Bellview

Southwest Pensacola offers residents an affordable, small-town vibe in an area just 15 miles from the Alabama border. Oak trees line this historical area that has been home to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels since 1955. Today, the Navy and Coast Guard are two of the largest employers in the area. “People in the military tend to move here since there’s a strong military connection,” says Erik Hansen, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who has been selling homes for two decades and has lived in the area for over three decades. “First-time homebuyers and retirees also tend to relocate here.” The Pensacola International Airport is another major employer in the area and is 5 miles away. Navy Federal Credit Union also employs thousands of people. “Southwest Pensacola is an old-school military town that’s up-and-coming,” says Hansen. The neighborhood has colorful row homes and ranch-style homes that sit near the beach, surrounded by palm trees and wooded backyards ranging from 100,000 to $350,000. There are contemporary homes spaced close together with small driveways, ranging from $400,000 to $520,000. “I notice people are moving here because housing is more affordable, a 3-bath can go for as low as $200,000,” says Hansen. Kids can attend Pleasant Grove Elementary School, which has a B from Niche. Children may advance to Warrington Preparatory Academy, which has a C-minus and a personal learning plan for each student, which ensures individual needs. Students move on to Pensacola High, which has a B-plus and is the only school in Escambia County that offers an International Baccalaureate full Diploma Program. The Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is a popular destination for outdoor adventure, offering residents many hiking trails of varying difficulty. The park offers a pavilion area for barbecues, parties and picnics. “Unlike other places in Florida, the area does get four seasons, which is nice,” says Hansen. Bartram Park and Admiral Mason Park are two outdoor waterfront locations that are open 24 hours a day and have trails for walking. Residents use Pensacola Beach, which is 10 miles away, for relaxing in the sun, and boating on the water. U.S. Interstate 110 runs through Southwest Pensacola. The Escambia County Area Transit offers residents public transportation by bus to places like work, the grocery store and the doctor’s office. Residents head to Beach Buzz for pizza and pasta. “Food culture is getting bigger with lots of Cajun-influenced restaurants opening like BarSteak,” says Hansen. Locals enjoy cocktails with their burgers and fries at BarSteak. Food trucks are popular eating destinations for authentic food. Residents visit Grocery Advantage to restock food and home supplies. Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola is a popular destination for residents, lined with restaurants, murals and clothing shops. The area hosts an annual lights festival in the winter that illuminates Palafox Street. “We all live for this event in town,” says Hansen. “We’re a big parade town.” The U.S. Navy Blue Angels put on an air show on the weekends from March to November.

As part of the Bellview area of Pensacola, Beulah offers its residents a quieter way of life than one might find just a few miles away—and that’s part of its charm. With easy access to Pensacola and situated near the Alabama border, Beulah offers plenty peace and quiet while still being near all the action. “It’s got a more country vibe to it,” says Erica Porcelli, real estate agent with Keller Williams and Pensacola resident. “It feels secluded, but it’s still only 25 minutes from the beaches or the bases…so it’s a really convenient location.” With its access to urban excursions without the hustle and bustle of city life, Beulah is a growing area that may be right for those looking to stretch out near Pensacola. Old meets new in Beulah Originally made up of mostly farmland, Beulah was very popular with horse owners due to the large plots of land. This land has largely been sold in recent years, lending the area an intriguing mixture of new and old in close proximity. Houses in Beulah are made up primarily of ranch, bungalow, and craftsman styles—with craftsman being particularly popular among newer construction. Prices for a three-to-four-bedroom home range from $300,000 to $615,000, though larger, newer homes can go for more. The area has sold homes at an extremely high volume recently, making the area an up-and-coming one. Beulah has what you need Though almost rural at first glance, Beulah is still a part of Pensacola—and that means that residents have access to all their favorites whenever they feel like hopping on the expressway. For those times when staying closer to home is preferable, though, Beulah still has residents covered. Publix serves as the community’s one-stop grocery store, while 9 Mile Urban Market offers an array of organic produce, craft beer, and fine wine. Beulah’s strip mall (connected to the Publix) also offers a Pizza Hut and Rock n’ Roll sushi for nights that call for takeout. Horse shows and rodeos Maintaining a piece of the neighborhoods past, the nearby Escambia County Equestrian Center puts on shows and events all year round. Residents can enjoy horse shows, dog shows, and even take in the excitement of the rodeo at the center. Larger shows allow for RV camping with full hookups, and rodeos feature all sorts of concessions. Technologic advances at Pine Forest High Students in Beulah start their education by attending Beulah Elementary, before moving on to Bellview Middle and finishing up at Pine Forest High School—schools that earned Niche grades of B-minus, C-minus, and C-plus, respectively. Students at Pine Forest enjoy cutting edge technology in their classrooms, even offering the option to join the Cyber Patriots—a program that allows those with a passion for cybersecurity the opportunity to practice in simulated situations. Beulah Community Park has it all Those looking for a way to spend the day outdoors won’t have any trouble in Beulah, as the local community park has a variety of activities to take part in. Families will enjoy the expansive playground, as well as the shaded picnic area perfect for birthday parties and family celebrations. Anyone looking to get a good work out will also have options, as the outdoor fitness station and tennis courts mean that anyone can get a good sweat going. Pensacola to the left, Alabama to the right Thanks to its location, Beulah makes commuting easy. Not only that, but a quick hop onto the expressway can get residents over to Alabama in no time. “You’re only about 15 minutes from the good Pensacola shopping and 5-10 minutes from the expressway,” says Porcelli. “So you have a lot of options.” Beulah’s on the rise Thanks to Navy Federal Credit Union’s presence in the neighborhood, the area has grown considerably over the last few years—and looks to continue to do so. With the vast majority of houses sold being new construction, and more construction planned, the area is receiving a large influx of people and interest right now. Those looking to get in on the ground floor—or those looking for work in an area where thousands of acres are being developed—may find just what they’re looking for in Beulah.