My wife and I have some interest in purchasing a lot in West Beach. Our plan is to purchase and build in five years (or less). I would like any thoughts as to this development. I was surprised when the prices increased at the first of the year. I also read some concerns on an earlier post about the HOA fees. Generally, I would like any input on this development.
It's very secluded, and only time will tell if it's more long term than vacation. They are building spec homes now to try and attract attention. Not sure about the HOA dues, but I would assume they are pretty steep considering the landscaping and amenities.
I would consider buying there if they'd re-do the beach walkover. It's a REALLY long walk to the beach, and it is excruciatingly hot walking over the lagoon that is under the walkover to get to the beach in the summer. The walkover is not really wide enough for two bikes to pass each other going opposite directions unless they go really slowly. If Joe would make the resort and walkover golf-cart friendly, I'd consider it.
That's probably not going to happen and the owners should thank their lucky stars they got the easement through state park for what is there. Otherwise that development would be crickets and over grown streets.
It seems like this area is starting to get some attention. The fees are around $700 a quarter. I like it. The walk to the beach is a bit far but not really that bad. For the price of these homes and the location, I think this could turn out to be a good deal. Keep your home under $500,000 and your in good shape.
I think it's a beautiful development and am so surprised that it hasn't caught on. We almost bought a lot there but then we found our cottage somewhere else. The walk to the beach is a bit far but it's great exercise I hope it does well.
Well, We bought a lake lot in 2009 out of foreclosure. Probably the best thing we have ever done. We are in the process of finding our builder for our house plan and hope to have a place by next spring. We think this is one of the best kept secrets on 30a. I mean think about it, south of 30a, boundaried by state park, beach access, and a great pool with awesome pine landscape. Yes its a walk to the beach, but its good for you! Fees are 700/quarter or so. Totally agree with Bobby J. Keep the house under 500k and your solid here.
I know that this is a very old thread but I just discovered this forum. We are northerners who have been vacationing on 30A for 12 years and we are planning to retire there in another 5 years or so. We toured Watersound West when we were there last week and we will be looking for a resale there when the time comes. It's funny to read a 9 year old comments about keeping the house under $500K when a vacant lot there sells for $535(?) now! And there are only 2 left. If only we all had a crystal ball.
If you take the long view it is steady growth for SoWal - meaning all the way up to I-10. The 98 and 331 corridors are entering a boom in commercial. The 30-A corridor is getting more built out and more exclusive. Prices on the Gulf and bay and bayous are sky rocketing. We are getting a surge in new residents and will be experiencing a ton of growing pains for roads, schools and other infrastructure. We are still in the beginning of rampant growth that every other area in Florida has seen. There is very little inventory and developers are rushing to provide it. We are seeing many new projects starting off the beach - apartments, townhouses, etc. Look for large retirement communities and golf course gated subdivisions along 331 and 79. Misc - St. Joe partners with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for ‘active adult community’
Well, shoot, I can’t say I like your answer. We are leaving Atlanta because we prefer a slower pace and less people. I can’t say I’d be thrilled to roll into another under-infrastructured, over crowded place. . I’ve watched SoWal grow for the past 15 years and hope to squeeze a few more out before it gets to be too much. I guess I thought Walton County would protect its state forests and prevent the Destin density? It sounds like maybe that’s not the plan?
Atlanta has destroyed this area. Luckily it's not up to locals or politicians as to the development of the forests, that's not going to happen.
Now that our "commercial" boom has started I suppose it will take half as long to buildout as similar communities in Florida over the past few decades, since 40% of the land in SoWal is protected state lands. Freeport from the bay to I-10 is going to be head spinning soon. Same for Panama City Beach to I-10. South Walton will feel like a very expensive oasis compared to our sister cities of Destin and Panama City Beach.
Brace yourself. The cries will be loud and clear as what people thought was state lands are cleared and built.
