Slices of 30A: Your 30A & South Walton Real Estate Blog | Page #3

Free Park Access Is Back This Summer in Walton County!

Whether you're a long-time local or a first-time visitor, here's some sunny news to kick off your summer: Walton County Tourism is once again covering the day-use admission fees for both Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park—from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Free access isn't a new initiative, but it's one that's become a beloved summer tradition. The complimentary admission program continues to connect people with the natural beauty that defines South Walton.

What's Covered?

  • Free day-use entry
  • At Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks
  • During regular park hours (typically 8 a.m. to sunset)
  • From Saturday, May 24 through…

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Explore 30A Market Trends For Median-Priced Homes

If you've been keeping an eye on the 30A real estate market—or just wondering if now is the right time to buy or sell—here's a quick look at what's been happening with median-priced homes along our stretch of the coast.

Prices Are Up, But…

Yes, prices have been trending upward since 2023. That's the headline—but it's only part of the story. While the overall price tags on median-priced homes are still on the rise, we're beginning to see a softening in the cost per square foot. This subtle shift could indicate that buyers are getting a little more for their money—or that sellers are making slight adjustments in pricing strategy as the market finds its balance.

Inventory & Sales: Holding…

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New Recommendations Released for the Plan for Walton 2040

The momentum continues with Plan for Walton 2040, and even more detailed recommendations are now available. In addition to transportation and land use strategies, Walton County and DPZ CoDesign have released in-depth proposals covering housing, recreation, and coastal management and conservation. These newly published documents aim to address some of the county’s most pressing challenges while preserving the character and natural beauty that define the region.

  • Housing Recommendations focus on expanding attainable housing options, promoting a variety of housing types, and ensuring responsible growth patterns that reflect the community’s needs.

  • Recreation Recommendations…

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What’s Happening on 30A: May 15 - June 15, 2025

Digital Graffiti

May 16-17, 2025

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach transforms the town into a vibrant outdoor gallery where cutting-edge digital technology brings art to life on its iconic white walls. This unique art festival features a nearly one-mile-long exhibition trail through the New Urbanist community, providing a striking backdrop for the nighttime event. Approximately 70 artworks will be displayed, ranging from juried submissions by international artists to pieces by Residency Artists and emerging talents, illuminating architectural facades, pathways, and landscapes. The event melds art, technology, and architecture, celebrating the synthesis of these elements in a spectacular display.

…

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Art Month is Back—and It’s Bigger Than Ever!

Every May, Walton County turns into a creative wonderland—and 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting yet! Art Month Walton County is back, thanks to the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and Visit South Walton, with a packed schedule of over 50 events celebrating the arts in all their forms.

From live music and theater to digital art and storytelling, something is happening almost every day—and everyone’s getting involved: artists, performers, businesses, and community members.

At the April 22 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed May as Art Month Walton County, showing continued support for local artists and creative growth in our community. As CAA President and CEO…

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Thinking of Selling Your Home Off-Market?

In today's competitive real estate landscape, the allure of selling your home privately—often referred to as an "off-market" or "pocket listing"—can be tempting. You may want to avoid a flood of showings, or you may not be quite ready to fully "go public," or you may believe your agent already has the perfect buyer lined up. However, recent research shows that private listings and off-market sales often come at a hidden cost.

A comprehensive analysis by Zillow showed that between 2023 and 2024, sellers who chose not to list their properties on the MLS sold for 1.5% less than their MLS-listed counterparts.

By limiting a property's exposure, sellers reduce the competitive bidding environment that…

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PGA Tour Event One Step Closer to Sandestin

A new kind of September buzz could be heading to Walton County — and it has nothing to do with the usual back-to-school shuffle or the first signs of fall.

This month, the Walton County Tourist Development Council gave a unanimous thumbs-up to explore a partnership with the PGA Tour, aiming to bring a professional golf tournament to Sandestin as early as 2026. The event would land squarely in the shoulder season, offering a much-needed boost for local businesses during one of the quietest times of year.

The plan now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. If approved, the tournament could anchor several years of new September excitement, filling hotel rooms, keeping hospitality…

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Walton County Invites Public Input for "Plan for Walton 2040"

Big decisions are on the horizon for Walton County, and local residents and business owners now have the opportunity to help shape the future.

A new planning initiative called "Plan for Walton 2040"  is underway. Its goal is to guide future growth and development throughout the County while gathering community input to ensure that Walton's unique character—ranging from its beach towns to rural farmland—is preserved as the area evolves.

The County has partnered with DPZ CoDesign, a planning firm with strong ties to Walton County, including its early work on Seaside and Rosemary Beach. Over the coming months, this team will blend community feedback with expert analysis to create a…

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No matter how you choose to spend your spring days, 30A and South Walton offer endless ways to make new memories — from scenic festivals and family-friendly fun to one-of-a-kind local traditions. Be sure to check event details before you go, and keep an eye out for even more coastal happenings as the season unfolds. See you out there!

Good Friday Concert | Alys Beach
  • Friday, April 18

Enjoy a Good Friday Concert with Soul Sensations in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre, 6–8 pm. Bring low-back chairs and blankets!

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt | Camp Helen at Inlet Beach
  • Saturday, April 19, 10-2

The 2025 Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, presented by The Friends of Camp Helen State Park will be Saturday, April 19. Guests are encouraged to…

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Which Remodel Projects Rank Highest for Value & Satisfaction?

Whether you own a beach cottage in Seagrove or a bayfront retreat in Santa Rosa Beach, remodeling your second home isn't just about boosting resale value—it's about enhancing enjoyment during your time there and maximizing appeal when it's on the rental market.

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Americans invested an estimated $603 billion in home remodeling projects in 2024 alone. So, what projects are worth your time and money?

High-Impact Projects with Big Returns

Some renovations don't just feel good—they pay off. The top three remodeling projects that received a…

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