Why Live in Crestview
Crestview, FL, located 30 miles north of Fort Walton Beach, is the fastest-growing city in Okaloosa County. Known for its affordability and proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, Crestview is expanding with new housing developments while maintaining a less dense population compared to nearby cities like Destin. The city features large shopping plazas and a Main Street business district with locally owned shops along State Road 85. Residential areas extend east and west along Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 90. Crestview is part of the highly rated Okaloosa County School District, with Crestview High offering 16 specialized career programs. Recreational spaces include Twin Hills Park, which hosts youth sports leagues and has a new children's playscape and splash pad, and Spanish Trail Park, known for community events like farmers markets and food truck festivals. The Yellow River offers a paddling trail west of the city, and Destin's beaches are about 35 miles south. Crestview's downtown has been revamped with antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants, while Ferdon Boulevard has seen commercial development with new eateries like Chilis and Chipotle. Infrastructure projects, including a new bypass and on-ramp to I-10, aim to alleviate traffic congestion by 2026. Crestview experiences high rainfall but is less prone to flooding due to its elevation of 235 feet above sea level, though tornadoes are common. Crime data is limited, but available reports indicate a lower crime risk compared to the national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a home in Crestview, FL?
The median rent for a home in Crestview, FL is $2,000 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of August 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Crestview, FL?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Crestview, FL, a household needs to earn roughly $80,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,000 per month in Crestview, FL, renters typically need to show $6,000 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Crestview, FL?
In Crestview, FL, the price-to-rent ratio is 13.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
The median rent is $2,000 per month, with single-family homes renting at $1,925, townhouses at $1,495 and condos at $1,425.
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,925
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Median Townhouse Rent
$1,495
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