Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, an active adult community located in the heart of Northwest Florida, has reached a remarkable milestone with the sale of its 2,000th home. Since its opening in May 2021, the community, designed for residents aged 55 and older, has experienced significant growth and continues to captivate potential buyers seeking an ideal retirement lifestyle. The project is part of a multi-phase plan, with approximately 3,500 homes expected to be completed in the first phase alone, and even more homes planned for future phases.
The development is nestled along the stunning Emerald Coast, strategically located between Pensacola and Panama City. The community is just a short drive from the famed Panama City Beach, known for its picturesque white sand beaches, and Scenic Highway 30-A, which is famous for its laid-back beach atmosphere. This prime location offers the perfect backdrop for Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, blending coastal charm with the relaxed, carefree lifestyle that is the hallmark of the Latitude Margaritaville brand.
Jorge Gonzalez, President and CEO of St. Joe, the company behind the development, celebrated the sale of the 2,000th home as a significant achievement. “This milestone not only demonstrates the quality of the homes and amenities but also speaks to the allure of Northwest Florida as a destination for retirees and active adults,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve seen a steady migration to this region from all corners of the country, and the ongoing demand for homes here highlights the appeal of the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle.”
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound has quickly become one of the most sought-after active adult communities in the country. The community has earned recognition as one of the top 50 master-planned communities in the U.S. according to RCLCO Real Estate Consulting. The sales performance of Latitude Margaritaville Watersound has exceeded all projections, showcasing the growing popularity of the Latitude Margaritaville concept, which blends the excitement of food, music, and fun with the relaxation of a resort-style setting.
Jim Wiseman, President of Margaritaville Development, shared his excitement over the 2,000th home sale, stating, “We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from our residents. The Latitude Margaritaville brand is built around the idea of offering a fun, safe, and inspired living experience, and it’s clear that our residents have embraced that lifestyle.” Wiseman also emphasized the positive impact that this milestone has on the broader community, as it reinforces the appeal of the region for retirees seeking a vibrant, resort-style environment.
A key feature of Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is its Latitude Town Square, which serves as the heart of the community. The Town Square boasts a variety of resort-style amenities designed to foster a sense of fun and camaraderie among residents. A standout feature is the terraced amphitheater and thatched-roof bandshell, which hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year. The community also has a two-story Latitude Bar & Chill restaurant, complete with a rooftop Overlook Bar that offers breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. For those looking to relax and unwind, the massive Paradise Pool with its beach-like gradual entry and Tiki Island offers a perfect escape.
In addition to the pool, the community offers a state-of-the-art fitness center called Fins Up!, which includes an indoor lap pool, a spa, workout equipment, a spin room, and a wide range of fitness classes. Residents can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including pickleball and tennis, with courts lit for nighttime play. The games lawn offers options for bocce, cornhole, and putting green, while the Port of Indecision kayak launch gives residents easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. For pet owners, the Barkaritaville Dog Park offers a safe and fun space for dogs to play.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound also features new amenities under construction, such as the Workin’ N’ Playin’ Center, which will house a Last Mango Theater for movies and concerts, a woodworking workshop, a pottery studio, and an arts & crafts room. A Barkaritaville Pet Spa will also be available for grooming services. Additional sports courts are being built, including more pickleball and bocce courts, and new tennis courts, enhancing the array of leisure and recreational options available to residents.
The homes in Latitude Margaritaville Watersound capture the signature tropical vibe of the brand. With five distinct home collections, including the Conch Cottage Collection, Caribbean Villas Collection, and Beach and Island Collections, residents can select homes ranging from 1,210 to 4,048 square feet. Prices for homes start in the $300s, offering a variety of options to suit different lifestyles and preferences.
This community is being developed through a dynamic partnership involving Minto Communities USA, Margaritaville Holdings, and St. Joe. Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is the first community developed with St. Joe and is already proving to be a highly successful project. The development is also supported by additional plans for a full-service marina, a commercial village, and a healthcare campus. St. Joe is partnering with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and Florida State University to develop a healthcare campus just minutes from the community. This campus will focus on research and services related to aging and senior living technologies, providing even more amenities and support for residents in the future.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound’s unique blend of coastal charm, resort-style living, and active adult lifestyle has made it a destination of choice for those seeking a vibrant and fulfilling place to call home. With its growing popularity and expanding range of amenities, the community is set to become one of the most desirable locations for retirees looking for the ultimate Florida lifestyle.
