Condo In Destin Florida

Destin, Fla.: Seaside destination has 'the total package'

It was not so long ago that Destin, Fla., about halfway between Pensacola and Panama City on the Gulf of Mexico, was the kind of place where life was slow and easy. Its modest assemblage of low-slung houses, mom-and-pop stores and bait-and-tackle shops were more than enough to satisfy the two thousand souls that called it home. The town proudly lived up to its label as "the world's luckiest fishing village," with days typically involving commercial pursuit of some 20-odd species of game fish.

But then everything changed. Blame it on tourism. Ever since amateur fishermen and beachgoers began arriving for recreation and relaxation, the once-sleepy village has become the Fort Lauderdale of the Panhandle. Lured by fine white sand, warm blue-green seas and growing amenities, vacationers have flooded its limits, turning this city of 14,000 into an activity-focused tourist town.

Clifton residents Paul and Debbie Clarkson bought a vacation home in Point Pleasant Beach about 20 years ago. They used the property on weekends in the spring and summer and had standing plans to trade up to a more spacious home. But following a visit to their hideaway several years ago, they came to realize that the popular Jersey Shore beach town had become far too crowded for their taste, and provided limited opportunities for them to enjoy it year-round.

"So we started looking at other places. We checked out a number of alternatives up and down the Shore, went into upstate New York around the Hudson Valley region and searched in several Southern states, including South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and Florida," Paul Clarkson said. "We had never visited northwestern Florida before, and were very impressed with what Destin had to offer."

They were smitten by the town's uncluttered, duned beaches and crystal clear waters; its active lifestyle scene in a small-town atmosphere; and the warm climate. After selling their Jersey weekend house, they bought a 2,700-square-foot four-bedroom house with a large great room with bar area and an in-ground pool on a half-acre lot in a sought-after Destin golf community in 2010 for $449,900.

The couple, who found their home on the Internet, drove nearly 20 hours to see it and made an offer on the spot. They now spend summers and holidays there, and plan to permanently settle in Destin after wrapping up their careers in a couple of years. "We are crazy about it, and we don't believe there is any better place in the area in terms of the total package," Clarkson said.

Seagrove by the Sea, Duplex Condo Short Sale - Destin Florida Real ...

You’ll love life in this classicly styled Seagrove Beach short sale duplex condo on the south side of 30-A! “Aerie” is an exceptional, rare 5-6 bedroom, 3 story condo beachside, with gulf view in a gulf-front complex. Outstanding Gulf views from third floor master bedroom suite. The large private pool serves only 5 condo units, and is right outside your door! The beach is steps away, offering you a playground of sugar white sand and emerald waters. The main living area features wood laminate floors in the kitchen, living and dining areas. The kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. A wonderful balcony off the master suite on the Gulf side. The ground floor is tiled and has a family room (or sixth bedroom)with kitchenette – perfect for coming in off the beach. This Seagrove Beach short sale condo is unique!  Walk to area shops and restaurants or take the nearby bike path to the adjoining community of Seaside.

Seagrove by the Sea, 4192 Hwy 30-A, Unit A, Santa Rosa Beach FL – $795,000.

It’s Wendy!

Wendy Rulnick , Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.

Call toll-free 1-877-487-9639 or local 850-650-7883 ext 204

Email Wendy: itswendy@rulnickrealty.com

Seagrove Beach FL Real Estate

Seagrove Beach Short Sales & Pre Foreclosure Help.

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Wendy is a short sale and pre-foreclosure specialist and has been featured in “Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine” and “Florida Realtor Magazine”.  Call Wendy Rulnick, Broker/Owner, to list and sell your home or condo on the Emerald Coast of Florida in Walton, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County-  Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Crestview, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field.