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. :clap:

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 (http://www.buythegulf.com/walk%20to%20the%20beach.html)

Best of luck in your search :D

[SHELLY]

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

.

[dunelover]

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

.

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.:clap: 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.:clap: 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: :lol:

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.

[BeachSiO2]

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.


They typically try and scare new people away :biggrin:

[Miss Kitty]

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.


They typically try and scare new people away :biggrin:

:floor: ...their welcome wagon has no wheels!!!

[jdarg]

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.


They typically try and scare new people away :biggrin:

:blush: Well, you know, crowding and all....moved here for the solitude...:lol: But now that Skunk and Punz have left the 'hood, things should really quiet down a bit.

I do like our new next door neighbor.;-)

[BeachSiO2]

:blush: Well, you know, crowding and all....moved here for the solitude...:lol: But now that Skunk and Punz have left the 'hood, things should really quiet down a bit.

I do like our new next door neighbor.;-)

Good thing those other people sold! ;-)

[BambooBay]

Definitely check the neighborhoods right around Butler Elementary, and in Pt Washington near Bay Elementary. Also in the Mack Bayou area. Also, there are some neat little houses and neighborhoods starting to go up along 393, Chat Holly, Nursery Rd, etc.

If you're a Buyer, there hasn't been a better time to buy in the last decade!

[dunelover]

Definitely check the neighborhoods right around Butler Elementary, and in Pt Washington near Bay Elementary. Also in the Mack Bayou area. Also, there are some neat little houses and neighborhoods starting to go up along 393, Chat Holly, Nursery Rd, etc.

If you're a Buyer, there hasn't been a better time to buy in the last decade!
I agree, and both the locations you mentioned sound great.....Do you have any neighborhood names I could google?:idontno:

2Bohemians, Thanks for your tip as well. There seems to be a wide range of properties in that area. I will keep it on the radar. Thanks.

[2bohemians]

Our pleasure dunelover :D
If you have any questions about the neighborhood, we would be more than happy to help get you answers.
Have a safe & Happy 4th !!

[barefootguy]

I think everyone has a different idea of what a good family neighborhood is. If I were to compare it to the Chicago suburbs, I'd say there are no neighborhoods around here geared towards families. The inner Driftwood Estates is pretty nice though. Yards are decent size, there are sidewalks, and the county is adding a 10 acre park with playground, walking trail, bathrooms, etc.

I don't know how serious the drainage issue is. I've been here for a year and we've had a few good rains with no sign of flooding. Actually our ponds could really use some water. I think the main issue is that there is only one way in and one way out. If the state can get Sandestin to open up the other road to us, I think we'd hear less about the drainage issues. It could get pretty ugly if we all needed to evacuate quickly, or if the road was blocked for a period of time. But I doubt it would take long before someone drove their hummer through the Sandestin fence/wall, so I'm not too concerned.

I know it would never happen, but ...

They should stop the development of The Trails at Driftwood Estates (117 acres) and develop a forest preserve like you find in the Chicago suburbs. Lots of trees and a little something for us too. Hiking/biking trails, ponds for fishing, picnic areas, and some open green areas for playing, running, flying kites or whatever. It's just a dream though. They don't do that here. Our 9 red wolf/coyotes, 2 bobcats, great horned owls, box turtles, racoons, deer, squirrels, birds, etc. will have to move out.

[Johnrudy]

Which burbs in Chicago? We live near Busse Woods.

[jdarg]

Good thing those other people sold! ;-)

They are nice like that, but I wish they were staying.:(

[barefootguy]

I spent 39 years in the western to far northwestern suburbs. Busse woods is great! I took my wife there late one winter night for her first x-country ski lesson. We parked in the car dealer lot across from the herd of elk, strapped on our skis and off we went. Well, I took of, but my wife spent most of her time face first in the snow. I had to keep going back and standing her back up.

[Bobby J]

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

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!


IMO Point Washinton is the best value North of 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. There are a couple really nice subdivisions going in. One in particular is Audobon Pointe by Jason Romair. Watercolor quality home with prices starting in the high 3's. What I like most about this area is the direct shot to the beaches. 395 and 283 shoot straight to 30A. I live off of 283 and when its beach time we load up and drive straight to Grayton! The Point Washington gang will probably hunt me down and skin me for talking our little secret up.

[dunelover]

IMO Point Washinton is the best value North of 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. There are a couple really nice subdivisions going in. One in particular is Audobon Pointe by Jason Romair. Watercolor quality home with prices starting in the high 3's. What I like most about this area is the direct shot to the beaches. 395 and 283 shoot straight to 30A. I live off of 283 and when its beach time we load up and drive straight to Grayton! The Point Washington gang will probably hunt me down and skin me for talking our little secret up.

The gang shouldn't worry, I'd be a really good neighbor!!!:wub: I have tried looking at this area and just can't find alot.. It interests me as well.....Do you think I could talk you in to sharing another new development name or two? Thanks in advance......now gang, be nice to Bobby J. ;-)

[Johnrudy]

I spent 39 years in the western to far northwestern suburbs. Busse woods is great! I took my wife there late one winter night for her first x-country ski lesson. We parked in the car dealer lot across from the herd of elk, strapped on our skis and off we went. Well, I took of, but my wife spent most of her time face first in the snow. I had to keep going back and standing her back up.
They have a pretty good bike path too.

[Bobby J]

The gang shouldn't worry, I'd be a really good neighbor!!!:wub: I have tried looking at this area and just can't find alot.. It interests me as well.....Do you think I could talk you in to sharing another new development name or two? Thanks in advance......now gang, be nice to Bobby J. ;-)

I like Audobon Pointe, Eden Landing and Just Plain ol Point Washington. I never really fit in the grid very well so I specialize in finding property a little off the grid. More bang for the buck if you will. If you would like a little tour when you get in give me a call, I would love to help.

[Smiling JOe]

The Point Washington gang will probably hunt me down and skin me for talking our little secret up.

http://www.memphisracingscene.com/vb/images/smilies/mrs_violent5.gif
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http://gprime.net/board/images/smilies/compress.gif


dunelover, before anyone can really answer your question, we must first know more what defines your sense of nighborhood. The only thing you really mention is price point and looks of houses. Tell us what things you look for in a neighborhood in which you would like to live. What things are on your top five list? Everyone seems to have their own flavor of neighborhood, and unless we know your flavor of amenities and such, we will not know which one might work best for you.

[dunelover]

dunelover, before anyone can really answer your question, we must first know more what defines your sense of nighborhood. The only thing you really mention is price point and looks of houses. Tell us what things you look for in a neighborhood in which you would like to live. What things are on your top five list? Everyone seems to have their own flavor of neighborhood, and unless we know your flavor of amenities and such, we will not know which one might work best for you.

Thanks SJ, I can appreciate that. Outside of price and style, the following are important.
1. Big % of permanent residents---kids
2. Pool at the house, or community
3. Biggest yard as possible---no 40 x 90 --we have to have room to play catch.
4. Interactive community of neighbors
5. Close proximity of commercial/industrial warehouse area
6. Interior that doesn't require remodel/update--no time for that in paradise.
7. Active Hoa and good covenants/restrictions
8. No flood insurance required
9. w/in 15 minutes of beach (30A)
10. Visually pleasing, well maintained.

Ok Sj, do you wish you hadn't asked? :biggrin: I don't know, we may be dreaming, or seem like impossible buyers, but I hope not. We will be looking in August in conjuncition w/ our vacation, but holding off buying until February-April time frame. We don't want to move our business until then. So, the plan is to narrow down the neighborhoods, see if we want to buy or build.

We are used to a small, friendly suburb of OKC w/ good schools and REALLY Affordable housing. It is amazing to see what 450K would buy here!!! Yikes!! WE are excited to trade our heat, red-dirt, wind, and tornadoes--oh yea, snow too, for the beauty of SoWal.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[jdarg]

Regarding #6, it's not the flood insurance that should worry you. It is the wind insurance.

[Smiling JOe]

dunelover, your additional criteria just saved you looking at about 70% of properties, narrowing your field greatly, which I think will save you much time in looking at properties which you don't want. ;-) While you may not find the property which fits all of your needs, it is likely that you will find one which will fit many of your needs.

[SHELLY]

Dunelover,

You're the folks with the Balance Beam manufacturing company...right?

Have you found any commerical/warehouse space yet?

.

[dunelover]

Regarding #6, it's not the flood insurance that should worry you. It is the wind insurance.Thanks Jdarg, Is there a way to estimate that on a given property?

dunelover, your additional criteria just saved you looking at about 70% of properties, narrowing your field greatly, which I think will save you much time in looking at properties which you don't want. ;-) While you may not find the property which fits all of your needs, it is likely that you will find one which will fit many of your needs.
Thanks SJ, I hope so. :D
Dunelover,

You're the folks with the Balance Beam manufacturing company...right?

Have you found any commerical/warehouse space yet?

.
You got it Shelly. :biggrin: We have been watching some on loopnet, and think there are possibilities in Freeport, Santa Rosa Beach, and possibly Panama City...Havn't heard too much talk of commercial on this site, so I have steered away from asking these folks. We will look at that in August as well.

[SHELLY]

You got it Shelly. :biggrin: We have been watching some on loopnet, and think there are possibilities in Freeport, Santa Rosa Beach, and possibly Panama City...Havn't heard too much talk of commercial on this site, so I have steered away from asking these folks. We will look at that in August as well.

As I recall, in addition to finding commercial space for your business, you stated that you would need to hire workers as well. IMO, during your August visit, finding commercial space in proximity to affordable housing options for your workers should be your highest priority (hint: Santa Rosa Beach isn't one of them.) . After your business location is established, only then should you consider neighborhoods that fit your criteria and are within a comfortable commuting distance from your business. You can even rent a place for a while (as your business gets up and running) to give your selected neighborhood a test drive.


Finding a suitable, affordable location for your business is going to be more difficult than finding a home.


Best of luck.

[beachmouse]

Saying it again- Mossy Head. A growing population up there because there is affordable housing, and a lot of them would love to work close to home instead of driving all the way to the beach to work. Plus, you've got a convenient I-10 exit right there.

[joho]

My children just bought in Magnolia Creek. I think this is one of the best kept secrets being a straight shot to the beach.
The price was affordable, a small "gated" community, individual style homes, huge backyards, and most of all kid friendly. :clap: