Author name: Andy Beal, 30A Realtor

Living in Grayton Beach: ‘Nice Dogs, Strange People’ (And What It Costs to Join Them) There’s a faded bumper sticker that has circulated around Florida’s Panhandle for decades, and it pretty much sums up the essence of living in Grayton Beach FL: “Nice Dogs, Strange People.” Originally coined by the Red Bar—Grayton’s legendary dive-turned-cultural-institution—the phrase […]

Living in Alys Beach, FL: The Ultimate Luxury Guide 2026 The reality of living in Alys Beach, FL involves more than just white stucco; as of 2026, it operates as a fortified wealth compound on Florida’s 30A corridor, featuring strict architectural controls, mandatory membership structures, and quarterly HOA fees averaging $3,097 plus a one-time $30,000

Rosemary Beach vs. Alys Beach: The Heavyweight Battle (2026 Cost & Lifestyle Comparison) The primary difference between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach is the atmosphere and investment model. Rosemary Beach is a high-density, energetic European-style village with flexible rental management options (higher net income for owners), whereas Alys Beach is an exclusive, quiet fortress of

Living in Rosemary Beach: The Ultimate Guide to Architecture, Dining, and Design Codes Key Takeaways: Living in Rosemary Beach Cost at a Glance: Annual Ownership Budget Cost Snapshot: The “Hidden” Fees (Estimates based on a typical $2M Single-Family Home) Expense Category Estimated Cost Frequency Notes Transfer Fee $20,000 One-time 1% of purchase price paid at

WaterColor vs. Watersound Beach: Nature vs. Nurture (A Real Estate Comparison) If you’re researching WaterColor vs. Watersound living, skip the marketing brochure language. Most articles will tell you both WaterColor and Watersound are “luxurious coastal communities along 30A.” That’s true, but useless. If you’re deciding between dropping $2M–$10M on a property, you need the boring

Living in WaterColor, FL: Amenities, Beach Club, and Lifestyle Living in Watercolor Florida is often marketed as “effortless luxury,” but the reality is a complex ecosystem of guest fees, strict wristband policies, and HOA regulations. While this master-planned community on 30A delivers world-class amenities, owning here requires navigating a financial and logistical framework that extends

Living in Seaside, FL: The Original New Urbanism Town vs. The Reality The pastel cottages. The white picket fences. The town square that looks like it was designed by someone who studied Norman Rockwell paintings for a living. Seaside, Florida, is undeniably beautiful—an 80-acre masterplan that launched the New Urbanism movement and became the backdrop

Best Time (and Worst Time) to Visit 30A: A Seasonal Guide Most travel guides will tell you that any time is a good time to visit 30A. That’s marketing nonsense. The truth is, the difference between visiting in February versus July isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s the difference between paying $350/night or $800/night, between

Living on 30A Full-Time: What Locals Want You to Know Everyone shows you the sunsets and the turquoise water. Nobody talks about the $8,000 wind insurance bill or the fact that you’ll be doing your grocery shopping at 6:30 AM to avoid the rental turnover crowds. If you’re seriously considering moving to 30A Florida and

Moving to 30A: The Complete Relocation Guide (Schools, Internet, Utilities) Everyone tells you about the sunsets, the sugar-white sand, and the turquoise water. But when you’re actually moving to South Walton’s 30A corridor, you need different answers: Which utility company do I call? Where are the fiber internet dead zones? How do I get my