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3 weeks ago
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A stunning 26-mile stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast, known as 30A, has been dubbed the 'Hamptons of the South' as it attracts an influx of homebuyers.
The quiet slice of paradise has turned into America's latest luxury hotspot, attracting wealthy buyers from as far as Chicago and Montana.
The once-hidden gem strip of beaches, including picture-perfect towns like Rosemary Beach and Seaside, features Caribbean-like waters, powdery white sand, and classic Southern charm.
Local real estate agent Beau Blankenship emphasized the dramatic shift that's taken place in recent years.
'Now you're seeing people from the Northeast, people from the West, Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado,' he told Business Insider.
A stunning 26-mile stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast, known as 30A, has been dubbed the 'Hamptons of the South' as it attracts an influx of homebuyers
Picturesque street scene in Alys Beach on the Emerald Coast in Florida
The area's popularity has sent property prices skyrocketing as median home price soared from $1.1 million in 2019 to a jaw-dropping $3 million this year in Rosemary Beach (Pictured: Rosemary Beach Florida main street in the Gulf coast)
In 2023, visitor spending during the peak summer season increased by $500 million compared to 2019, he explained.
'A decade ago, those visitors were mostly from Southern cities within driving distance, like Atlanta and Nashville,' he added.' Now you're seeing people from the Northeast, people from the West, Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado.'
The area's popularity has sent property prices skyrocketing as median home price soared from $1.1 million in 2019 to a jaw-dropping $3 million this year in Rosemary Beach.
Rosemary Beach is a popular high-end beach community with a European flair complete with plenty of dining and shopping options, that is situated off scenic highway 30A.
Luxury vacation rentals are also now asking for up to $2,500 per evening (Pictured: Fort Pierce, Florida)
Sunset on a boardwalk leading to Rosemary Beach
The pandemic accelerated the trend, with Florida's early reopening attracting those seeking sun-soaked locations from locked-down states. (Pictured: Luxury homes and condos in Alys Beach, Florida)
A row of houses facing afternoon sun in Rosemary Beach, Florida
Luxury vacation rentals are also now asking for up to $2,500 per evening.
Kemp Stewart, a luxury rental owner, witnessed the transformation firsthand
'There'd be a few vacant lots, and then a house surrounded by trees and brush,' he told Business Insider. 'Then all of sudden, you'd see individual developments of monster homes being built on the beach.'
The pandemic accelerated the trend, with Florida's early reopening attracting those seeking sun-soaked locations from locked-down states.
Steward claims its appeal has stayed consistent.
'This is a place for families to go on vacation and connect with one another in one of the most beautiful environments in the world,' he said.
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