A beachside community near Hurlburt Field and Okaloosa Island
From stunning oceanside views to a community focused atmosphere, Mary Esther is a small, Okaloosa County city where quiet streets meet urban convenience. Located between the Hurlburt Field Air Force base and the sandy beaches of Okaloosa Island, the community offers a vacation-like atmosphere near major employers and an active business district. “A lot of people move to this part of Florida for the white sand beaches and the emerald green water,” says Paula Sherman, a local real estate broker with ERA Real Estate who has been working in the area for over 20 years. “You’re right next to the military base, so it’s easily accessible for air force employees. My husband and I were stationed here before retirement and have been here ever since. That’s pretty common around here. Once people come, they tend to stay.”
A diverse housing market and waterfront properties
The city has a diverse array of housing styles and price tags, from brick ranch-style homes and coastal bungalows to modern traditional homes and high-end Mediterranean-inspired builds. Most of the area’s homes were built between the 1950s and 1970s, with some ‘90s and early 2000s builds sprinkled throughout. Fenced-in back lots with in-ground pools are common. Houses on the south side of town along the Intracoastal Waterway feature private docks and larger lots compared to most Mary Esther homes. “You will get some sound from Hurlburt Field,” says Sherman. “There are regular landings and take offs and you can hear the national anthem once a day from some parts of town. We'll also have the Blue Angels flying overhead occasionally coming from Pensacola. Fixer-uppers and single-story homes with around 1,500 square feet or less range from $140,000 to $320,000, while larger builds can go for $320,000 to $690,000, with price tags increasing with square footage, modern upgrades and water access. Condos range from $50,000 to $290,000.
Highly rated public schools and career-based learning
Local students may attend Mary Esther Elementary School, which earns a B grade from Niche. Also with a B, Bruner Middle School has a variety of extracurricular offerings, from robotics to builders club. The A-rated Fort Walton Beach High School has a career and technical education program with courses ranging from digital design and TV production to biomedical science and construction trades technology. The Mary Esther Public Library hosts regular community programs including movie showings, book clubs, story times and craft workshops.
Beach access and boating on the Santa Rosa Sound
For a day at the beach, Okaloosa Island is just 5 miles east and offers miles of white sandy shoreline. “The Santa Rosa Sound spans all the way to Destin and to Pensacola, where boaters can access the gulf for fishing or just enjoying a day on the water,” Sherman says. “There’s also Crab Island, which is a popular spot for water recreation.” Those who don’t have private sound access can use the Mary Esther City Pier and Boat Ramp on Misty Water Lane. The 25-acre Oak Tree Nature Park has picnic shelters and a mile of wooded trails with plaques identifying local flora.
Plentiful businesses, from local eateries to department stores
Mary Esther Boulevard is lined with well-known chain restaurants, from popular coffee shops to fast food. Shoppers can pick up groceries and essentials at the local Target or Piggly Wiggly. Rhody Bros is a popular waterside shack serving burgers, hot dogs and beer, while Benjarong Restaurant offers authentic Thai cuisine. The neighboring community of Fort Walton Beach has more shopping options, including Sun Plaza, which is home to ALDI, Publix and T.J. Maxx. “It’s also common to go to Destin or Pensacola for a night out,” Sherman says.
Three nearby airports and driving along the Miracle Strip Parkway
Destin is around 11 miles east via the Miracle Strip Parkway, while Pensacola is roughly 50 miles west. “There are three commercial airports within an hour of Mary Esther,” says Sherman. “There’s one in Pensacola, Panama City Beach and Fort Walton.” Local bus routes are operated by EC Rider and Okaloosa County Transit.
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Written By
Jillian Pillow
