Meet the Underrated Areas of 30A
Why Everyone Looks at Seaside, Rosemary, and WaterColor
Let’s be honest, when people think of 30A, they picture the iconic spots: pastel-colored homes in Seaside, luxury in Rosemary, and the master-planned beauty of WaterColor. These areas are stunning, no doubt. But there’s a quieter movement happening just down the road, and the smartest buyers have already started paying attention.
But Savvy Buyers Are Looking Elsewhere
Tucked between the headline-making beach towns are communities that don’t get the Instagram spotlight, but they do offer privacy, space, nature, and the kind of long-term value that’s hard to find these days. Enter: Eastern Lake and Point Washington.
Eastern Lake - Serenity Meets Smart Investment
Photo courtesy of SoWal.com
What Makes Eastern Lake Special
Eastern Lake is one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes, an ecological treasure you can paddle, fish, or just admire from your porch. Homes in this area hug the edge of the lake or are tucked into the surrounding woodlands, offering a blend of natural beauty and walkability to the beach.
Proximity to Both Beach and Nature
The real win here? You’re just minutes from 30A’s beachfront, yet you’re surrounded by cypress trees and bird songs instead of crowds and traffic. It’s the best of both worlds, an outdoor-lover’s dream, with kayaking, biking, and even beach access right down the road.
Point Washington: Quiet, Wooded, and Wildly Overlooked
The Best Kept Secret Just Off 30A
Drive 5 minutes north of Seagrove or Seaside and you’ll find Point Washington, a sleepy, wooded neighborhood that’s long been home to locals and savvy early investors. With big lots, low-key charm, and Bay access nearby, it’s one of the best values in the area.
Room to Grow (Literally)
Unlike beachside communities where homes are practically stacked on top of one another, Point Washington offers room to breathe. It’s common to find half-acre to acre lots, no HOA, and space for a workshop, boat, or guest cottage. Builders love it. So do families.
Why These Areas Are Gaining Steam
Buyers Want Space and Peace Again
Post-pandemic, buyers are craving space, flexibility, and a stronger connection to nature. Eastern Lake and Point Washington deliver all three, without sacrificing access to 30A fun. It’s less about the hustle and more about lifestyle.
Pricing Compared to Other 30A Spots
While beachfront homes in Seaside can easily run $5M+, homes in Eastern Lake or Point Washington may start around $800K to $1.5M with land opportunities even lower. That’s a significant price difference for areas that offer long-term livability and growth.
Local Lifestyle Perks Without the Noise
Access to Trails, Lakes, and Less Crowded Beaches
These neighborhoods border Grayton Beach State Park, Point Washington State Forest, and several hidden beach accesses. Want to paddle a dune lake in the morning, hit a secluded beach in the afternoon, and avoid the tourist crowd altogether? This is where you do it.
Still Close to Restaurants and Hotspots
Despite the quiet setting, you’re still within 10-15 minutes of popular spots like The Hub, Old Florida Fish House, and even Seaside. You get the best parts of 30A , with none of the chaos.
Who’s Moving In, And Why They’re Staying
Young Families, Investors, and Second Home Buyers
We’re seeing an uptick in families who want a full-time residence, investors looking for future value, and second-home buyers who want peace over prestige. These aren’t people chasing the scene, they’re looking for roots.
Community Vibe Without the HOA Hassle
Many homes here are outside of HOAs, which means freedom, to build what you want, rent how you want (with proper permits), and avoid high dues. It’s more old-school Florida than master-planned suburbia.
Real Estate Inventory - Rare, but Rewarding
Why You Have to Act Fast When Something Hits the Market
Inventory in both areas stays tight. There’s limited space to build, and most people who buy here tend to stay. When something does become available, it often goes quickly, especially land or remodeled homes under $1.2M.
Long-Term Potential and Appreciation
As 30A continues to grow, these pockets are getting more attention, but they’re still undervalued relative to the coast. That spells opportunity, especially for buyers who don’t mind being a little under-the-radar.
Is This the Right Area for You?
Buyers Who Will Love It
If you’re looking for charm, space, trees, quiet, and natural beauty, Eastern Lake or Point Washington could be perfect. You’ll love it if you’d rather kayak than cocktail-hop, or if you want your dog to roam your backyard, not a postage-stamp-sized patio.
Those Who May Want to Stick Closer to the Beachfront Buzz
If walkability to coffee shops, live music, and a social scene are your top priorities, these spots might feel a bit too sleepy. But for everyone else? They’re gold.
Final Thoughts: The Opportunity Most People Overlook
While the rest of the market rushes to the hotspots, the wise ones are quietly planting flags in places like Eastern Lake and Point Washington. These areas might not dominate your Instagram feed, but they’re exactly the kind of neighborhoods buyers look back on and say, “I’m so glad we bought when we did.”
FAQs About Eastern Lake and Point Washington
1. Can you do short-term rentals in Eastern Lake and Point Washington? Yes, though local regulations vary. Some areas are more rental-friendly than others, so it’s best to check with your agent.
2. What kind of properties are available? You’ll find a mix, from older cottages and modern new builds to vacant land. Lot sizes tend to be larger than in most 30A communities.
3. Is it safe to live there full-time? Absolutely. Both areas have a strong local presence and are considered peaceful, safe places to live year-round.
4. How far are these areas from the beach? Eastern Lake offers walkable beach access, while Point Washington is usually a short drive or bike ride from the nearest beach or boat launch.
5. Are there any future developments planned in these areas? Growth is happening slowly and intentionally, with more interest from builders and buyers each year. Expect values to rise as demand increases.
Curious About These Hidden Gems? Let The Bobby J Team show you what the rest of the market is missing. From off-market opportunities to local insight, we’ll help you find your place in the quieter corners of 30A.
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