Our Favorite 30A Neighborhoods

Embark on a journey along the picturesque 30A scenic highway, stretching from Panama City to Destin, where 16 irresistible neighborhoods await. These charming seaside beach towns in South Walton County offer distinctive characteristics and appeal, each with its own unique charm. However, they all share a commonality of sugar-white powdery beaches and sparkling emerald ocean waters.

Upscale shopping centers, fine dining establishments, cultural activities, and community events are common throughout this charming region. The area also boasts many activities, including boating, golfing, fishing, biking, and more.
While there are no lack of choices when choosing where to live in this stunning Florida paradise, we have selected two of the best neighborhoods along 30A to consider calling home.

INLET BEACH

Charming beach cottages and luxurious modern homes collide to create a one-of-a-kind old meets new vibe. An ideal destination for beach lovers, Inlet Beach lays claim as one of the most extensive regional beaches on 30A.

WHAT MAKES INLET BEACH DIFFERENT THAN OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS ON 30A?

Inlet Beach is the last community on the east side of 30A, offering a distinctive air of exclusivity. This oasis offers 13 acres of pristine white sand beaches. The proximity to the Northwest Florida International Beaches International airport is a short 25 minute drive.

Unlike other beach towns along 30A, there are no town centers or planned community activities, leaving residents to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area without distraction. Inlet Beach also has fewer homeowner associations, resulting in minimal restrictions on how residents can tend to their homes.

AN EXCLUSIVE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Inlet Beach personifies relaxation and entertainment. There are several upscale restaurants and chic boutiques at 30 Avenue, and the open-air market at The Shoppes @ Inlet offer specialty shops and trendy eateries. More diverse amenities are easily attained in neighboring Rosemary Beach or the larger town of Panama City Beach, only a 15-minute drive away.

There are numerous biking trails and ample space to enjoy fishing, boating, and other beach activities. However, most people who live in Inlet Beach are there for the emerald waters and sugary sand beaches. With the surrounding areas offering plenty of activities to stay busy, residents tend to retreat to their homes in Inlet Beach to relish in their carefree hideaway.

THE HOTTEST RESTAURANTS IN INLET BEACH

New restaurants compete with long-established eateries to win over the hearts and stomachs of hungry diners. Amici 30A Italian Kitchen and Cuvee 30A are two of the favorite eateries among locals, and the newest venue is Idyll Hound Proper with a contemporary chic backdrop offering an energetic spot for enjoying designer cocktails, local craft brews and sports on the big screen televisions.

AREA SCHOOLS

Students in Inlet Beach attend schools in the Walton County School District, which include:
Bay Elementary School
Emerald Coast Middle School
Ohana
South Walton High School

REAL ESTATE IN INLET BEACH

There is a cost to the exclusivity found only at Inlet Beach, with homes priced considerably higher than in other 30A neighborhoods. Properties range between $1,000,000 and $25,000,000+, featuring styles from cozy beach bungalows to modern beachfront luxury residences. For those who prefer a lake view, the hidden gem of Lake Powell offers lakefront homes for residents to enjoy views of one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the United States.

ROSEMARY BEACH

Established in 1995, the award-winning master-planned community of Rosemary Beach is a hidden gem in Florida’s panhandle. The endless stretch of soft white sand beaches is free from crowds, allowing beachgoers a day of rest and relaxation, disturbed only by the sounds of chirping seagulls and gentle waves lapping.

WHAT MAKES ROSEMARY BEACH SPECIAL?

Rosemary Beach is home to a collection of incredibly rare coastal dune bluffs. Strict ordinances are in place to protect these natural wonders, preventing development over 50 feet, which adds to the elusive charm of this fabulous beach town.

The beaches in Rosemary Beach are easily accessible via dune walkovers restricted to local residents and their guests, which makes for a pleasurable experience. Rental companies provide umbrellas, chairs, and tables to ensure total comfort.

The neighborhood interconnects the residential and public spaces with boardwalks that make it easy to get around by bike or on foot, golf carts are prohibited, and all footpaths lead to the town center or beach. Rosemary Beach has a unique design feature where the backs of the houses face the street to allow more room for walkways.

THINGS TO DO IN ROSEMARY BEACH

The 18.5-mile paved Timpoochee Trail is wonderful for walking or biking, with part of the popular trail coming right through Rosemary Beach. Plenty of recreational activities are available to keep residents busy, including world-class golfing, deep-sea fishing, boating, tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.

The mixed-use town center is the central hub of Rosemary Beach, with fabulous architecture that gains inspiration from the French Quarter in New Orleans. Chic boutiques, unique eateries, and upscale shops make this a favorite place for residents and visitors alike.

The Western Green at the southern end of town is a popular spot for outdoor farmers markets, picnicking, or relaxing in the shaded groves. With fabulous views of the Gulf and a gated stairway leading to the beach, this open area is a wonderful place to unwind and socialize with neighbors.

THE TOP RESTAURANTS IN ROSEMARY BEACH

Outdoor patios and waterfront locales make dining al fresco a joy in Rosemary Beach, with a wide range of quality restaurants to choose from. The Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar offers an upscale dining experience featuring some of the tastiest cuisines in South Walton County. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or indulging in a delectable meal in the elegant dining room, the Pescado is the premier location for fine dining. For those looking for a more intimate experience, Edwards and Restaurant Paradis offers exceptional coastal cuisine.

SCHOOLS IN ROSEMARY BEACH

Students in Rosemary Beach attend schools in the Walton County School District, which include:
Dune Lakes Elementary School
Emerald Coast Middle School
Ohana
South Walton High School

REAL ESTATE IN ROSEMARY BEACH

The area boasts a 107-acre gulf-front property with elegant residences featuring luxury upscale amenities. Throughout Rosemary Beach, homes vary from carriage houses to impressive estates. With a French West Indies influence, the area is rich in architectural uniqueness and beauty. Cobblestone streets and ornate fountains add to the old-world charm of Rosemary Beach.

Rosemary Beach, with its small but exclusive population of 526, is home to a fiercely competitive real estate market. The scarcity of waterfront properties for sale in this picturesque town often leads to inflated home prices. On average, single-family residences in Rosemary Beach are listed at around $6 million, showcasing the high demand for properties in this sought-after location.

Are you ready to start your South Walton Lifestyle?  Find your home, condo, or investment property at EmeraldCoastLiving.com.  We highly recommend these two neighborhoods, but you have options.  Take a look around.