A Complete Guide to Living in Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is a coveted coastal destination with expansive gulf shore views, resort-style amenities, and gorgeous waterfront real estate. Many visitors are hit with a sense of nostalgia when visiting the town as it’s a popular destination for families and groups to vacation. Long-term residents are just as content with year-round access to vacation-like amenities and a relaxed atmosphere. When searching for Miramar Beach homes for sale, here’s everything you need to know about living in the area.

Miramar Beach is a beach neighborhood in South Walton that’s popular with vacationers and tourists interested in an ocean escape. This neighborhood is right next to Destin, and many local residents prefer its lowkey energy in comparison to the nearby big city bustle. Even so, it still gets plenty of traffic in the summer months as the shoreline offers several public access points for visitors.

Even though Miramar Beach has a nostalgic type of energy, the amenities are anything but outdated. Water recreation spans from day-long fishing charters to parasailing and jet skiing, while the community itself is full of upscale shopping and resorts. The downtown area Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whimsical mixture of family entertainment, shopping, dining, and venue for events like the farmers market and concert series.

Buyers searching for Miramar Beach real estate will find a mix of beachfront homes, condos with ocean views, and properties next to resorts. Architectural styles range from classic Mediterranean styles to sleek modern homes and sprawling ranch-style properties. Home searchers have plenty of luxury options available to them, ranging from new construction, custom builds, or other more prestigious properties.

The cost of living in Miramar Beach is about 25% higher than the national average. The largest discrepancy is in housing costs which is likely a result of high-priced waterfront properties. Homes in the area cost 57% more than those across the United States. Miramar Beach residents also pay 6% more for utilities and 19% more for groceries compared to other towns across the country.

Although the cost of living may be higher here than in other parts of the US, Miramar Beach makes up for it with a high median household income. The average resident makes $77,667 a year, which is among the highest across the state and country. An additional perk is that Florida residents don’t have to pay state income taxes. 70% of people in the area own their homes, while the remaining 30% rent out. Average rental rates are also higher in Miramar Beach, with a one-bedroom apartment costing $1,472 a month.

Families looking for Miramar Beach homes for sale can count on many different educational institutions suitable for children of all ages and needs. The city of Miramar has eight high schools, nine middle schools, and 23 elementary schools within its bounds. There are also eight charter schools and 27 private schools nearby. For higher education, Broward College provides four-year programs across eight career-related pathways.

Living in Miramar Beach comes with many different perks for long-time residents and vacationers alike. The beach is a major amenity of this town, providing plenty of water activities. Miramar Beach is also home to upscale shopping centers and luxury resorts with prime outdoor amenities.

One of the most popular areas to access the spotlessly white sand shoreline is Miramar Beach Regional Access. This ADA-accessible location has generous parking and a wide shore offering plenty of space to lounge and play along the emerald coast. From the beach, visitors can book a yacht charter, rent out parasailing or jet ski equipment, or simply enjoy the sound of gently crashing waves. For a view of the whole coast, visitors can bike or drive down scenic beach roads.

Upscale shopping destinations like the Silver Sands Premium Outlets bring luxury brands and designers to Miramar Beach. Shoppers can look for fashion and accessories from all their favorite designers like Calvin Klein, Coach, Eddie Bauer, Saks off 5th, Tommy Hilfiger, and much more. Stop by Brooks Brothers Factory Store to explore their exclusive men’s and women’s clothing unavailable anywhere else. These outlets are perfect for shoppers looking for a bag to pair with a nighttime outfit or beach attire that can withstand all-day fun.

Other spots like Grand Boulevard offer shoppers national brands alongside local boutiques for retail showcasing the community’s aesthetic. Visit high-end stores like Anthropologie, Chicos, J. Jill, and Tommy Bahama. Grand Boulevard also has local spots like Ophelia, a boutique offering the latest in swimwear, clothing, accessories, and artisan bags.

Miramar Beach is home to countless resorts and clubs, all of which have their unique set of amenities and services. The Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort enjoys a private location tucked under sand dunes and oak trees for a quiet escape within its 27 acres. As its name suggests, one of its main amenities is its tennis center featuring five clay tennis courts and three clay pickleball courts.

Another popular resort near Miramar Beach real estate is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This destination offers visitors four different championship courses to play on for a total of 73 holes across diverse terrain. Tennis enthusiasts can reserve a time at one of their 12 world-class clay courts or three hard tennis courts, while waterfront dining doesn’t get much better than at their marina bar and grill.

Miramar Beach is a great place for all types of buyers interested in beachfront properties. The town is rich in luxury amenities with shopping centers like the Silver Sands Premium Outlets and its many beach resorts. Although the cost of living is higher in the area, it’s well worth the upscale properties. When you’re ready to start a home search in Miramar Beach, contact experienced professional Darlene Kluck for expert service.


_{*Header photo courtesy of Darlene Kluck}