Navarre vs Pace vs Gulf Breeze-please respond (University: rentals, high school)

[coastiewifern]

We are looking at a possible military move to the area. It appears there are several nice rentals in the Holley by the Sea subdivision (Navarre) in our price range. What I really like are the amenities, community gym, youth center, tennis courts and pools. Are there other communities I should consider that would offer the same? Also the school rates 9 out of 10 on great schools which is the most important. We would not go any further east than Navarre and actually Gulf Breeze is another option and Pace due to where husband is going to work. I'd love to hear suggestions. Rapid responses appreciated we only have a few days to decide.

THANKS

[beachmouse]

Holley by the Sea really is the big master-planned sort of community out there, and it seems like most residents seem happy there. The big complaints I can remember are that it's a bit of a hike in terms of commute to where most jobs are, and that it took a while for the area to get utilities fully back after Hurricane Ivan. (but then Ivan took out a lot of the local utility grid)

Gulf Breeze is the option if you want something that's more of a traditional small town/downtown feel and still get good schools. Effectively the same student/school pool for both of those places- until a few years back when they built Navarre HS, all the south county kids went to Gulf Breeze HS.

The impression I get of Pace is that it's a little more isolated from the much interesting stuff in the area, save that you're close to University of West Florida and the very nice Blackwater Forest public lands.

I'd probably go with Gulf Breeze and spring for a family membership at that big fitness club on 98 at whose name I am currently blanking on, but then I prefer areas where the commercial zones aren't so far from the residential parts of the region.

[coastiewifern]

Thanks for the comment. Anyone else? Can you recommend any nice subdivisions in Gulf Breeze?

[mp89x]

i used to live in holley by the sea and i would highly reccomend it!!! the town is so cute and the schools are really good. i went to navarre high school for a few years and its really clean/nice/safe.