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3 Florida Towns Are Among The Best To Buy A Beach House

With schools out for summer, it’s that time of year when we retreat to the shorelines. For some people, this means heading to their vacation home, while others may still…

Colorful beach homes in a row along white sand in Destin, Florida.
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With schools out for summer, it's that time of year when we retreat to the shorelines. For some people, this means heading to their vacation home, while others may still be on the hunt for that perfect escape. Either way, three Florida towns were recently named among the best towns to buy a beach house.

To assist those searching for waterfront property, Vacasa recently published their annual list that details the ten best places in the country to buy a beach house.

Their methodology was "based on highest cap rates, or yearly rate of return on investment using both Vacasa’s proprietary and market data."

There are a few variables in what you look for in the beach you frequent. While convenience is high on the list, sometimes people seek out a quiet area of soft sand to relax.  Others look for beaches that have comfortable waters, activities for kids, and great food options close by. The Florida towns featured cover all those requirements.

#7 Destin

This Panhandle area is filled with golf courses. Vacasa points out that "about 62% of overnight visitors book their stays at vacation homes and condos." That may be because of the many activities available to kids. For example, there are waterparks, boardwalks, and miles of white beaches along the gulf. The median home sale price listed is $525,000.

#4 Palm Coast Florida

Palm Coast has the luxury of being in the middle of St. Augustine and Daytona Beach along A1A. Furthermore, it also offers wildlife adventures, about a dozen trails to explore, and ten golf courses. The median home sale price listed is $345,000.

#3 Navarre

Coincidentally, Navarre is about 25 miles west of Destin and 25 miles east of Pensacola. The difference here is that Navarre has a more a of a quiet and laid back vibe to its everyday living. Their bike path is a great example. Its 3.6 miles is described by Traillink as, "a low-stress way to travel along Gulf Boulevard/ CR 399." Nonetheless, its median home sale price listed is $370,000.

Honorable Mention - 30A

30A refers to a "collection of sun-kissed beach towns nestled along Scenic Highway 30A, between Destin and Panama," we'll mention this general area on its own. Whether you are searching in Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Aly’s or Santa Rosa Beach, the median sale price listed in this area is $640,300.

5 Florida Beaches Named the Best ‘Secret Beaches’ in America

Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.

If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.

As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.

If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.

Shell Key Preserve

Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.

Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.

Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."

Source

This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.