Here you go folks… my picks… the HD Beach Style, Top 3 Residential Communities on 30A West!
1 – Draper Lake Coastal Village –a private gated development comprised of two magnificent wooded peninsulas separated by a tributary to Draper Lake, a special Coastal Dune Lake found along the Florida Panhandle. The lake fronts the Gulf of Mexico beach and is connected to the Gulf through a dune opening. The community land located within the first 100 feet from the lake’s edge is protected from development, providing pedestrian access to the water through winding nature and hiking trails.
Draper Lake boasts a unique natural environment featuring a protected ecosystem harboring unique flora, fauna, and marine life, surrounding live oaks and pine forests, and an immediate proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This single family residential community of 96 lots includes two community pools, boat houses that provide access to the coastal dune lake and the Gulf, via kayak, canoe or paddle board, and a 48 foot observation tower. Pedestrian trails provide a continuous link to the greenway system running through the property.
The site layout and architectural character of the new traditional Coastal Village for Draper Lake is designed in character with the building traditions of the historic Great Camps of the Adirondacks, the Chautauqua Assemblies, and other mountain/lake villages and retreats. The Regulating Plan and Architectural, Urban and Street standards regulate the layout and character of the buildings, circulation, and open space.
2 – Forest Lakes – a gated community that I would easily call 30A’s best kept secret. A peaceful retreat nestled along 30A between Blue Mountain Beach and Gulf Place, Forest Lakes is a nature lover’s dream. Imagine picturesque long-leaf pines, pavered streets, nature trails, a fish-stocked lake, 2 docks, a large community pool, two-tiered entertaining pavilion with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen, green space and an imaginative park. Charming craftsman style houses complete this neighborhood, which is only a mile away from the nearest beach access, accessible by car, bike or golf cart and nearby restaurants at Gulf Place. A perfect community for a full time residence or secondary home.
2 – Beach Highlands – this community is located along the lower density, western end of 30-A, called Dune Allen. The Beach Highlands neighborhood is tucked between two rare coastal dune lakes, Stallworth Lake and Lake Allen. Both lakes are explorable by canoe, kayak or a paddle board. Live oaks blanket some higher elevations in this community which makes this a peaceful location. Enjoy nature trails, mountain/trail biking, camping and beach access at Topsail Hill Preserve State Parkwhich is located less than a mile away to the west and Gulf Place, with restaurants, shopping and entertainment is just under 2 miles to the East. You can access the beach at the Stallworth public beach access a half mile away and soon from a new public beach access currently under construction across the street from the 30A famous, Stinky’s Fish Camp Restaurant. This eclectic community has both full time residents and vacationers, but it comes down to location, location, location – and this community sits in a pretty sweet spot here on the west end of 30A.
