Pensacola : Florida
Living a Beach Lifestyle in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, population 53,000, is a popular town on the coast in the western end of the Florida panhandle. Located on Pensacola Bay, many people move here to enjoy its emerald green waters and sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Recreational opportunities are plentiful with the many bays, Gulf, and plentiful land. Vacationers and homeowners come here because they view it as a desirable place to live/visit, and it offers good value. Many military personnel become familiar with the area because of Naval Air Station Pensacola, a major training base, then stay or return to retire here to enjoy life near the beach.
Where to Retire in Pensacola and Home Prices
There are active adult and 55+ communities in the area (see link at left) to choose from, as well as many attractive neighborhoods. Many are near the water, whereas there are suburban areas quite a bit inland.
Housing prices in Pensacola are more reasonable than the rest of Florida and the U.S. The NAR reported that the median selling price of a home in Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL was $316,300 in the 4th quarter of 2022.
What Is Special about Pensacola
Access to the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers 150 miles of discontinuous pure white sandy beaches stretching from here into Mississippi. Pensacola Beach was voted Florida's best beach in a USA Today poll. Great fishing and boating too. Pensacola offers a combination of lower prices and taxes - but very close to the water.
What Is Not Special about Pensacola
The area is prone to hurricanes and insurance could become a problem.
Climate and Physical Environment
Located on the western end of the Florida panhandle on Pensacola Bay, an inlet from the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile and Tallahassee are the closest cities.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
There are many festivals throughout the year such as the Great Gulf coast Arts Festival. As a tourist town there are many attractions. Two colleges are in Pensacola, University of West Florida, and Pensacola Junior College.
Crime
Crime rate is above average in Pensacola - index of 482 vs national average of 319 (City-Data.com)
Medical Facilities
In addition to many naval medical facilities there are 3 other hospitals: Baptist, Sacred Heart, and West Florida
Transportation
Interstate 10 runs through Pensacola with fast travel to points west or east. The Pensacola Airport is a convenient one.
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