Living the Dream on 30A

Newman-Dailey Real Estate Sales Agent Mark DeSalvo Shares Insight into living along Scenic Highway 30A

"Much has been said, and most likely written, about life on 30-A. Many people only visit the area for a few days to a week, or even a few months, either staying in a 30-A vacation rental or in their own second home but are only here for a short duration. We have lived here full-time for over a dozen years and have seen a lot of happenings. 

We remember when there wasn't a Publix anywhere near 30-A . Yes, we would drive to Destin at Paradise Key or to Winn Dixie in Miramar Beach to buy groceries. Need something from Wal-Mart or forget an item? it was back to Destin again. There were fewer people but fewer places to get your essentials. When we moved here, Hwy 98 was just a two lane, non-divided highway from Sandestin to Panama City. There was no hospital in South Walton. You would have to drive to DeFuniak Springs or Fort Walton Beach for medical treatment, and there was no convenient place to buy your pet food.  

Today, South Walton enjoys many conveniences. We have multiple Publix grocery stores and even one in Freeport, Florida. There is shopping galore in South Walton with new retailers opening regularly in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and now in Inlet Beach. The South Walton Wal-Mart (affectionately called small-Mart in our house) may not have everything the giant box stores have but it has the essentials you need. Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast gives us first-class medical care by having a world-class hospital and many doctors’ offices right in our backyard. We have always had many places of worship and no matter your faith or beliefs, they welcome all and serve as the bedrock of our community.   

There are many new subdivisions under construction all over South Walton. Some are south of Hwy 98 and closer to the beach, while others are north of Hwy 98 and closer to the Choctawhatchee Bay. Take your pick and pursue your dream. I have been selling property in South Walton and north of the Bay in Freeport for almost two decades. It’s our home and I’ve enjoyed the area’s growth and evolution. With more places to shop, eat, and explore, it makes life more convenient and enjoyable. 

Sure, Walton County is going through growing pains. In any economic expansion, you can expect challenges and bumps on the road to positive growth. For those of us who call this area home, we hope that new members of our community participate and bring new ideas to the local leaders to make our community better. If you see a need, we encourage you to work on a solution or start a business to fill that gap. Most of us come from different parts of the country but we are a melting pot of people and cultures. We invite you to join our community and help us make it better for all. It’s not just our community, it can be yours too!"

This blog was conributed by Real Estate Agent Mark DeSalvo.  

Looking to purchase a piece of paradise and make South Walton your home or second home? View recent real estate listings online at DestinSales.com. 

Want to learn more about the 30A and Destin real estate market, contact Mark DeSalvo via email at [email protected] or call our office at 1-800-225-7652.

Not ready to make a real estate purchase? Take a 30A vacation instead. View our collection of 30A vacation rentals or Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. 

See you @ the beach!