Primary residence neighborhood?? (advice)

[dbcooper]

We are trying to relocate to the SOWAL area. I am seeking advice and opinions of neighborhoods that would be best for someone seeking primary residence. We need 2500-3600 sq ft between 700-900K. I also have 2 small children that need pools and amenities. Any advice? Thanks!

[NoHall]

We are trying to relocate to the SOWAL area. I am seeking advice and opinions of neighborhoods that would be best for someone seeking primary residence. We need 2500-3600 sq ft between 700-900K. I also have 2 small children that need pools and amenities. Any advice? Thanks!
:welcome:

They can find you a neighborhood, a real estate agent, and a house, too, not to mention a whole bunch of new best friends. One-stop shopping right here.

[egrp]

sounds like watercolor...high end of ur price range...maybe seacrest out!

[scooterbug44]

Bobby's trying to sell a house for $499k in Cassine that seems to meet your requirements.

[Beach Runner]

But do you really want to be in a rental area if it's your primary residence? No offense, Bobby, but I think I would tire of this.

I think bdarg and jdarg made the perfect choice from what I've seen. I'm not speaking for them because that is not my prerogative. But it appears to me that they have the best of both worlds -- living in a residential area, but close enough to the beach to enjoy it all.

[Franny]

But do you really want to be in a rental area if it's your primary residence? No offense, Bobby, but I think I would tire of this.

I think bdarg and jdarg made the perfect choice from what I've seen. I'm not speaking for them because that is not my prerogative. But it appears to me that they have the best of both worlds -- living in a residential area, but close enough to the beach to enjoy it all.

BR I totally agree..we live and love the Pt Washington area, slow, peaceful, friendly neighborhoods, but no ammenties except the bay, fishing, watching nature of all kinds on a daily basis from dolphins to Blue Herons in your back yard.:wub:

[Bobby J]

We are trying to relocate to the SOWAL area. I am seeking advice and opinions of neighborhoods that would be best for someone seeking primary residence. We need 2500-3600 sq ft between 700-900K. I also have 2 small children that need pools and amenities. Any advice? Thanks!


You have a lot of options for that price range right now. Get a good tour of the area and find out what fits your needs and go from there. I like Point Washington. You could be on the water on a large lot only minutes to the beaches. The great part is when the beaches get busy you are far enough away to not even notice. Just take the boat right out your back door! Good luck! Lots of good agents on the boards.:biggrin:

[JoshMclean]

I think Gulf Place would be an excellent choice. It's a gated community with no short term rentals and located directly across from the beach. I see a 3,100 sqft home that could be had in the $800,000's. Let me know if you would like to see pictures of the home.
www.JoshMcleanHomes.com

[beachmouse]

That would be a great location, especially because of the commercial area there. It's nice to be able to walk or bike to the concerts, Miss Lucille's, and the restaurants at that corner.

[Ilovethebeach]

We actually are getting ready to put our home on the market. We are in Point Washington in a bayfront community. We even have our own dock. Tons of kids in the neighborhood. You can let your kids go outside to play and you know they are safe (all the parents know all the kids) which makes it nice. It is nice because it is all primary residences (no vacationers - especially since kids will be playing outside and you don't know who is renting the house next door), so it is very safe in our neighborhood. An acre lot with 2 year old home with a carriage house. Everything two years old. We built ourselves. We will give you a deal. Let me know if you are interested.

[drsvelte]

You have a nice decision to make and you been given some excellent options! :D

You also may want to take a look at some of the bayside residential communities in Sandestin on the West end ofSoWal. 2500 sf. within your budget is feasible. Kid friendly. Neighborhood pools in most cases. Easy access to beach and bay. Very safe,secure, and quiet.

[Smiling JOe]

I think you need to ask yourself several questions about the type of neighborhood in which you would like to live. Do you want to be in the mix with rental homes? Do you want to be close to Destin or PCB, or just close to the beach? What are your priorities of needs and wants? What amenities in particular are you expecting/wanting? Are you willing to join a pool or gym, outside your neighborhood to meet your needs? Are you looking for a neighborhood which is already built out, or one that is just starting? Do you prefer new homes built to today's building codes, or are you willing to look at existing homes, which may not be built to today's building standards?

When you begin answering these questions, you can begin to narrow your focus and make your purchase decision with comfort. You will also eliminate much time in looking at properties/areas, which won't suit your needs and wants.

[Chickpea]

:welcome: dbcooper

Here are my 0.2cents - All suggestions above are good - we are blessed here with many great neighborhoods and in this market you should have some great options along 30A communities as well as beautiful Point Washington.

My personal view is that the different communities here are fluid and welcoming and as a parent to young kids you will find yourself visiting many of them (for activities and for play dates perhaps).

Good luck.

[SHELLY]

Come down, rent for a few months in/near an area that interests you...the market will come to you.


.

[dbcooper]

Thanks for all the good advice!! We are very familiar with the area and definitely love it. I used to live in Panama City and remember when we used to refer to Seaside as that place in the middle of nowhere. Please keep the ideas coming. We definitely agree with all of you that we would not revolving renters next door. Sandestin, Pt Wash, and Gulf Place do look nice.

[Scooter]

Lakeplace in Grayton Beach is great. Fifty home community on Western Lake. No rentals.

[Bobby J]

Lakeplace in Grayton Beach is great. Fifty home community on Western Lake. No rentals.


Good call!:clap:

[The Window Guy]

Take a look @ my place:
Santa Rosa Beach area.
2.66 acres.
1700 sq/ft guest house.
2400 sq/ft main house.
15x30 in ground pool w/ 30x60 pool screen enclosure.
Motorhome pad with cover/sewer/power/cable hook-up.
Plenty of parking- Garage space for (4) cars.
Built in 2005 - Block home one level.
Hurricane shutters.
All 18" tile, no carpet.
Excellent!!!!!!

Plenty of privacy yet close to hospital,Publix and Grand Blvd.
5 minutes to Ed Walline & Gulf Place

Go to Homescenes.com:welcome:
I.D. #480473

$985,000.00

[raven]

You have a nice decision to make and you been given some excellent options! :D

You also may want to take a look at some of the bayside residential communities in Sandestin on the West end ofSoWal. 2500 sf. within your budget is feasible. Kid friendly. Neighborhood pools in most cases. Easy access to beach and bay. Very safe,secure, and quiet.

agreed. especially since the demise of the RE market sandestin has become more of a primary residence community for families and retirees. it's not really much of a resort rental thing anymore because there's no money to be made.

[drsvelte]

it's not really much of a resort rental thing anymore because there's no money to be made.

Unfortunately so true! :( Our first property in Sandestin was a townhome in Beachwalk. We put it in the rental program and the first year (1998) grossed over $25K. When we sold the unit in early 2004, gross rental revenue had fallen to about $12K.

[3suns]

We actually are getting ready to put our home on the market. We are in Point Washington in a bayfront community. We even have our own dock. Tons of kids in the neighborhood. You can let your kids go outside to play and you know they are safe (all the parents know all the kids) which makes it nice. It is nice because it is all primary residences (no vacationers - especially since kids will be playing outside and you don't know who is renting the house next door), so it is very safe in our neighborhood. An acre lot with 2 year old home with a carriage house. Everything two years old. We built ourselves. We will give you a deal. Let me know if you are interested.

Could you tell me more...looking for my parents, very interested in their own dock. If it is still for sale.Thanks.

[amw]

Have you looked at The Pines? The lots are 1/2 acre so there is lots of elbow room. Last I looked there were several homes with pools that meet your criteria.

[MissCritter]

I noticed that my former home is for sale in Golfview in Sandestin. My husband's a reputable builder and it's very well constructed. Golfview is very residential, with kids, and off the beaten path. Yet you still have access to all Sandestin amenities. We really miss it. It has 3000 sq ft, a pool, and $989,00 is the furnished price. You can view it at http://www.emeraldcoasthomesonline.com MLS #480779.

Good luck!