Relocating to Santa Rosa Beach | Scenic Sotheby's International Realty

Northwest Florida has become one of the Southeast’s most prized coastal markets. A majority of buyers arrive searching for second-home opportunities and investment properties, but a rising number of people are coming to South Walton County to live on a permanent basis, specifically in the various communities of Santa Rosa Beach.

Homeowners interested in relocating to Santa Rosa Beach do so because of the strong sense of community—the region is comprised of real towns and neighborhoods that create an environment that encourages residents to plant new roots. From traditional Old Florida beach enclaves to private luxury communities and New Urbanism towns like Seaside and WaterColor, there’s no shortage of eclectic, diverse and charismatic locations to call home.

Things to Know

Schools

Santa Rosa Beach addresses lie within the Walton County School District, including two elementary schools, one middle school, and South Walton High School. The Seaside Neighborhood School, a charter school located in Seaside that’s ranked among the top 10 middle schools in Florida, serves grades 5-12 and accepts applications from early January through late March each year. Seacoast Collegiate High School, an extension of the charter school, opened to grades 9-12 in 2013.

Arts & Culture

Santa Rosa Beach possesses one of Northwest Florida’s most vibrant and respected art communities. It’s impossible not to partake of the local creative scene in some way with over three-dozen galleries, artist studios, shops and boutiques located throughout the area’s villages and neighborhoods.

Dog Parks

For dog lovers, Alaqua Unleashed Bark Park is a popular wooded two-acre dog park with running water and a sitting deck for owners.

Gyms & Fitness

Whether it’s running on the beach, biking, paddling or hiking through state parks, outdoor fitness is a big part of the Santa Rosa Beach lifestyle. More specific, program-based exercise can be found at four primary indoor fitness centers—Momentum Crossfit, Warrior Fitness, Grayton Beach Fitness and WaterColor Workout. Santa Rosa Beach also offers several bike rental stores, including Big Daddy’s Bike Rentals and YOLO Board + Bike, as well as numerous paddle board, scuba, kayak and surf stores for ocean aficionados.

Golf & Tennis

Santa Rosa Beach Golf & Beach Club was designed and opened in 1971 by architect Tom Jackson, two years before he built the original course at Sandestin. Beginning and ending a mere 150 yards from the gulf, the lovely, mature course stretches into undeveloped sections of forest giving golfers a sense of near total isolation. Memberships to the private Beach Club are available, featuring waterfront fine dining and a large beachfront pool. Those who love tennis may consider property at Seaside and WaterColor, where they can access those community’s upscale private clubs and courts.