Escambia & Santa Rosa Counties
Escambia County is located in the northwest corner of the state and was one of the two original counties to be established in Florida in 1821. Named for the Escambia River, Escambia County is known for its abundant history, stunning beaches and beautiful surroundings. Pensacola is located in Escambia County and is the largest Florida city west of Tallahassee
Just east of Escambia County is Santa Rosa County which also boasts some of the prettiest beaches in Florida, including the beautiful, uncrowded beaches of Navarre. Santa Rosa has seen robust growth in the last decade, exceeding the state average in the percentage of population increase. Residents are divided in their opinion about the county’s development. But if you are someone who likes the idea of buying in an area that is growing, Santa Rosa County is a place to consider.
Photo Courtesy of: Visit Florida
Living in
Pensacola
Pensacola has a lot to offer as a retirement destination. Here you will find a vibrant downtown with museums and historical markers, diverse dining and shopping opportunities, an active art scene, and eclectic bars offering live music.
In addition to the citified attractions, you can enjoy waterfront parks, and a selection of nature trails. And don’t forget that one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see is just a 15 minute drive away.
Do you love airshows? If so, Pensacola should be on your short-list of retirement possibilities. But not because they have a great airshow once a year, rather because this is the official home to the Blue Angels and you can watch them practice during most of the year!
When family and friends come to visit consider taking them to one of Pensacola’s local attractions. Check out the Macaw Bird Park which is an inexpensive, highly-rated parrot rescue and sanctuary. Visit the popular National Naval Aviation Museum. And be sure to take your guests to the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, not just for the history, but for the stunning views of the Pensacola Bay and the city’s skyline.
And what’s really great is that unlike many larger cities, you can find affordable homes in Pensacola. You can even find some reasonably priced waterfront condos here.
Living in
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is a great retirement option if you want to alternate between having fun in a beach party atmosphere and enjoying a peaceful stroll along the beach. This is possible because most of the activity in Pensacola Beach is centered around the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. This area is located at the base of the bridge as you come onto the barrier island from the mainland, and it’s in walking distance of many of Pensacola Beach’s residential neighborhoods.
When you are ready to just relax, you will not be disappointed with the beaches here. Santa Rosa Island, on which Pensacola Beach sits, offers what are truly some of the most beautiful beaches you will find anywhere. It’s a wide beach with soft white sand, typically calm and clear emerald green water, and occasionally even some good shelling. Just head either east or west from the Boardwalk and the beaches will become increasing less crowded. And once you get out of town in either direction you will find yourself in the undeveloped Gulf Islands National Seashore.
One thing to note about living in Pensacola Beach is that although you’ll find a good selection of restaurants and bars here, for most of your essential needs you’ll need to cross the bridge into Gulf Breeze or beyond. The town doesn’t have a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, hardware store or supermarket; although it does have one bank and one pharmacy.
Living in
Navarre
Photo Courtesy of: Britt Reints / CC BY 2.0
Located in Florida’s panhandle, Navarre is a simple, secluded bedroom community which has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find in the U.S. It’s little wonder that Navarre has been called “Florida’s Best Kept Secret” and “Florida’s Most Relaxing Place”. But the secret of Navarre is getting out – the town’s population has grown nearly 20% in the last decade. But despite the influx of residents, Navarre’s median home prices remain over 30% below the very popular nearby town of Destin.
As you might expect from it’s monikers, Navarre isn’t known for a hopping night-life or a myriad of organized activities. However, if fishing and beach-going are your preferred activities then you just might find Navarre to be your heaven on earth! Check out Navarre Beach’s Marine Park and it’s record-holding fishing pier, and be sure to attend the annual Navarre Fishing Rodeo! And in the warmer months you can enjoy free Thursday night concerts at the beach-side Sand Crab Pavilion.
Living in
Gulf Breeze
Photo Courtesy of: City of Gulf Breeze
Gulf Breeze is a small town situated at the western end of a peninsula that lies south of Pensacola. Despite it being surrounded by water on three sides, it’s easy to get in and out of Gulf Breeze because there is a three-mile bridge across Pensacola Bay that links to Pensacola; and there is another bridge that connects Gulf Breeze to Pensacola Beach. With less than 5 square miles of land and a population of only around 7,000 residents, Gulf Breeze is a great choice if you are looking for a quiet, tight-knit residential community that is only minutes away from gorgeous beaches and the amenities of a larger city.
Nature lovers may also want to consider Gulf Breeze as a retirement possibility. In addition to Shoreline Park with its swimming pier, beach volleyball, picnic areas and nature trail, Gulf Breeze houses part of Gulf Islands National Seashore which includes the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve.
If you are planning to retire to a condo, you won’t have a lot of choices in Gulf Breeze as there are a limited number of condominium complexes. But if you are lucky enough to score a waterfront unit you’ll find that you are paying less for your view then you would if you purchased a condo in nearby Pensacola Beach.
Overall, Gulf Breeze is a great choice for retirement if you want to live in the Florida Panhandle. And you wouldn’t be alone; approximate 40% of Gulf Breeze’s population is 55 or older.
