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
Dino Sinopoli,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
*DEAL OF THE SUMMER*This Completely Expanded & Renovated Gemwas transformed from a 3/Bed-1/Bath to now a4/Bed- 2/Bath monstrous 2,400 sqft of living space.Over $100K invested in premium upgrades. Open floor plan features Lvp flooring, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, travertine farmhouse sink, and custom soft-close cabinetry.Primary suite boasts barn doors
Welcome to one of the rare opportunities at Island Echos, a beautifully maintained fourth-floor beachfront condominium featuring THREE true full-sized bedrooms, a highly sought-after layout that is rarely available along the Gulf Coast.Perfectly positioned directly on the Gulf, you'll fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves and wake up just steps away from the sugar-white sands and
This stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom Colonial brick home is nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within a secure gated subdivision. You will step inside to a formal dining room to your right and master bedroom to your left, then walk into the living room with vaulted ceiling.The kitchen features a large island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.The master
Welcome to your slice of paradise on Okaloosa Island. This charming 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom condo offers 1,035 sq. ft with the master bedroom offering GULF FRONT VIEWS FROM YOUR PERSONAL BALCONY. The living and dining areas flowing seamlessly together, inviting natural light from the balcony view, including new sliding glass doors. The kitchen provides ample cabinet space, with beautiful tiled
Welcome to an exceptional waterfront residence in the heart of downtown Fort Walton Beach, where location and lifestyle meet effortlessly. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom condo is just moments from The Landing, dining, entertainment, and the vibrant waterfront scene, offering both convenience and coastal elegance. The interior has been thoughtfully refreshed with a newly repainted
BACK ON THE MARKET AFTER A BUSY SUMMER OF RENTALS! DON'T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST NOW!!!Welcome to this gorgeous poolside oasis with direct access from the back patio to the community pool and literally less that 100 steps until you are feet in sand, watching the waves roll in! With three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, you can begin making your Gulf front memories now, or maximize on
With no HOA, short-term rentals allowed, and ample parking, including space for a boat, this property offers a rare combination of freedom and functionality. Whether you're spending the day on the water or meeting friends for dinner, everything you love about the Emerald Coast is just minutes from your front door. Tucked away on a quiet street on Okaloosa Island, this beautifully updated
Live the Florida Dream with a 3.6% Interest Rate with assumable mortgage. Imagine waking up, grabbing your paddle board, and heading straight out to Cinco Bayou from your private community dock. This rare, 3-bed/2-bath condo makes the Florida lifestyle your everyday reality. Perfectly positioned for convenience, you are only minutes from Eglin AFB and just a short drive to vibrant downtown
Feeling lucky? Seller is now offering to pre-pay 7 months of HOA dues with an acceptable offer. That's 7 months to enjoy dues free beach access or set up for next year's rental season!Beachside living without the beachside price tag. Located directly across from the Gulf inside the charming 15-unit low-density Island Gardens community, this condo offers the best of low-maintenance ownership
Welcome to Emerald Gardens, one of Fort Walton Beach's best-kept secrets! This beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living. Recent improvements include an updated kitchen featuring a quartz countertop, new undermount sink and faucet, and appliances(2024). Throughout the home, you'll find durable tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring, along
Waterfront Living on the Bayou! This stunning, three-story home offers breathtaking bayou views from private decks on every level, including spectacular panoramic views from the third-floor deck. The lower level is ideal for guests, featuring a spacious living area, private bedroom, full bath, and abundant storage space, with an office that could also be used as a 5th bedroom. Wine enthusiasts
Stunning Newly Renovated Waterfront Coastal Retreat, Just Moments from the Beach! Welcome to your slice of paradise, a beautifully reimagined 5-bed/4-full bath, single-family home spanning over 3200sf of sophisticated living space on a .32-acre lot with 100' waterfront in the highly desirable Okaloosa Island area. This 1971 built home has been completely transformed with high-end renovations
Discover your ideal coastal retreat on Okaloosa Island, where sugar-white sands and emerald waters set the stage for relaxed beachfront living. This beautifully maintained fifth-floor condo offers inviting Gulf views from your private balcony--perfect for enjoying morning coffee, coastal breezes, and unforgettable sunsets. The spacious primary bedroom features direct balcony access, creating a
Bayside Bliss at Destin West - Heron Building, Unit 306 Welcome to Destin West Beach & Bay Resort, where resort-style amenities meet relaxed coastal living on beautiful Okaloosa Island. Located in the Heron Building on the bayside, Unit 306 offers a peaceful setting overlooking the lazy river and the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay; making it the perfect location for those who appreciate
NO HOA and approximately $25,000 in renovations completed in 2013! With an effective year built of 2012, this extensively updated three-bedroom, two-bath home offers comfortable everyday living, low-maintenance features, and attractive potential for an owner-occupant or investment-minded buyer. Improvements included new windows, an updated kitchen, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water heater,
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.
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
Discover the ultimate in convenience at Zatitude Luxury Apartments, strategically located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach's 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
Your pets are welcome at Crosswinds, Crosswood Cove, Crosslake Cove, and Cross Oaks Apartments! With great amenities across four beautiful communities, you can spend quality time with the whole family at our barbecue picnic areas. Head to the clubhouse to meet friends and neighbors for a challenging game of billiards or break a sweat in our state-of-the-art fitness center at the Crosswinds
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
Welcome home to Aria, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Fort Walton Beach. These spacious two-bedroom apartments offer a relaxed, modern living experience in one of the area’s most desirable locations.Inside each home, you’ll find thoughtfully designed layouts with features that make everyday living easy—generous walk-in closets, private patios or balconies with additional
Welcome to our charming 100-unit community, offering beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhomes in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. Residents enjoy exceptional amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, a spacious dog park, and the convenience of on-site maintenance. With attractive homes, a welcoming atmosphere, and everything you need for comfortable living, our community is the
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 you'll love.
We are a pet-friendly community, so your four-legged companions are welcome, and they will love our play area! Whether you want to unwind, stay active, or connect with friends and neighbors, we've thoughtfully designed every detail for your lifestyle. Our residents love our sundeck and courtyard; we also have a dock on the waterfront! Our one and two-bedroom apartments for rent are designed with
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Discover the comfort of our charming 22-unit community, ideally located in a relaxing setting next to Bay View. Our beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhomes offer spacious layouts in a quiet, pet-friendly neighborhood you'll love coming home to. Residents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 emergency maintenance and a friendly, welcoming staff dedicated to making your living experience
Welcome to Coastline Apartments in Fort Walton Beach—where 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
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