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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nichole Causton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Crestview, FL sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Crestview, FL over the last 12 months is $311,847, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
4TH OF JULY SPECIAL-FREE BLINDS, REFRIGERATOR, WASHER/DRYER AND $10K TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS (restrictions apply). Thoughtfully designed 'JACKSON FLOOR PLAN' offers you luxury vinyl plank flooring in commons areas, raised ceilings in main living area, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops thru-out, laundry room w/pantry, cozy dining nook, work island w/bar seating, black stainless-steel
Welcome to this craftsman beauty in North Crestview! This adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home has it all including a 3 car garage! Desirable split floorplan! Stainless steel appliances! Formal dining room and office/flex room! You can see the pride of ownership built into every details of this easy living home! Durable epoxy floor coat on front and back covered patios! Elegant pavers added to
Charming 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhome in desirable Eagles Landing in south Crestview! This spacious home features an open layout and a modern kitchen with all appliances included. The HVAC was updated in 2018 for added peace of mind. Enjoy community perks like a pool, playground, clubhouse, and lawn care—all covered by the HOA. There's also an overflow parking area for extra vehicles, boats, or RVs.
Rare Find in Crestview—Private Backyard + Room to Live!Looking for a home that gives you space, style, and privacy? You've found it at 712 Riva Ridge Drive! This beautifully kept home is packed with desirable features that make it stand out from the rest—and it's ready for you to move in and make it yours.Inside, enjoy the bright and open layout enhanced by tall ceilings, a statement fireplace,
INVESTORS DREAM!!2 small homes on one lot. the first on is 401 Brock, 724 sf cooled, 3 bdrm/1 bath.409 - 680 sf cooled, 1 bdrm/1 bath. 409 has been re-roofed with metal in 2019.The home on 401 is being rented month by month for $600/month and 409 is vacant.Good resale if both homes get flipped.....ITS A 2 FER!!
lINVESTOR SPECIAL:Good size home with a large back yard. Selllers replaced part of the floor in the living space, and utility room. Large bedrooms & wood floors throughout are 2 great features. Seller to believe there is COPPER WIRING THROUGHOUT. Roof, hvac, and HWH age unknown. Hwh & f/p is gas.GREAT LOCATION!!Mature trees give shade and tranquility to the back yard. This home is worth
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence spans an impressive 3,000 sq ft and offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Situated in a highly sought-after community with a playground, this home is designed to cater to all your family needs. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room featuring a cozy fireplace, perfect for those relaxing
Welcome to this fully renovated duplex, perfectly blending modern upgrades with flexible living arrangements. This Unit B is the Front 1 story.Set on a generous 0.38-acre Homesite, this property features two distinct living spaces, each tastefully updated for comfort and style. The home has been thoughtfully updated, with a new roof installed in 2022 and a new AC system added in 2020, ensuring
Welcome to this fully renovated duplex, perfectly blending modern upgrades with flexible living arrangements. This Unit A has 2 stories and 3 bedrooms 2 baths with Laundry in home.Set on a generous 0.38-acre Homesite, this property features two distinct living spaces, each tastefully updated for comfort and style. The main unit boasts a cozy wood-burning stove—a charming focal point and perfect
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
