Fort Walton Beach : Florida
Living a Boating Lifestyle in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
The City of Fort Walton Beach, “The Emerald Coast”, is a popular beach and fishing community of 20,000 on Florida’s extreme northwest coast, almost in Alabama. Many of its residents enjoy boating because there is so much open water near here. Some of those retirees were formerly connected with the U.S. Air Force, which has 2 huge bases in the area. With its 24 miles of sandy beaches it is also very popular spring break destination.
This town has a reputation as a low key beach and fishing town. Part of the city is on a barrier island, the rest is surrounded by Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay. The resort of Destin is nearby. Fort Walton Beach has a mild climate in the winter, although not as warm as in south Florida. Fort Walton Beach is located in Okaloosa County, Florida.
Where to Retire in Fort Walton Beach and Home Prices
Fort Walton Beach has a wide variety of living choices. You can live on the beach, in a development, or near town. There is at least one retirement community in town.
The National Association of Realtors reports the median price of a home to be $440,000 in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area during the 2nd quarter of 2022.
What Is Special about Fort Walton Beach
24 miles of great beaches and 4 beachfront parks; Fort Walton Beach Golf Club has two public 18 golf courses; AVT Pro Women's Tennis Tournament; many residential options for retirees; the Affordable Housing program; The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center; and the Destin and Okaloosa Island are popular local tourist destinations.
What Is Not Special about Fort Walton Beach
Hurricane and spring break seasons can be turbulent. The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf was of great concern to the beaches and wetlands in the Fort Walton Beach area.
Climate and Physical Environment
Fort Walton Beach is in the north west side of Florida's Gulf coast. Barrier islands connect to the mainland across a very large Choctawhatchee Bay. This area has some of the coolest winter temperatures in Florida.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center provides area historical educational programming.
Crime
Crime in Fort Walton Beach is just about the national average.
Medical Facilities
There are 2 hospitals here: Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and the Gulf Coast.
Transportation
Pensacola Regional is 40 miles away.
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