Sunny Living on Florida’s West Coast
Give it up for the West Side.
Did you know Florida has more coastline than any other state, at least in the lower 48? Of course, it’s all thanks to being surrounded by water on all but one side, bringing together not one but two distinct coasts on two separate bodies of water: the mighty Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other.
Stretching some 550 nautical miles, the cities, towns, and villages of Florida’s Gulf Coast pack a completely different vibe than their easterly counterparts, offering endless lifestyle possibilities from their cerulean shores inward. Here’s a look at some West Florida places to explore — and current listings to discover — across Corcoran.
Emerald Coast
The shores of Northwest Florida were first dubbed the “Emerald Coast” in 1983 — by a junior high student in a naming contest. The name stuck, thanks to how well the moniker perfectly captured those clear, viridescent waters and pristine beaches found throughout the region. Emerald Coast communities have a more relaxed feel than more urban corners of Florida, but it also boasts top-notch culture, exceptional restaurants, and incredible retail experiences. There’s plenty of golf and tennis, but the focus is on the pristine water and a boating culture that runs from yachts to fishing boats to kayaks, and from deep water to grassy flats to sparkling bays — and to the requisite bayous, teeming with waterfowl and fish. The sand is softer, the summer’s a little cooler, and the reservations are a little easier to come by — but it’s still 100 percent Florida.
The House: Stroll out to this four-bedroom house, set on a .83-acre spit of land that feels like it’s set at the very edge of the world. Surrounded by water on three sides, this property sits on a peninsula and is almost entirely surrounded by water, with panoramic bay views in every direction. Inside, every window frames an endless stretch of sun and sea. The primary suite is on the top floor and boasts its own balcony, outdoor shower, wet bar, beverage refrigerator, and a bathroom with a soaking tub and oversized shower. Outside, there’s a gazebo, long stretches of lawn, multiple decks, and a private dock. The property also includes an additional slip in the community marina.
The Place: Panama City is the urban counterpart to its neighbor Panama City Beach, and sits on St. Andrews Bay, just a touch inland from Shell Island. Panama City has its own beaches, superlative fishing opportunities, a plethora of sea-to-table restaurants, and two historic districts. Panama City is a fun and artistic community, home to the Panama City Publishing Museum, which preserves and exhibits vintage letterpresses, and Bayou Joe’s, one of Florida’s last over-the-water restaurants.
Listed By: Lori Buckalew and Taylor Buckalew of Corcoran Reverie.
The House: With both Gulf and lake views, this four-bedroom home is the epitome of coastal luxury. This recently renovated turnkey retreat is being sold completely furnished, and is ready for immediate use, whether as a gathering space for your own friends and family or as an investment property as a short- or long-term rental. There’s plenty of room for the whole squad, as the house sleeps 12 people comfortably, including a bunk room with a total of four beds — perfect for the most epic slumber parties. The primary suite has its own seating area, covered porch, and a spa-style en suite bathroom. Outside, there’s a heated saltwater pool or head down to the nearby Eastern Lake public beach for swimming and sunbathing.
The Place: Saunter or bike over to Santa Rosa Beach’s town center, which is just a 10-minute walk away, and where you’ll find popular eateries like Wild Olives, Canopy Road Breakfast Cafe, Turbo Coffee, Local Cantina, and Pecan Jacks. There’s also an art gallery and local boutiques for your retail therapy needs. Santa Rosa Beach is home to Grayton Beach State Park, which has the Underwater Museum of Art, where artist-created artificial reefs can only be viewed by divers swimming in Gulf waters.
Listed By: Rob Augustine of Corcoran Reverie.
The House: Every day is a vacation in this five-bedroom abode, situated just a shell’s throw away from the sand and surf of Seabreeze Beach. The primary house has four bedrooms, three-and-half-bathrooms, while a separate building houses the garage and a guest suite above, with its own bedroom, full bathroom, and a full kitchen. The layout of the house is designed to flow comfortably from one area to the next, with the open plan kitchen, dining and living room all connected, allowing for easy access to snacks and drinks while hanging out. The kitchen has been upgraded recently and includes a Sub-Zero wine cooler. There’s also a huge wraparound porch, with plenty of space for friends and family to congregate.
The Place: Inlet Beach is one of the most charming spots on the Emerald Coast and this property includes a full membership to the Watersound Club, with access to its private beach, beach club, multiple pools (including a family pool with a lazy river and a 19-foot waterslide), top-rated golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and multiple eateries. The Club is a six-minute drive away by car or a 10-minute bike ride, making it easy to hop over for round of golf at lunch or a set of morning laps in the pool.
Listed By: Lori Roland of Corcoran Reverie.
The House: A lovely five-bedroom, five-bathroom retreat sits on the banks of Powell Lake and is just minutes away from Inlet Beach. The open-plan living room with a fireplace looks out directly onto the water, while the gourmet kitchen is spacious and includes a generous island with a double farm sink. Outside, there’s an expansive outdoor deck, an outdoor kitchen, a two-level pool and spa, as well as a private boat dock. There’s also a flex space that could be used as a playroom or a study, with a built-in window seat that doubles as additional storage space.
The Place: Inlet Beach is one of the secret gems of 30A, named for the Phillips Inlet that connects Lake Powell to the Gulf. This an outdoor lovers’ paradise, with options for fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, as well as exceptional bird watching, thanks to its location between two major migratory flyways. It is also home to many great restaurants, all nearby.
Listed By: Suzanne Simpson and Joe Simpson of Corcoran Reverie.
Tampa Bay
Central West Florida encompasses the area surrounding Tampa Bay, including Tampa itself and stretching down to St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Sarasota. This coastal region is what people imagine when dreaming about Florida, a place where year-round sunshine beckons and every day is a beach day. There’s a wide range of places to live, whether it’s year-round or only for a snowbird’s sojourn. The area includes barrier islands with picturesque beaches, busy metropolitan downtowns, as well as artsy neighborhoods of cafes and bungalows. There’s no shortage of fun in Tampa Bay, with pro sports teams in residence, well-regarded museums, delicious restaurants, and a ton of outdoor activities on land and sea.
The house: A four-bedroom new construction house in Bayway Isles, a St. Petersburg waterfront community, offers nearly 4,600 square feet of interior living space, all housed in a contemporary design with plenty of charm. In addition to the four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two half-bathrooms, there’s also a home office and a flex space that can be configured as desired. There’s also a three-car garage, mudroom, and a breezeway. Outdoors, there’s a pool and spa, and two porches. Enjoy views from almost every room, including vistas of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the Indian Key Nature Preserve.
The place: Bayway Isles is close to everything, whether it’s the Gulf beaches or downtown St. Petersburg, and it’s just under half an hour to get to the Tampa International Airport. But even without getting into a car, it’s very quick jaunt by foot or by bike to local favorite Bayway Market, which serves the neighborhood with as a grocery, deli, and butcher.
Represented by: Marissa Suttell of Corcoran Dwellings.
The House: Loft units like this two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo are highly sought after at Itopia, thanks to their scarcity (only 20 in the whole community) and their unusual layout. The lower level has an open concept living and dining space that flows into the kitchen, which also houses a washer and dryer. The primary bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom and a walk-in closet, is also is on the lower level, while the second bedroom — also boasting its own bathroom and walk-in closet — is on the upper loft level. There are also two outdoor areas — a covered porch and a small terrace accessible from the loft level — for additional space to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
The Place: Itopia is a gated community with two heated swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis and volleyball courts, fitness center, and a dog park. It’s a 15 to 20-minute drive to Tampa or downtown St. Petersburg, making it great for commuters.
Listed By: Liane Jamason of Corcoran Dwellings.
The House: Chic and stylish, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom house in Palm Harbor also has a decidedly fun side to it. Currently being used as a short-term rental, the house is being sold fully furnished, making it move-in ready, so kids can immediately start sliding down the twisty tunnel slide in the bunk room or start playing foosball and billiards in the game room. Outside, there’s a pool and mini-golf, two fire pits, a play structure, and a hot tub with a television next to it, so you can watch your favorite episodes while soaking and relaxing. The essentials were also all updated in recent years, including the installation of PGT hurricane-rated windows and sliders, a new water heater, updated HVAC ductwork, and a new roof.
The Place: Palm Harbor, a Gulf community located about 45 minutes west of Tampa, is probably best known for its amazing golf courses, including the Copperhead course at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, which hosts the PGA tour’s annual Valspar Championship. There’s also a great craft brewery scene, with two favorites being de Bine Brewing Co. and Stilt House Brewery.
Listed By: Jennifer Batty and Lindi Bock Sweat of Corcoran Dwellings.
The House: Enjoy vibrant waterfront living, condo-style. A fully furnished, three-bedroom, three-bathroom unit located up high in Marina Pointe means it’s immediately ready for move in. All of the bedrooms are generously sized, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tampa Bay. There’s also a home office or den that’s separated from the living room, so it’s easy to study or hold remote Zoom calls in peace, plus a balcony with seating. The property also includes a 40-foot boat slip.
The Place: Marina Pointe is part of Tampa’s Westshore Marina District, a neighborhood that is easily accessible via walking, cycling, or boating, and has a town center with plenty of shopping and restaurants. The building itself has multiple resort-style amenities, including a full gym, a heated pool, a waterfront bocce court, and an indoor virtual golf suite. The building’s deep water marina means that setting sail only requires an elevator downstairs and hopping on board.
Listed By: Megan Lacombe of Corcoran Dwellings.
