[andrea79]

Hi there! My husband and I will likely relocate to Fort Walton Beach (Hurlburt Field) this winter, and are looking to purchase a house in the area. I've looked through previous posts, and most of what I've found suggests great places for young FAMILIES (Navarre, Niceville), but I haven't seen much for young couples with out children.
This is what we are looking for:
An area with easy access to fitness and outdoor activities; restaurants and pubs; some retail.
A neighborhood full of other young (25-35) professionals, but not a college/spring break atmosphere.
A house with either an oversized garage or a large lot for an extra work/auto shop.
Is that too much to ask?
Thanks!

[lokahi]

Where are you moving from? If it's DC or LA, Navarre and Niceville will be very slow in comparison! But, there are nice places to live in the area, it's just finding the area that will suit your needs. Hurlburt is interesting, b/c it's close to Ft. Walton, but closer to Navarre. You could also look at Gulf Breeze, FL. It's closer to P'cola, but if your husband doesn't mind the drive (could be 25-30 min or more w/traffic), Gulf Breeze is a great area for young couples b/c Pensacola is so close by. Plus, you've got Pensacola Beach which is fun.

Destin has really become the hot spot for nightlife, and alot of ppl. drive from Ft. Walton to go over there. Conversely, ppl. will drive from Navarre or Gulf Breeze for Pensacola and Pensacola Bch. nightlife. There are two neighborhoods in the Navarre area, Holley-by-the-Sea and Tiger Point which have their own recreation centers.

Fishing and diving, along with surfing are the big rec activities. Have you considered living on the base? Eglin and Hurlburt both have great MWR programs and the base housing isn't bad, either!

Good luck!

[lokahi]

I would also rent before buying to really check out the areas that you like the best. There are alot of different areas and great neighborhoods that you might not find right away. Could you live on the base in the BEQ / BOQ for a few months before buying something?

[andrea79]

Thanks Lokahi! I don't know much about the area, but we'll be down there in October for a wedding, so we'll have a chance to check it out.
We are moving from the Seattle/Tacaom area. Right now we both commute 20-30 minutes to work, and 30-60 home - evening rush hour is horrible!

[lokahi]

You're welcome That's a tough commute!

I would say that if you're moving from Seattle, I would check out Gulf Breeze. Ft. Walton, Niceville and Navarre are pretty slow, but they're ok. If you're a city person, and you like going into d'town Seattle, etc., then P'cola will be close by if you live in Gulf Breeze. Gulf Breeze is very laid back and is a small town but it's very close to Pensacola Beach and Pensacola. One of my girlfriends lived in Pensacola Beach, FL and her husband commuted to Whiting Field, NAS.

Also, Pensacola is the biggest town in the panhandle aside from Mobile (father to the west and in Alabama) and Tallahassee (farther to the east). Some would argue that Panama City is big, but it's really not got the downtown that Pensacola has, it's more of a sprawl. Plus, Pensacola has the University of West Florida which is a really growing university and one of the best state schools.

I wish you the best of luck and if you have any additional questions, pls. feel free to DM me!

Take care -