The Emerald Coast, in the Northwest of Florida, has quickly become one of the most sought-after real estate markets recently. There’s a good reason for this surge in popularity. Lined along the Gulf of Mexico, the Emerald Coast is known for its clear, emerald-green waters and clean, sandy beaches.

Cities like Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach are part of this region, each offering its unique charm. Destin is famous for fishing and lively beach life, Fort Walton Beach combines family fun with a touch of history, and Santa Rosa Beach is all about relaxed, upscale living.

In this blog post, we’re going to look at the top five things you need to consider when buying a home here. Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or a permanent residence, we’ll help you understand what makes the Emerald Coast special and how to make a smart choice in this vibrant Florida market.

These Are The Most Uptrend Towns In Emerald Coast

Destin

Often called the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, Destin is not just a hub for anglers but also a hotspot for real estate. Its stunning beaches, vibrant tourist scene, and luxury waterfront properties have made it a prime location for real estate growth.

Santa Rosa Beach

 Known for its upscale ambiance and serene beachside living, Santa Rosa Beach offers luxury homes and condominiums that have seen a steady rise in demand and value. Its unique blend of natural beauty and refined living attracts a discerning clientele.

30A Corridor

This scenic stretch along County Road 30A, encompassing small communities like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Grayton Beach, is known for its quaint architecture and exclusive beachside properties. Real estate here is highly sought-after, with prices reflecting the area’s growing popularity and exclusivity.

Fort Walton Beach

 Blending family-friendly neighborhoods with a touch of historical charm, Fort Walton Beach has seen a significant uptick in its real estate market. Its more affordable prices compared to its neighbors and the appeal of a more relaxed lifestyle make it an attractive option for homebuyers.

Investing in properties in these areas is a wise decision, as they have consistently shown an upward trend in value year over year. This growth is not just in terms of real estate prices but also in the continuous improvement in socioeconomic factors.  In short, everyone is looking to buy here, making it a smart choice for those seeking both a dream home and a sound investment.

Focus on Newly Constructed Homes

In the vibrant areas of Santa Rosa, Destin, Fort Walton, and the surrounding Emerald Coast, there’s a constant buzz of new construction. Every day, new homes are being built, offering fresh and modern living spaces.

This boom in new construction is particularly appealing for those looking to buy a home here, as many properties in this region have previously served as vacation rentals. Opting for a newly built house has its advantages, especially since there’s no wear and tear from previous use, often referred to as amortization.

New builds in these areas not only come with the latest designs and amenities but also provide the peace of mind of being the first occupant. This means you can avoid the potential maintenance issues that might come with older, previously rented properties.

Additionally, new construction often reflects the latest in environmental standards and energy efficiency, which can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run. If you’re considering a home in the Emerald Coast, exploring these new developments could be a smart move, ensuring you get a modern, efficient, and untouched property that suits your needs.

Be Very Careful With Picking The Right Insurance

Floods, Hurricanes & Natural Disaster Bills You Don’t Wanna Deal

When buying a home in Northwest Florida, including the Emerald Coast, it’s really important to think about insurance. This area is known for getting more hurricanes than anywhere else in Florida.

The reason? It’s right on the Panhandle, next to the Gulf of Mexico, where the water is warm. And unlike the rest of Florida, this area gets cooler, which can actually make hurricanes stronger.

Before 2018, the biggest hurricanes here were Category 3, but then Hurricane Michael hit, and it was a huge Category 5. This shows just how serious storms can be in this area.

So, if you’re looking to buy a house here, you need to make sure you have good insurance. This means not just regular home insurance but also special coverage for hurricanes and floods. It’s a good idea to really look into what these insurance plans cover and how much they cost.

Also, think about the house itself – if it’s built to handle big storms, it might be cheaper to insure.

In short, while the Emerald Coast is a great place to live, being smart about your insurance is key to protecting your home against the big storms that can happen here.

Intelligent Investing

Buying a home in the Emerald Coast? Think about its future resale value. People often buy summer homes here, keep them for a few years, and then sell when the market’s good. To make a wise choice, look for things that could make the home’s value go up in the future.

One big thing is how close the home is to the beach. Homes near the beach are usually worth more. Also, look at what’s happening in the neighborhood.

Are there new shops or schools? Good changes in the area can make the house more valuable. Features like a nice view, a pool, or a big yard also help. And check if the house is good for living all year or just for holidays. Homes that are great for both can attract more buyers later.

Think about these things, and you’ll be making a smart investment that could pay off when it’s time to sell. Keep in mind, these homes might be on the pricey side, but they often give you the most return on your investment when it’s time to sell. So, while it’s an upfront cost, it can pay off in the long run.

Get to Know the Neighborhood, Community and Vibe

When you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s not just about the house itself; it’s also about the neighborhood it’s in. Here’s how to get a good feel for the place:

Talk to People

Say hi to your potential neighbors. Chat with them to learn what it’s like to live there. Are people friendly? Do they look out for each other? It’s important to feel comfortable with the folks you’ll be living near.

Visit at Different Times

Check out the area during the day, in the evening, and even on weekends. This helps you see what it’s like at different times. Is it quiet during the day but noisy at night? Are there lots of activities happening on weekends? Make sure it matches your lifestyle.

Understand the Vibe

Each neighborhood has its own vibe or feeling. Some are laid-back and peaceful, while others are busier and more energetic. Think about what kind of vibe you like and see if it matches the neighborhood you’re considering.

If you’re thinking about making the Emerald Coast your new home, here’s some smart advice: go on a holiday there first! Spend your vacation exploring the area just like you would if you already lived there. If you happen to get the deal of your lifetime we can help you move in Emerald Coast any time of the year.

This way, you can experience everything firsthand and really understand what you like and don’t like about the place before making a big decision.

It’s a bit like trying on a pair of shoes before you buy them – you want your new home and neighborhood to feel just right for you.

So, plan a holiday, enjoy the beautiful beaches, try out the local restaurants, and see if the Emerald Coast is the perfect fit for your future.