Many people are motivated to purchase waterfront property along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Fortunately, the Destin, Florida area is home to some of the most diverse waterways located within a relatively small geographic region, providing many opportunities for owning waterfront real estate in the Destin area.
From the vibrant emerald-green Gulf waters to lakes, bays, inter-coastal waterways, and streams, the diversity of waterways of Northwest Florida makes it easy to find the perfect waterfront real estate investment.
With miles of sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters, it is no wonder why home buyers are drawn to own a beachfront property and enjoy a front-row seat to view this extraordinarily beautiful stretch of coastline. The area’s soft white beaches are due to 300 million years of geographical change in which quartz crystals from the Appalachian Mountains flowed down to rest along the Emerald Coast’s sandy shores. The quartz “sandy bottom” of the Gulf reflects the light in a way that illuminates the Gulf in many shades of blue and green. Beachfront property along Scenic Highway 30A, Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar Beach and Crystal Beach as well as Destin, Noriega Point, Fort Walton Beach and Navarre provide ample opportunities for Gulf-front property.
Located in both Okaloosa and Walton County and covering 334 square miles, the Choctawhatchee Bay provides miles of waterfront real estate opportunities. A vast network of river systems connect and flow directly into the Choctawhatchee Bay. The Bay is connected to the Gulf by the East Pass in Destin, providing fishermen direct access to many species. The salty Gulf waters flow into the Bay during high tide surrounding the infamous “Crab Island,” a submerged sandbar that creates a fun coastal experience for boaters. Living along the Bay offers many opportunities for fishing and exploration. In addition to the Choctawhatchee Bay, other bays along the Florida Panhandle that offer waterfront living, include Pensacola Bay, West Bay, St. Andrew Bay, East Bay, St. Joseph Bay, and Apalachicola Bay.
Located along Scenic Highway 30A, coastal dune lakes are rare geological feature that occurs in only four countries globally. Northwest Florida is one of two domestic states (Florida & Oregon) where this phenomenon can be found. With 19 lakes, South Walton is home to the largest concentration of coastal dune lakes in the world. Following heavy rains, these lakes may breach the beach and the fresh water openly pours into the Gulf. This is defined as an “outfall” of the lake. This water exchange results in brackish water (both fresh and saltwater) that becomes a rare habitat for both fresh water and saltwater species. Many beautiful homes located by the dune lakes offer a bird’s eye view when the outfall occurs.
In Florida, “River Life” is as prominent as “Salt Life” for the locals who live, work, and play in Northwest Florida. The Choctawhatchee River is Florida’s third-largest river system and is approximately 141 miles long. This river boasts 13 springs and 6 major tributaries—all ultimately flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Other notable river systems in Northwest Florida include the Indian River, Cypress River, Chipola River, Ochlocknee River, and the Apalachicola River.
Northwest Florida boasts one of the largest concentrations of natural springs in the Southeastern United States. This offers adventure seekers many opportunities to commune with nature by way of swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving, and cave diving. Homes near the springs enjoy access to this natural resource and the flora and fauna it sustains. Some of the natural springs in the area include: Jackson, Blue Spring, Merritt’s Mill Pond, Morrison Springs, Pitt & Sylvan Springs, Ponce De Leon Springs, Vortex Springs, and Cypress Springs.
There is no doubt about it, Florida is a great place to find waterfront real estate opportunities for nature lovers. It’s no surprise that many are choosing to purchase real estate and relocate to the Destin area. It is the dream of many people to live with a view of the water, and Northwest Florida delivers many options. Pro Tip: investigate insurance coverage options for any property prior to purchase. Rates vary depending on location, proximity to the water, and flood zones. A professional Realtor® can help advise you on trusted local sources for many services including insurance, mortgage lending, title company, surveyor, and property inspection, among others.
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has been managing real estate transactions on the Emerald Coast since 1985. Our boutique real estate agency located in Miramar Beach, Florida is comprised of local agents who pride themselves on their ability to provide their clients with an expert understanding of the area and market values. Our team consistently ranks in the top 10% of agents in Emerald Coast Association of Realtors®. As experts in real estate investment strategies, we are efficient in handling transactions whether it be your full-time residence, second home, investment property, or vacation rental investment. View recent real estate listings here or contact us at 850-837-1071 to buy or sell your dream home in Northwest Florida.
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