove.com, you can click on Sales and pull up a price list on lots. Granted, the date on that price list is Nov 2006. I think I was there sometime between Nov-Jan, but my price list has no date. Perhaps your information is more recent, and maybe no one is updating their website. Do you know how recent your info is regarding the builders reserving the lots?

 

[jules33]

does anybody out there know anything about summersweet place or turtle ridge in Watercolor..where are they located? The prices seem pretty good.

 

[6thGen]

Very true, but they won't let you just drive through. Most Realtors don't want to jump through all of the hoops to show properties in Wild Heron -- something to remember about resale. However, if you are looking for seclusion, it might be your choice.

As the roads in Wild Heron were funded through a Community Development District bond issuance, they received state funds and are not allowed to restrict access. They can put a guard gate up, but they cannot restrict access. I know that the $9/hour guard there has no idea what the hell a CDD is, but if you wanted to make that an issue you could.

 

[Smiling JOe]

6th Gen, I haven't been in Wild Heron since they first opened, when you had to go in with the sales agent. From what you and Franny say, that has changed, and for the better in my opinion. I know for a fact that many agents never showed property in their because of the pain in the booty it was. The listing agent had to accompany every showing. Maybe I will take a Sunday drive that way, knowing that I can gain access.

 

[6thGen]

Not sure if it has changed. I had a friend recently denied entrance, but he didn't argue with the gateman. I've been meaning to take a look at the 5,000SF modular home in there that Henson put up, maybe I'll test it this weekend.

 

[Babyblue]

Thank you so much for all your help to date. With each passing day, my wife and I get more excited about purchasing near 30a. Here is my lastest question:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of the following communites:
WaterSound (north)
NatureWalk
Wild Heron

Which do you prefer and why?

Thank you in advance!

Have you thought about Seacrest? You can pick up a lot there for 275k.