Located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, Indian Rocks Beach has much more to offer than just great numbers. Settled in the 1800s, Indian Rocks Beach started as a quiet, scenic town that was often a destination for leisurely picnics and day trips. Soon, its charm and relaxing environment attracted enough residents and visitors and a permanent bridge became necessary. The historic Indian Rocks Bridge built in 1916 lasted 42 years until it was renewed by a drawbridge that is still the primary connection to the mainland today. The bridge is only one of many symbols of the island’s unique heritage which has been preserved and incorporated into the modern world.
Indian Rocks Beach Real Estate
If you’re in the market for a vacation home with a sunny disposition, look no further than Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. Real estate on this Gulf island is growing more valuable by the minute. The median estimated market value is currently at $323,600 – a 9% increase from last year. In addition to home values rising, mortgage prices are falling. Perhaps the most prominent trend in the housing market this year has been a national mortgage rate that has plunged miles below sea level. According to the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is approaching an all-time low with the average at 3.86%. Not only is this number enticingly low, but Florida real estate has maintained an average of approximately .02% lower. With prime conditions like these, buying a home in Florida has never been easier.
The cozy, historic ambiance found in Indian Rocks Beach combined with its active community life and pristine beaches makes real estate a hot commodity. Now is the time to buy a home since statistics show that both list and sale prices are going up. While the average list price of $524,000 is only a slight .4% rise from last year, the median sale price of $412,400 is a whopping 27% increase. It is also important to consider the amount of time these vacation homes are on the market before they become the property of happy, new investors. The fewer days a house is on the market, the more competition there is among buyers. Homes in Indian Rocks Beach were off the market in almost half the amount of time this year that they were last year. The total number of vacation homes sold has risen as well. In February of last year, 30 homes were sold while 57 were sold in February of this year. Using these trends to project sales, approximately 720 homes will be sold this year alone. While real estate in Indian Rocks Beach is clearly in high demand, it is a growing city with new developments in the works and plenty of availabilities.
With condominiums and individual family homes making up the majority of residences in Indian Rocks Beach, there is a definitive community atmosphere. The elegant Floridian island boasts a vivacious community garden that is accessible to residents year-round, providing a fun activity for the whole family as well as a wealth of organic produce. Getting around is easy with ample free parking and an eco-friendly, efficient public transit system. After enjoying the outdoors at the city’s nature preserve and lush public parks, step indoors to experience the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Beach Art Center, or Historic Museum. Get to know your neighbors at one of the many city-sponsored community events. In the summer, the town comes together for the annual grand opening of the docks and also for a city-wide garage sale. In the fall, adults come from all around to enjoy Florida’s version of Oktoberfest while children have a blast with new friends at the community pumpkin carving and haunted house events. And in December, an aura of holiday cheer is in the air with a tree lighting celebration, street parade, and lighted boat parade.
If you’re interested in buying real estate in Florida, Indian Rocks Beach has plenty to offer. A historic community on a sunny island and a thriving housing market make Indian Rocks Beach vacation homes the ones you’ve been looking for.