Fort Walton Beach is a popular place for families looking to live along Florida’s Emerald Coast. “We have an old Florida, small-town feel,” says Ted Corcoran, the President/CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce who’s lived in the area for 33 years. “There aren’t a lot of high-rise condos," Corcoran says. "There’s miniature golf, older restaurants and mom-and-pop shops.” The city is on Choctawhatchee Bay, with Okaloosa Island and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Tourism is a big industry here, and in the summer, visitors flock to the beaches of Okaloosa Island and Downtown Fort Walton Beach’s shops and restaurants. The United States Air Force is the area’s biggest employer, with Hurlburt Field to the west and Eglin Air Force Base to the northeast. The city’s population of around 21,000 people is growing slightly each year. “Back 30 years ago, everyone came here for the military," Corcoran says. "Now you have people who visit and want to settle down here.”
The Air Force Armament Museum is adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton Beach has many picturesque beaches, both on the bays and on the Gulf.
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Waterfront parks and beaches
According to the Trust for Public Land, 81% of Fort Walton Beach’s residents are within a 10-minute walk of one of the city’s 35 urban parks. Whether boating, bike riding or just strolling around, “People here like to be outside,” Corcoran says. Many city parks are situated right on the water’s edge. Liza Jackson Park offers 1,000 feet of waterfront with a fishing pier and two boat ramps. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park has a public marina about 2 miles down the road in the downtown district. This bayside park hosts the city’s summer concert series and the annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival. A brand-new amphitheater is set to open here in 2025. More waterfront parks and Gulf Coast beaches are right across Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island.
Heritage Park and Cultural Center is a cluster of historic sites and museums in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. An Indian Temple Mound sits at the center of it all. The site was built around 850 AD by the Pensacola Culture, ancestors of today’s Apalachee peoples. Its associated museum documents 12,000 years of Native American culture with over 1,000 artifacts. Each April, the city honors this history at the Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival.
Ross Mariner Park is on Choctawhatchee Bay with a great beach access and boat launch.
Heritage Park and Cultural Center is a cluster of historic sites in Fort Walton Beach.
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Waterfront condos, townhomes and single-family homes
Most houses in Fort Walton Beach were built between the 1970s and ‘90s. They usually feature a similar ranch-style architecture and cost between $300,000 and $450,000. Smaller bungalows on the city’s north and east sides are usually less expensive, starting around $150,000. In the Kenwood neighborhood, homes are within walking distance of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course. These listings tend to be a bit pricier, with most ranging from $450,000 to $575,000. The city’s most expensive properties have waterfront views. Single family homes range from about $750,000 to $2.5 million. Meanwhile, townhomes and condos can cost anywhere from $175,000 to just over $1 million.
Low-slung ranches are plentiful in Fort Walton Beach.
Waterfront homes line the coast of Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area.
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Purple Star schools in Okaloosa County
Fort Walton Beach is a part of the Okaloosa County School District, which earns an A-minus on Niche. It serves approximately 29,000 students, with 19 elementary schools, eight middle schools and four high schools. All the schools here are part of Florida’s Purple Star Program, meaning they accommodate the unique needs of military families. Fort Walton Beach High offers the only Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences program in the district. Students hoping to get a head start on their career can take specialized classes at the Northwest Florida State College campus in Fort Walton Beach.
Students thrive at Shalimar Elementary School.
Clifford Meigs Middle School is shaping tomorrows leaders.
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Local shops and restaurants in Downtown Fort Walton Beach
To the north, Uptown Station presents a different shopping experience; it’s an outdoor shopping mall with national retailers like Ulta Beauty and Ross Dress for Less. While Okaloosa Island offers the familiar seafood restaurants and surf shops that tourists love, Downtown Fort Walton Beach is a palmetto-lined stretch of Highway 98 with locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Lots of shopping and dining options along Eglin Parkway in Fort Walton Beach.
Uptown Station is a popular shopping plaza in Fort Walton Beach buzzing with activity.
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'Highway 98 is very busy in the summer'
With few bike lanes, residents typically rely on their cars to get around. The main road through Fort Walton Beach is Highway 98, an east-west route connecting the city to both Pensacola and Panama City Beach. “Highway 98 is very busy in the summer,” Corcoran says, “so residents will shy away from it.” State Routes 85 and 189 head north toward Eglin Air Force Base, 6 miles away, and Crestview, 27 miles away. “Many people live in Crestview and commute here for work, so driving north after work can be busy,” Corcoran says, with a typical rush hour commute to Crestview ranging from 40 minutes to over an hour. Residents can also take the Emerald Coast Rider bus to get around Fort Walton Beach or make the trip to Crestview and other nearby cities. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport offers direct flights to 29 major U.S. cities.
Environment
“The one and only negative aspect of living here is the possibility of a hurricane,” Corcoran says. Flooding is the largest risk from hurricanes, and it’s more likely to occur in the southern and northeastern parts of the city. Over half of Fort Walton Beach’s homes are in a Special Flood Hazard Area; homebuyers here must purchase flood insurance and receive special permits for construction. “They don’t happen often, and you often know well in advance if a storm is coming so there’s time to prepare,” Corcoran says.
Homebuyers in Fort Walton Beach purchase flood insurance in case of hurricane storm surge.
The rumble of jets overhead from the Air Base is constant in Fort Walton Beach.
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Crime
According to the FBI’s crime data explorer, Fort Walton Beach had a violent crime rate above the national average in 2023. Property crime rates declined towards the end of the year, falling well below the national average.
Written By
Ryan Horton
Photography Contributed By
Gabrielle Mazur
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeremy Fretwell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 924 Emily Circle, a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach, just minutes from both Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a military family, or simply looking for a fresh start, this home checks all the boxes for comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Step inside to discover a bright,
Few places can capture the magic of the Emerald Coast and the beaches of Okaloosa Island...this lovely two bedroom condo at SeaCrest does. Enjoy the good life at SeaCrest condos which went through a major exterior renovation in 2022 with all new windows, sliding glass doors, and exterior paint! This unit is sited in a prime location in the building on the 2nd floor, closer to the beach, which it
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the highly desirable Kenwood area of Fort Walton Beach. An expansive circular driveway offers impressive curb appeal with ample space for a boat, multiple vehicles, and guest parking. Inside, the spacious living and dining area features built-in bookcases and cabinetry and flows into a custom kitchen with wood cabinets and hardwood floors
Back on the market. Great investment property or starter home in the desirable neighborhood of Elliott Point! Recently remodeled both inside and out to include updated bathroom shower, new paint, new windows and doors, HVAC, roof, and hot water heater. A new kitchen, complete with granite countertops and stainless appliances. There is a screened in back porch with a fenced back yard. Convenient
Beautifully updated and sold fully furnished, this turnkey condominium is rental-ready and ideal for immediate enjoyment or investment. The spacious layout features a modern remodel, with access to the private balcony from both the primary bedroom and living room. The balcony also includes a convenient storage closet. Enjoy added peace of mind with hurricane-rated windows and doors, plus storm
Welcome to 1329 White Blossom Ln—a charming Fort Walton Beach townhome with great curb appeal, a new roof (2023), and no carpet downstairs. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or just tired of yard work, this one checks a lot of boxes. The living room features vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace, giving the space an open, inviting feel that's perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Here's your opportunity to own a super-affordable two-bedroom condo right here in Fort Walton Beach—a destination people dream about, plan for, and return to again and again for its sugar-sand beaches and endless Florida fun. Whether you're searching for your own getaway or a proven short-term rental investment, this condo at Sea Palm checks all the boxes.Sea Palm sits right on the
Before you fall in love with your new home, know that this adorable community is only 5.5 miles to Eglin AFB and 7.5 miles to Hurlburt Field. Not to mention, your white sandy beaches are even closer. Nestled quietly along the serene waters of Cinco Bayou, this private community offers the perfect blend of refined living and laid-back coastal charm. At its heart is a beautifully designed
Welcome Boaters to Destin West Osprey Lanai #2. Destin West Beach and Bay Resort the only resort that offers private beach access, bay access, 10 pools, a 700 ft. award winning lazy river, and now a marina! Also next door, the newly built Sunset Yacht Club is home to 144 slips. This spacious unit has breathtaking views of the sound and intercostal waterway, and these sought out lanai units boast
SELLER TO CONTRIBUTE $5000.00 TOWARDS BUYER'S CLOSING COSTS with acceptable offer! Lovely single-story, 3-bedroom home located in the highly desirable Elliot Point neighborhood! Just three streets away from Ferry Park, this property is situated on a spacious lot and features a fenced yard for added privacy. With recent updates including a new roof and HVAC in 2023, this home is move-in ready and
Stunning New Construction in Elliott Point! This breathtaking 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath all-brick home combines timeless elegance with modern design in one of the area's most coveted neighborhoods. Step inside to soaring 10' ceilings, a formal dining room, and a spacious great room filled with natural light. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring an oversized island, premium 30' gas range,
Well maintained, renovated 3 bed/2 bath home with a 2 car garage. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Canterbury Woods Subdivision. Open and bright living room with Vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. Kitchen/Dining Combo walks-out to the fully fenced back yard. Main level Master Suite with hardwood floors, double vanity and a beautiful walk-in shower. Upstairs are 2 additional bedrooms and a
Beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offering refined comfort and modern elegance. A long driveway and welcoming front yard set the tone as you enter the expansive living and dining area, designed for both gracious entertaining and everyday living. The bright, white chef's kitchen showcases stainless steel appliances and a clean, timeless aesthetic. Just off the dining space, a
Charming, updated, and move-in ready adorable and affordable 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse ideally located in the heart of Mary Esther with convenient access to Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. This light and bright home features an open floor plan with updated flooring throughout, modern cabinetry, and a functional layout perfect for everyday living. The kitchen is well-equipped with a
*PRESENTED WITH STAGING FURNITURE* Welcome to 101 Cowrie Ave SW—an inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home perfectly situated near downtown Fort Walton Beach's shopping and dining, and just minutes from the sugar-white beaches of Okaloosa Island and Destin. Major improvements already completed include a new roof (2021), HVAC (2019), water heater (2020), and added window screens, giving peace of mind from
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 505 Sq Ft$995/monthOn-Site Laundry Facility Affordable comfort just minutes from the water! Perfect for easy living in a great location.
Discover the ultimate in convenience at Zatitude Luxury Apartments, strategically located in the heart of Fort Walton Beachs thriving community. With Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field just minutes away, alongside easy access to major business hubs and the vibrant local scene, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Experience seamless living and unparalleled accessibility at
Electricity included! Beautiful Sudduth Cir is Close to Everything - Ferry Park, the Yacht Club, Shopping, Schools, and Entertainment. This Home has Great Curb Appeal and a Large Yard in Both Front and Back. Gorgeous! The Beams in the Living Room add architectural Interest. LVP Flooring and Brick Flooring in the Main Living Area as well as All Bedrooms! No Carpet in this house.
PRIVATE BOARDWALK TO THE GULF! You'll have to see it for yourself. Somerset Oceanside Apartments is that beach community you've been looking for. Picture yourself relaxing on our beautiful white sandy beaches along the Gulf, watching the sunset on our private boardwalk or swimming in our crystal clear pool. We are a well maintained and beautiful property located on Okaloosa Island. Somerset
Second-level 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment featuring a bright and welcoming layout. The kitchen includes ample cabinetry and a convenient pantry for extra storage. Large windows throughout the unit provide excellent natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. A comfortable and well-designed space in a great location, ready for move-in.
Welcome to Coastline Apartments in Fort Walton Beachwhere comfort meets convenience. Choose from spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom layouts with modern features like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit laundry in select homes. Enjoy top-tier amenities including a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, and game room with pool, foosball, and arcade games. Pet-friendly and
Updated 3 bed, 2.5 bath home in central Fort Walton Beach with quick access to Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB. Inside features fresh paint, high ceilings, recessed lighting, tile and hardwood floors, plus new carpet. The living room includes a stone‑faced wood‑burning fireplace. The kitchen offers granite countertops, a breakfast nook, and new fridge and stove. A formal dining room,
Colony house is snug in the quiet heart and lush beauty of central Fort Walton Beach. An established community, Colony House is home to good friends of all ages. All of whom have fallen in love with the casual ambiance & satisfying amenities of the Emerald Coasts most resident-friendly apartment community. Truly, home is where your friends are. Home is Colony House. Where good friends and
Shoreline Villas is a new affordable housing community in Okaloosa County, just 10 minutes from the Panhandle city of Fort Walton Beach. Shoreline Villas is a three-story garden-style community that offers a mix of one and two-bedroom units ranging from 650 square feet to 873 square feet. The community's amenities include an 800-square-foot, luxury-style swimming pool, putting green, pickleball
Newly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offering a bright, move-in-ready interior with a functional layout. Updated finishes throughout create a fresh and inviting feel. A great option for comfortable, low-maintenance living.
Discover Elan Apartments in Fort Walton Beach, offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes with stainless-steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, and plank flooring. Enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, and wellness center, plus responsive on-site management and maintenance. Pet-friendly and perfectly located, Elan blends comfort, convenience, and leisure for a lifestyle youll love.
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