[GinnyFavers]

Hubby is applying for a transfer to Eglin AFB, and we are looking for ideas for a safe, affordable community that is on the LANDWARD side of the base, not on the southern fringe of it (so not Niceville, Ft. Walton, etc.)

I love the beaches, but I'm from New Orleans and frankly I've had enough of worrying about storm surge. There's so much fabulous affordable real estate to choose from all over the area (we're coming from Maryland, we feel like kids in a candy store!), I need some help narrowing down communities.

We're looking for a large lot, no HOA, hubby's willing to drive up to 40 minutes to and from work IF there are no or not many traffic lights. If he has to sit through traffic lights he'll hate it.

I don't need a lot of fancy stuff nearby, schools don't matter, either. Fairly quick access to a Super Walmart and/or Sam's Club will help the budget.

Thanks!

[OH0447]

I would recommend Crestview if you want to stay north of the base. It's a nice town, and there is a WalMart there : )

I would check out MilitarybyOwner.com or ahrn.com. Ahrn.com is where we found several rentals and they also have houses for sales listings.

The area is wonderful! I know you will love it here! We've been here for two months and I can't get enough.

[pirate girl]

Definitely Crestview. Just southeast of the interstate is a nice area with larger lots. When you exit I-10 and head south, make a left turn anywhere within a mile and you'll find the spot.

[GinnyFavers]

Thank you, everyone!! I've gone and looked at the sites suggested, and at realtor.com. I feel like a kid in a candy store, looking at all the lovely affordable housing. We could live in a McMansion for what we're paying for a decent apartment here. LOL

Now we just have to light some candles for the transfer to happen...

[Warlock]

I have got to go with Crestview also...

[soundbreeze]

Crestview is where alot of Eglin folks lived when I was working there. Lots of rolling land and plenty of space to "spread out". There's a nice stretch of 85 that you can really "open her up" on after the 123 connector.

I'm on Herbie now, so Navarre is the place to be.

[her2001]

All you leave is Crestview/ You still should look at Niceville IMO

[GinnyFavers]

What about flooding in Niceville? Looking at the map of the area, it looks pretty vulnerable to tidal surge from storms. I'm definitely interested in buying a house where there's minimum flood insurance costs.

[her2001]

Originally Posted by GinnyFavers

What about flooding in Niceville? Looking at the map of the area, it looks pretty vulnerable to tidal surge from storms. I'm definitely interested in buying a house where there's minimum flood insurance costs.

Only if you live on the water.

Even then its rare. I grew up on the water and it never got close. I have seen houses that are just above sea level trashed. Opal got a friends. They saw water up to the bottoms of the windows. Like I said though they lived right on the bay.

[ytav817]

Originally Posted by soundbreeze

Crestview is where alot of Eglin folks lived when I was working there. Lots of rolling land and plenty of space to "spread out". There's a nice stretch of 85 that you can really "open her up" on after the 123 connector.

I'm on Herbie now, so Navarre is the place to be.

I just recently "opened her up" some, and shortly thereafter saw the shiny flashing blue lights of an Okaloosa Sheriff. $108 later...and traffic school. sigh.

Are there any racetracks that are open to civies around here? Seriously.

~Yvonne