$515,737Average Value$268Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes For Sale
Florida's friendly waterfront city
Niceville is perched between the Boggy and Rocky bayous, hugging the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. It’s near Florida’s Emerald Coast beaches, about 15 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Named by the postmaster’s daughter in 1910, Niceville lives up to its name by having frequent charity events and fundraisers. “It’s not only about the beach and the water,” says Debbie Lewis, a Realtor with ERA American Real Estate who’s lived and sold homes here for 30 years. “It’s phenomenal how our community supports its residents.” John Sims Parkway bisects Niceville’s suburban neighborhoods; the north side has the city’s schools, retail shopping and government offices, and the south is predominantly residential. “We’re a huge military area,” Lewis says. Eglin Air Force Base is 8 miles away, and Niceville’s population of 16,600 grows by one percent each year as many military families stay here after retirement. “For a lot of people, once they get to Niceville, that’s it,” Lewis says. “They’re here to stay.” The city and county’s workforce is mostly Military, but additional employers in Okaloosa County include the Okaloosa County School District and the HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.
Rocky Bayou Estates is a cozy neighborhood in the town of Niceville.
Eglin AFB is located minutes from Rocky Bayou Estates.
Rocky Bayou Estates lays just along the Choctawhatchee Bay great for boaters.
Okaloosa County Schools provide learning opportunities for students throughout Niceville.
HCA Twin Cities Hospital is the healthcare and emergency care provider for Niceville.
1/5
Weekends at Crab Island
With the bayous, Bay and Gulf so close, it's no surprise that Niceville's residents love being on the water. The 20-acre Turkey Creek Nature Trail Park is popular for swimming, kayaking, and tubing; it also features a 1-mile raised boardwalk that winds through a floodplain forest. The city plans to build an aquatics center for competitive swimmers, and Destin and Okaloosa Island beaches are popular day trips.
Crab Island, a sandbar located in the harbor near Destin, is a local favorite. "You boat in and park in this gorgeous teal water that's only waist-deep," Lewis says. "There's a floating stage with live music and a restaurant where you can get a burger. It can be hard to navigate through the water because the boats are so thick." Everyone goes to Crab Island at the end of the week. "Everyone goes on a Saturday or Sunday to meet up with their friends or neighbors," says local Pat Williams, Realtor with ERA American Real Estate, who has sold homes across the region for 40 years. "It's the party place during the summer. Back in the day, you couldn't even get a boat in there if you wanted to."
Though operated by the base, Eglin Golf Course is open to the public. This Audubon Society golf course ranks as one of the military's best. The Rocky Bayou Country Club offers 18 holes on 115 acres, plus a restaurant for lunch.
Residents of Rocky Bayou Estates love a good game of golf.
Rocky Bayou Estates residents can visit Turkey Creek and trails for scenic adventures.
Rocky Bayou Estates residents can also bathe in the fresh waters of Turkey Creek.
1/3
Boggy Bayou Fireworks Show and a developing downtown area
Niceville’s waterfront restaurants offer coastal favorites like fresh mahi and Gulf shrimp, plus staples like cheeseburgers and chicken wings. These restaurants are especially popular during the Boggy Bayou Fireworks Show, an annual Fourth of July celebration where the city launches fireworks from boats in the center of the bayou. Live performances are popular at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, home to the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. While Niceville doesn’t have a central downtown, an area between John Sims Parkway and Bayshore Avenue is in its early stages of development and offers a walkable stretch of restaurants, shops and event space with water views. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Publix sit along John Sims Parkway.
The Mattie Kelly performing Arts Theater is a local favorite performance venue in Niceville.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Amphitheater hosts live performances in Niceville.
Publix is a local favorite for fresh produce and a large meat selection in Niceville.
Walmart is one of the many favorite shopping options in Niceville.
1/4
Waterfront homes and 1980s bungalows
Most homes in Niceville are bungalows and ranch-style homes built after 1980. The median home price is $484,000, just above the national median. “We are pricey,” Lewis says. “It’s rare to find anything under $300,000.” Most of the city’s usable land is built up, so older homes are being demolished for new builds. Prices for a New Traditional home built in 2023 range from $383,000 for a three-bedroom to $1.4 million for a four-bedroom with private water access. Homes along the water are custom and sit on spacious lots full of towering pines and royal palms. Some midcentury homes are available just west of Cedar Avenue, and these range in price from $190,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow to $685,000 for a four-bedroom waterfront ranch-style home. Some condos are also available.
Custom homes on the water will sell quickly in Niceville.
Niceville has a variety of ranch style homes that are affordable and spacious.
Townhomes are plentiful and an affordable housing option in Niceville.
Many variations of Ranch style homes are found in Rocky Bayou Estates.
This Neoclassical style home sits on a spacious lot in Rocky Bayou Estates.
1/5
Niceville High’s has robust music programs
The Okaloosa County School District scores an overall A-minus on Niche, which ranks it seventh best in Florida. Niceville High has a popular music program; the Eagle Pride Marching Band performed in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade at the Rose Bowl, and the concert and jazz bands consistently receive superior ratings at state-level performance assessments. Tenth through twelfth-grade students can attend the Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College. In this public charter school, students can earn an associate degree in arts or sciences with their high school diploma. Northwest Florida State College enrolls over 8,000 students and offers degrees in fields like nursing and project management.
Northwest Florida State College provide excellent education and employment opportunities.
Collegiate High School is located on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.
Niceville High School has an A grade on Niche and supports grades 9-12.
The Okaloosa County School District Complex is located in Niceville.
1/4
Crime rates are lower than national and state averages
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime rates in Niceville trend significantly lower than national and state rates. In October 2023, the violent crime rate for Niceville was zero. Property crime rates also trend much lower than Florida and United States averages.
Traffic on John Sims Parkway
Niceville is largely car-dependent, and the main road through the city is East John Sims Parkway. “Traffic can be bad,” Lewis says, “especially when the schools get out.” The Emerald Coast Rider bus makes a few stops in Niceville on its way to Fort Walton Beach, 13 miles away. Interstate 10 is 17 miles north, and Destin is a 17-mile trip south. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport has domestic commercial flights 5 miles away.
Flooding risks along Bayshore Drive
Niceville’s location near the Gulf Coast puts it at risk for hurricanes. Niceville is protected by the Choctawhatchee Bay, which puts some distance between it and the Gulf Coast beaches that endure the worst hurricane damage. The last time a hurricane caused significant damage in Niceville was in 2020 when Hurricane Sally caused flooding and downed power lines. Homes near Bayshore Drive in the city’s south have the most flooding risk, and 27% of the homes here are in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Homeowners here must purchase flood insurance and receive special permits for new construction. Winters here are mild, and summers are hot, with temperatures typically falling between 70 and 92 degrees.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Willis
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Gaskin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Niceville, FL sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Niceville, FL over the last 12 months is $558,000, up 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LOCATION, LIFESTYLE, & GOLF COURSE VIEWS! This spacious 2-story home is perfectly located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of BLUEWATER BAY. Set on an oversized lot backing directly to the golf course, this former spec home features expanded dimensions and thoughtful design throughout. Soaring vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan fill the interior with natural light. The large
Fully remodeled & VA approved! This spacious 2BR condo in The Oaks offers vaulted ceilings, new LVP flooring, custom built-ins, updated baths, and a brand-new oven/stove. Bonus pantry not found in other units! Washer & dryer convey. Newer roof adds peace of mind. Enjoy a quiet, landscaped community with pool, gazebos, picnic areas & ample parking. HOA covers master insurance, cable/internet,
Discover this stunning 4-bedroom, custom brick home located on a spacious .34-acre corner lot in the desirable gated community of Magnolia Plantation. Thoughtfully designed and improved, this home features soaring 10ft ceilings, elegant crown molding throughout most rooms, beautiful tray ceilings in the dining and primary bedroom, & approx 245 sf of closets throughout the home.Stylish
New Construction Townhomes located in Bluewater Bay. Developer is offering $5000.00 Buyer credits at closing. These townhomes have the location in Bluewater that provides easy access to Hwy 20 which leads to base or to Midbay bridge and the beaches. These upgraded townhomes come with all the great new finishes, LVP flooring throughout both floors, laundry room located upstairs, quartz
This stunning home features cedar ceilings, vaulted spaces, and real hardwood floors in the foyer. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, there's room for everyone and each bedroom includes at least one walk-in closet for ample storage. One upstairs bedroom even has a secret play area built under the eaves, perfect for imaginative kids or pets. Enjoy the comfort of built-ins and many custom
Talk about location!!! Now is your chance to build your dream home! Only 15 minutes to Destin or 10 minutes to Niceville, this is the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing neighborhood but still be within minutes to restaurants, medical, shopping or the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches! Lot #20 adjacent to this property is for sale from the same seller! While seller believes all info to be
Now available for rental with pets approved, washer and dryer, and lawn maintenance included. These townhomes have the location in Bluewater that provides easy access to Hwy 20 which leads to base or to Midbay bridge and the beaches. These upgraded townhomes come with all the great new finishes, LVP flooring throughout both floors, laundry room located upstairs, quartz countertops through out
Welcome to this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome, recently updated in 2025 and ready for you to move right in! Featuring a fresh, modern look with all-new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring throughout, updated lighting fixtures, and a freshly painted interior—including baseboards—this home combines comfort, style, and functionality.Enjoy cooking in the updated kitchen with a
At The Enclave at Deer Moss Creek, you wont have to choose between design and functionality - you can have it all. Our brand-new one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Niceville, Florida, feature open floor plans that maximize space and embody luxury. They feature modern appliances, beautiful granite countertops, spacious closets, and a host of other enviable features and amenities
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
