[m6a2i4a2]

Hey everyone! I am moving to the Destin area due to my bf job. We will be moving in May and I have a few questions.

People keep telling me that the cost of living in Destin is really high...is this true? I vacation there and I don't find it to be any more expensive (as far as restaurants, wal-mart, shopping) than in New Orleans which is where I live now.

We are definitely looking to rent a house but we have dogs. I have been having a hard time finding long term rentals (everything seems to be a vacation rental) and most places don't except pets.

Where is a good website where I can find long term rentals?
What is the avg. price for a 2-3 bdroom house?

Is Destin pet friendly? Where do people take there dogs?

Other than the beach what is there to do in Destin...or surrounding areas.

Any other useful information that would help us out is more than appreciated.

BTW: I live in New Orleans so I already know all about Hurricanes...

Thanks in advance!

[2bohemians]

Hey everyone! I am moving to the Destin area due to my bf job. We will be moving in May and I have a few questions. We live just east of Destin along the Scenic Highway 30A.

People keep telling me that the cost of living in Destin is really high...is this true? I vacation there and I don't find it to be any more expensive (as far as restaurants, wal-mart, shopping) than in New Orleans which is where I live now. We really don't think it's terribly expensive to live here. Property taxes and insurance can be pricey depending on where you live but with all the work being done to get relief in those areas .. there has been some decrease. The issue that makes this a challenging place to live is employment. It can be tough to find good paying jobs as a large percentage of the employment is service industry oriented. You say your boyfriend has employment ... will you be seeking work as well?

As far as the real estate market, prices have come way down and you can get some great deals right now if you are in a position that you can afford to buy. For instance, we are 6 blocks from the beach on the 30A --- a house just sold in our neighborhood for $140,000. Several years ago, that house would have been listed in the $400,000 range.


We are definitely looking to rent a house but we have dogs. I have been having a hard time finding long term rentals (everything seems to be a vacation rental) and most places don't except pets. MOd deleted. Some places accept pets and some don't. Also, the cool thing about many of his rentals is that they have a lease to purchase type offer. What you pay in rent can be credited as a discount of the selling price should you decide to buy.

Where is a good website where I can find long term rentals? Mod deleted

What is the avg. price for a 2-3 bdroom house? We would say somewhere around $1,000 and up all depending upon the location.

Is Destin pet friendly? Where do people take there dogs? Typically there are rules about pets on the beach. You must have a permit with current rabies shots. Then depending on the season, you can take your pets to the beach after certain hours. We also have a dog park here in Santa Rosa Beach and lots of canine festivals throughout the year.

Other than the beach what is there to do in Destin...or surrounding areas. The beach is definitely the largest draw. What types of activities are you looking for? Most things are centered around water / nature related activities.

Mod deleted...[/color]

BTW: I live in New Orleans so I already know all about Hurricanes...

Thanks in advance!

[daytripper]

I live just over the bridge in Niceville. I would not call Destin pet friendly....
I would look more at Ft walton, Niceville, or crestview for housing. Destin is a tourist town with everything inflated accordingly. However as I said...surrounding communities may more fit you needs.