Floridians love their home state and that pride is nowhere stronger than on 30A – a county road that stretches through Walton County’s Santa Rosa Beach. Despite being a strong lifestyle brand, the area does have reason to boast. Let’s explore a few reasons that residents are so proud to call this place home.
The Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast is the unofficial name for the 100 mile stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida panhandle’s northwest corner. The calm Gulf of Mexico water is so clear here that it frequently reflects emerald-green.
This beautiful coast makes Santa Rosa Beach a desirable location for buying a vacation home. Mild year-round temperatures and warm water mean there is no off-season, which makes vacation home ownership appealing to both families and investors.
Florida has always been attractive to Americans because it does not impose an income tax, but places like Walton County have some of the lowest property tax rates in the state, making the area attractive for real estate ownership.
Historic Community
Walton County was founded in 1842 by Col George Walton whose father was Governor of Georgia and a Declaration of Independence signer. Some of its history can be found at the Wesley House, a homestead built in 1897. The home is now part of Eden Gardens State Park, just one of the many state forests and parks in Walton county.
Santa Rosa Beach’s community features mostly new development of thoughtful architectural design. No high-rises here, as building heights are restricted to 50 feet. The New Urbanist community design of the area puts quaint community squares filled with local businesses and space for entertainment at each neighborhood’s center.
Choctawhatchee Bay
Choctawhatchee Bay is an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, beginning in Okaloosa County and stretching for 30 miles east into Walton County. It’s a unique ecosystem with great fishing, birding and even dolphin watching. Locals have come together to keep the waterway sustainable for homeowners and native species.
Point Washington State Forest
One of the best things about Santa Rosa Beach is the many protected natural areas near the beach and vacation homes of Walton County.
Point Washington State Forest is home to more than 15,000 acres of unique features like sandhills and wet Flatwoods. Rare, threatened and endangered species, like the gopher tortoise and the Flatwoods salamander, are protected by thriving ecosystems of the forest.
Twenty seven miles of hiking and off-road biking trails are in development and will ultimately connect the Point Washington State Forest with other parks in Walton County.
Moving to Santa Rosa Beach
Whether you’re seeking a vacation retreat or want to call home a close-knit community that loves to play outdoors, Santa Rosa Beach has it all. This area includes popular neighborhoods like Seaside and Blue Mountain Beach, each of which offers a variety of home buying options.
To learn more about the properties available in this area, contact us for more information.
