[lovindfw]

Ok, so I have a chance to move to either location for purposes of my job. Which one would you choose and why? Assumptions Married w kids and spouse wants to go back to school for X ray tech.

[beachmouse]

They're fairly similar in a lot of ways- still relatively Southern culturally, though Ft. Walton Beach less so since only a handful of people lived there before WW2, median family incomes about the same. Of course, Jax is significantly bigger, and may be a little easier to find a job for a trailing spouse if that's an issue. Would give the general edge in school quality to Ft. Walton Beach though there are a couple of really good (and very $$$) private schools in Jax. Housing is probably a little more in FWB, but you can get a fairly nice (though not huge) home in a safe area with good schools in the $175K-$200K range.

Quality of life in FWB, I find to be pretty good, and there are more shopping and dining options than you'd expect for an area its size.

[RVlover]

I think you should also consider crime rates . If your wife can get her schooling in either place, then i think the Fort Walton Beach area is much more conducive to a better and safer family life. Plus the Christian Culture is more prevalent in the NW Panhandle which generally equates to more law abiding citizens , higher values and ethics.

[beachmouse]

Considering everything that's gone on with three very high visibility government scandals in Okaloosa County, I always have to laugh at RVLover's emphatic declaration that the area's high Christian values and ethics lead to some sort of superior morality among residents. (Next up: wouldn't be surprised to see RICO charges come out of the FBI investigation of the 'Destin Public Services Building' affair) The good old boy network is still there, and crooked as they come, though they aren't an impact in most peoples' lives.

But I agree that for the most part, it's a very safe area where you generally have to actively look for trouble to find it. I'm female and think nothing of going for a run alone in my 'burblet at any time of day or night.

[Scientifical Madness]

Originally Posted by RVlover

I think you should also consider crime rates . If your wife can get her schooling in either place, then i think the Fort Walton Beach area is much more conducive to a better and safer family life. Plus the Christian Culture is more prevalent in the NW Panhandle which generally equates to more law abiding citizens , higher values and ethics.

I agree completely. Jax has a lot of this aspect too, but even more so in the panhandle. A little bit of old Florida. That's why it's the best FL has to offer!

[lovindfw]

Thanks for the input. My husband is actually going back to school. Any particular high school you recommend in FWB? Any diverse churces in that area?

[beachmouse]

Among the general high schools, Niceville has the best academic/athletic/fine & performing arts reputation. Collegiate High charter school has a good academic reputation but extracurriculars are rather DIY. Pretty wide variety in churches, it seems, though the fundamentalists tend to be the biggest players. If you're looking for social diversity, there's an Unitarian congregation in Valparaiso that might work, and a couple different Episcopalian churches in the area that seem to be pretty moderate by current Anglican standards.

[lovindfw]

Would you say rent is about the same in each area (targeting low crime/good school areas)?

[beachmouse]

I don't know what Jax rents are like. From the local real estate web site:

Pretty good rate, and zoned for the #20 elementary school in the state according to the most recent FCAT scores:

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

More typical for the $1000-$1100/month range:

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

Newish townhouse for $895/month:

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

EmeraldCoastHomesOnline.com

[BlueWillowPlate]

I spent almost 2 years in NW Florida, and have been in NE Florida two years.
Have great affection for both.
I pretty much agree with Beachmouse's assessment. (Where I lived in the NW, Port St Joe, it was much more rural, and the schools did their best, but were limited in what they could offer. However, every one of my son's soccer team went on to college, a couple of them Ivy League.)
Where I am now, Amelia Island, it's a great place to raise kids, but it is becoming less and less affordable, plus the economic downturn has hit hard.
Of course Jax is big and might have more opportunities for jobs/housing/schools.