[nyc2fl]

I recently got a job offer with offices in Pensacola, Panama City and Crestview and I have to pick one but I know absolutely nothing about the Panhandle cities. Does anyone know anything about these cities - demographics, cost of living, things to do, etc. I need to make a decision soon and any input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

[compelled to reply]

Originally Posted by nyc2fl

I recently got a job offer with offices in Pensacola, Panama City and Crestview and I have to pick one but I know absolutely nothing about the Panhandle cities. Does anyone know anything about these cities - demographics, cost of living, things to do, etc. I need to make a decision soon and any input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

I suggest that you post your inquiry on the FLORIDA forum, not the Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando forum.

[kcr02]

Hi there- if like your name suggets, you are coming from NYC, all three will be quite a culture shock. I have visited these locations quite a bit the past year and can maybe help a little...

Crestview is a very small town, I don't want to be too negative, but it's definitely on the hillbilly side of Florida... the fancy Italian restaurant we went to had country fried chicken on the menu. The people there seemed friendly enough, tight knit community and all, so if you like a small town atmosphere this would be your place... there isn't a whole ton of things to do, but it's not a bad drive down to Destin, which is amazing. I imagine of the three this would have to be the lowest cost of living, but I don't have any facts or figures to back that up.

Anyone can tell you Panama City is a tourist town, and it is, but there are some pretty unique things to do around there, I don't know if I'd settle there and try to make a living but I do love to visit. The beach seems so built up with condos and high rises though that I have been enjoying other beachy cities in the panhandle lately instead. There are a ton of young people that flock here for Spring Break every year, but in the off-season (like mid-oct and beyond) it's quiet and almost peaceful. Come to think of it though, is it Panama City or Panama City Beach you are looking at, they are close together but pretty different from each other.

Pensacola would have to be my favorite of the 3, but I am a bit partial because of its navy town status. The beaches are beautiful, it's a pretty calm area, there is definitely more to do on a year round basis than Panama City (and all year round it beats Crestview). It's not a small town but I wouldn't consider it a big city either. Earlier in the summer I almost took a job there, and the cost of living didn't seem to be very high, it is definitely much lower than where I am now (jax). But like I said, I'm biased because of the navy, if you aren't in the navy or with someone in the navy, there might not be nearly as much to do as I think there is... On the plus side, it does have a decent enough airport if you plan on flying out a lot, I think Panama City does too but I haven't used it so I'm not sure if it's any good.

Hope my ramblings helped a little

[nyc2fl]

KCR02 your input was very helpful. Thank you very much!!!

[compelled to reply]

THERE you go . But I don't have any assistance to offer .

[HIF]

Why have you posted this in four different forums?

[nyc2fl]

Because people in different forums might have different views about the same cities!!!

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by nyc2fl

I recently got a job offer with offices in Pensacola, Panama City and Crestview and I have to pick one but I know absolutely nothing about the Panhandle cities. Does anyone know anything about these cities - demographics, cost of living, things to do, etc. I need to make a decision soon and any input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

The links below will provide your basic info. We have many posts that cover the 3 cities that you are considering. Crestview is a great choice but far from the water and less expensive. Pcola & Panama City are larger cities will most of the conveniences of a large city, but are not metro type cities. Both are close to the water.

What is your trait?

Crestview, Florida (FL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders
Panama City, Florida (FL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders
Pensacola, Florida (FL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

[deckardc]

Originally Posted by nyc2fl

I recently got a job offer with offices in Pensacola, Panama City and Crestview and I have to pick one but I know absolutely nothing about the Panhandle cities. Does anyone know anything about these cities - demographics, cost of living, things to do, etc. I need to make a decision soon and any input is appreciated. Thanks!!!

What is you are looking for?
Larger city with plenty of restaurants and shopping? Small, country, conservative town? Close to the beach? Farther from the beach? Easy access to an airport? Diversity? What type of housing do you want? What is your price range for housing? Do you have children? If so, does school quality matter, etc?
There is a difference between the 3 cities so the type of lifestyle you would be interested in matters.

[nyc2fl]

Sunrico90...thanks for the links.

Deckardc...

I am in my late 20s and have lived in large metropolitan cities my whole life so I don't know if a small, conservative town would be an easy transition. I am single and have no children. I would like to purchase a home but I can't afford more than $250K. I want to live in a city where not everyone is already married with kids since I am single. Basically, someplace that has all the conveniences of a big city (airport, restaurants, shopping + water) but not the high cost of living.

My concern with Panama City is the tourists. I lived in Miami Beach for 3 years and had enough of the tourist and party scene.