Sandestin for 2nd home

**STL Don** · 08-22-2008, 09:35 AM

A friend of mine from St. Louis is thinking of buying a second home (non-rental) and since he and his wife play golf, someone recommended Sandestin. He asked me what I thought about it and I don't know anyone who has a home there nor do I remember any discussion on SOWAL about this topic.

What do you think? Is this a good place for a 2nd home? Are there other places in SOWAL that you think he should be checking out? They are not golf fanatics, but they think that golf could provide a good social network in an area where they don't know anyone.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-22-2008, 09:59 AM

That is a crazy sounding reason to want to play golf. This town is small enough that if they walk their neighborhood, and aren't scared to say "good evening, what's your name?" they will quickly meet many people. Surely, you mentioned the idea of socializing on www.SoWal.com/bb , didn't you?

Playing golf, there are typically only four people per tee time, so you don't really meet many people on the actual course.

Sandestin has some positives about it, but it can get pricey with double HOA fees, one for Sandestin and one for your neighborhood. There are some full-timers in there, but I'd have to guess that many more people passing through the gate are not full time residents. They do a great amount of convention business in Sandestin. If you don't mind high prices, one could practically not leave the Sandestin property, except to run over to the Publix next door. There is much to do within the property. Personally, I think it would be fairly nice to live in Sandestin, but bang for the buck, there are better deals in South Walton, without being stuck with the $6 + tip Budweisers (aka - high prices) and without monthly fees, and if you are a social person, you will meet others without a problem.

**30ashopper** · 08-22-2008, 10:07 AM

Pros -

1) Bayside, there are a number of smaller non short term rental communities that are reasonably priced and have a very nice neighborhood feel to them.
2) There is a real sense of community in Sandestin, kids riding on bikes, people fishing in the local lakes, knowing who your neighbors are, etc..
3) It's a nice community if you host friends from time to time, lots to do at Baytown and down by the beach.
4) Average to good golf courses, owner amenities like workout centers, community pools, tennis and the like.
5) Very well maintained property as a whole. The SOA spends a great deal on landscaping and maintenance.

Cons -

1) Traffic and tourists during the summer can be a nightmare if that sort of thing bugs you.
2) Some ammenities like golf and tennis cost extra, and are fairly expensive. Sandestin proper does not own the courses, workout centers, beach, tennis courts, etc.. Owners get discounts but still have to pay for the extras through annual memberships. The one main exclusion are the community pools which are maintained by the SOA.
3) HOA fees, for both Sandestin and for the smaller community HOA you live in can be expensive depending on the area you pick.

**Cork On the Ocean** · 08-22-2008, 10:36 AM

I agree with both SJ and 30a. As SJ mentioned, the HOA fees are quite steep in Sandestin. For me, if they are looking for community, they need to determine which community is a better fit for them. I think that SanDestin is a more traditional and conservative group whereas 30A is a more progressive group of artistic and free thinking people. Just my opinion.

As 30A mentioned, traffic is an issue in Sandestin. While you can ride your bicycle on Sandestin property, it's a little more challenging to ride it off property. Scenic hwy 30A has a bicycle path that connects different communities.

As you've already found, get on SoWal.com and you've got friends. Sowallers meetup weekly for brunch at Fire, drinks at Sally's and lots of other stuff so it's kinda like a "just show up" thing and they'll meet people. If they are golfers, Camp Creek golf course is available to Watersound and Watercolor owners.

Wishing them luck. They'll love it!

**SHELLY** · 08-22-2008, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Cork On the Ocean

As 30A mentioned, traffic is an issue in Sandestin. While you can ride your bicycle on Sandestin property, it's a little more challenging to ride it off property. Scenic hwy 30A has a bicycle path that connects different communities.

...traffic on 98 vs. having a gun pointed at you...tomayto-tomahta

.

**JoshMclean** · 08-22-2008, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by SHELLY

...traffic on 98 vs. having a gun pointed at you...tomayto-tomahta

.

Well I take one gun weilding redneck over the "Gangs of Sandestin" that were mentioned in a thread several months back.

All joking aside, Sandestin is a great place for full time residence. I would choose a neighborhood with no short term rentals. The fees are high, but look at everything in Sandestin. Just keeping that place beautiful isn't cheap.

**GoodWitch58** · 08-22-2008, 10:50 AM

Agree with the above.

Also, the conservative vs. progressive attitude is something I have noticed a lot.

Quite a few retired military officer families...along with corporate retirees.

I have several friends who live there and they love it; they are almost all retired and conservative leaning. They do tend to socialize a lot and golf is important.

The fees are much higher than many other communities that offer similar amenities. It is an absolutely beautiful property.

**JoshMclean** · 08-22-2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

Agree with the above.

Also, the conservative vs. progressive attitude is something I have noticed a lot.

Quite a few retired military officer families...along with corporate retirees.

I have several friends who live there and they love it; they are almost all retired and conservative leaning. They do tend to socialize a lot and golf is important.

The fees are much higher than many other communities that offer similar amenities. It is an absolutely beautiful property.

I don't know of many other communities that offer as much as Sandestin with low fees.

**Miss Critter** · 08-22-2008, 03:57 PM

We lived in Sandestin and for us, there was more to like than not like. It really depends upon your friends' lifestyle. Have they ever stayed there, even for a week? That would be a good place to start. Although the off-season is much quieter than the summer, it is a resort and there is almost always something going on there. Every neighborhood has a different feel to it. If they like quiet, I would advise against anything near Baytowne. Also, fees vary widely depending upon neighborhood. If they really like golf and intend to play often, it's a great place to be. I would bet there are some deals on golf memberships now. We had a pretty good deal on The Raven back in 2005. Another plus is that you can access Baytowne, the Market Shops at Sandestin and Grand Boulevard all from your golf cart. The bay side especially feels less "beachy" and more "country club."

I doubt prices will rise in the next few months. I'd advise taking some vacation time or at least long weekends in both places to give them a better idea of where they'd feel most at home.

**30ashopper** · 08-22-2008, 04:17 PM

I almost forgot, they also have a bay side marina which they will be expanding in a few years or so. If you have a boat, I believe you can get special deals on berths. I believe some folks even live on the water in Sandestin.

**Miss Critter** · 08-22-2008, 06:40 PM

Marina fees were pretty steep when we lived there.

**AAbsolute** · 08-22-2008, 07:16 PM

I'd like to say that maybe your friends should look at a JOE neighborhood, and that they offer golf and amenities too. Soemthing peculiar occured to me though at the same time. I know some real high level JOE exec's that choose to live in Sandestin for their personal residences. Maybe they have some inside information that the public isn't privy to yet.

**Miss Critter** · 08-22-2008, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by AAbsolute

I'd like to say that maybe your friends should look at a JOE neighborhood, and that they offer golf and amenities too. Soemthing peculiar occured to me though at the same time. I know some real high level JOE exec's that choose to live in Sandestin for their personal residences. Maybe they have some inside information that the public isn't privy to yet.

Depending upon their jobs, they may just choose not to be constantly approached by neighbors/customers, which would most likely happen if they live where they work.

**Miss Kitty** · 08-22-2008, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by MissCritter

Depending upon their jobs, they may just choose not to be constantly approached by neighbors/customers, which would most likely happen if they live where they work.

They certainly don't want to live around the riff raff.