Coastal vibes, convenience and affordability in Ocean City
Part of the larger Fort Walton area, Ocean City is a mainly military community about 5 miles from Elgin Air Force Base, the largest in the world. One of the closest residential areas to the base, it offers short commutes and lower prices than nearby Destin, with the same nearby Emerald Coast beaches. "This is like Key West, with more access to big box stores and more convenience," says Paul Domenech, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast. "We have the same laid-back atmosphere, but we're easier to get to, and our beaches are 10 times better."
Ranch-style, split-level and townhouses for lower prices than Destin
According to Domenech, Ocean City has an active real estate market thanks to incoming and outgoing military families. The median single-family home price is about $360,000, and the median townhouse price is about $280,000. "It's more affordable than Destin by about 10 to 20%, and you still get to live by the beach," he says. Residential streets maintain a mature, midcentury character with ranch-style and split-level homes from the 1950s and '60s. Many houses are on shady, wooded lots between a quarter and a third of an acre. Newer townhouses and single-family subdivisions were built here between the 1990s and early '00s. Waterfront homes along the bay and bayous range from $900,000 to about $1.7 million. Some locals can boat out to the Gulf from private docks.
Highly rated Okaloosa County Schools
The highly rated Okaloosa County School District serves the area and earns an overall A-minus from Niche. Shalimar Elementary School and Pryor Middle School, both B-rated, feed into the A-minus-rated Choctawhatchee Senior High School, often shortened to Choctaw. Choctaw's student outreach club helps relocating military students adjust to their new school, make friends and get involved. The school offers several early college opportunities, including Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) classes.
White-sand beaches and emerald waters are minutes away
Public beaches are just south on Okaloosa Island, with white sand and the blue-green water that gives the Emerald Coast its name. "When the water comes down from the Appalachians and flows into the Gulf, it brings that white quartz sand down," Domenech says. "When the sun shines through the water, it turns it into an emerald blue." The Okaloosa Island boardwalk features shops and restaurants near the water and a playground, splashpad and sand volleyball courts. Fireworks light the skies every Wednesday night during the busy summer season. Even closer to home, Garniers Beach Park has a 240-foot sandy beach, boat ramp, playground and picnic tables.
Thai flavors and big box stores nearby
Various restaurants, services and retail options are concentrated along Racetrack Road Northeast and State Road 85, the main thoroughfares. Publix and CVS are centrally located, and Thai Market specializes in Asian produce, snacks, spices and other foods. Besides fast-food restaurants such as Domino's Pizza, various Asian restaurants flavor the dining scene. The highly rated Fire Thai Fusion serves traditional entrees and Thai-inspired pizza. Walmart, Sam's Club, Home Depot, T.J. Maxx and Books-A-Million are all about 3 miles away or closer.
Pirate fest, farmers market and boat parade bring locals together
Pirate actors storm the shores at the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, named for the 18th-century sea captain who sailed the Gulf Coast. The festival, a Fort Walton tradition for nearly 70 years, features costumed reenactments, arts and crafts vendors and a citywide treasure hunt. The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market is a year-round opportunity to find produce, honey, meat, eggs and crafts. It takes place on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Locals can celebrate the holidays at Destin's lighted boat parade in December, where decked-out vessels cruise down the harbor.
Highways and public buses provide transportation options
State Road 85 leads south to Fort Walton Beach and northeast to the Elgin Air Force Base. It continues north toward Interstate 10, a main route through Northern Florida. The Emerald Coast Rider provides transportation around the area, and the No. 1 route leads south to Fort Walton Beach. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, about 7 miles away, offers nonstop service throughout the United States. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital provides emergency care and other specialty services about 2 miles away.
Noise and weather considerations
Training operations, including night flights, create noise around the Elgin Air Force Base, but residents get advance notice. "You're not getting a lot of air traffic directly over the residential areas, so it's not so disruptive," Domenech says. As with all of coastal Florida, Ocean City is susceptible to hurricanes. Parts of the community, especially along the water, are special flood hazard areas, and flood insurance may be required.
