[jblest]

In November my family will relocate to the florida panhandle from seattle.My new job will be in cantonment fl.I have 2 kids 5 & 6.We need low crime,good schools and close as possible to the white sandy beaches.Also I dont want more than a 30 min.commute.Thanks for all your imput.

jeff

[southernnaturelover]

I think I responded to your other post. Molino would be a good area for you, and since it's north of Cantonment you would avoid the Pensacola traffic. It's a small community but it is safe and the homes are reasonable (with bigger yards). The elementary school is also brand new.

[AustinTraveler]

But Molino is not that close to the beaches. If you're working in Cantonment, forget about living close to the beach unless you're willing to commute. And don't look at Gulf Breeze because that's where you're going to want to live with your family, but you'll have a commute for sure.

[southernnaturelover]

Another thing to consider is the closer you live to the water, the greater chance you'll have to evacuate during a hurricane. I live 50 miles inland, and it's really not that big of a deal to drive 1 hour to go to the beach on the weekend.

[On-da-Beach]

OK, let's get by the hurricane scare.
Seattle? Wow, have you seen these beaches? I didn't care to be on the coast until I saw this place.

[her2001]

Originally Posted by AustinTraveler

But Molino is not that close to the beaches. If you're working in Cantonment, forget about living close to the beach unless you're willing to commute. And don't look at Gulf Breeze because that's where you're going to want to live with your family, but you'll have a commute for sure.

That post pretty much nailed it.

[jblest]

do you know much about pace?

[her2001]

Pace is growing fast and is just down the road from North Pensacola. Lots of decnt new comstruction

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by jblest

do you know much about pace?

Pace was once a small community, however it has grown rapidly lately as a result of people fleeing the decaying areas of Pensacola. There are many new subdivisions in Pace as well as new stores being built. Overall it's a good safe place to live. The only downside to Pace is most of the houses are newer and "cookie cutter", but that's to be expected in a place with recent growth.

[AustinTraveler]

I would highly recommend that you rent before buying. Your kids are young enough that it isn't going to make a huge difference if they have to change schools after a year. Pace is definitely growing quickly but you may still find it a bit "country", especially coming from Seattle. If you rent for a year, you'll have time to check out Pace, Gulf Breeze, parts of Pensacola, and Cantonment itself. Plus, you'll have a better handle on the commute.