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
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Gabrielle Mazur
Video By
Matt Ferguson
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Walton Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $342,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover modern comfort at 600 Burgundy Lane in Fort Walton Beach, where thoughtful updates and stylish finishes come together on a spacious corner lot. Inside, the home features a neutral designer color palette, luxury LVP flooring throughout, and an open-concept layout ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. The updated kitchen serves as the heart of the home with quartz countertops,
All the upgrades you want at an affordable price. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home includes a dedicated office space and has already seen major improvements: a new roof (2021), HVAC system (2019), and water heater (2020).Ideally located near downtown Fort Walton Beach, you'll enjoy convenient access to shopping, dining, and are just minutes from the sugar white beaches of Okaloosa Island and
This beautifully maintained, nearly new 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers the perfect blend of space, style, and convenience. Built just two years ago and cared for by its original owner, the home features a bright, open-concept layout with a spacious kitchen, living, and dining area--ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Downstairs showcases durable luxury vinyl plank flooring and
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
$5000 ANY WAY MONEY!! Step into a home that perfectly balances contemporary style with everyday comfort. Built in 2023, this stunning townhome was designed for those who appreciate the finer details. The heart of the home is a bright, open-concept kitchen featuring striking Bianco Carrera Quartz countertops and sleek, soft-close cabinetry--a space as functional as it is beautiful. Whether you're
3-Bed Waterfront Condo Near Downtown Fort Walton Beach & Emerald Coast Beaches Looking for a waterfront condo with space, views, near downtown Fort Walton Beach? Welcome to 113 Brooks St, Unit 204. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo offers 1,833 sq ft of easy coastal living in a gated community on the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy morning light and peaceful water views from your private balcony. The
Come experience luxury living at Presidio Yacht Club, one of Fort Walton Beach's most prestigious waterfront communities! Presidio offers high-end amenities including a pool overlooking the water, hot tub, marina, dock for fishing, theater room, owners' community lounge, fitness center overlooking the water, and a guest quarters for visitors. A covered marina is located .8 miles down the road -
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 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,
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 the historical record breaking rentals this well established AirBnB has. Either way, you will not
Rare, spacious 3 bed 2 bath unit with an assumable VA loan at 3.6%. Located in a waterfront community offering a bay front pool, private dock access, and tennis courts. This move in ready unit features LVP flooring throughout, tile in wet areas, in unit washer & dryer hookups, and a third bedroom with a private entrance, ideal for guests or long term roommates. Enjoy the Florida lifestyle with
Experience effortless coastal living in this ground-floor unit at Surf Dweller Condominiums on Okaloosa Island, just steps from the sugar-white sands and emerald waters of the Gulf! Offered fully furnished, this spacious residence presents an excellent opportunity as a second home or income-producing short-term rental, with projections reaching $50K+ annually. Ideally situated in the heart of the
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
Experience coastal living in this fully furnished, Gulf front, third-floor end unit at Destin West Beach & Bay Resort Gulfside. Situated on Okaloosa Island, this unit has the ability to sleep 6 with Rental projections coming in at $42K+. The owners have meticulously maintained the property as if it were their own personal residence, consistently reinvesting in upgrades and improvements year after
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
Beautiful and very charming brick home available and ready for move in on or around 05/07/2026. Oversized lot surrounded by mature Oak trees. Fairly new paint throughout as well as carpeted areas. All electric, central heat/air, 2 car garage with epoxied floors, automatic opener and built-in storage cabinets. The home has extra insulation and storm windows helping to cut back on electric bills as
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
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
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
Welcome to The Greens on 5th. No matter what you’re looking for in an apartment home, we’ve got the place for you, with a broad selection of one-, and two bedroom apartments that are sure to impress. Our homes—currently in a renovation phase with fantastic new additions in store—feature high-speed internet access and air conditioning, spacious floor plans and a stylish ambiance that our residents
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
For more details (photos, floorplans, 3D tours, showing appointments, rental application, etc.) & current availability, please see our official website. Thank you!
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
All freshly painted with a neutral color. Great location! Centrally located to both Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. 1 bedroom and bath upstairs and 1 bedroom and bath down. Updates include beautiful laminate flooring, stainless appliances in the kitchen, granite countertops, built in cabinets across the dining area. Both bedrooms have walk-in closets and abundant
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
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