$3,644,175Average Value$315Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Private, peaceful pocket of high-end homes on the Gulf of Mexico
The gated community of Paradise by the Sea is one of South Walton County's most prestigious addresses. This nonrental community of around 50 homes has a private beach for residents only, so it’s not busy with tourists like its neighbors, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. "If you value privacy most of all, this is the neighborhood,” says Realtor Joe Fagundes of The Fagundes Luxury Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who's been selling luxury homes in the area since 2017. “The name, Paradise by the Sea, says it all."
The white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast are a highlight of Paradise by the Sea.
Paradise by the Sea is a gated community on the scenic Highway 30A.
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Custom multi-level homes from $7 million to $23 million
The homes in Paradise by the Sea look as if they rise right from the sandy terrain, using materials and colors that echo the gently rolling surf. Developer George Dana “Doodle” Harris, who also developed Seacrest Beach, planned the community so that all homes have an ocean view. “A place like this in today's world probably wouldn't exist because builders could fit double the density,” Fagundes says. In addition to generous balconies and windows, homes often include guesthouses, elevators, entertaining verandas, saltwater pools and bocce courts. "We don't need a clubhouse, because we all have our own beach club, right at home," says Dan Basse, Paradise by the Sea resident and president of the Beach Homeowners Association.
Six- and seven-bedroom homes closest to 30A range from $7 million to $9.5 million, while eight- and nine-bedroom beachfront homes can fetch from $10 million to $30 million. "Every home looks like a mini-resort," adds Fagundes. "And they each reflect the personality of the people who built them." Paradise by the Sea’s HOA covenants allow for architectural expression. “We do have general covenants, but they're not as restrictive as other planned neighborhoods,” Basse says. "The vision here was to allow individuals to buy a piece of paradise and build what they love.”
Only owners of beachfront property have deeded access to the beach in front of their homes. Nonresidents are restricted to walking along the wet sand area. "We're very neighborly here," Basse says. "So, if you live in Paradise by the Sea, but not on the beachfront, you can arrange an agreement with a beachfront owner to use the walkways to get to the beach. But we do own our beach, so we also have security that kindly reminds tourists to not sit in our front yards."
Paradise by the Sea blends single-family ownership with comparatively lower building restrictions and larger lots. “We don't step on each other's toes,” Basse says. “There's enough space, and you have privacy. But best of all are the people who live here. Every homeowner is a really interesting person. Some are CEOs, some entrepreneurs or inventors, and all these backgrounds just add to the overall character."
Homes in Paradise by the Sea have lush and manicured landscaping.
Homes in Paradise by the Sea offer multiple stories with balconies overlooking the beach.
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Walk Alys Beach Trail, golf at Camp Creek
For another side of nature across 30A from the beach, residents walk or bike to the Alys Beach Nature Trail. Directly outside the gates, to the east and west, sidewalks and the 19-mile paved multiuse Timpoochee Trail opens up all of 30A. "My kids ride miles with bike packs down to Seaside or walk next door to Rosemary," Basse adds. The premier Camp Creek Golf Club is about a mile away, offering private memberships.
Many residents of Paradise by the Sea enjoy biking on the Tampoochee trail.
Paradise by the Sea residents can play golf at the Camp Creek Golf Course just minutes away.
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Coffee shops, Pescado rooftop dining, and a new tunnel
Paradise by the Sea residents are steps or a quick bike ride from numerous dining and shopping options. Morning coffee stops include 3rd Cup in Rosemary Beach, featuring a walk-up window and savory croissants. Fonville Press in Alys Beach has an all-day bar that buzzes from breakfast through after-dinner cocktails. Pescado's rooftop is popular for date nights, and Cowgirl Kitchen specializes in Southwestern fare, picnic baskets and pizza. Gallion's, just across 30A, serves an upscale menu of small plates, local seafood and bold cocktails.
By 2025, a new bike and pedestrian tunnel under Highway 98 will allow easy access to the shops and restaurants at 30Avenue. “On rainy days, when you can't be on the beach, you can also drive into Seaside where 'The Truman Show' was filmed," Fagundes says. There's a new Publix under 3 miles northwest of Paradise by the Sea, just a mile up Watersound Parkway from Camp Creek golf course.
Paradise by the Sea residents enjoy a cub of coffee from 3rd Cup's coffee window.
Cowgirl Kitchen on Rosemary Beaches Main St is a Paradise by the Sea favorite.
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Bikeable 30A, faster-moving Highway 98
Beach bikes are the main mode of transport in and out of communities and plazas on both sides of 30A. Golf carts, known as low-speed vehicles, can drive along 30A because the speed limit is under 30 miles per hour, but they cannot park at Alys Beach or Rosemary Beach. So, Paradise by the Sea owners are likelier to walk or bike. The closest highway is 98 to the north, which moves faster than 30A, especially between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the summer. "If you want to go to Destin or Panama City," says Basse, "take 98. Because 30A is just a two-lane road, it can get pretty congested on the Fourth of July and holidays. We're still a sleepy community, and the infrastructure can't really accommodate the amount of people who come down. But we just smile and endure because it's only for a short while or a few weekends." The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is within a 20-mile drive for travel outside the area.
Beach bikes are a popular way to get around Paradise by the Sea and other neighboring areas.
Local retail shops can be found in Barnett Square of Rosemary Beach.
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Highly rated Walton County School District
The entire public school pipeline and the Walton County School District all earn an A-minus on Niche. Kids start at Dune Lakes Elementary, built in 2019. Middle schoolers head to Emerald Coast and then advance to South Walton High, whose boys' soccer team won the regional championship in 2024. The private Ohana Institute, featuring immersive scuba and rock band programs, earns an A-plus on Niche.
South Walton High School has been awarded an overall A- rating from Niche.
Emerald Cove Middle School serves children once graduated from elementary school.
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Hurricane insurance, flexible building timeframe
Homeowners should be aware that hurricane requirements will affect home insurance rates. Of unique consideration when living in Paradise by the Sea is that there's no covenant or penalty regarding construction start or finish dates, so some owned lots are unbuilt, and there's usually some construction happening. Says Basse, "When you buy in other communities, you have to build within a specific timeframe."
Breathtaking sunsets can be seen from the balconies of homes in Paradise by the Sea.
A large beachfront home with private beach access has recently sold for over $25M.
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Songwriters Festival, Fourth of July fireworks
"There's always something going on almost every weekend here," Basse says. "We have a lot of wine weekends, coffee shops and restaurants will have events, and we have a fabulous Songwriters Festival in January where they set up all kinds of stages, and you can listen in lots of venues." Neighboring Alys Beach hosts an eye-popping Digital Graffiti Festival every May. There's no social director for Paradise by the Sea because there's plenty of action all around. "Paradise by the Sea doesn't host events inside the neighborhood, because you buy here for a private getaway," Fagundes says. On the Fourth of July, there's no problem finding a front-row seat to fireworks launched from barges on the open water.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hilary Farnum-Fasth,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Northwest Florida Beaches International
34 min drive
Paradise by The Sea Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Paradise by The Sea, Panama City Beach sell after 158 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Paradise by The Sea, Panama City Beach over the last 12 months is $478,000.
Discover coastal living at its finest at 304 Windrow Way, nestled in the Stillwater in the sought-after Watersound Origins, non-short term rental, community. This expanded Bella II floor plan offers single-story living with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a dedicated office, and a 2-car garage. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the open-concept layout features 9' ceilings, quartz
Reintroducing 124 Paradise by the Sea Blvd — a masterpiece of coastal elegance, newly reimagined with a full-scale designer refurnishing that redefines luxury on 30A. Tucked behind the exclusive gates of Paradise by the Sea, this extraordinary 6-bedroom, 5.5-bath estate now marries architectural grandeur with elevated interiors curated for the most discerning buyer.Perfectly poised between the
Tucked within the highly sought-after community of Watersound Origins, this elegant 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is a rare opportunity to enjoy elevated coastal living in one of 30A's most serene and amenity-rich neighborhoods. Step inside to find an inviting open-concept layout anchored by a beautifully appointed kitchen and living space, ideal for both relaxed living and effortless
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Hilary Farnum-Fasth,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
55
Median Age
57
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$112,500
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,583
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
72.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.5%
% Population in Labor Force
31.9%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
61''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
25/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
