Coastal comforts in a bikeable, walkable community
Those who love a classic coastal cottage with deeded beach access and lots of boutiques and cafes may feel right at home in Seacrest Beach. Intersected by Scenic Highway 30A, between glamorous Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, Seacrest has a distinctly Floridian seaside feel. Clapboard siding in soft sand, shell and sky colors, and breezy covered balconies encourage relaxation. The entrance is marked by a whimsical lifeguard chair, and rows of thick palms line the central corridor. At its heart is the largest neighborhood swimming pool on 30A, overlooking a grass-lawn amphitheater. Streets named Beach Bike Way, Blue Crab Loop and Seacrest Beach Boulevard fan out in a diamond pattern, and a nature trail traces the neighborhood. Vacationers dine and shop in the Village of South Walton, while a community tram carries groups and beach gear to the shore.
"Only about 5% of the homes in Seacrest are used as a primary residence," says Theresa Felton, Realtor with La Florida Coastal Properties, who's been selling in the area since 2021. "The remainder are second homes or rental properties. Lots of homeowners hail from nearby southern states like Alabama and Texas, which means owners and vacationers get to enjoy the Caribbean feel of emerald green and azure waters and sugar-white sands in less than half a day's drive." In Seacrest Beach, full-time residency is six months and one day or more, so even some full-timers will have properties elsewhere. "If it's your primary home," explains Jennifer Crawford, Realtor with Keller Williams' Own at the Beach Team who's been selling in the area since 2013, "you don't mind those weeks when tourists are coming because that's usually when all your family and friends are coming to visit, too." Known primarily as a getaway — where guests of owners have wristband access to the beach and amenities — Seacrest Beach is a beloved and beautiful place to own an investment home.
The Seacrest Pool Lagoon is very popular in Seacrest Beach.
Seacrest Beach is a coastal community on Highway 30A.
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Condos to Gulf-front options with second-home getaway appeal
"Within Seacrest, all of this Hardie board construction is very weather-resistant, and most buyers are buying to rent them," says Joe Fagundes, Realtor with The Fagundes Luxury Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who's been selling luxury homes in the area since 2017. "It's a very beachy, easygoing look here. You don't have the monster homes, and everything they build here is raised." Along its narrow streets, parking is sparse, and few homes have garages. Many have only a one-car driveway. Vegetation is heat-resistant and low-maintenance, with small border yards at most. Homes are allowed to have a shallow dipping pool, but not a large pool, due to lack of land space. Streetlights cast a cozy glow, and front porches have comfortable seating. "Even though they all have their individual addresses," Fagundes says, "everybody gives their home in Seacrest a name. And it's usually something representative of the owner."
Where Seacrest begins on 30A, condominiums above the street-level retail in The Village at South Walton can ask between $500,000 to $1 million. South of 30A, closer to the water, condos can fetch between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Single-family homes north of 30A range from $1.5 million to $2 million, and homes nearer the water can start around $4 million several blocks from the shore and go up to $21 million for Gulf-front properties. Some of the residential communities south of 30A, close to the water, are gated, offering greater privacy. All for-sale and rental signs are the same small size, and some sellers won't even put a sign up to maintain a curb appeal; this makes it important to work with a local agent who knows what's for sale. Its rental character does mean that the population increases during school breaks and summer vacation timeframes. However, Felton says, "We're more of a K-12 spring break area, where families come down together, not college kids. If college spring breakers come, they have parents who own here. Most rentals have an age minimum of 25-plus."
Small 4 and 5 story condos can be found in Seacrest Beach.
The beachfront homes in Seacrest Beach have private beach access and watch towers.
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Crystal beachfront, largest pool on 30A, peaceful nature trail
Outside its tranquil residential streets, Seacrest has a noticeably active pace. People are always out biking, walking, paddle boarding, or playing pickleball and tennis. The sugar-white beachfront is a continual attraction, and the Seacrest Beach Homeowners Association collabs with La Dolce Vita ambassador service to offer beach chair rentals or arrange beach bonfires. Neighbors and vacationers lounge at the 12,000-square-foot pool dubbed the Seacrest Lagoon and can swim while watching amphitheater performances. At the Lagoon, Seacrest Beach Café serves cheeseburgers, hot dogs, tacos and ice cream. For those who want a more meditative experience, there's a walking trail through wooded wetlands around the community perimeter.
Seacrest Beach offers single family homes, cottages and condos with beach access.
Snoreling is a popular activity in Seacrest Beach.
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Shop and dine at The Village of South Walton and 30Avenue
Along the front of Seacrest Beach, north of 30A's green median, The Village of South Walton forms an arch around Peddlers bike rental. Peddlers is bordered by boutique huts, an outdoor pub and a lawn for live music. Retail, dining and services include LaCo Latin American restaurant, Maui Waves clothing store, Pizza by the Sea and Seacrest Sundries Market and Café. In 2015, the shops and eateries at 30Avenue opened just across Route 98, within biking distance of Seacrest Beach. Under construction in 2024, a new tunnel will allow pedestrian, bike and golf cart access under 98 directly to 30Avenue, where brick streets, fountains and thick palms enhance the pearl-white architecture. "I have to pinch myself when I think about the quality of life here," Crawford shares. "Just at 30Avenue, we've got celebrity chef Tim Creehan leading Cuvee 30A, and we have the family owned Amici and Amigo restaurants. The food here is just so good." In 2020, Publix opened a two-story market with a café in Watersound, making it easy to stock up on or order groceries.
The shops and restaurants in Peddlers Pavillion are very popular in Seacrest Beach.
Seacrest Beach families can enjoy live music at Peddlers Pavilion.
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Community tram, busy with bikes and pedestrians
Groups hop on the neighborhood tram in Seacrest to reach the beach, and Crawford says that tram service will likely be expanding along 30A. "You can't just come in for the day, park your car and go to the beach in Seacrest Beach. And Seacrest goes pretty far back, so you're gonna want to take the tram with all your gear." There's also no need to wait long. "The tram actually acts somewhat like Uber in here," Fagundes says. "You can call a tram." Those up for some exercise can quickly walk or bike to all the neighborhood spots. Many homes have bikes, and rentals are readily available. For travel outside the area, it’s only a 20-mile drive to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
Families of Seacrest Beach enjoy biking on the Timpoochee trail.
A tram service is available in Seacrest Beach allowing easy transportation to the beach.
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Highly rated Walton County Schools and new Dunes Lake Elementary
Walton County School District, and the middle and high schools serving Seacrest Beach, all earn an A-minus on Niche. Dune Lakes Elementary opened in 2019. The modern exterior of driftwood grey and brilliant white at Dunes Lake is complemented by a fountain on the entry lawn. Middle schoolers attend Emerald Coast and advance to South Walton High. In 2024, the South Walton boys' soccer team won the regional championship. The private Ohana Institute serves kindergarten through 12th grade and earns an A-plus on Niche. Immersive programs at Ohana include learning to scuba dive or performing in a rock band.
Emerald Coast Middle School serves students in 6-8 grades.
South Walton High School has been awarded an overall A- rating from Niche.
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Beach access ordinance
In 2018, a Walton County Beach ordinance limited public beach walking to the wet sand areas only when traversing private property. Owners must have documentation of property lines if asking public beach visitors to leave. Homebuyers should confirm any essential insurance requirements because hurricanes along the Gulf Coast have caused major damage in the past.
Seacrest Beach offers private beach access to its residents and guests with proper ID.
Seacrest Beach sits along the Emerald Coast offering white sand beaches.
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Annual wine, songwriters and film festivals
"During the Songwriters Festival here in January," says Crawford, "there will be venues all up and down here for live music. We're very much a foodie and music kind of place. And in the South Walton area, Seascape has Moon Crush in April, and there's a really cool Emerald Coast Film Festival in the fall. There's so much within 45 minutes of here." The South Walton Beaches Food and Wine Festival, held every spring, features more than 600 wines and spirits and is famous for hosting wine celebrities such as Peter Mondavi and Emeril Lagasse.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Reach out to
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Parks in this Area
Central Park at Alys Beach
Camp Helen State Park
Carillon's Bell Tower
Transit
Airport
Northwest Florida Beaches International
33 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Seacrest Beach
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Seacrest Beach, Santa Rosa Beach sell after 99 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Seacrest Beach, Santa Rosa Beach over the last 12 months is $1,855,610, up 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Gulf view, poolside condo within the High Pointe resort community comes fully furnished, updated in coastal luxury and ready to generate income with reservations for 2025 already secured and transferable. When you step inside condo 234, you are greeted with seaside charm and subtle luxury, with recent updates throughout the condo including shiplap accent walls, durable quartz
One of the lowest priced home in Seacrest Beach! Step into your coastal retreat, ''Beach Ball'' where modern elegance meets beachside charm. This stunning property boasts a freshly updated exterior, featuring a serene coastal palette that perfectly complements the surrounding natural beauty. As you enter, you'll be greeted by an inviting interior adorned with beautiful hardwood
Discover an exquisite architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned John Williams, currently under construction and discreetly nestled behind the private gates of Camp Creek. This luxurious residence embodies impeccable craftsmanship with a tasteful coastal influence throughout and is offered for sale at $5.295 million.Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the dream kitchen, featuring custom
Indulge in the ultimate coastal lifestyle with this rare ground-floor gem at the Villas at Seacrest Beach—ideally situated just steps from the showstopping 12,000-square-foot lagoon pool, the largest of its kind in Northwest Florida.This elegant 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo invites you to unwind in style, located in the heart of Scenic Highway 30A's lively and luxurious east end. With
Step into Walk on The Beach, an exquisite 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom retreat nestled in the heart of Seacrest Beach. Completed in 2020, this thoughtfully designed sanctuary exudes warmth and sophistication, making it the perfect escape for multi-generational gatherings, a private coastal haven, or a lucrative investment opportunity.Through grand French doors, you're welcomed into an
NEW 24K Price Improvement! Discover your slice of paradise with this delightful studio unit at The Inn at Seacrest Beach. Perfect for a cozy getaway, this ground-floor end unit offers everything you need for a relaxing escape. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also on this level. Ideally suited for two, the unit features a queen-sized bed, a brand-new flatscreen TV and a kitchenette equipped
Located near Rosemary Beach, The Lofts at Seacrest Beach offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy spacious, modern apartments with easy access to beautiful beaches and local attractions. Whether relaxing by the pool or exploring the vibrant surroundings, this community offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for those seeking a laid-back coastal lifestyle. With well-designed spaces and
Welcome to your coastal dream getaway! This newly refurbished house is a hidden gem nestled between the charming communities of Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach. Embracing the laid-back Florida lifestyle, this delightful property offers the perfect blend of comfort and beach-side living.Step onto the inviting wrap-around porch, where swings and rocking chairs await, ready to cradle you as
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dana Ford,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,979
Median Age
56
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$105,603
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$127,462
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
72.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.7%
% Population in Labor Force
32.4%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
61''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
