10 Things to Know Before Moving to Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Santa Rosa Beach, which is now part of South Walton along Miramar Beach, was the first beach town development in the area when it was established in 1910. 

Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect realization of the beach life that so many people fantasize of. This is a pleasant area to live in because of its small-town atmosphere. You can get to know your neighbors through a variety of fun events. You can take part in the weekly farmer’s market, sign up for a book club, enroll your kids in an art class, go for a run, and much more.

Let’s talk about ten things to know before moving to Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

1. Living and housing costs are higher than the national average

There’s no getting around the reality that housing costs in Santa Rosa Beach are high. Real estate costs are about twice the U.S. average, which is the primary factor. That amounts to a median price of $979,000 for a property in Santa Rosa Beach. When put next to the national average of $428,000, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, is not a cheap place to buy a property. 

The cost of living index is 144, 44% higher than the national average. 

2.  The city has stunning beaches

Santa Rosa Beach’s most notable feature is, of course, its beaches. They are stunning, with powdery white beaches, azure oceans, and all the comforts of home. Santa Rosa Beach, like most Florida beaches, does not charge admission and provides visitors with free parking, changing rooms, and showers. An example is Blue Mountain Beach.

The convenience of having several eateries and convenience stores so close to the beach makes it easy for the ordinary Santa Rosa Beach resident to spend the day basking in the sun. This is the life, right here by the water!

3. Live at Four Mile Village or Forest Lakes

There is something for everyone in Santa Rosa Beach, whether it’s a luxury community, a family-friendly complex, or a cheap condo for a weekend escape. 

Some of the more notable Santa Rosa Beach neighborhoods include Four Mile Village, Forest Lakes, Sanctuary by the Sea, Sanctuary at Redfish, Redfish Village, Gulf Place, Prominence, and Dune Allen Beach.

4. Visit Eden Gardens State Park or Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Santa Rosa Beach boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery anywhere, thanks to its location on the Gulf of Mexico. The many state parks in the region are great places to take in the scenery and enjoy some time outside.

Located in Eden Gardens State Park is a beautifully restored Wesley home from the 19th century. Beautiful decorative gardens and moss-covered live oak trees frame this stately home.

White sand beaches stretching for miles can be seen in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Some of the park’s dunes are over 25 feet tall, making them a sight to behold. Biking, walking, swimming, and shore fishing for bass, bream, and catfish are all possible there.

Natural communities such as sandhills, cypress swamps, and basin swamps can be seen when riding or hiking on the forest’s 10 miles of trails at Point Washington State Forest. The length of these trails is being increased, and over 27 miles of trails will be available after construction is finished.

5. It rains a lot

A subtropical climate with hot summers and moderate winters characterizes Santa Rosa Beach, which is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Expect average highs of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and about 45 degrees Fahrenheit on the coldest winter nights. 

Seasonal warmth and low humidity are two of the region’s most defining characteristics. Usually bright and sunny during the summer months, winters are typically cloudier. The average annual rainfall is 66 inches, with most precipitation occurring between June and September.

6. The crime rate is lower than the national average

In terms of both violent and property crimes, Santa Rosa Beach’s rate is significantly lower than the national average. At 25.3, the violent crime rate in this area is lower than the national average by 2.4 points, which sits at 22.7. 

Crime against property is also lower than average, at 32.9 compared to 35.4 nationwide. While there is still the occasional case of violence or property crime, Santa Rosa Beach is generally safer than many other places in the United States.

7. Eat at Blue Mabel’s or Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant

There are a ton of places available for people to eat and satisfy their taste buds at Santa Rosa Beach.

Stunning architecture and upscale food offer something for everyone at Blue Mabel’s. Diners have the option of sitting indoors during colder months or outside during warmer months.

If you’re in search of genuine Mexican cuisine in the Santa Rosa Beach neighborhood, look no further than the locally and family-owned Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant.

8. The city is home to The Underwater Museum of Art

Santa Rosa Beach is home to a one-of-a-kind museum that requires a certain level of expertise to access, but it deserves recognition for its rarity and importance.

The Underwater Museum of Art is a permanent sculpture park located 58 feet below the ocean’s surface, as suggested by the name.

Visitors to the museum off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park on the island of Emile must be certified divers due to the exhibit’s depth.

9. A low unemployment rate

Residents in Santa Rosa Beach will find it easy to find work in the area. The local work market is robust, with a forecast increase of 43%. And the unemployment rate here at 3.4% is lower than the 3.6% average nationally. 

These encouraging trends in job development and low unemployment rates suggest that residents of Santa Rosa Beach won’t have any trouble securing gainful employment when the time comes.

10. A quality healthcare system

Every member of the Santa Rosa Beach community cares deeply about the residents’ health. Every person’s healthcare needs can be met by one of the area’s many excellent hospitals and medical centers. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Eglin Air Force Base Hospital, and Sacred Heart South Walton Hospital are some of these facilities. 

When it comes to primary care and preventative services like immunizations, there are plenty of local clinics and pharmacies to choose from. The high quality of medical treatment provided to Santa Rosa Beach residents is made possible by the city’s convenient proximity to first-rate medical facilities and other resources.

In Conclusion

Santa Rosa Beach is a luxurious beach town with a lot going on for it; a sound healthcare system, a safe community, stunning beaches, and a variety of places to explore. However, keep in mind that the city has a high cost of living, and it rains a lot here.