‘Hamptons of the South’ known for its scenic stretch of beaches attracts influx of homebuyers
A beautiful 26-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast known as 30A is often called the “Hamptons of the South” because it attracts a large influx of home buyers.
This tranquil slice of paradise has become America’s newest luxury hotspot, attracting wealthy buyers from as far away as Chicago and Montana.
This once-hidden strip of beaches, home to picturesque towns like Rosemary Beach and Seaside, features Caribbean waters, powdery white sand and classic Southern charm.
Local realtor Beau Blankenship highlighted the dramatic change that has taken place in recent years.
“Now you see people from the Northeast, people from the West, Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado,” he told Business Insider.
A beautiful 26-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast known as 30A is sometimes called the “Hamptons of the South” because it attracts an influx of home buyers
Picturesque street scene in Alys Beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast
The area’s popularity has sent home prices skyrocketing, with the median home price rising from $1.1 million in 2019 to a staggering $3 million this year in Rosemary Beach (Pictured: Rosemary Beach, Florida’s Gulf Coast Main Street)
In 2023, peak season visitor spending increased by $500 million compared to 2019, he explained.
“Ten years ago, those visitors were coming from Southern cities that were easy to get to, like Atlanta and Nashville,” he added. “Now you’re seeing people from the Northeast, people from the West, from Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado.”
The area’s popularity has sent home prices skyrocketing, with the median home price rising from $1.1 million in 2019 to a staggering $3 million this year in Rosemary Beach.
Rosemary Beach is a popular, upscale beach community with a European feel, complete with plenty of dining and shopping options, and is located just off the scenic Highway 30A.
Luxury vacation rentals are now also charging up to $2,500 per night (Photo: Fort Pierce, Florida)
Sunset on a boardwalk leading to Rosemary Beach
The pandemic accelerated this trend, with Florida’s early reopening attracting people seeking sunny locations from lockdown states. (Pictured: Luxury homes and condos in Alys Beach, Florida)
A row of homes overlooking the afternoon sun in Rosemary Beach, Florida
Luxury vacation rentals are now also charging prices as high as $2,500 per night.
Kemp Stewart, a luxury rental property owner, witnessed the transformation
“There were a couple of empty lots and then a house surrounded by trees and shrubs,” he told Business Insider. “And then all of a sudden you’d see individual developments of monster homes on the beach.”
The pandemic has accelerated this trend, with Florida’s early reopening drawing people seeking sunny locations from lockdown states.
Steward claims its appeal has remained the same.
“This is a place where families can go on holiday and meet each other in one of the most beautiful settings in the world,” he said.