[Mellow man]

How much does the Destin area "close up" in the winter. I'm looking to spend a couple of months there this winter, but don't want to find myself in a ghost town! Thanks for any help.

[beachmouse]

Destin proper is pretty year round these days. The snow birds move in after Christmas, and don't really mind the odd cold winter day because their rent is a lot cheaper than it would be snowbirding further south. It's a little quieter east of the outlet mall, but that area's permanent population is also growing steadily these days. There are a few businesses that close for the winter and many more small ones who will close for 2-3 weeks at some point so the owners can vacation or touch up the place, and many small businesses will have reduced hours compared to summer.

But it's also the time of the year when the locals come out to play and take advantage of relative peace & quiet.

[Mellow man]

Thanks beach mouse. I saw a nice rental in the destin harbor area. Any thoughts?

[beachmouse]

It's generally a pretty nice area. I'd never buy there because of hurricane concerns, but renting in the Holiday Isle area (unofficial name for the peninsula south of the harbor proper) would be a pretty pleasant place to spend a winter.

I will note that the NW part of Destin- think behind McGuire's- can be a little bit hit or miss. It's not big city bad or anything, but Destin does have its share of poor people living in decaying small trailer courts ans 1920s cement block housing around there if you know where to look.

[Mellow man]

Thank you. Trying to decide between destin harbor and ponte Vedra beach south east of jacksonville. Any familiarity?

[TriStateLove]

If you prefer to not live directly in Destin, I'd check out Niceville! It's about 20 minutes north of Destin, but a lovely residential/suburban area in my opinion.

When it comes to Destin vs Ponte Vedra/Jax area... I personally would go with Destin. You can't beat the Gulf Coast waters and sunsets. There's a reason why Destin is called the "Emerald Coast" and also a reason why 30A has become a little sticker that you see everywhere!

[Memphis1979]

Some places, like some seaside restaurants shut down, but not many. Have to cater to the snowbirds

[Mellow man]

Niceville sounds great, but I'd like to be closer to the water. I've found a couple of rental options...sandpiper cove near the harbor has 2 units in my price range, and also there's a place on okaloosa island. Not being familiar, whaddya think?

[TriStateLove]

Originally Posted by Mellow man

Niceville sounds great, but I'd like to be closer to the water. I've found a couple of rental options...sandpiper cove near the harbor has 2 units in my price range, and also there's a place on okaloosa island. Not being familiar, whaddya think?

Whenever I visit the area, I always stay in Niceville with a friend who lives there, and then we drive to the beaches around Destin, so I can't say I have familiarity with the specifics of each community. I do know that Okaloosa Island is a part of Fort Walton Beach, right next to Destin.

Honestly, I think you'll be fine with anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Warm pretty water, beautiful sunsets, dolphins, etc. Destin is popular with tourists, but not nearly as bad as South Florida communities. And as far as panhandle locations go, Destin is only about an hour away from Pensacola and about two or three hours away from both Mobile, AL and Tallahassee, FL. Tallahassee could be a fun weekend getaway to see a FSU football game or something. I love the Panhandle/Big Bend area of FL!

[Mellow man]

Thanks tristate...it all sounds good