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.
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
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On average, homes in Crestview, FL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Crestview, FL over the last 12 months is $310,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set your sights on this beautiful all-brick home in the desirable Nanterre subdivision in Crestview, Florida! What makes this 2019-built home stand out? • Size & Layout: 1,919 sq ft with a spacious, functional floor plan including 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. • Key Interior Features: Wonderful office/flex room, formal dining area, breakfast nook, fantastic kitchen, split
Home is where your heart is! ❤️ Your heart will love this spacious, well-thought-out floor plan! Plenty of room for everyone with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2 dining areas that can double as a sitting room, computer area, fitness area, or you name it! The seller has perfectly accented the decor to maximize the desirable features that exist! Many great features are the covered patio
Located in the highly desirable Lee Farms neighborhood of Crestview, this beautiful all-brick home sits on one of the largest lots in Phase I, offering approximately ⅓ of an acre, a fully fenced backyard, and a spacious covered patio (40' x 14')—perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. This 3,000 sq ft home features a spacious open floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, filled
Welcome to your dream home! This stunning residence offers the perfect blend of modern elegance and everyday comfort. At the back of the home, you'll find an inviting 10x10 open deck, ideal for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. Step inside to a spacious family room highlighted by a breathtaking vaulted ceiling, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that instantly feels like home. The
Welcome to 809 Otto Way in Crestview, FL — where newer construction meets easy Florida living in the ever-popular Cali floorplan (built in 2023 and still feeling brand new!). This thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers that open-concept layout everyone loves — with a spacious kitchen that flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, making it perfect for entertaining, game
Welcome to 2509 S. Lakeview Dr. A versatile 2-story, spacious and charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home set on 4.5 lots, livestock-friendly, private and full of potential home in North Crestview. With 2,098 sq ft, a two-car garage, and room to roam, this property offers rare versatility — whether you're dreaming of a mini-homestead, an income-producing investment, or a peaceful retreat. Inside,
Opportunity meets value in this move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with major updates already completed. Featuring new LVP flooring, plush carpet, fresh interior paint, and a brand-new HVAC system (2025), big-ticket items have been handled reducing upfront capital expenses for the next owner. The functional floor plan offers strong rental appeal with an open-concept living and dining area, tray
This beautifully maintained 3 BD/2 BA all-brick home offers 1,600 sq ft of comfortable living space in a well-kept community with access to a community pool and pavilion. VA Assumable loan. The property provides easy access to local shopping, dining, and is just a short drive from Eglin Air Force Base, making it an ideal location for both convenience and everyday living.Inside, the home
Freshly painted and move-in ready, this beautifully maintained home is located in the desirable Redstone Commons community, featuring a neighborhood pool for residents to enjoy. The popular Aria one-story floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a covered back porch, and a two-car garage, designed for both comfort and functionality. The open-concept kitchen showcases a center island, stainless
Fresh, Fun, and Move-In Ready in Antioch Estates. Welcome to 5123 Widgeon Way -- Inside, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully refreshed. Luxury vinyl plank flooring flows throughout, complemented by updated light fixtures and faucets for a clean, modern feel. The bright kitchen features crisp white cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Inside, this
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home perfectly positioned in the heart of Crestview! Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes away from shopping, the city center, and a wide selection of restaurants. With quick access to major highways, commuting to nearby destinations is a breeze. Step inside to an inviting, light and airy interior that has been thoughtfully cared for. Bright natural
This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem is packed with upgrades, including a NEW roof (2021) and fresh interior paint, making it truly move-in ready. Step inside to a bright, inviting layout featuring a large eat-in kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, a spacious pantry, and room to gather. The separate dining area flows seamlessly into an enormous living room, where you will find a
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 flows effortlessly into
TWO BONUS SPACES + SECURITY SYSTEM INCLUDED! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers exceptional flexibility with a lower-level bonus room and an additional 12x12 flex space upstairs--perfect for a home office, gym, playroom, or hobby space. The open-concept kitchen and great room create a bright, inviting living area that flows seamlessly to the covered patio, ideal for relaxing or
Welcome to Chanan Estates, one of Crestview's most sought-after gated communities! This beautiful 4-bedroom plus a bonus room home combines an open-concept layout with thoughtful updates inside and out. The most notable update includes a sparkling gunite pool added in 2020. Inside, the main living area features stylish shiplap accents, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow into the dining
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
Available late March, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit townhouse Crestview offers a spacious layout with added privacy. The community features a pool and playground for residents to enjoy. Lawn care is included, making for easy, low-maintenance living. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and military bases.
Welcome home to this beautiful and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the desirable Stillwell Estates community in Crestview, Florida. Built in 2018, this spacious two-story home offers approximately 1,800 square feet of living space with a bright and open floor plan designed for comfortable living and entertaining.The main floor features a welcoming living area that flows
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
Pictures coming soon, home is getting repairs done. Spacious and well-designed, this South Crestview rental offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and multiple living areas to fit a variety of needs. The open kitchen flows seamlessly into a generous breakfast/dining space and an additional family room, creating a great layout for everyday living and entertaining. A versatile flex room near the
Hero Special: First month's rent is half off for qualified heroes including military, firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, and medical professionals.Pet Friendly: Pets allowed with approval -- up to two dogs (40-50 lbs each), one dog up to 80 lbs, or one dog and one cat. Brand-new townhome for rent in the Garden Villas community in Crestview, with a community pool planned for future
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
Move-in ready gem! This home features a fully fenced yard—perfect for your furry friends (pet restrictions apply; small to medium dogs preferred). Enjoy an open living room with easy access to the kitchen, creating a comfortable and functional layout. Plenty of natural light fills the home throughout. No carpet except in the closets, making for easy maintenance and a clean, modern feel.All
Welcome home to Exchange at Crestview Apartments, located in Crestview, Florida! Our community offers luxury one, two, and three bedroom apartments and townhomes, featuring spacious living areas, generous storage space, LED light fixtures, smart thermostat, luxury wood-style plank flooring, USB wall chargers, in-home washer/dryer, private patio/balcony, and gourmet, fully-equipped kitchens
Available 03/24/2026.....Beautifully maintained home in North Crestview with plenty of room. Fantastic home with vinyl plank flooring, fenced backyard, corner lot, covered front and rear porches, split floor plan and privacy fence. 1605 sqft of great living space. with 3 large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, granite countertops in the kitchen, nice appliance package, vaulted ceilings and plenty of
Welcome to Retreat at Redstone, Crestview’s newest luxury apartment community at 2500 E Redstone Ave. Now leasing modern 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes designed for comfort, style, and convenience. Choose from open floor plans featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, central air, wood-style flooring, and balconies or patios. Step outside your door and enjoy resort-style living with
Nice home South of I-10!! Nestled in a subdivision and offers plenty of room and natural light. New roof and gutters. There is a bonus room on the 2nd floor that can be easily for an office or kids play room. Home is also so very close to a fun city maintained walking park with baseball fields, basketball court, playground, picnic pavilion, small children play area, frisbee golf and walking
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