Full time residents

[Chickpea]

Does anyone have any information as to what is the number of full-time residents in Walton County? And what exactly constitutes a full-time resident? Owning and/or living in your primary home?

Also, does anyone know what is the percentage of homes occupied by full-time residents at Seaside, Seacrest, Grove by the Sea, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach? Just curious.

Thank you

[Santiago]

Does anyone have any information as to what is the number of full-time residents in Walton County? And what exactly constitutes a full-time resident? Owning and/or living in your primary home?

Also, does anyone know what is the percentage of homes occupied by full-time residents at Seaside, Seacrest, Grove by the Sea, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach? Just curious.

Thank you
We are full time residents of Watercolor and know of about 18 other couples who are as well. By this I mean that we live here year round.

[Smiling JOe]

Does anyone have any information as to what is the number of full-time residents in Walton County? And what exactly constitutes a full-time resident? Owning and/or living in your primary home?

walton county census info (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12131.html)
www.waltonbusiness.com
www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
These sites may answer some of your questions.

Also, does anyone know what is the percentage of homes occupied by full-time residents at Seaside, Seacrest, Grove by the Sea, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach? Just curious.



<1%

[Paula]

We are full time residents of Watercolor and know of about 18 other couples who are as well. By this I mean that we live here year round.

Santiago:

Sigh, lucky you! For those of us who hope to spend more time in SoWal in the coming years, what's it like to live year round in the area. What are the many positives? Any negatives? Any advice for people planning to spend long periods of time in the area someday. Things to do that full-timers do that others may not do?

Thanks... this helps with the dreaming...

[Camp Creek Kid]

Does anyone have any information as to what is the number of full-time residents in Walton County? And what exactly constitutes a full-time resident? Owning and/or living in your primary home?

Also, does anyone know what is the percentage of homes occupied by full-time residents at Seaside, Seacrest, Grove by the Sea, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach? Just curious.

Thank you

Isn't a full-time resident someone who has homesteaded their property and declared residency in Walton County?

This is anecdotal info. based on families I know. Sorry I can't give you concrete numbers:

Rosemary: There are quite a few families with children in Rosemary and quite a few couples without children who live there full-time. Of all the major developments, Rosemary seems to have the most full-time residents, especially families. In my opinion, it is the best place to be with kids because there are other kids to play with in the neighborhood.

Seacrest: I know of just a few full-time residents. It is a difficult place to live year-round because most homes don't have garages and outside storage and there isn't a lot of privacy because the homes are close together. Very few children.

Grove By the Sea: There are quite a few full-time residents with and without children. It is a good place for kids and has more of a "regular neighborhood" feeling.

Seaside: Since we moved here 4 1/2 years ago, I've never met anyone or known of anyone who lives in Seaside full-time.

Watersound: Just a few full-time residents. Several families who did live there have moved to Watercolor where there is more to do. Watersound's infrastructure has a long way to go before its completed. You're pretty much on your own in Watersound--just you and the construction workers. It will be nice in about 5 years.

Watercolor: Refer to Santiago on this. I do know that there are quite a few families living there and I know several who are currently building.

Are you thinking about moving to one of these developments?

[Santiago]

Santiago:

Sigh, lucky you! For those of us who hope to spend more time in SoWal in the coming years, what's it like to live year round in the area. What are the many positives? Any negatives? Any advice for people planning to spend long periods of time in the area someday. Things to do that full-timers do that others may not do?

Thanks... this helps with the dreaming...
As you might guess, it is great. We have young boys who have lots of friends in our neighborhood and keep very busy hanging out with them. Of the full time residents in WC, almost all of the kids are boys. There always seems to be something going on between them, usually football, surfing, and fishing. Just think of the things that most people do while on vacation here and that is what we do year round. At this point, we could not imagine living anywhere else. And believe it or not Camp Creek Kid, we probably have at least as many families with kids as Rosemary Beach.

[Camp Creek Kid]

As you might guess, it is great. We have young boys who have lots of friends in our neighborhood and keep very busy hanging out with them. Of the full time residents in WC, almost all of the kids are boys. There always seems to be something going on between them, usually football, surfing, and fishing. Just think of the things that most people do while on vacation here and that is what we do year round. At this point, we could not imagine living anywhere else. And believe it or not Camp Creek Kid, we probably have at least as many families with kids as Rosemary Beach.


I believe you. In what section of Watercolor are most of the families? What is the age range of the kids?

[Paula]

It will be great if SoWal continues to have a healthy mix of full-time residents and vacationers. Seems like it will be the best of both worlds and the businesses will be able to stay in business more easily year-round.

[SHELLY]

In order to have a "healthy mix" of full-time residents the area would have to have "affordable" housing and I don't see that happening in SoWal. Teachers, cops and grocery clerks needed to service a large population of full-time upscale families can't afford to live in the area (unless their hourly pay can support a $550,000 mortgage + insurance + utilities + food + transportation + taxes + etc., etc.). If developers continue to have their way, SoWal will always only be a vacation destination with the majority of neighbors being rotating LLC owners, friends and tourists.

[Cil]

St Joe is working on building affordable housing over here in Gulf County.
That's why they hired my husband.
People are moving here. The day I registered my son at high school, there were three other kids enrolling. Needless to say, we and the other newbies are not in the Windmark market.
Not easy finding builders, though. Apparently they are all over in SoWal.

[jdarg]

Cil- your Christmas avatar is beautiful!!!

[Cil]

Thanks Jdarg. I love yours. ;-)

[jdarg]

Thanks Jdarg. I love yours. ;-)


It came along at the right moment! :floor:

[Santiago]

I believe you. In what section of Watercolor are most of the families? What is the age range of the kids?
We live in Phase 1 but most full timers that we know live in Phase 2. There are a lot 1st and 2nd graders and most have younger sibllings from 2 to 4 years old. There are also several teenagers.

[Camp Creek Kid]

In order to have a "healthy mix" of full-time residents the area would have to have "affordable" housing and I don't see that happening in SoWal. Teachers, cops and grocery clerks needed to service a large population of full-time upscale families can't afford to live in the area (unless their hourly pay can support a $550,000 mortgage + insurance + utilities + food + transportation + taxes + etc., etc.). If developers continue to have their way, SoWal will always only be a vacation destination with the majority of neighbors being rotating LLC owners, friends and tourists.


Shelly, I not disputing what you say, but I do have a question for you. In large cities--San Francisco, New York, Miami, Chicago, D.C., Boston--it is much more expensive to live than in SoWal. Yet, these larger cities do not have shortages of teachers, cops, and grocery clerks. The farther out of the city center one goes, the more affordable the housing, so many "regular people" live outside of the city center and commute to work every day, sometimes traveling an hour each direction.

SoWal has not gotten to that point. I don't understand why you predict a labor crisis in SoWal when all you have to do is cross a bridge (north or east) and you'll find affordable housing. I know many people who live in Andalusia, AL (about 1.5 hrs from SoWal) and choose to commute to SoWal. They WANT to stay in their home town, but are drawn to the higher wages of SoWal. Construction workers make much more here than in say, Chattanooga, TN. Why? Because subcontractors are in demand and they can charge more.

[kurt]

I agree CCK. There are still affordable places to rent in SoWal that most visitors don't know about. But soon it will be the island that it is with more and more workers coming from all points north of the bay. It is an easy drive now but will get to be a bear until the 4-laning of 331 is complete.

[Smiling JOe]

St Joe is working on building affordable housing over here in Gulf County.
That's why they hired my husband.
People are moving here. The day I registered my son at high school, there were three other kids enrolling. Needless to say, we and the other newbies are not in the Windmark market.
Not easy finding builders, though. Apparently they are all over in SoWal.
Not to worry Cil. Those builders will be rolling over to Gulf and Franklin Counties in the near future. I already hear them talking.;-)

[TreeFrog]

One anecdotal way to estimate would be to look at the quantity of everyday services and retail (other than bars and restaurants) available in SoWal, the sort essential to full-time residents: Doctors, barbers and beauticians, dry cleaners, vets, grocery stores, churches, insurance agents, banks, gas stations, etc. Also the number and size of schools. Compare these to a typical small town. Adjust for business real estate cost, affluence, demographics, and excess service capacity for high season.

My street in Seagrove has 18 permanent residents, residing in 8 out of 18 houses. 2 kids, grade school age. 3 retired persons, everyone else (except the kids) working. No condos. Our area, near Eastern Lake, seems to me to have a higher-than-average percentage of full-time residents. But maybe 6 or 7 of probably 40-50 houses/condos on the first 3 rows from the beach are full-time.

By comparison, I drove through the eastern half of Seaside Thursday and it appeared empty.

I'm guessing 3,000-4,000 on all of 30A plus Pt. Wash. Any takers?

[Santiago]

One anecdotal way to estimate would be to look at the quantity of everyday services and retail (other than bars and restaurants) available in SoWal, the sort essential to full-time residents: Doctors, barbers and beauticians, dry cleaners, vets, grocery stores, churches, insurance agents, banks, gas stations, etc. Also the number and size of schools. Compare these to a typical small town. Adjust for business real estate cost, affluence, demographics, and excess service capacity for high season.

My street in Seagrove has 18 permanent residents, residing in 8 out of 18 houses. 2 kids, grade school age. 3 retired persons, everyone else (except the kids) working. No condos. Our area, near Eastern Lake, seems to me to have a higher-than-average percentage of full-time residents. But maybe 6 or 7 of probably 40-50 houses/condos on the first 3 rows from the beach are full-time.

By comparison, I drove through the eastern half of Seaside Thursday and it appeared empty.

I'm guessing 3,000-4,000 on all of 30A plus Pt. Wash. Any takers?
There are a lot more in most neighborhoods than one might realize. I live in Watercolor so I am most familiar with it. However, I also know of many other neighborhoods with similar or greater ratios of full time to part time. Many were mentioned like Grove by the Sea and Rosemary. There are also Gulf Place and Lake Place. With that being said, its hard to count 3000 to 4000 but I would not doubt it. I know at the first day of school at Butler, there were tons of out of state tags on cars telling me that they are moving here in droves. The service businesses that are here now are many compared to when I moved here in '96.

[Smiling JOe]

SoWal has not gotten to that point. I don't understand why you predict a labor crisis in SoWal when all you have to do is cross a bridge (north or east) and you'll find affordable housing. I know many people who live in Andalusia, AL (about 1.5 hrs from SoWal) and choose to commute to SoWal. They WANT to stay in their home town, but are drawn to the higher wages of SoWal. Construction workers make much more here than in say, Chattanooga, TN. Why? Because subcontractors are in demand and they can charge more.
CCK, I think Shelly is on target. The least expensive home (not mobile) in Freeport will run you a good $250,000. Now I don't know about your world, but I don't think most construction workers making $10-$12/hour can afford this so called "affordable housing." Let's see, after a 10% down payment of $25,000 (what? I have to come up with $25,000), a 30yr mortgage at 6% will cost $1350 per month before taxes and insurance. Let's be conservative and say taxes and insurance total only $250 per month. The house payments are now only an affordable $1600 before utilities, groceries, health insurance, savings, entertainment, etc. Let's use the $12 per hour wage rate and say the worker earns $480 per week before taxes, and maybe only $400 per week after taxes. If this worker wants to keep his house and eat, he will need to find a second 40hour per week job with similar wages, and this is just to be able to afford Freeport on the cheap end.

The math just does not add up. When the 331 bridge is 4 laned and the $4 toll is charged each way, this worker will not only have to pay out more money to drive here through higher gas prices, but also via the tolls. It will happen. Unless the employers are willing to pass along the higher cost of doing business to the homeowners, the labor pool will dry up faster than a watering hole in the Sahara. Currently, I don't see the wages matching the cost of living in SoWal, or Freeport. The future affordable housing will be around DeFuniak Springs, and that is a long haul, and costs more in terms of gas money. Robert Davis's concept for Seaside, was based partly on the worker not having to drive to work. Just because my friends in Atl are willing to drive 15 miles in 1.5 hours, doesn't mean that we should aspire to be like them. :D

[TreeFrog]

In "real" towns, a lot of people rent. Modest rental houses or trailers here aren't that plentiful and will gradually be replaced. There aren't many apartment complexes, either.

Worth asking - do permanent residents here really want SoWal to become a "real" town, or did they move here for the "on vacation" feel that would at least partly go away if that happened?

[Chickpea]

In "real" towns, a lot of people rent. Modest rental houses or trailers here aren't that plentiful and will gradually be replaced. There aren't many apartment complexes, either.

Worth asking - do permanent residents here really want SoWal to become a "real" town, or did they move here for the "on vacation" feel that would at least partly go away if that happened?

I for one definitely want Sowal to be a 'real' town as you say. I work here full time and love the beach but am craving more amenities and services that other slightly larger cities have. But I worry about the price the real estate getting to be so high that it drives everyone wanting to run a business out. How can businesses compete with residential sq. ft costs? Untenable.

I appreciate all the helpful feedback. I have been here 2 years but only recently discovered this site and its amazing resources.

[Miss Kitty]

I for one definitely want Sowal to be a 'real' town as you say. I work here full time and love the beach but am craving more amenities and services that other slightly larger cities have. But I worry about the price the real estate getting to be so high that it drives everyone wanting to run a business out. How can businesses compete with residential sq. ft costs? Untenable.

I appreciate all the helpful feedback. I have been here 2 years but only recently discovered this site and its amazing resources.

I am so glad you found this site as well!!! Tell me Chickpea...what amenities/services do you find lacking as a full time resident? And one more question...did you ever tell me what the object is in your avatar?

[Donna]

Seaside was designed for live/work situations from the standpoint of providing spaces conducive to both uses (i.e. retail or studio space with a living unit above), not a provision for affordable housing for service and labor workers. It was always envisioned as a luxury project, by virtue of its location, amenities, and quality of construction. Until very recently, DeFuniak Springs and other points north of the bridge provided almost ridiculously inexpensive housing options, albeit short on the rentals side. Property in and around DeFuniak has soared in value over the past year, which is inexplicable because there are no high-paying jobs there, nor are there many in the South Walton area. The prices will stabilize, then be paid by people living in more expensive areas and who see the higher prices as a reasonable alternative to retirement housing in the cities where they currently live.

Example: In our town in CA, there is not even a condo in the town that can be had for less than $750K and single-family housing starts at $1M. So even with the higher prices, South Walton (and especially areas other than coastal) seems a bargain. Retirees look for quality of life, reasonable housing prices, proximity to good medical services, recreational opportunities (especially golfing), and often proximity to a military base PX (if they're retired military). Del Webb has made a fortune on this formula throughout the country. But these buyers are obviously unconcerned with jobs. And rarely are they concerned with the availability of a reasonably priced labor pool. The bad news is that they care rarely be counted on to vote approval for needed infrastructure and services, especially the school districts. The good news is that many of them don't vote in South Walton because their primary homes are elsewhere.

Look for your labor pool to drive from distances further and further away as time goes by. Expect your future residents to be primarily absentee and part-time owners. Talk to your elected officials about requiring new development to provide an inclusionary affordable housing product aimed at the lower-income jobs that will be in increasing demand as the area develops. Expect the affordable housing to make a very minor contribution towards housing low-to-moderate income workers, and the affordable units will go into a lottery for pre-qualified buyers. The alternative is a community with little diversity and big traffic problems, no matter how many improvements are made incrementally. This is the ugly underbelly of soaring property values.

[Chickpea]

I am so glad you found this site as well!!! Tell me Chickpea...what amenities/services do you find lacking as a full time resident? And one more question...did you ever tell me what the object is in your avatar?


Hi Sueshore,
The object in my avatar is a seashell - I tried posting higher resolution pic but site would not accept.

As to amenities and services I find lacking.... before I list them I need to state that I realize I am spoiled because I genuinely dislike driving long distances (I remain amazed at the number of people I meet who regularly drive to Birmingham, Atlanta, etc. and in fact think nothing of it!) and to many people having to head to Destin or Panama City is no big deal but to me it is. I will do it when I need to because living here is worth it but I am realistic in that I feel that even if more families like mine move here as full time residents, because of real estate values, it is unlikely that we get the diversity of services we need (pediatrician, OB-gyns, getting our cars serviced, a broader range of restaurants (including ethnic ones), pursuing hobbies, arts and culture for ourselves and for our kids, etc). I know this is and remains primarily a resort destination so many of the daily needs we may aspire to are not in high demand. So be it. Right now at this point in my life Sowal is great. It still has real limitations to me but it is offset by the magnificence of its natural landscape. One can put up with a lot here.

[FoX]

A lot of people were very excited about getting a Publix in Seagrove, feeling it added value to their lives. A small regional supermarket, while quaint compared to the big city, are exactly what we don't need here. Besides, what can you get at Publix that you couldn't already get in SoWal except for firewood wrapped in plastic, grills without lids, and 12 different types of antacids?

Those who are looking for all the things available in larger cities should find themselves in larger cities. Continue to enjoy your vacations here, and we will remain a friendly, laid back, and welcoming place. Why would we want it to become anything else?

[steeleing1]

A "regular" person's point of view who has spent 30 years vacationing or living in and around Grayton Beach:

The reason we bought across the bay in DeFuniak Springs is because for what we could afford at the time, we could either buy a crappy trailer in South Walton/Freeport or a refurbished 95 year old, 2500 sq. foot home on almost an acre downtown. My husband and I (both employed in the arts) had lived in SoWal for about six years (renting separately and then together.)

I commute every day to take my son to Butler Elementary (he's been there since Kindergarten so we didn't transfer him) and then to work in Seaside. Similar to what CCK said about the "regular people" commuting to the city? I can only speak for myself, though. A lot of people in my demographic bought when you could still get a great home for under $150k.

But even small "starter homes" in DeFuniak are in the $250k range, hardly affordable housing for most, as SJ pointed out earlier.

Also, we have the luxury of going to the Grayton family house regularly, even for overnighters when we have too much going on in South Walton in a single weekend. No complaints!

[Paula]

I think there will be an increasing number of nature-loving, laid back retirees heading to the area for long periods of time during fall/winter/spring and maybe year round in the coming 20 years. It seems pretty undiscovered by retirees and there are plenty who will trade off the warmest weather in southern Florida for the beauty of this area (especially if they're coming from an area that's 20 degrees in the winter, 60 degrees will feel very nice). Renting for long periods of time in the winter is so inexpensive, though, I think many of the retirees will be renters.

[SHELLY]

Shelly, I not disputing what you say, but I do have a question for you. In large cities--San Francisco, New York, Miami, Chicago, D.C., Boston--it is much more expensive to live than in SoWal. Yet, these larger cities do not have shortages of teachers, cops, and grocery clerks.


Two reasons: Public transportation and older neighborhoods.

SoWal doesn't compare to those cities you mentioned above...SoWal is a VERY NEW area--carved out of pine trees and filled in wetlands not so very long ago. Older homes/trailers and neighborhoods were bought up or mowed down for new developments. Developers were interested only in one thing--high profits. They couldn't care less if the folks moving to the area could find services--until just recently (as RE is slowing down) they're "thinking" about this issue as prospective buyers and local residents start questioning why decent service is hard to find or local businesses are closing (trouble finding staff?).

As for folks commuting from Alabama to take jobs in SoWal--that will come to a screeching halt when the US government starts releasing $$$ and rebuilding from Katrina kicks into high gear next year.

[FoX]

As for folks commuting from Alabama to take jobs in SoWal--that will come to a screeching halt when the US government starts releasing $$$ and rebuilding from Katrina kicks into high gear next year.

People will come from all over to do that.

[seagrover]

We live in The Grove by the Sea - and couldn't think of living elsewhere. Fortunately, we bought out lot in 2000 and built in 2002. I think about maybe between 1/4 and 1/3 are full time residents. Our neighbors are the greatest.

There is plenty to do here and I am happy with the Publix and want nothing more.

I would rather drive to a place in another city - Destin or PC - than have something at my back door and everyone coming here. I don't want to live near Big Kahuna. I love the peacefull, easy feeling.......of our area here. That's what makes this area so great!!!

Steeleing1, I saw the guy that married you in some pics posted by SJ and I didn't recognize him with a tie and suit on!!! Told him this today and he said he still didn't have a belt on!!!

[yippie]

Unfortunately, Walton County doesn't keep the best records on number of residents and don't keep at all records on number of businesses since licenses are not required.

I suppose you could use the census report, but the last one was in 2000 and things have changed drastically since then. The tax office would be a better way to go, but I'm not sure they have public data as to how many homes are listed as homstead.

There is absolutely NO way to separate North and South Walton unless you have the name of EVERY street in each section and go street to street with the tax office, if those records are available.

When trying to determine how many folks live in South Walton, you also need to take into consideration that some of what we consider South Walton and the 30-A area is located in Bay County too. For example, Inlet Beach.

The biggest shocker is there is no business license required in Walton County, so there is NO record of the number of operating businesses.

[Miss Kitty]

If I hadn't said so earlier, Welcome aboard Yippie! Interesting stuff you bring up about census and business licenses. Gives me pause and also helps explain how maybe some of the "monkey" business happens in Walton County.

I have a couple of questions for the full time residents. I am so happy for all of you that have made the permanent move from "former" lives and find yourself living the dream of so many posters on this board! Where did you move from? Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to move to paradise...are you retired or if you still work, is your job tied into the local economy? I am not trying to get too personal, just very curious (like a cat!).

[Chickpea]

If I hadn't said so earlier, Welcome aboard Yippie! Interesting stuff you bring up about census and business licenses. Gives me pause and also helps explain how maybe some of the "monkey" business happens in Walton County.

I have a couple of questions for the full time residents. I am so happy for all of you that have made the permanent move from "former" lives and find yourself living the dream of so many posters on this board! Where did you move from? Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to move to paradise...are you retired or if you still work, is your job tied into the local economy? I am not trying to get too personal, just very curious (like a cat!).

I work full time here and moved for work, from a major city which is why I miss amenities and choice. I think it may be too simplistic to dismiss concerns about variety of services by just stating that if one craves those things then one should just be in a larger city and allow those who want laid back economy to remain. And everyone please understand that I have no desire to see big box retail or chain restaurants to move in or larger dept stores, etc... just services that can help those of us who do live and work here. Not a black and white issue but I remain pessimistic about fate of smaller, much needed businesses because of real estate prices, and if they continue to escalate however modestly, it will be harder for these businesses to succeed.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Unfortunately, Walton County doesn't keep the best records

I suppose you could use the census report, but the last one was in 2000 and
When trying to determine how many folks live in South Walton, you also need to take into consideration that some of what we consider South Walton and the 30-A area is located in Bay County too. For example, Inlet Beach.

The biggest shocker is there is no business license required in Walton County, so there is NO record of the number of operating businesses.


Inlet Beach is Walton County. The county line is just west of Camp Helen State Park. There are no homes/developments in the small area of Bay County that is west of the Lake Powell Bridge, except for Camp Helen.

There is a large area between Lake Powell and Camp Creek Lake on 30-A that has a Panama City Beach zip code (32413), and our mail is sorted at the PCB post office next to Wal-Mart. But it is Walton County. There are other areas of Walton County that also have the zip codes of out-of-county towns where their mail is sorted.

[Smiling JOe]

Inlet Beach is Walton County. The county line is just west of Camp Helen State Park. There are no homes/developments in the small area of Bay County that is west of the Lake Powell Bridge, except for Camp Helen.

There is a large area between Lake Powell and Camp Creek Lake on 30-A that has a Panama City Beach zip code (32413), and our mail is sorted at the PCB post office next to Wal-Mart. But it is Walton County. There are other areas of Walton County that also have the zip codes of out-of-county towns where their mail is sorted.I think Yippie was trying to say that searching by using Santa Rosa Beach zip does not work.

I have a way to get the info based on subdivision and homesteaded residential property, but I do not feel the need is there. In the subdivisions mentioned the overall percentage of homesteaded property is very low.

[aquaticbiology]

I'd never tell anyway - might be the tax man!

Thanks for all the help while we were in indianapolis - back home, warm and happy - missed stopping by - we got totally lost - again! - this time trying to get to the 38th street mall from westfield

[Paula]

One service I couldn't find was a laundromat. I wanted to find some big washing machines and dryers for quilts and ended up go far into Panama city before I found one. Does anyone know where the closest one is? Thanks.

[Smiling JOe]

One service I couldn't find was a laundromat. I wanted to find some big washing machines and dryers for quilts and ended up go far into Panama city before I found one. Does anyone know where the closest one is? Thanks.There is a laudromat in the east end of the strip mall where the Santa Rosa Beach Post Office is located, on Hwy 98 about 1 mile west of Hwy 393.

[Miss Kitty]

There is a laudromat in the east end of the strip mall where the Santa Rosa Beach Post Office is located, on Hwy 98 about 1 mile west of Hwy 393.

SJ...you are a walking, talking book of yellow pages!!! No one here will EVER need to be stumped again...ask and someone will lead you in the right direction! What a great place this SoWal.com is!!!!

[Paula]

There is a laudromat in the east end of the strip mall where the Santa Rosa Beach Post Office is located, on Hwy 98 about 1 mile west of Hwy 393.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! the last laundromat I found was about 20 miles away (probably more)!

[ShallowsNole]

[QUOTE=aquaticbiology]I'd never tell anyway - might be the tax man!

:funn: :cool:

[Smiling JOe]

[QUOTE=aquaticbiology]I'd never tell anyway - might be the tax man!

:funn: :cool:...or someone who works next door.:floor:

[bsmart]

The Complex that our condo is in (Seamist at Seacrest Beach), has one full time resident (a man who is in his upper 30s) and even he has his condo up for sale so that he can trade it up for a home at either Watercolor or Watersound.

[ShallowsNole]

Another full-time resident point-of-view...

I grew up in SoWal. My parents bought two government lots on the Bay in the late 1940's / early 1950's for $10 an acre. Most of the land was sold long before it was "worth anything." This is the property that now comprises the subdivisions of Bayou Creek Estates and The Shallows, part of the land that was annexed into Eden State Park, and all the smaller metes-and-bounds parcels not in the subdivisions. My father's ancestors, the Wesley family, were among the early settlers of Point Washington. If my parents knew what homes and land around here were priced at now (and taxes and insurance!), there would be some serious spinning occurring in the Point Washington cemetery.

When I was a child and a teenager, we operated a grocery store in Santa Rosa Beach. The building stands where Bea's Interiors was for many years. My dad often stated that, in winter, you could fire a cannon down Hwy 98 and not hit anything. He was right. There was NOTHING to do. Working in that store - and my other early jobs - was the basis of my social life.

Fast-forward: I am college-educated and have a relatively good job, for this area. My husband grew up in the north part of Walton County (Glendale!) and is a law enforcement officer. If not for inheriting the property I was raised on, there is NO WAY that I would be able to live where I do. In the middle of building our new home here, my husband's career and salary took a nosedive from which it hasn't fully recovered (note: I am not a fan of our sheriff). Had we known what would happen with my spouse's career, we wouldn't have built this house. Things are much better now, but it is still hard to make ends meet - especially with waterfront property!

Many of my old schoolmates have become millionaires by selling out and leaving SoWal. To be honest, we have considered it. However, I don't want to! SoWal is my home, we fought a hell of a fight to get back over here (from Freeport, which was actually quite nice for ten years) and I will fight tooth and nail to stay here. If it becomes too much of a struggle, we have property in the north part of the county - but I would prefer to move away completely rather than watch someone else move into my home.

This is why my viewpoint is often different from most of the posters on this board. I see a different SoWal than many of you do. I haven't been to the beach at all this year, due to surgery in the spring, hurricanes in the summer, and an incredibly busy life all the time. However, I enjoy reading this board and discovering what drew most of you to live here or invest in vacation homes here. It reaffirms what I have known all along - this is one of the most special places on the entire planet. :wub:

P.S. I adore Publix! I can finally buy ice cream and make it home before it melts!

[Paula]

Thanks for sharing your story, ShallowsNole. It's good to hear a bit of the history of the area first-hand and to hear some tell their sentimental story. I wish you the very best with your home in SoWal!

[ShallowsNole]

Appreciate it, Paula!

I am a bit embarrassed this morning that I wrote a novel...but I reckon that if that's all I have to be embarrassed about, I'm doing pretty good! :cool:

[Smiling JOe]

Appreciate it, Paula!

I am a bit embarrassed this morning that I wrote a novel...but I reckon that if that's all I have to be embarrassed about, I'm doing pretty good! :cool:

ShallowsNole, there is no reason for embarrassment. Your story is just beautiful.

I, too, was very excited to have a decent grocery store built close by. The three closest ones all popped up around the same time. Before that, I drove to the Publix in Destin, across from Destin Commons. I disliked doing that, and could forget about buying frozen items unless I brought my cooler, especially in the summer time.

[Miss Kitty]

Appreciate it, Paula!

I am a bit embarrassed this morning that I wrote a novel...but I reckon that if that's all I have to be embarrassed about, I'm doing pretty good! :cool:

I hope you can be a little more embarrassed and write some more stories for us! I am enthralled with the insights of those of you that have grown up/lived in the area for a long time. Plus, you write from the heart and I thank you for sharing it with us.

[KISH7374]

I hope you can be a little more embarrassed and write some more stories for us! I am enthralled with the insights of those of you that have grown up/lived in the area for a long time. Plus, you write from the heart and I thank you for sharing it with us.

Hey SS, did you read the story on the home page. It is about early Grayton Beach history. This is the story that drew us to the area. It is really interesting and I wonder if the writer is on the board.

[steeleing1]

We live in The Grove by the Sea - and couldn't think of living elsewhere. Fortunately, we bought out lot in 2000 and built in 2002. I think about maybe between 1/4 and 1/3 are full time residents. Our neighbors are the greatest.

There is plenty to do here and I am happy with the Publix and want nothing more.

I would rather drive to a place in another city - Destin or PC - than have something at my back door and everyone coming here. I don't want to live near Big Kahuna. I love the peacefull, easy feeling.......of our area here. That's what makes this area so great!!!

Steeleing1, I saw the guy that married you in some pics posted by SJ and I didn't recognize him with a tie and suit on!!! Told him this today and he said he still didn't have a belt on!!!

Yep, that's his M.O. He's so funny.

[steele mama]

Appreciate it, Paula!

I am a bit embarrassed this morning that I wrote a novel...but I reckon that if that's all I have to be embarrassed about, I'm doing pretty good! :cool:
Were you one of the Zeals? We used to shop at Zeals at SRB. My mother would take the clan there and I would look forward to getting some Banana Bikes (taffy). I remember the Zeals had two blonde headed children, one girl and one boy, I believe and we would see them at the Pt. Washington Methodist church where Mrs. Butler was playing the organ or piano. Sound familiar? :idontno: There was the laundramat close by and that was about it.

[steele mama]

Hey SS, did you read the story on the home page. It is about early Grayton Beach history. This is the story that drew us to the area. It is really interesting and I wonder if the writer is on the board.
My brother wrote one of the stories, it is the Recent History link I think.

[Paula]

Appreciate it, Paula!

I am a bit embarrassed this morning that I wrote a novel...but I reckon that if that's all I have to be embarrassed about, I'm doing pretty good! :cool:

ShallowsNole: A lot of us on this board are quite sentimental. That's why we love SoWal -- what a beautiful place to build and share memories. So many of us are new to SoWal so it's wonderful to learn the history of the area through people who have been here a long time. Keep the stories coming as you remember them.

[ShallowsNole]

Were you one of the Zeals? We used to shop at Zeals at SRB. My mother would take the clan there and I would look forward to getting some Banana Bikes (taffy). I remember the Zeals had two blonde headed children, one girl and one boy, I believe and we would see them at the Pt. Washington Methodist church where Mrs. Butler was playing the organ or piano. Sound familiar? :idontno: There was the laundramat close by and that was about it.

My parents and my aunt bought the South Walton Superette from the Ziels. Later, my aunt sold her interest in the store at about the same time my brother came back from serving in the Air Force. My dad and my brother then ran the store until 1981.

I don't recall the Ziels having children, but I was very young then...but if the children you are thinking of were somewhere between say, 8 and 14 and they used to light candles at the PWUMC, they were probably my wonderful blonde twin cousins, Gid and Gayle Godwin. They may have worked for the Ziels before their mom and my dad bought the store.

During the time that the Ziels ran the store, my dad was probably more famous for being a County Constable. I know he worked Grayton Beach quite a bit. After he bought the store, he found that a law enforcement officer could not have a liquor license :bang: and he had to have the license to sell draft beer in the back of the store, so he had to give up being a constable. :roll:

I'll pm you...

[aquaticbiology]

>>>Banana Bikes (taffy)

Got just one of those, ever - so sick in the night they thought I had appendicitis - finally got rid of it, all over the ambulance - cured me forever of Banana Bikes! (shiver!)