Advice Fort Walton Beach or Tampa (Eglin AFB: insurance, military, work)

[ltwins93]

We are a military family and have gotten the opportunity to choose our next duty location. We have lived in TN for the past 4 years and have a home here, but I miss the beach! We have an option to choose Eglin AFB in FWB or Macdill in Tampa.

I am 26 with three small children. My son has gone to a private christian school here that is relatively affordable. We plan on purchasing a home where we live, so what is the deal with hurricane insurance. I looked on realtor.com and I saw some very affordable homes in FWB close to the water......seemed to cheap to me? We are looking for a young but quiet area close to the beach but within a decent commute to my husbands work. Which would you choose? Please HElP

Thanks

[2bohemians]

Originally Posted by ltwins93

We are a military family and have gotten the opportunity to choose our next duty location. We have lived in TN for the past 4 years and have a home here, but I miss the beach! We have an option to choose Eglin AFB in FWB or Macdill in Tampa.

I am 26 with three small children. My son has gone to a private christian school here that is relatively affordable. We plan on purchasing a home where we live, so what is the deal with hurricane insurance. I looked on realtor.com and I saw some very affordable homes in FWB close to the water......seemed to cheap to me? We are looking for a young but quiet area close to the beach but within a decent commute to my husbands work. Which would you choose? Please HElP

Thanks

We can understand missing the beach ... we've tried living away from it but we always end up back at the beach. As far as Eglin or Macdill, it all depends on what you are looking for in a city. Personally, we've lived in Tampa and now live near Ft Walton. We did love living down south but love the panhandle even more. If you have family in TN, then you may like Eglin because it will be a closer drive back. If you don't, then that is obviously irrelevent.

Anyhow, yes prices are getting way more affordable in our area. There is alot to choose from and many great deals to be had. Insurance is expensive but it all depends on your location. If you need any further info, we'd be happy to answer any questions we can.

[2bohemians]

Oh, meant to add the link for the school system in Ft Walton.

Okaloosa County School District

[daytripper]

Ft. Walton over Tampa any dayEspecially with children.

[sunrico90]

I have visited both bases (retired USAF) and Eglin will be my choice. Due to the tourism in Tampa is too many people in the area. Eglin is a bit more relax.

Eglin is the largest USAF base and they have a regional hospital and the Okaloosa County runs the schools (rated A+).

I'll pick Eglin anytime....