[tomac14]

Hi:

I'm very seriously considering renting a condo in Destin, FL for Jan, Feb and half of March.

What's the weather like in Destin, FL during these months, temperature, rain, comfort outdoors, etc.

I want to get out of cold St. Louis, MO during these months.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wintertime in Destin?

Thanks,

Tomac14

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by tomac14

Hi:

I'm very seriously considering renting a condo in Destin, FL for Jan, Feb and half of March.

What's the weather like in Destin, FL during these months, temperature, rain, comfort outdoors, etc.

I want to get out of cold St. Louis, MO during these months.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wintertime in Destin?

Thanks,

Tomac14

It's cool during those months. Daytime temp will likely be in the 60's and the night temp will likely be 30's-40's. Rain is very unpredictable, it just depends on if a front comes through that taps enough moisture from the gulf. Don't expect to be able to wear shorts and sandals in Destin during the winter. You probably wouldn't need a heavy jacket, but you would at least want a windbreaker.

[harv0621]

I have to agree with Southernnaturelover. I moved here to Fort Walton Beach (just west of Destin), from Vero Beach, two years ago. Although without a doubt we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I have been very disappointed in the winters here. I have been told for the last two years that the 20's we got in Jan and Feb were unusual, but nonetheless for two years now, I almost felt like I wasn't in Florida during the winter time. It by no means is like it would be up where you live, but don't expect to be sunbathing during these months. From May thru October is excellent beach and boating weather here.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by harv0621

I have to agree with Southernnaturelover. I moved here to Fort Walton Beach (just west of Destin), from Vero Beach, two years ago. Although without a doubt we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I have been very disappointed in the winters here. I have been told for the last two years that the 20's we got in Jan and Feb were unusual, but nonetheless for two years now, I almost felt like I wasn't in Florida during the winter time. It by no means is like it would be up where you live, but don't expect to be sunbathing during these months. From May thru October is excellent beach and boating weather here.

I remember when I was a kid back in 1983 it got down to 8 degrees, and there were pipes bursting everywhere. Several occasions since then it has got down into the teens.

[dukatiismommy]

We are moving to the Fort Walton Beach/ Destin area at the end of November. My husband is being stationed at Eglin AFB and just in case we are put on the waiting list for a while. Does anyone know of any descent apts that are pet friendly?

[jewelie64]

My husband and 10 yr old daughter and I spent 9 days just east of Destin, Watersound to be exact, last spring break. We fell in love with the whole area and think we want to leave Ardmore Oklahoma to live there. We've been working with a realtor about homes in the area between Ft. Walton and Panama City. Does anyone have any idea of the job market in that area? My husband quit his job of 10 yrs as an executive member of a dental implant/CAT scan machine company, IMTEC, 3M. He want's to just up and move there. I want to have the security of a job first. How about jr. high and high schools? Any first hand experience there?

[chicy724]

Originally Posted by dukatiismommy

We are moving to the Fort Walton Beach/ Destin area at the end of November. My husband is being stationed at Eglin AFB and just in case we are put on the waiting list for a while. Does anyone know of any descent apts that are pet friendly?

Not sure what you need/are looking for but we just moved here almost 2 months ago and chose Parkview Estates Townhomes. They aren't luxurious or anything but are decent.
It is about 1100 sq. ft., Townhome. We have 2 good size bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a laundry room, small galley-like kitchen, and combined living/dining, a patio. There is a pool on-site and on-site management (one girl usually). We pay $750 plus all utilities. They allow 2 pets per home, I think. We have 2 cats. We had to pay $300 up front as a "pet fee" which does NOT cover damage.. it's just "pet rent" basically.
You should ask for one with new lighting/flooring because they are much better. It seems rather quiet here. There are a lot of military people. It is also a month-to-month lease... which is mainly why we chose it, you just give 30 days notice and you're good to go.
The neighborhoods around here are very touch-and-go.. you can have a mansion next to a trailer park ...we're trying to find a home to buy and had to increase our budget in order to get away from this... it's soooooo weird!

Good Luck!

[RUBIES77]

Originally Posted by harv0621

hi, i thought i would open up a thread for the folks in the panhandle to help out the new locals, visitors etc. Feel free to post a comment, question or whatever floats your boat!

the best florida has to offer!!!!!!!!! But it is being discovered......so you better hurry up!!!!!!!!!!

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by jewelie64

My husband and 10 yr old daughter and I spent 9 days just east of Destin, Watersound to be exact, last spring break. We fell in love with the whole area and think we want to leave Ardmore Oklahoma to live there. We've been working with a realtor about homes in the area between Ft. Walton and Panama City. Does anyone have any idea of the job market in that area? My husband quit his job of 10 yrs as an executive member of a dental implant/CAT scan machine company, IMTEC, 3M. He want's to just up and move there. I want to have the security of a job first. How about jr. high and high schools? Any first hand experience there?

Unless you have high tech DoD skillz and an active security clearance or can make something work in the medical field, it's very much a bring your own job with you market at the white collar level. If you want to make it work, I'd either try to figure out some sort of executive hospital position or look for some sort of small business that is needed by the tourism industry but isn't something like yet another restuarant or retail shop. (retail rents in south Walton County tend to be pretty out of whack compared to realistic revenue streams)

The junior high and high schools are good but rather small by Florida standards and somewhat limited in terms of AP offerings and such. There's a new branch campus of the local state college going in by the high school that should increase higher level class options for the high schoolers in a year or two.

[Catherine Knapp]

hey harv your wright the water is beautiful!! you should try it on a bike its breath taking!! Hows it comin after Ivan? We was in Pensacola for a year and got stupid and went to Ms. wish i would of stayed ,Iowa still sucks!! See ya next hurricane and im coming for GOOD!!