Fast-growing city 30 miles from Florida’s Emerald Coast
Okaloosa County is known for its beaches and military bases, but about 30 miles north of Fort Walton Beach is the fastest-growing city in the county, Crestview. The city grew up around the railroad lines first built at the end of the 19th century. Today, Crestview's affordability and proximity to Eglin Air Force Base are the biggest draws. Crestview is also the county seat. As more new housing developments pop up around the city's edges, Crestview is expanding to meet the population growth without becoming as densely packed as cities like Destin or as expensive as cities like Fort Walton Beach. Large shopping plazas and a Main Street business district full of locally owned shops sit along State Road 85, while residential areas branch east and west along Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 90. Though traffic in and out of the city is a problem for commuters, including those who work at military bases on the coast, the county is addressing this concern by building a new Crestview Bypass, which will be completed by 2026.
Okaloosa County is known for its beaches and military bases, Crestview is close to both.
Many Crestview residents commute to Duke Field for work.
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Homes in Crestview sell below the national average
Affordable housing is one of Crestview's main draws. In December 2024, the median sale price was $315,000, about 10% below the national median. Though prices have been trending up over the last 10 years, "compared to every other area around here, you really do get more house for your money," says local Realtor and owner of NextHome Heroes Choice Realty, Tina Maples. These trends hold true for suburbs like Countryview Estates and Adams Powell East, where buyers can find New Traditional and ranch-style homes. Recently built townhomes in Eagles Landing cost closer to $250,000. Newly built homes in gated communities like Chanan Estates are the city's most expensive listings, with most ranging from $450,000 to $650,000.
Affordable housing is one of Crestview's main draws, it's the fastest growing city in the county.
New construction townhomes and single family home are going up all over Crestview.
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Crestview High operates 16 career programs
Crestview is part of the Okaloosa County School District, which has an A-minus on Niche. The district's 39 schools serve about 29,500 students. Crestview is zoned for five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school, all of which have high grades on Niche. Crestview High operates 16 specialized career programs, more than any other school in Okaloosa County.
Riverside Elementary in Crestview comes with high scores on NIche.
Richbourg Elementary students flourish in Crestview.
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Spanish Trail Park hosts community events
Twin Hills and Spanish Trail Parks are Crestview's two main rec spaces. Youth sports leagues practice at Twin Hills, where facilities include football and soccer fields and an indoor basketball gym. In 2024, a state-of-the-art children's playscape and splash pad replaced the park's old playground. Spanish Trail Park has an adult softball complex and senior center right up the road. It also hosts community events throughout the year, from Saturday farmers markets to food truck festivals. The Yellow River has a designated paddling trail with two access points immediately west of Crestview. For more fun on the water, folks head about 35 miles south to Destin.
A state-of-the-art children's playscape replaced the park's old in Crestview.
Spanish Trail Park has an adult softball complex righ next to the Crestview Police Station.
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A 'revamped downtown' and new restaurants on Ferdon Boulevard
Antique shops, clothing boutiques and a few hometown restaurants are behind brick and stucco storefronts along Main Street. "We've actually just revamped downtown," Maples says. "They created a large parking area, and now they're working on ways to make it more walkable." Though most local businesses are downtown, hot spots like Emerald Isle Seafood hide between big box stores on Ferdon Boulevard. "There's been quite a bit of commercial development on that road," Maples says. "Chilis, Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse are the newest additions." For more national retailers and restaurants, folks drive about 30 miles south to Destin Commons.
Infrastructure projects underway in 'Hub City'
Crestview is also known as "Hub City," with U.S. Highway 90, State Road 85 and Interstate 10 all running through it. "Traffic can get bad around three to five o'clock because everyone at the bases is getting off work at the same time, and there's only one way into Crestview from the south end." Okaloosa County is building a bypass to SR 85 and a new on-ramp to I-10, both expected to be complete by 2026. "Sometimes construction clogs up the roads, but it's for the best," says Crestview resident and local business owner David Hunt. SR 85 passes by North Okaloosa Medical Center at the city's south end. From here, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is fewer than 20 miles away. While most folks are car-dependent, the Emerald Coast Rider has a fixed-route bus that links Crestview to Fort Walton Beach.
Flooding is rare, but tornadoes are common in Crestview
Crestview is the rainiest part of Florida, receiving around 65 inches of annual rainfall. Still, Maples says, "Flooding isn't a problem here because of our higher elevation." The city is about 235 feet above sea level, one of Florida's highest elevations. While this higher elevation mitigates hurricane damage, it also makes Crestview more susceptible to tornadoes. In May 2024, a tornado swept through the city's north side, tearing down trees and damaging many homes.
When exiting the interstate to the North in Crestview you immediately head uphill.
When exiting the interstate to the North in Crestview you immediately head uphill.
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Crime
Crime statistics for Crestview are limited. According to the Crestview Police Department’s most recent annual report, there were 22 violent crimes and 140 property crimes in 2021. However, this is a partial report, accounting for only 89 days of the year.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Gabrielle Mazur
Video By
Michael Voyack
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On average, homes in Crestview, FL sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Crestview, FL over the last 12 months is $298,900, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sitting on almost half an acre in the heart of Crestview.This gorgeous home was recently refreshed with brand new countertops, new flooring, new paint, new faucets, new appliances. Built in Fireplace.Brand New Water Heater. Sellers will install a new roof at closing.
Welcome to this move-in-ready 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, split floor plan home. Nestled in a quiet cul de sac in the Riverchase subdivision - conveniently located in South Crestview - PERFECT for anyone with a commute to Duke Field or Eglin AFB. Featuring fresh interior paint, new LVP flooring, and a 2024 roof for added peace of mind. At the heart of the home are the dining room and the kitchen -
Charming farmhouse living on 4.05 acres! This 4BR/2BA home overs over 2,400 SF of space, including a sun-filled Florida room. Inside, the kitchen and baths have been tastefully updated while maintaining the warm country character that makes this home special.Recent improvements provide peace of mind: HVAC (2022), septic (2022), water heater (2020), and metal roof (2005).The
Welcome to Rolling Pines! Under $200,000.00 and in the heart of Crestview! This is an amazing opportunity in the heart of Crestview! located minutes away from the hospital, schools and shopping, this townhome has both convenience and quality ready to make your own. Downstairs you will find the open concept living and dining area with all new vinyl plank flooring. The kitchen has been
If you're looking for a three-bedroom home south of I-10, look no further-this home will meet your needs! Upon entering the home, you'll be impressed by the size of the family room. The kitchen is galley-style with granite counters and an attractive tile backsplash. The laundry room is conveniently adjacent to the kitchen--on the way to the garage. The two guest rooms are located on the main
Welcome to this stunning, meticulously maintained home nestled in the highly sought-after gated community of Claires Vineyard, where elegance, comfort, and functionality come together seamlessly. The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen, beautifully appointed with high-end stainless steel appliances, rich granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and a spacious island that opens seamlessly into
When you step inside, you'll be greeted by the sleek elegance of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, seamlessly flowing throughout the entire home. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, adorned with quartz countertops and complemented by a beautiful tile backsplash. Picture yourself preparing meals with ease on the spacious island, with the added convenience of an under mount sink and
Charming updated ranch-style home in Southeast Crestview, conveniently located near shopping and Hwy 85. This well-maintained home features tile flooring throughout, a spacious kitchen with an island, and stainless steel appliances. The cozy living room includes a fireplace, perfect for relaxing. Situated on a generous lot, this home offers plenty of outdoor space. Ideal for those seeking comfort
This fully furnished, move-in ready home makes settling in effortless, with every detail thoughtfully designed for comfort and style. Step inside to the sleek elegance of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring that flows seamlessly throughout.At the heart of the home is a stunning kitchen featuring quartz countertops, a stylish tile backsplash, a spacious island with undermount sink, and stainless
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