STR in Panhandle Florida (Santa Rosa beach, Pensacola, etc.)

[Amy H.]

How's the STR market in the Santa Rosa beach and other areas of the panhandle of Florida? Looking at renting an Airbnb for a few weeks while I try out teleworking and all the rentals I'm seeing that fit my criteria (small pool access, near beach, 1 bed and 1 bath minimum, allows a dog, walkable to beach and a grocery store) in Santa Rosa beach / 30A are all $4-5k+ for 3-4 weeks. That seems crazy during chaos like right now seeing how the demand is low and availability is crazy high on the website.

Makes me wonder about investing in the area. What are investors seeing in that area right now compared to usual start of summer season?

[Jason H.]

@Amy H. Avery’s assessment and description is spot on regarding those three areas.  I will add that 30A is very much a high-end “family-oriented” stretch along the panhandle and most of all the properties you will encounter are large 3-5BR single family homes geared towards multiple families sharing a house for a week, with the peak being the July 4th weekend to before school starts at the end of August.  There are smaller condos and apartments but because they are located south of 30A, they will all be asking for a premium.  Regarding transportation, without a doubt, you will need a car to get around the area, especially for dining and grocery shopping.  Can’t really Uber there. The only “walkable” grocery store (Publix) is on the eastern border of Seaside and the only properties within walking distance there are large single-family houses in Watercolor that are all outside of your budget.

I would recommend looking into Destin, specifically the Crystal Beach area as you will find all the amenities you’re looking for around Destin Commons. Most everything is “walkable” in that area.  There are a lot of 1BR apts along Scenic Hwy 98, but if you want a better deal, you will have to take one without a view or one in older condition.