Page 38 - Panama City Living May/June 2019

WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE
Is their home perfect for them? Kim and Tim say yes; it is their ideal home, but they do have a few plans for improvements in
the near future. “We might set up a small A/C unit for the largest porch. It will be much more comfortable in the summer to enjoy,” says Tim. Kim mentions that they are thinking about replacing the tile flooring in the foyer with limestone. A kitchen update might be next on their list, along with finding ways to add closet space to their master bedroom.
With their own improvement projects in mind, the Hatleys have noticed that their neighborhood has started to grow in the last two years. According to the developer, two-thirds of this 1,500- acre community is committed to conservation. It is a prerequisite for the development permitting process and follows wetland regulations. Many of the home sites are one acre or larger in size. According to the St. Joe Company, Rivercamps has 450 lots of which 301 are currently developed. As of April 2019, 40 homes are completed and nine houses are under construction.
“There have been more and more families, younger families with kids, moving into the neighborhood,” Kim says, confirming the recent growth spurt in the neighborhood. Tim agrees. “I believe that most everyone lives here full-time. It's a mix of retired residents out here and young families,” he says. “That's the big difference from our old 30A neighborhood, where many of the houses are second homes and are being rented out.”
The Hatleys do not mind driving the few minutes that it takes to reach restaurants, shops, or entertainment. And lucky for them, their favorite restaurant, Boondocks, is just around the corner. “It's got a lot of character,” Tim says. Along with the fresh fish menu, he recommends the anniversary pie for everyone to try. “We don’t eat out as much as we used to but when we do, Boon- docks is our absolute favorite.”
Tim and Kim Hatley look very happy in their new home. Which of the amenities is their absolute favorite at Rivercamps? The choice is tough. There is a fitness room, a large zero-entry swimming pool by the water’s edge, the boat house as an indoor/outdoor venue for large gatherings, and even a campground with two large “glamping” tents and a fireplace for the owners and their guests to enjoy. Tim glances at his wife and laughs. “I like it the most when my workday ends.” Kim adds an aspect that the developers might have hoped for. “It really feels like a neighborhood where everyone helps each other,” she says. “The great neighbors we have here have made a wonderful difference.”
38 • May–June 2019 • www.PanamaCityLiving.com