A stunning 26-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, known as 30A, has been nicknamed the “Hamptons of the South” because it attracts a large number of homebuyers.
This quiet slice of paradise has become America’s latest luxury hotspot, drawing wealthy buyers from as far away as Chicago and Montana.
Once a hidden gem, including picture-perfect towns like Rosemary Beach and Seaside, this stretch of beaches boasts Caribbean waters, powdery white sand and classic Southern charm.
Local real estate agent Beau Blankenship emphasized the dramatic change that has taken place in recent years.
“Now we’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 a large number of homebuyers.
Picturesque street scene at Alys Beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast
The popularity of the area has caused property prices to skyrocket: the median home price rose from $1.1 million in 2019 to a staggering $3 million this year in Rosemary Beach (pictured: Main Street in Rosemary Beach, Florida, on the Gulf Coast)
In 2023, visitor spending during the peak summer season increased by $500 million compared to 2019, he said.
“A decade ago, those visitors were primarily from Southern cities that were within driving distance, like Atlanta and Nashville,” he added. “Now we’re seeing people from the Northeast, people from the West, Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado.”
The area’s popularity has caused property prices to skyrocket: the median home price rose 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 flair and plenty of dining and shopping options, located off scenic Highway 30A.
Luxury vacation rentals are now asking up to $2,500 per night (pictured: Fort Pierce, Florida)
Sunset on the boardwalk leading to Rosemary Beach
The pandemic accelerated the trend, with Florida’s early reopening drawing in those seeking sunny spots from locked-down states. (Pictured: Luxury homes and condos in Alys Beach, Florida)
A row of houses facing the afternoon sun in Rosemary Beach, Florida
Luxury vacation rentals are now also asking up to $2,500 per night.
Kemp Stewart, owner of a luxury rental, witnessed the transformation firsthand
“There were some empty lots and then a house surrounded by trees and weeds,” he told Business Insider. “And all of a sudden, these giant housing complexes started to be built on the beach.”
The pandemic accelerated the trend: Florida’s early reopening attracted those seeking sunny spots from states that had been shut down.
Steward says his appeal has remained constant.
“This is a place for families to vacation and connect with each other in one of the most beautiful settings in the world,” he said.