Bellview

West Pensacola is a community of more than 9,000 homes on the western end of Florida’s panhandle. “West Pensacola is in a really convenient location with the navy base right there, plus you can be at the beach in 20 minutes, downtown in 10. It’s just right in the middle of everything,” says Realtor J.C. Cardwell, who owns Cardwell Realty Group and is a top seller in the neighborhood. Not only that, but the neighborhood’s location just outside Naval Air Station Pensacola means West Pensacola residents enjoy an air show year-round from their prime location. “The Blue Angels fly over the neighborhood every Tuesday and Thursday, which is really exciting,” Cardwell says. Of course, an air show might not be the number one reason to move to the West Pensacola neighborhood, but its relatively affordable housing for the area, a highly-regarded high school, and plenty of recreation options just may be the deciding factor. Around West Pensacola, house hunters will find mostly midcentury concrete block homes and brick ranch-style homes situated on mid-sized lawns accented with sabal palms and gnarled oak trees, as well as newer bungalows and 1970s split-level homes. Newer subdivisions, such as Marcus Lake, feature Millennial models and brand-new traditional brick homes with hipped roofs. Homes range from around $175,000 to $330,000, with newer construction on the higher end. “West Pensacola is a little bit more affordable than surrounding areas, making it a really good investment,” says Cardwell. School-age children attend Escambia County Public Schools, like Oakcrest Elementary School, graded C-minus by Niche; Warrington Preparatory Academy, previously known as Warrington Middle School and graded C-minus; and Pensacola High School, graded A-minus and recognized as the oldest secondary school in Pensacola. Pensacola High hosts the only IB program in Escambia County and is consistently named among the top 100 high schools in the United States by “Newsweek,” as well as ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools by “The Washington Post.” West Pensacola is also home to multiple private schools. After school, kids can head to the Ebonwood Park and Community Center with its playground and swing set spanning a mulched surface. The Mayfair Community Center offers a shaded playground, two basketball courts and two baseball diamonds. West Pensacola is also home to multiple neighborhood and pocket parks, including Oakcrest Park, Tulip Park, Meadowbrook Park, and Juanita Williams Park. For a different adventure, homeowners can take the kids to Goofy Golf, one of the oldest miniature golf courses in the country. Pros can tee off at nearby Osceola Municipal Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole public course originally designed and opened in 1926. The course was recently renovated to include a state-of-the-art practice facility and new greens. Major thoroughfares, such as New Warrington Road and Mobile Highway, offer plenty of shopping and dining options, including Walmart and Aldi for grocery shopping and Lowe’s and The Home Depot for any home improvement needs. There’s also a Walgreens to fill prescriptions and plenty of familiar fast-food joints. For some local flavor, residents head to restaurants like David’s Catfish House, serving seafood with a Southern flair. Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) bus stops are located throughout the neighborhood, particularly along Mobile Highway, Lillian Highway, and Fairfield Drive.

Near the emerald waters of Escambia and Pensacola bays, Northwest Pensacola offers numerous lifestyle attractions amid many residential comforts. According to Christina Leavenworth, Realtor and team lead of The Leavenworth Team at Levin Rinke Realty and a top seller in the neighborhood, Northwest Pensacola has a great location central to Cordova Mall, the Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital, Interstate 10, and downtown Pensacola. In addition, “In the northern area of the neighborhood is Navy Federal Credit Union, which employs thousands of people, so that area is really developing,” she says. “Grocery stores are going up, gyms are moving in, and there are lots of beautiful new homes.” Single-family homes in the area include ranchers, split-levels, cottages, and craftsman-style new construction. Custom-built homes are also plentiful, some with pools and extra room in the garage for a golf cart. Older homes can be picked up for as little as $100,000, while newer homes with three times the space can go for as high as $925,000. There are also several townhome communities. Residents can find a modest three-bedroom in an older building for around $135,000 or a brand-new unit in a gated community for up to $300,000. Residents can get groceries close to home at stores like Publix and Walmart Neighborhood Market. For those who love shopping local, The Farm is a friendly neighborhood farmers market offering farm-fresh produce and other goodies open Thursday through Sunday. Cordova Mall is within about 10 miles of home and offers stores like Dillard’s, Belk, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy. There’s no lack of dining options in Northwest Pensacola, either. Coach-N-Four Steakhouse has been serving Pensacola since 1979. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated for generations and is known for its hand-cut steaks, Western atmosphere, and famous Hook’em Sauce. El Paso Mexican Grill welcomes guests with a new-wave Mexican atmosphere and modern dishes inspired by traditional cuisine. Begun as a Taqueria, the eatery has evolved into a full-service restaurant. Plus, Leavenworth says, “You’re close to the mall, so you’re just a short drive away from award-winning restaurants.” Many big Pensacola events occur downtown, but The Pensacola Interstate Fair is just off Mobile Highway, near many homes in Northwest Pensacola. Not only does the annual event bring the community together for food, fun, and games, the fairgrounds are also host to events throughout the year like flea markets and craft fairs. The Five Flags Speedway is also in the neighborhood, a racetrack that brings guests out for regular events. Its biggest event is the Snowball Derby, a 300-lap race that’s been held annually since 1968. Escambia County Public Schools serves the neighborhood. Students may attend schools like Longleaf Elementary School, graded 3/10 by GreatSchools; Beulah Middle School, graded 3/10 by GreatSchools; and Pine Forest High School, graded 1/10. Pine Forest High offers career academies for students to get a leg up on careers and post-secondary education in disciplines like culinary arts, green construction, and cybersecurity. Northwest Pensacola is about 30 minutes from Pensacola Beach, but it’s got plenty of recreation close to home, too. Beulah Community Park has popular amenities like volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts, plus a dog park. The neighborhood also has its own amusement and water park, Splash City Adventures. The amusement park features over 20 rides and attractions, while the water park has 12 slides, seven pools, and a 750-foot lazy river. Golfers can hit the links at Marcus Pointe Golf Course. More than 600 acres in size, the club is known for its rolling hills and forests and has been praised for its natural beauty and wonderful playability. The club offers professional lessons as well as a selection of sandwiches and comfort food at its restaurant. Access to Interstate 10 and Pensacola Boulevard in the center of the neighborhood makes getting around the area, whether it be the beach, work, or downtown, convenient. Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) bus stops are located throughout the neighborhood. A comprehensive analysis of the county’s transit system was performed recently and the county is considering ways to improve long wait times and other common issues.

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.

Myrtle Grove is a quiet suburb about 10 miles west of Pensacola Beach and 10 miles north of the city’s Gulf-side Naval Air Station. “There are a lot of service members living in Myrtle Grove,” Shawn Patterson says. The local Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast adds, “They get transferred every couple of years, so there’s instant camaraderie and friendship within the community.” While “the navy base is what draws people,” Patterson explains the neighborhood is “close to everything.” Residents are within walking distance of neighborhood playgrounds and corner markets – plus, nearby Fort Pickens has a hidden beach where locals can escape the downtown tourist crowds. Myrtle Grove’s wide, flat streets wind through residential boroughs featuring a varied mix of typical suburban-style homes. There are sprawling ranch-style homes with trees peaking over low-pitched roofs, traditional concrete block houses and some split levels with front-facing picture windows. While most of these homes date back to the 1960s and 1970s, similar-style new construction homes are currently being developed throughout the neighborhood. Lawns are kept simple and well-maintained, with tree-lined backyards big enough to add a pool and still have room for a dog to run. As for home prices, Patterson says, “Myrtle Grove is way less price per square foot compared to the rest of Pensacola, but it’s not a funky area – it’s still pretty cool.” Most of the neighborhood’s updated three-bedroom listings cost between $200,000 and $350,000. Pensacola’s Naval Hospital sits along the neighborhood’s south border, adjacent to US Highway 98. While there are several fixed-route bus stops along this highway, most residents still use a car to get around. Locals can travel east down the highway and hop on North New Warrington Road to arrive at Pensacola International Airport in just under 10 miles. Along the east side of the neighborhood, South Naval Boulevard connects commuters to the nearby Naval Air Station. Myrtle Grove residents can ride their bikes to small neighborhood businesses or take a short drive to the nearby commercial corridor along New Warrington Road. Locals shop for household products and everyday groceries at chain stores like Walmart and ALDI. Neighborhood corner markets make it easy to find any forgotten or last-minute essentials. Military service members and their families can find discounts on clothes, electronics and other household items at the Navy Exchange in Corry Station. On the far west side of Myrtle Grove, Costellos Butcher and Deli is the local go-to for specialty meats served with a smile. Across the street, locals can stop by Cazadores and enjoy a glass of homemade horchata with an authentic Mexican street taco on the side. Sleepy Hollow is a popular bar where locals like to hang out and sing karaoke on Fridays after work. Locals can walk to neighborhood parks and spend weekends on the nearby white-sand beaches. After school, Sherwood Elementary students can ride bikes to Osceola Park and race down the tree-shaded slide towers, while parents walk the loop track just around the corner at Gene Pickerill Park. The Osceola Municipal Golf Course offers a no-frills 18-hole course with an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and handmade cocktails. Military service members and their families can head to Corry Station and spend a Friday night at the on-site bowling alley or join one of the youth or adult athletic leagues. While Pensacola Beach attracts thousands of tourists each year, residents prefer to soak in the sun on the closer and quieter white-sand shoreline at Fort Pickens. Students can attend Escambia County public schools. Both Myrtle Grove Elementary and Sherwood Elementary are in the neighborhood and score a C on Niche. Sixth graders move on to Bellview Middle, which Niche rates a C-minus. Escambia High School established one of the nation’s first Naval JROTC programs in 1967. The C-plus school has since gone on to add several other career-focused programs, including the popular Flight Engineering Academies.

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.