Holly by the Sea Navarre: Why Locals Choose This Over Destin (Plus a New Construction Tour + Amenities)

by Andrew Iremonger

Most people start their Emerald Coast home search in Destin, Pensacola, or Panama City Beach.

But if you want more community, better bang for your buck, and still being close to the beach and the bases, Navarre deserves a serious look — and Holly by the Sea is one of the biggest reasons why.

In today’s tour, we’re walking through a brand-new construction home in Holly by the Sea, then breaking down what life is actually like here: prices, schools, cost of living, amenities, and the trade-offs you should know before you decide.

And yes… the HOA is only $565 per year — and it comes with amenities that feel like an entire compound.

Why Navarre and Holly by the Sea Are on the Short List for 2026

Navarre used to be called “Florida’s best-kept secret.”

It’s not a secret anymore.

People figured out that you can get the same white sand and turquoise water as Destin and 30A — without paying Destin and 30A pricing for every part of daily life.

Holly by the Sea is the largest neighborhood in the Navarre area (about 4,700 homes referenced in the video), and it’s one of the few that combines:

A strong neighborhood feel
Larger lots than many coastal towns
Big family energy
Tons of amenities
Coastal access without coastal chaos

Quick Tour: New Construction Highlights (Hardie Board + Upgrades You Don’t Usually See at This Price)

This home is new construction with Hardie board siding, which is a big deal in Navarre because termites exist (Hardie is composite — termites don’t love it).

Inside, the layout is open and functional, and the finishes are above what many people expect at this price point.

Standout features mentioned in the tour:

Wood-look tile flooring (more premium than what you usually get in this range)
Blue island cabinetry (popular modern build trend)
Spacious pantry (even though it’s accessed just outside the kitchen)
Soft-close cabinetry (always nice to see)
Wide two-car garage
Water heater in the garage (good “leak containment” placement)
Primary suite with a door to the backyard
Large primary closet and a deep walk-in shower
Shower with two shower heads (always a win)
Elevated AC unit (helpful for insurance and flood-related considerations)

The backyard isn’t fenced yet (common for new builds), but the video notes that fences are sometimes negotiable depending on builder incentives.

The Real Reason People Pick Holly by the Sea: Amenities That Don’t Make Sense for $565 a Year

Let’s talk about the headline value.

This HOA is $565 per year, and it includes access to a major amenity complex (the video calls it a 48-acre complex, and honestly… it sounds like one).

Amenities referenced in the tour include:

Three pools (mix of indoor/outdoor referenced)
Gym + fitness classes
Tennis courts + pickleball courts
Basketball courts
Parks and playgrounds
Walking/running trails
Community areas and lakes

And two separate water-access amenities:

Sound-side access:

Waterfront access on the Santa Rosa Sound (the calm water between the barrier island and mainland)

Bay-side boat access:

A boat launch area so you can drop your boat in, have a full day out, and come back in calm water

There’s also an RV section/campground area for guests — a great option if you love visitors… just not inside your house for 6 straight days. 😄

What It’s Like Living in Navarre (Location + Convenience)

This area is on the west side of Navarre, and the video emphasizes how centrally positioned it is.

Approximate drive-time positioning mentioned:

Pensacola: about 20–30 minutes
Destin: about 20–30 minutes
Nearest beach: under 10 minutes (depending on traffic)
Highway 98: close by (main east/west connector for the Emerald Coast)

Shopping nearby includes major essentials like grocery options and big-box stores along the Navarre corridor.

Cost of Living, Housing Prices, and Rent Range (What the Video Shared)

Housing is the biggest cost for most moves, so the video gives a realistic range:

Typical home prices in Navarre/Holly by the Sea: roughly $350K to $550K
This featured home was referenced around $440,000
Median referenced (2025): around $422K

Rental range mentioned in the video:

Rent: roughly $1,800 to $3,000/month
Median for a similar home: around $2,200 to $2,400/month

The video also references overall cost of living being below the national average across the Emerald Coast region (with Navarre often feeling even more affordable than the tourist-heavy towns).

Utilities mentioned generally:

Roughly $200–$250/month, with higher months in summer depending on AC use

Schools and Crime Notes (Using Third-Party Sources)

The video references third-party sites for schools and crime (which is the correct way to do it as a licensed pro).

Schools referenced for the area:

Holly Navarre Primary / Intermediate / Middle / High
Ratings referenced as above average, with an “A-” mentioned (from third-party sources)

Crime referenced:

Navarre showing a lower crime rate than the national average, especially for violent crime (per third-party sources referenced in the video)

If you’re moving with kids, it’s always smart to cross-check school and safety info yourself using the same third-party sources and your own comfort level.

Walkability and Neighborhood Feel (Even Without Sidewalks)

Holly by the Sea is described as walkable even though sidewalks are limited and scattered.

Why it still feels walkable:

Wide roads
Lower traffic volume in many pockets
Lots of families, strollers, bikes, and kids outside

It’s not “golf cart central” in every section, but there are pockets (especially near the golf course area) where you’ll see more of that lifestyle.

Who Holly by the Sea Is Best For

Based on the video, this area is a strong fit for:

Military families (multiple bases within driving distance)
Families who want amenities + neighborhood living
Buyers who want coastal life without coastal pricing
Retirees who want a slower pace but still want access to the water
Remote workers who want more house for the money

If you want the beach nearby but don’t want to live in a constant tourist swirl, this is one of the most consistent “best fit” areas on the Emerald Coast.

Final Thoughts: Why Navarre Often Wins the “Real Life” Comparison

Destin and 30A are incredible.

But when you zoom out to day-to-day life — bigger lots, easier budgeting, strong community feel, quick beach access, and amenities that actually support family living — Navarre becomes the smarter choice for a lot of people.

And Holly by the Sea is one of the main reasons why.

Thinking About Moving to Navarre or Holly by the Sea?

If you want help figuring out whether Navarre fits your lifestyle (and which pocket is best), we can run a full cost-to-own breakdown, compare neighborhoods, and help you avoid common relocation mistakes.

Visit our Contact Us page to start a conversation.