Moving To Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Guide

Photo by Todd Trapani on Unsplash

Moving to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is an exciting prospect for many seeking coastal living. Known for its stunning emerald waters and white-sand beaches, this area offers a unique lifestyle that balances relaxation and active community engagement. 

With its natural beauty and proximity to major cities like Destin and Panama City Beach, it’s no wonder Santa Rosa Beach is increasingly becoming a top choice for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

Location and Geography

Santa Rosa Beach is a picturesque coastal community located in South Walton County along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Its geography is defined by the stunning white sand beaches and emerald-green waters that stretch for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. 

This area is part of the Choctawhatchee Bay, providing a scenic blend of coastal and bay environments. Geographically, Santa Rosa Beach sits at an elevation of about 13 feet above sea level, and its central location along U.S. Route 98 makes it easily accessible to neighboring destinations like Destin and Panama City Beach.

Housing Market

The housing market in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, continues to reflect its desirability as a coastal destination, with a mix of luxury and more affordable real estate options. As of mid-2024, the median home price in the area is approximately $963,247, showing a slight year-over-year increase of 5.3%. 

Despite the demand for beachfront and vacation properties, some price adjustments have occurred, with homes being sold for an average of 3-7% below the listing price, depending on the property’s location and amenities. This indicates a moderately competitive market, particularly for high-end homes.

The variety of homes available ranges from beachfront estates to inland single-family homes. For instance, properties closer to the beach in neighborhoods like Seaside and WaterColor are typically priced above $1 million, with some recent sales reaching $1.4 million. 

However, buyers can also find more affordable options in other parts of Santa Rosa Beach, such as homes listed at $495,000 to $585,000 for two- or three-bedroom properties. While the market is stabilizing in some areas, it remains a seller’s market, especially for homes with premium locations or unique features.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is notably higher than both state and national averages, driven primarily by the high cost of housing. The overall cost of living index in Santa Rosa Beach is 124.6, which is 24.6% above the U.S. average and 20.9% higher than the Florida average. 

Housing plays a significant role in this disparity, with the median home price around $931,000, which is substantially higher than the national average of $338,100. Renters in Santa Rosa Beach can expect to pay about $1,660 per month for a two-bedroom unit, a rate that is above both state and national averages.

Other living expenses, such as groceries and utilities, also contribute to the higher cost of living. Groceries are about 8% more expensive than the national average, and utilities are slightly elevated due to the area’s hot and humid climate. 

While transportation costs are lower than the state average, the overall premium cost of living in Santa Rosa Beach reflects its popularity as a high-end coastal destination. 

To live comfortably in the area, a family would need an estimated annual income of $178,560, which further highlights the financial demands of residing in this scenic beach town.

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

The job market in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, remains robust with a range of opportunities spanning multiple sectors. As a popular tourist destination, the local economy heavily relies on the hospitality and service industries, which continue to provide steady employment. 

Jobs in customer service, retail, and food services are abundant, with many offering competitive hourly wages between $15 and $22, depending on experience and job responsibilities. 

Additionally, tourism-related roles, such as park rangers and guest services in local resorts and beaches, contribute to the steady influx of seasonal and full-time jobs.

Moreover, the healthcare and education sectors are showing growth, with positions available for registered nurses, occupational therapists, and teachers. 

Registered nurses, for instance, can earn between $26 and $28 per hour, reflecting the demand for medical professionals in the area. 

There are also numerous opportunities in technical fields such as automotive and maintenance roles, with salaries ranging from $19 to $43 per hour, depending on the job complexity and experience. 

Overall, the employment outlook for Santa Rosa Beach offers diverse career paths with room for advancement across various industries.

Schools and Education

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers a high standard of education with several top-ranked schools. The area’s public schools excel in both math and reading proficiency, surpassing state averages. 

Notable institutions include Seaside Neighborhood School and South Walton High School. Seaside Neighborhood School, a charter school for grades 5 through 12, boasts impressive proficiency rates, with 97% in math and 89% in reading, placing it in the top 1% of schools statewide. 

South Walton High School, serving grades 9-12, maintains a strong academic performance with math proficiency at 66% and reading at 74%. The high school also has a graduation rate of over 99%, far exceeding Florida’s average.

Healthcare Facilities

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers a range of healthcare facilities, with a particular focus on senior care and specialized medical services. 

Facilities like Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach provide assisted living and memory care, combining high-quality personal care with an engaging lifestyle. 

This award-winning community, located near the Emerald Coast, partners with the Sacred Heart Health System to offer on-site wellness services, making healthcare easily accessible for residents. Memory care costs in Santa Rosa Beach average around $5,876 per month, slightly above nearby regions like Destin.

Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities that cater to both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. 

Grayton Beach State Park, one of the area’s most popular destinations, spans over 2,000 acres and features pristine white sand beaches, coastal dune lakes, and a 4-mile trail perfect for hiking, bird watching, and nature walks. 

Visitors can also enjoy fishing, paddling, and camping, with options to stay overnight in cabins close to the beach. The park’s diverse landscapes, including scrub oaks and magnolias, offer a rich environment for wildlife viewing.

Cultural and Social Activities

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is a hub for cultural and social activities, attracting both locals and tourists with its vibrant art scene and community events. One of the most popular annual events is the Flutterby Arts Festival, celebrating the migration of the Monarch Butterfly with a mix of children’s art activities, live performances, and a butterfly parade. 

The festival also features a curated professional artist market, providing a space for local artists to showcase their work. This free event, hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, reflects the community’s commitment to art and culture while fostering family-friendly activities.

Dining and Entertainment

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, boasts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, offering a mix of casual eateries, fine dining, and live music venues. 

One of the standout restaurants is Vue on 30A, which pairs spectacular oceanfront views with a menu featuring dishes like Pistachio-Crusted Grouper and Crab Cake Benedict. 

It’s a prime spot for brunch, lunch, or sunset dinners, ensuring diners enjoy both their meal and the stunning surroundings. 

Additionally, Seaside Airstream Row is a unique collection of food trucks offering everything from BBQ to artisanal grilled cheeses, making it a great option for casual bites and people-watching in the heart of Seaside.

Climate and Weather

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout much of the year. Summers are hot, with the warmest months being July and August, where average highs reach around 88°F (31°C). 

During these months, visitors and residents can expect frequent rain showers, as August is the wettest month, receiving over 4.8 inches (123 mm) of rainfall. The summer season also brings high humidity levels, contributing to a heat index that can make it feel even hotter. However, afternoon rainstorms often provide some relief from the intense summer heat.

Moving Tips for Santa Rosa Beach

When planning a move to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition. First, start by researching the various neighborhoods in the area, each offering its unique charm. 

Whether you’re looking for beachfront properties or more secluded inland communities, it’s essential to find the right fit for your lifestyle. 

For instance, areas like Gulf Place and Blue Mountain Beach are popular for their proximity to the water and local attractions. 

It’s also important to create a comprehensive moving plan, including timelines and checklists for notifying utility companies, forwarding mail, and hiring movers.

Hiring a reliable moving company is especially beneficial when relocating to Santa Rosa Beach. Not only can they transport your belongings with care, but many local movers are also familiar with the area and can provide helpful advice about settling in. 

From packing tips to navigating the beachside roads, professional movers in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida make the transition smoother, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new coastal lifestyle. 

Additionally, if you’re moving during peak seasons, booking moving services early is recommended, as the area attracts many newcomers, particularly during the spring and summer months.