A coastal community near Pensacola
Ferry Pass offers a lively place to live among the natural beauty of Northwest Florida, just 8 miles north of Pensacola. “People get a small-town feeling without a heavy southern vibe,” says Andrea Herring, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, who has lived in the Pensacola region her entire life. The area was once home to a ferry, which crossed Escambia Bay in the 1820s. The Civil War stopped ferry service for several decades, but the ferry was reestablished in 1915, allowing for economic and population growth. Today, it’s home to the University of West Florida, the Pensacola International Airport, and HCA Florida West Hospital, which are major employers. “People mostly move here because it's such a central location,” Herring says. The old ferry site is now a private boat launch and marina. According to Herring, there are many military bases nearby, which attracts military families to settle down here. Residents can find lots of recreation on land and water and breathtaking views along the Gulf Coast.
Homes with modest porches and yards
The neighborhood has a majority of single-family traditional and ranch-style homes ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 with modest porches and proximity. There are also waterfront homes on Escambia Bay, ranging from $450,000 to $600,000 with expansive yards. Most houses are surrounded by willowing trees and sit directly on the street with no sidewalks.
High graduation rates at West Florida High
Escambia County School District serves students in the area with a B-minus from Niche. Kids can attend Ferry Pass Elementary School, which has a C-plus, before advancing to Ferry Pass Middle, which has a C and a student government association. Students may advance to West Florida High, which has a graduation rate of 99% and an A from Niche. The school offers 12 specific academies such as aerospace engineering, nursing and multimedia.
Strike a yoga pose at Bryan Park
Numerous parks dot the Ferry Pass area, such as Regency Park which offers basketball courts, a walking path, and a dog park. Bryan Park is a popular destination with a large grassy area for activities like yoga and a small playground for children. Residents head to Pensacola Beach for outdoor relaxation while boating, surfing, or laying in the sun. Scenic Hills Golf Course is known for its rolling greens and tree-lined fairways. The members-only club is the only golf course in the state that has hosted a U.S. Open.
Getting around by car, bus or ferry
Interstate 10 and East Nine Mile Road run through the area, helping people get to places like work or the grocery store. Those without a car can reach places like Pensacola by bus through the Escambia County Area Transit. Pensacola also offers a public ferry service, which helps residents get to the area and back. The Pensacola International Airport is 5 miles away.
Bring your pet to Coastal County Brewery
Coastal County Brewing is a newer restaurant that features a beer garden, patio, and live music seven days a week. It's also a pet-friendly eatery. The unusually named Goat Lips Chew and Brewhouse is a popular hangout spot that’s been serving the area for two decades and is known for its extensive craft beer selection and tasty food. Residents visit the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Nine Mile Road for grocery hauls, and Home Depot for home improvement items.
Weekend concerts on East Garden Street
Residents drive 10 miles to downtown Pensacola for streets lined with boutiques, bars and museums. In September, the area hosts an annual seafood festival, which has music, art vendors, and lots of shellfish. There are also weekly concerts held every Saturday at The Well on East Garden Street. “Downtown Pensacola is thriving these days,” Herring says. “My family and I always look forward to the festival.”
