What if the projects rising around West Bay could change your daily routine and your home’s resale story at the same time? If you live in Watersound or you are eyeing a move here, you have probably noticed more cranes, new clinics, and talk of a major retail center. You want to know what it means for convenience today and for home values over the next few years. In this guide, you will see what is being built, why it matters, the tradeoffs to watch, and how to position your buy or sale. Let’s dive in.
What’s rising around West Bay
The West Bay corridor is adding anchors that make day‑to‑day living easier. A Publix‑anchored lifestyle center is planned at Watersound West Bay Center, with early space targeted for 2026 occupancy and the Publix announced in mid‑2025 by the developer. St. Joe also outlined the center’s large mixed‑use scope in its project announcement.
Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, a planned active‑adult community, has scaled fast. The community surpassed 2,000 home sales by December 2024 and has thousands more homesites planned, which increases year‑round residency near Watersound (developer update).
Healthcare access is expanding nearby. TMH opened a primary and urgent care clinic in July 2024 as part of the FSU/TMH medical campus, with hospital phases planned next (clinic opening details).
Regional connectivity keeps improving. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) recently broke a passenger record, widening the pool of potential buyers and visitors (local coverage). Road capacity is also growing, including work tied to the Philip Griffitts Sr. Parkway Phase 3 and SR‑79 improvements (public meeting notice).
Why these amenities boost value
Grocery and retail convenience
Proximity to quality grocery and daily‑needs retail often adds a value premium. National research has found that neighborhoods near certain grocery anchors can see higher home prices compared with areas farther away, with the effect varying by brand and distance (industry analysis). With a planned Publix and multi‑tenant retail at West Bay Center, Watersound buyers gain a tangible convenience benefit that can support demand.
Healthcare access close to home
Healthcare is a must‑have for many buyers, especially those prioritizing aging‑in‑place. The FSU/TMH campus brings jobs and access to urgent and primary care now, with hospital phases planned. The effect on values is often positive at comfortable distances, though immediate adjacency can bring noise or traffic that some buyers weigh as a tradeoff (clinic opening details).
Transportation and airport lift
Easier travel widens the buyer pool. Airport growth and road upgrades reduce friction for second‑home buyers, retirees, and relocating professionals. As access improves, interest in nearby neighborhoods like Watersound tends to rise (airport passenger record; parkway project update).
Master‑planned momentum
Sales velocity concentrates demand. St. Joe’s disclosures and partner updates point to sustained absorption across Watersound‑area communities, a sign of continued in‑migration and neighborhood services growth (project announcement; SEC filing). More residents mean more support for retail, dining, and health services, which reinforces neighborhood appeal.
Short‑term disruption vs. long‑term upside
Growth brings two timelines. In the near term, construction, road work, and tenant build‑outs can add noise, dust, and traffic and may extend days on market for some listings. Over the long run, completed grocery, medical, and transport projects typically increase convenience and support stronger resale appeal for most addresses near, but not immediately next to, the busiest nodes (West Bay Center update).
Watersound market snapshot
Watersound sits in a higher‑end coastal segment with both new builds and established homes. Aggregators showed a median listing price around the high‑$600Ks in early 2025, with one January read near $699,000 and a median sold price around $659,000. At the same time, Bay County reports in early 2025 showed a period of cooling with an average price decline and longer marketing times compared with 2024 (county market coverage). Large‑scale nearby sales, including at Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, still indicate strong builder and buyer interest in the corridor (community sales milestone).
Key risks to watch
- Flood‑map changes and insurance. FEMA updated Bay County flood maps in 2024, which can shift mortgage requirements and premiums for some addresses. Always check the latest maps and talk with your insurer before you write an offer (flood map update).
- Market timing and inventory. Even in growing submarkets, county‑level softening can weigh on appreciation for stretches of time (local market coverage).
- Micro‑location matters. Homes a few blocks from a town center or clinic may see a different effect than properties adjacent to service bays or ambulance routes. Walk the site at different times of day and review site plans.
Buyer and seller playbook
If you are buying
- Prioritize proximity. Map your drive times to Publix at West Bay Center, the FSU/TMH clinic site, and your favorite beach access.
- Balance access and quiet. Aim for convenient distance without backing to delivery or emergency routes.
- Underwrite total cost. Confirm HOA fees, CDD assessments, and new insurance quotes, including flood coverage where applicable.
- Plan your timeline. If you want move‑in calm, target areas with fewer active construction phases.
If you are selling
- Market the lifestyle. Spotlight convenient access to West Bay Center, healthcare, airport routes, and nearby recreation in your listing copy and visuals.
- Set the right price. Weigh county‑level cooling against your home’s micro‑location advantages and refresh comps often.
- Lean into presentation. Professional photography, video, and light staging help your home stand out in a mixed market.
- Remove friction. Offer clear disclosures on any nearby construction timelines to build buyer confidence.
What this means for your Watersound move
The West Bay buildout is reshaping how you will shop, seek care, commute, and entertain guests. Convenience anchors like Publix, growing medical services, and better access tend to support long‑term demand, even if near‑term construction and county cycles create bumps. If you plan to buy, focus on location within the amenity web and verify flood and insurance details. If you plan to sell, lead with lifestyle value and a polished presentation to capture today’s buyers.
If you want a clear plan tailored to your address and goals, reach out to Christine Fox for a friendly, data‑aware strategy that blends local insight with creative marketing.
FAQs
How will the Publix at Watersound West Bay Center affect my Watersound home’s value?
- Proximity to a quality grocery often supports a price premium over time, though the exact effect depends on micro‑location and brand mix at the center (industry analysis).
What is the timeline for the FSU/TMH medical campus near Watersound?
- TMH opened primary and urgent care in July 2024, with hospital phases planned; exact dates can shift, so check the latest local updates (clinic opening details).
Are Watersound home prices rising or cooling in 2025?
- Early‑2025 county reports showed some cooling with lower average prices and longer marketing times, while nearby master‑planned sales remain active (local coverage).
How do FEMA’s updated flood maps affect buying in Watersound?
- New designations can change loan requirements and flood insurance costs, so check the current map for your address and get quotes before making an offer (flood map update).
How do airport and road projects change Watersound’s appeal for second‑home buyers?
- More flights at ECP and parkway improvements reduce travel friction, which can broaden the buyer pool for Watersound properties (airport record; parkway update).
