[gretasrose]

I was wondering about something and I hope someone could help me out. I may be up for a job in Niceville making around 80/year. I don't know the area at all. Would that salary be enough to support a family of 4 in the area without us having to struggle? We would not have to pay for daycare, but would like a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home to rent. Any help would be great! Thanks!!

[beachmouse]

That's probably pretty average for the area, so I'd call it doable and reasonably comfortable if you don't expect to live extravagantly, buy the big boat and all that. Cost of living in greater Ft. Walton Beach will seem quite reasonable if you're coming from California and puzzlingly overpriced if you're coming from much of Texas or Oklahoma.

The single family home rental market around here can be pretty tight. Figure somewhere between $1200-$2000 per month depending on how many square feet and what neighborhood you're looking at. (Demand tends to outstrip supply with the local housing stock, and landlords builds high property insurance costs into the rent as much as they can.)

[gretasrose]

Thanks Beachmouse, that's extremely helpful! We may be making a decision soon...

[bucknut24]

yea, you should be fine, I've lived in Niceville for 15 years, and there are parts that are def "cheaper" than others

Not sure what word to use than cheaper, not really poor areas (don't consider to be any poor areas around here), just some neighborhoods (or apts) aren't as expensive, especially in Niceville vs Bluewater (a community on the edge of niceville)

[gretasrose]

Beachmouse - Do you know what kind of drive I would be looking at for Egling AFB from Niceville or Fort Walton?

[beachmouse]

Northeast side of Ft. Walton Beach/Shalimar or west side of Niceville, you can be at one of the gates in about 5 minutes. Figure a little more than 20 minutes if you're coming from SW Ft. Walton/Mary Esther city limits or the Bluewater area east of Niceville.

While there are some pretty nice areas close to the base gates, if you're thinking of buying, I'd go a little bit further out so you can be clear of the loudest noise zone if the F-35s ever do manage to bed down here.