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
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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 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked into a quiet Fort Walton Beach neighborhood, this 1950s home has been thoughtfully renovated to blend its original coastal charm with the updates today's buyers actually want. Walk in and you'll find a stylish kitchen, new flooring, and fresh finishes throughout -- the kind of turn-key condition that lets you move in or start renting right away. Location is hard to beat: the neighborhood
Welcome to 337 Echo Circle, a beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home tucked away in one of Fort Walton Beach's most desirable neighborhoods. Located near the back of the subdivision with no through traffic, this home offers a peaceful setting while remaining just minutes from Hurlburt Field, Eglin Air Force Base, shopping, dining, and the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches. Step inside
*DEAL OF THE SUMMER* Huge Price Reduction 20k Seller is willing to assist $5,000 towards closing costs and prepaids with a suitable offer or $5,000 towards a temporary rate buydown with suitable offer! Take advantage of a 1% temporary rate buydown for the 1st year with a preferred lender. This property also comes with a 1-Year home warranty This Completely Expanded & Renovated Gemwas
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
Seller now offering up to $10,000 in flexible concessions with an acceptable offer! Use it toward your closing costs, interest rate buy-down, repairs, updates, or other allowable buyer expenses. It's a great opportunity to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and make this home your own. Move right into this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath end-unit townhome--ready for immediate occupancy.
Welcome to 1200 Forest Heights Road in Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547! This charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on a spacious 0.34-acre corner lot that not only offers privacy, functionality, and room to grow, but also provides the opportunity to be split into two separate lots. The property is fully fenced and features two backyard sheds perfect for storage, hobbies, or a workshop.
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
STUNNING HOME WITH BOAT SLIP!! Nestled in the desirable Palm Harbor community, this 3-story home offers expansive views of the bayou, spacious living, and ideal amenities for both everyday living and entertaining! The second floor welcomes you with two expansive living areas, a bright and open kitchen, dining area, half bathroom, and laundry room. Large windows flood the space with natural light
Unit 111B at Seaspray Condominiums is your ticket to effortless Gulf-front living--without the luxury price tag. With 400+ feet of direct beach access, your mornings start with salt air and your evenings end with sunset views just steps away. This 1BR/1BA condo is the perfect low-maintenance escape, whether you're chasing a second home, a smart rental, or a simple coastal lifestyle upgrade.
Nestled on the scenic waters of Okaloosa Island just east of Destin, this furnished 1-bedroom, 2-bath haven offers 971 sq ft of coastal ease and refined comfort. The bright, open living space flows to a private lanai where lagoon-pool and bay views frame each morning coffee and evening breeze. Inside, you'll find upscale finishes and tile flooring in key areas, washer/dryer, and a sleek kitchen
Won't last 100% Move in Ready. New roof and Ac .. 2009 Built Townhome- 3/2.5 1562 feet! 1 Car Garage! NO HOA! This beautiful, move-in-ready end unit townhome is perfectly situated just off Beal Parkway in central Fort Walton Beach--less than 10 minutes from both Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field! The downstairs boasts a generous open-concept floor plan featuring New Paint, New Flooring, no carpet
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 calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bayâ€'perfect for those who appreciate sunsets, boating activity, and a quieter
Beautifully updated residence - featuring FRESHLY PAINTED WALLS, STAIR RAILING, TRIM, AND BASEBOARDS. NEW ROOF 2026. This stunning home provides 1,813 sq. ft. with a functional layout that seamlessly flows this two-story residence to provide maximum space. The freshly updated staircase features luxury vinyl plank flooring, which is a stunning focal point, welcoming you as soon as you step in. The
This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is bursting with potential and ready for your personal touch. The expensive, heavy lifting has already been done for you: features include a 2023 roof , a 2019 A/C with brand-new ductwork and returns (2025), and an updated electrical panel and wiring (upgraded 11/2025).Inside, you'll find a mix of tile and classic wood flooring waiting to be restored to its
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
Wow! The Greens on 5th offers recently updated 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom apartments in an outstanding Fort Walton Beach, FL location! Select the floorplan that best suits you need and create a living space that reflects your individual style! Enjoy the updated kitchens with all new cabinets, countertops and appliances! The community offers a refreshing, new swimming pool with adjacent grilling and
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
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
For more details (photos, floorplans, 3D tours, showing appointments, rental application, etc.) & current availability, please see our official website. Thank you!
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 Merrimac Manor Townhomes! Our large and spacious townhomes are located in the nice community of Fort Walton Beach. We are only minutes from the beach, local shopping and much more. Call today to find out about your new home!
Look no further for a place that feels like home. The Dorian's spacious apartments and townhomes are designed for quality, comfort, and convenience. Our Fort Walton Beach apartments are centrally located near a variety of dining, entertainment, and shopping venues, for convenience right outside your door.
Newport Square Apartments is a perfect hidden oasis! Minutes away from the soft soothing sands of the Emerald Coast beaches, as we locals affectionately call our hometown. Newport Square Apartments is located in an attractive setting very close to life’s essentials, a Publix Market and Starbucks. Surrounded by towering trees and a professionally designed landscape and Resort Sundeck, it
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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