By Susan Vallee

Have you heard of the Hammock Bay development in Freeport? It’s a popular place to live for good reason. With a general store, farmers markets, and a brewery it’s also easy to see what it’s like before making the leap to live there.

There are 20 different neighborhoods and the Infinity apartment complex.

So why, exactly, do people love it so much?

1) A strong sense of community
Let’s face it, it’s not easy to make friends these days! With everyone leading busy lives, it can be difficult to schedule time into the day to volunteer, attend functions, or catch up with friends. But Hammock Bay makes it simple! How exactly? Keep reading.

2) Amenities. Amenities. Amenities. 

Hammock Bay offers residents a wealth of activities. There are pools, basketball courts, pickle ball and tennis courts, a huge gym, a clubhouse equipped with a kitchen and movie theatre, Bay access, an outdoor LED TV screen that’s the size of movie screen (no, really), event lawn, dog park, sidewalks, a brewery, ongoing monthly events, and a sports complex within walking distance.

3) Canine Commons and event lawns

Who loves to run free? Dogs (and kids)! Hammock Bay has a shaded and fenced dog park adorably named Canine Commons. Here pooches have a chance to chase sticks unencumbered by those pesky leashes. A large event lawn and smaller open lawns within neighborhoods are also great gathering spaces for leashed pets.

4) Ongoing events

It seems like there is always an event or gathering happening in Hammock Bay. Whether it’s a pickle ball game, food trucks, a special holiday event, or a ladies night gathering in the clubhouse, there is always something happening in Hammock Bay. Fitness classes, book club gatherings, walking clubs—it’s so easy to meet people here!

5) Walk to the Freeport Regional Sports Complex

This incredible sports complex encompasses 60 acres and includes anything and everything you need to break a sweat. There are softball, baseball, T-ball, and soccer fields—plus basketball and tennis courts, shuffleboard, a volleyball court, and disc golf! Two large playgrounds have fun features like a mini zip line and a splash pad. And if you feel like taking a walk while the kids play, a sidewalk encircles the area.

6) A General Store
Every community needs a good general store! Run out of milk or bread and don’t feel like hopping in the car? The General Store has it! There are also snacks, drinks, beach gear, and the odds and ends you don’t think you need until you see them.

7) Props Brewery
This huge brewery was founded by two United States Air Force Special Operations pilots (hence the plane). What plane? Look up before entering! Props brews offers a wide selection of brews like Blonde Bomber, Dos Pilotos, Flying Coffin IPA, Prop Oil Porter, Red Tail Ale, and more. Plus, there is also a spiked seltzer and seasonal brews! Live music and food trucks make regular appearances at Props Brewery, and kids can fun and play on the lawn while parents relax and enjoy a drink.

8) Freeport Middle School
Walton County is investing more than $80 million into the construction of Freeport Middle School in Hammock Bay. The school encompasses 32 acres by the Regional Sports Complex and will welcome students in grades 6-8 when it opens!

9) A walkable community
Families with children will might benefit the most from living in a walkable community—although its great for everyone. From walking to a friends house, to getting a snack at the General Store, to meeting up with friends on the basketball court, a walkable community fosters independence.

10) People who look out for each other
Out of all the reasons residents love Hammock Bay, this is probably the best one. Yes, it’s a community teeming with fantastic amenities and things to do, but it’s filled with wonderful residents too. Neighbors who know each other by name, who help each other out—this is the real reason people who live in Hammock Bay, love Hammock Bay.