The Ultimate 30A Relocation Checklist for 2026
Relocating to 30A in 2026 is more than a move. It is a lifestyle transition into one of the most unique coastal communities in the country. After twenty years of guiding families, investors and long term dreamers through this journey, I can tell you that the difference between an overwhelmed relocation and a seamless one comes down to preparation and local knowledge. This guide gives you both.
Below is the exact checklist I use with clients who want to relocate with confidence. Practical steps, insider perspective and the details you never find in generic guides.
1. Get familiar with every 30A community before you choose your place
There are twelve communities along 30A, plus several important neighboring towns. Each one has a personality that shapes daily life. Here is what twenty years of living and selling here has taught me.
- Inlet Beach: Fast growing, modern, walkable and convenient for commuters and travelers.
- Rosemary Beach: European influenced design, stunning architecture and a lively village environment.
- Seacrest: Friendly, relaxed and ideal for biking everywhere.
- Alys Beach: Sophisticated, quiet, design driven and visually unforgettable.
- Watersound: Private, peaceful, beautifully planned with strong future growth.
- Seagrove Beach: Old Florida roots blended with central access to everything.
- Seaside: Iconic, walkable, colorful and community focused.
- WaterColor: Family friendly, amenity rich and ideal for full time living.
- Grayton Beach: Quirky, artsy, historical and unapologetically authentic.
- Blue Mountain Beach: Elevated, chill and quietly luxurious.
- Dune Allen: Scenic, natural, laid back with direct access to Topsail Hill Preserve.
- Santa Rosa Beach: Spacious and versatile with the biggest year round local population.
- Miramar Beach: Beachfront condos, retail, dining and convenience.
For a deeper look at each area:
Explore community guides along 30A, Destin and Miramar Beach
2. Learn the seasonal rhythm only locals feel
The biggest relocation shock is rarely the weather. It is the rhythm. After twenty years, here are the patterns newcomers always wish they had known earlier.
- January and February are locals months. Calm, quiet and perfect for getting to know your new neighborhood.
- Spring Break hits like clockwork in March. This is when you learn the value of early grocery shopping.
- Summer is energy filled with incredible rental demand and lots of sunshine.
- Fall is the secret season. Locals favorite.
- Winter sunsets are unreal and the beaches feel like private escapes.
3. Start planning your housing timeline early
Inventory along 30A moves fast and the best opportunities rarely sit. Whether buying or renting long term, you want a clear picture of your options early.
Begin your search here:
Start a home search on The Kendall Hood Collection
4. Visit during different seasons before you commit
Someone who tours in July sees one version of 30A. Someone who tours in October sees a completely different one. Both matter. The most confident relocations happen after people experience one crowded week and one peaceful week.
5. Map your daily essentials in advance
After clients move, these are the first questions they ask:
- Which Publix is faster on weekends
- Which beach access has the easiest walk
- Where to get emergency repairs fast
- Which neighborhoods have the least traffic stacking in peak season
- Where parents gather for after school activities
- How early the coffee shops actually get busy
A relocation is smoother when you already have familiar landmarks in your mental map.
6. Handle the logistics that out of state buyers always forget
- Set up utilities ahead of time
- Confirm short term rental rules if applicable
- Order internet upgrades before arriving
- Register golf carts if your community allows them
- Plan for mail forwarding and package delivery
- Register pets and choose a local vet
- Check insurance requirements for coastal living
7. Understand coastal home maintenance
Salt air, humidity and strong sunshine create a unique maintenance environment. As a longtime agent, here are the items I recommend staying ahead of:
- Annual HVAC cleaning
- Regular exterior paint and trim touch ups
- Power washing twice a year
- Window and door seal checks
- Outdoor furniture rated for wind and salt
- Dehumidifiers to keep interiors fresh
8. Get educated on insurance, taxes and flood zones
This is where a seasoned local agent becomes essential. Different pockets of 30A have different flood zone requirements, insurance costs and elevation benefits. Understanding your property class protects your long term investment.
Begin with a valuation and property analysis:
Request a complimentary home valuation
9. Build your lifestyle before you move
Routines make 30A feel like home. Before your arrival, start dreaming about the rhythms you want to create.
- Weekly farmers markets
- Beach walks in the morning
- Favorite restaurants and coffee shops
- Local fitness studios or yoga classes
- Seasonal events and concerts
10. Explore 30A like a future local
Our relocation and travel guide helps you understand the area through the eyes of long term residents and seasonal visitors. It is a resource I give every relocating client.
Download our 30A relocation and travel guide
11. Settle in with intention
Once you arrive, take it slow. Meet local business owners. Attend community events. Learn the back roads. Find your grocery routine. Choose your sunset spot. These small habits help your new home feel like your forever home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 30A a good place for full time living or only vacation homes
Both. Different communities serve different lifestyles. WaterColor, Seagrove, Blue Mountain and Santa Rosa Beach lean toward full time residents. Rosemary, Alys and Seaside have heavier seasonal patterns. Understanding these rhythms helps you choose the right fit.
What are the biggest surprises for new residents
How quiet winter can feel. How friendly the community is. How much biking becomes a lifestyle. How different each community feels despite being minutes apart.
Can I use a golf cart everywhere
No. Only some communities allow street legal golf carts. Each HOA has different rules.
What is the biggest relocation mistake
Choosing a community based only on vacation experiences. Full time living feels different. Visit in the off season if possible.
Is the market still competitive in 2026
Yes. Inventory remains limited in the most desirable pockets of 30A. Being prepared increases your chances of securing the right home.
How do I start planning my move
Begin with a search of current opportunities:
Start a home search on The Kendall Hood Collection
