Insider Today: The Hamptons of Florida

24.08.2024 - 12:37 / insider.com / Jennifer Lopez

Welcome back to our Saturday edition, a rundown of our best lifestyle reads. Moms always figure it out. That was the case for Suzanne Hayes, who moved her family of three into a hotel because it was cheaper than renting and came with amenities.

On the agenda:

But first: Summer never ends in Florida.

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A 26-mile stretch of Florida highway has been a well-kept secret for years. Now, the secret's out.

Known as 30A, it's become one of the hottest luxury travel destinations thanks to its crystal-blue water — courtesy of the Gulf of Mexico — and white sandy beaches. Sitting between popular spring break locales Destin and Panama City Beach, the 30A beaches comprise a few towns: Rosemary, Santa Rosa Beach, and Seaside.

What's attracting those looking for a vacation, and even a vacation home, is the area's reputation for being "quiet, family-oriented destinations somewhat off the beaten path," writes Business Insider's real estate reporter Dan Latu.

Since 2019, vacation-rental sites have seen an increase in bookings, and hosts can list at higher rates, climbing from $450 to $530 per night. Those wanting to stay a little longer may have noticed that median home sales have also seen a boom, according to Redfin, going from $1.1 million in July 2019 to $3 million in July 2024.

Despite the influx of interest and visitors, Kemp Stewart, a luxury rental owner who's seen 30A blow up in popularity, said that the beach towns' appeal has remained the same.

"It's stayed consistent," Kemp told BI. "This is a place for families to go on vacation and connect with one another in one of the most beautiful environments in the world."

Read the full story .

This week, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage. The news broke six months after the release of her documentary, "The Greatest Love Story Never Told."

In the documentary, Affleck expresses reluctance and concern about the inner workings of their relationship becoming public — and it may have been the first look at the pair's undoing.

What the documentary foreshadowed .

Also read:

Continuous glucose monitors, traditionally used by people with diabetes, have become fitness enthusiasts' hot new hack — even if they don't have the condition.

Proponents say the monitors can help people make proactive choices about their health. On the other hand, research isn't clear about exactly what certain blood sugar levels mean, so users may be operating in a scientific gray area.

Pros and cons of glucose monitors .

Also read:

Boquete, Panama, used to be a quiet town known for its coffee plantations and annual flower festival. For years, the town was a prime