Living in Alys Beach
Alys Beach was the last beachfront town on Scenic Highway 30A to be developed. The Stephens family, founders of Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries, bought the land at auction in the 1970s, and Elton B. Stephens named it for his wife, Alys. Construction began in 2004 on a town plan by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, the firm that also planned Seaside and Rosemary Beach.
The town is built for walking and biking. Caliza Pool, the amphitheater and a small town center of restaurants, a coffee shop and boutiques sit within a few minutes of most homes, and the beach is close by.
Homes and architecture
Every home in Alys Beach is white. Town architects Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt wrote the design code, which calls for solid masonry walls and roofs that stand up to hurricanes and high winds. The look draws on Bermuda and on the courtyard houses of Antigua, Guatemala, with Moorish and Mediterranean touches. Walled courtyards give each home privacy.
Alys Beach was the first development in the country to require every home to meet the FORTIFIED standard of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The plan mixes rowhouses, courtyard homes and villas along narrow streets and footpaths.
Around Alys Beach
Seacrest Beach is next door to the east, and Rosemary Beach is less than two miles away on 30A. Seaside is about seven miles west. Shannon is the listing agent for 36 Seacrest Beach Boulevard, Unit A101, a short walk from Alys Beach.
Questions about Alys Beach
Where is Alys Beach, Florida?
Alys Beach is on the east end of Scenic Highway 30A in Walton County, Florida, ZIP code 32461. WaterSound Beach is to the west, Seacrest Beach is next door to the east, and Rosemary Beach is less than two miles away.
Why are all the homes in Alys Beach white?
The town's design code requires it. The white masonry walls and roofs draw on the architecture of Bermuda and reflect sunlight, and they are built to stand up to hurricanes and high winds.
Are Alys Beach homes built to the FORTIFIED standard?
Yes. Alys Beach was the first development in the country to require every home to meet the FORTIFIED standard of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
Who planned Alys Beach?
Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, which also planned Seaside and Rosemary Beach. Construction began in 2004, and Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury-Vogt are the town architects.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in Alys Beach?
Shannon Baker, Broker Associate with The Agency | NW Florida Beaches, works with buyers and sellers in Alys Beach. She is licensed in Florida and Alabama and has more than $100 million in sales volume over the past five years. Call or text her at (850) 420-8678 or email shannon.baker@theagencyre.com.