Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watersound, FL
Considering a move to Watersound, FL? With a close-knit population of about 1,200, this scenic coastal community offers upscale living with a median home price of $1,050,000 and average rents around $3,200. Enjoy a low crime rate, quick commute times of 26.5 minutes, and great schools in the area. The mild, sunny climate, high educational attainment, and beautiful Gulf beaches make Watersound a standout destination for those seeking both relaxation and quality of life.
Demographics - Watersound, FL
Demographics - Watersound, FL
Watersound is a small, close-knit community with a population of around 1,200 residents, a median age of 52, and a predominantly White demographic. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a multicultural touch, with about 5.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and mature age profile make it ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Population:
1,200
Density:
250 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watersound, FL?
Living in Watersound comes with a higher cost of living index of 148, driven by premium housing prices with a median home value of $1,050,000 and average rents of $3,200. Utilities and groceries are slightly above the national average, while Florida’s state taxes remain relatively low. Prospective residents should be prepared for upscale living expenses reflective of the area’s desirable coastal location.
Median House Value:
$1,050,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$165
Auto Insurance:
$2,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,000
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.0
Grocery:
116.2
Housing:
195.0
Utilities:
106.4
Transportation:
110.2
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Watersound, FL a safe place to live?
Watersound enjoys a low crime environment, with violent crime rates well below the national average and a 1 in 910 chance of experiencing such incidents. Property crime is also relatively uncommon, giving residents peace of mind. This reputation for safety is one of the community’s appealing qualities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
980
Crime Index:
1,090
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Watersound, FL year-round?
The area boasts a mild, sunny climate, with winter lows around 45°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. Watersound receives an average of 60 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 67% of the year. This pleasant weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and beach enjoyment.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents in Watersound benefit from a strong local economy, with a median household income of $108,000 and a low poverty rate of just over 4%. The community is well-educated, with more than half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment remains low. Commute times average around 26 minutes, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting the area’s residential character.
Median Income:
$62,000
Household Income:
$108,000
Family Income:
$125,000
Per Capita Income:
$58,000
Income Male:
$70,000
Income Female:
$52,000
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
51.2%
Education
How are the schools in Watersound, FL?
Families in Watersound have access to well-rated public schools such as Dune Lakes Elementary and Emerald Coast Middle School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education is also available, and higher learning opportunities can be found at Northwest Florida State College just 11 miles away. The area’s high educational attainment rate reflects the community’s commitment to quality learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Dune Lakes Elementary School
Street:
6565 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone:
850-622-5050
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Emerald Coast Middle School
Street:
4019 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone:
850-622-5026
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Private Schools
Name:
Ohana Institute
Street:
12805 US-98 E, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
Phone:
850-231-3514
Students:
155
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Florida State College – South Walton Campus
City:
Santa Rosa Beach
State:
FL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Watersound offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of locals have health insurance, and the area’s healthcare index reflects solid service availability. Emergency and general care needs are well-supported for residents of all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Address:
7800 US Hwy 98 W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone:
(850) 278-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Address:
1000 Mar Walt Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone:
(850) 862-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
70.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watersound, FL?
The housing market in Watersound is competitive and upscale, featuring a median home price of $1,050,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $3,200. About two-thirds of residents own their homes, and the area sees steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. New construction remains limited, maintaining the community’s exclusive feel.
Median Home Price:
$1,050,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Santa Rosa Beach. Services include driver licensing and vehicle registration, with additional resources available online. The DMV office is easily accessible for Watersound locals.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
761 County Hwy 393 N, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone:
850-892-8121
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.