Kid-friendly Neighborhoods in Okaloosa County (Niceville, Destin: rentals, HOA fees, townhouse)

[merry-melly]

Hello! Happy to have stumbled across this forum while doing research for a possible move early next year to this area. I've already looked up schools, jobs and housing and everything looks good. Now I'm just trying to find out if there are neighborhoods with lots of kids around. That's how the neighborhood we currently live in is like (NC). There are always kids outside playing, people spending time outside and we feel safe (although I know there's nowhere that's 100% safe). My kids play prefer playing outside with their friends in the neighborhood - sports, riding bikes, playing tag, etc than being inside watching TV and playing video games. Are there any neighborhoods like this in the area?

[beachmouse]

The default recommendation is the Bluewater Bay area just east of Niceville- the rare development in the area that was actually designed to be pedestrian-friendly, seems to be a decent number of semi-free range kids, and part of the desired Niceville HS attendance area. (Just note that the townhouse areas near the Bay Drive pool skew pretty heavily retirees)

[merry-melly]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

The default recommendation is the Bluewater Bay area just east of Niceville- the rare development in the area that was actually designed to be pedestrian-friendly, seems to be a decent number of semi-free range kids, and part of the desired Niceville HS attendance area. (Just note that the townhouse areas near the Bay Drive pool skew pretty heavily retirees)

Thank you! That's really helpful and gives me a starting point on where to look for homes.

[slduvall]

Not to discourage BWB by any means, but as I sit by my window and see about half dozen kids playing outside, I would have to recommend Swift Creek as well. We have a children's play park, basketball and tennis courts and a swimming pool that is including in HOA dues. And there is always someone out playing. Our neighborhood has sidewalks on both sides of the street, though for some reason everyone walks in the street..not sure what is up with that. Large population of elementary, middle and high school students. Quick drive to middle and high schools, elementary is just a little bit further. If you are thinking private education Rocky Bayou Christian School is just outside the subdivision, many live here so their kids can walk there.

Welcome to Florida.

[beachmouse]

Also, what's the housing budget?

[merry-melly]

Originally Posted by slduvall

Not to discourage BWB by any means, but as I sit by my window and see about half dozen kids playing outside, I would have to recommend Swift Creek as well. We have a children's play park, basketball and tennis courts and a swimming pool that is including in HOA dues. And there is always someone out playing. Our neighborhood has sidewalks on both sides of the street, though for some reason everyone walks in the street..not sure what is up with that. Large population of elementary, middle and high school students. Quick drive to middle and high schools, elementary is just a little bit further. If you are thinking private education Rocky Bayou Christian School is just outside the subdivision, many live here so their kids can walk there.

Welcome to Florida.

That's really awesome. I'm told the kind of neighborhood I live in is rare, but it's sounding like I'll be able to find one down there. Makes me really hopeful that this will be a good place for us!

[merry-melly]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Also, what's the housing budget?

I don't want to buy right away, without knowing the area, but looking at rentals, there doesn't seem to be a big selection. I'd like to keep the rental price around $2k a month if that's even possible. We are open to buying, but need to go down and look around first. We are planning a visit after the holidays.

[beachmouse]

I'll add my usual disclaimer about how, since the federal government owns 95% of the land south of I-10 where people actually want to live, housing costs here tend to run a little more than what you'd expect for a county of 200K people. (And military folks who know they aren't going to be here long enough to buy also tend to drive up rental demand and prices.) It's an affordable market if you're coming from DC or coastal California or such; not so much if you're coming from Oklahoma.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

I'll add my usual disclaimer about how, since the federal government owns 95% of the land south of I-10 where people actually want to live, housing costs here tend to run a little more than what you'd expect for a county of 200K people. (And military folks who know they aren't going to be here long enough to buy also tend to drive up rental demand and prices.) It's an affordable market if you're coming from DC or coastal California or such; not so much if you're coming from Oklahoma.

I concur. Many rentals never even hit the market in my neighborhood. They are rented to friends of friends etc. A quick look at militarybyowner website, shows 30 rentals in Niceville. None in Swiftcreek. BWB has many different neighborhoods, and comes in at many pricepoints. Parkwood and Woodlands sections seem to have the $ you are looking at rent wise.

I really like Parkwood, as it is within walking distance to the elementary school. Quite a few of my friends live in there, with young children, and love it.

[chickenoodle99]

I messaged you already but will put this here for others who find this in the search. If Destin is of interest to you, Indian Bayou is full of kids and very family friendly! It's also a very safe neighborhood with only one way in and out, and the HOA fees go to the police for their presence in the neighborhood daily.