Niceville

About 20 minutes from Eglin Airforce Base, Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates is a haven for golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and the area's many current and former military personnel. Mature oak trees preside over all-brick homes and winding roads that wend their way through the titular Rocky Bayou Country Club. “I absolutely love it here,” says Tracy Wood, vice president of the homeowners association and a Realtor with NextHome Cornerstone Realty. “I love that it’s centrally located to everything. We’re in close proximity to the beaches and Choctawhatchee Bay, and we’re surrounded by three military bases. You can get to the gulf in less than 15 minutes, and we’re 45 minutes from 30A and all the little beach towns along there.” Rocky Bayou Country Club is the heart of the neighborhood. The 18-hole championship course unfurls across 115 acres of rolling hills, spring-fed lakes and towering trees, creating a challenging yet satisfying level of play. “My husband and I are huge golfers, so we can drive golf carts and play golf every day,” says Vicky Leos, a resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Emerald Coast. “People walk and jog there in the early morning or evening, whenever the golfers aren’t there.” Nearby Choctawhatchee Bay is abundant with fish and wildlife, and it’s hard to make a trip without spotting at least one pod of dolphins. The neighborhood is about 13 miles north of Destin and U.S. Route 98, giving residents access to the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast and the bouquet of coastal communities along Scenic Highway 30A. “We do staycations there in April and October when the tourists are gone,” Wood says. Spacious lots, traditional masonry and tall trees are the hallmarks of Rocky Bayou. Several smaller subdivisions located within the estates, and most homes were built in the late 1980s and ’90s. Bigger is better in Rocky Bayou: Homes here are at least 2,000 square feet, sitting on lots of at least a quarter acre. Traditional and ranch-style homes often feature red brick exteriors, two-car garages and native plants. A four-bedroom all-brick home can range from $600,000 to $800,000, while similar homes with a pool or waterfront views can range from $650,000 to about $1 million. Most homeowners choose to participate in the homeowners association, which has a $150 annual fee. Aside from the golf course, Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates is primarily residential, so residents hop on bordering roadways like College Boulevard, Forest Road and Rocky Bayou Drive to venture out. Rocky Bayou Drive connects to Interstate 20, which is a roughly 9-mile drive to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. Importantly, the estates are close to several military bases, including Eglin Airforce Base. “Most people are associated one way or another to the base, whether that’s former military members, civilians who work at the bases or active-duty personnel,” Leos says. “Probably 80% of Niceville residents are connected to the base.” Kids can attend James E. Plew Elementary School before heading to C.W. Ruckel Middle School, both graded A-minus by Niche. Teens can graduate from Niceville Senior High School, graded A by Niche. The high school has been rated an A school by the Florida Department of Education and received numerous awards and designations, including the Five Star School Award and recognition as a Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence. High schoolers can earn national industry certifications through the career and technical education curriculum. The high school offers nine career and technical education programs, including culinary arts, information technology and practical nursing. The neighborhood’s central location places residents within a stone’s throw of shopping and dining. Groceries are available at Publix just 2 miles away, while 3rd Planet Brewing serves up craft brews less than 3 miles away. “TradeWinds Italian is unbelievable,” Wood says. “They have the best Italian food, hands down.” Waterfront dining along Choctawhatchee Bay is a favorite among residents. Boats of all sizes dock at The Wharf 850 for fresh seafood and steaks. The Locals Eatery is an aptly named restaurant overlooking Boggy Bayou known for its welcoming atmosphere and American fare, while Doc’s Oyster Bar is a beloved dive bar and restaurant serving up fresh raw oysters in a lively atmosphere. Florida is subject to the winds and rain of hurricanes and tropical storms. However, Leos says the community often escapes the worst of it. “The last few hurricanes have hit farther west toward Pensacola. We don’t get hit hard,” she says. “We have a lot of trees nearby, and trees can act like a barrier against strong winds.”