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 Eglin 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."
At Garniers Beach Park you can park just feet from the beach.
Some beachside homes in Ocean City feature backyard docks.
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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.
Home styles in Ocean City can vary wildly, even within the same neighborhood.
Townhouses can also be found in Ocean City, providing house diversity.
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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.
Ocean City students thrive at Shalimar Elementary School.
Choctawhatchee Senior High School offers IB classes for Ocean City students.
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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.
The white sand beaches in Garnier Beach Park make it a great spot to sunbathe.
Ocean City's proximity to the water makes it a top fishing destination.
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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.
Fire Thai Fusion serves Japanese, Thai, and American food in a sleek interior.
Ocean City locals can grab groceries at the nearby Walmart.
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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 Eglin 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.
The Eglin AFB is located minutes away from Ocean City.
HCA Fort Walton/Destin Hospital provides emergency and scheduled medical services just outside Ocean City.
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Noise and weather considerations
Training operations, including night flights, create noise around the Eglin 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.
Drainage systems are built into some Ocean City neighborhoods to reduce flooding risks.
Ocean City is right on the bay, and can experience flooding issues when water levels rise.
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Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Austin Lewis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
BRYAN CHRISTENSEN,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Perfect for buyers seeking both convenience and peace of mind, this well-maintained home at 119 Jamestown Ave offers a prime central location in Fort Walton Beach, just minutes from Hurlburt Field, Eglin AFB, beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, and highly rated zoned schools. Inside, you'll find a home that has been thoughtfully cared for with numerous system upgrades already completed for you. The
Rare 98 ft of waterfront property with a 2 story dock, boat lift w/ electric & water, and multiple private lockout suites. It's flexible layout offers multiple possibilities. Perfect for a full-time coastal retreat, secondary home, Airbnb or multi generational property. No HOA and short term rental is allowed. Currently operating as a thriving turnkey waterfront rental property with proven
Located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach, this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and convenience. Situated on a large lot, this move-in ready home features a desirable split floor plan with two spacious living areas, including one with stunning wall-to-wall built-in shelving that adds both charm and functionality. Recent updates include
STUNNING HOME WITH BOAT SLIP!! Nestled in the desirable Palm Harbor community, this 3-story home offers expansive views of the bayou, spacious living, and ideal amenities for both everyday living and entertaining! The second floor welcomes you with two expansive living areas, a bright and open kitchen, dining area, half bathroom, and laundry room. Large windows flood the space with natural light
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Contract now to customize. Construction just now underway. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath brick home combines timeless design with modern touches. An 8-foot entry door sets the tone for the quality and charm found throughout. The kitchen is equipped with an oversized fridge and freezer, complemented by a wet bar and separate drink fridge perfect for entertaining. Guest bathrooms feature
Rare 98 ft of waterfront property with a 2 story dock, boat lift w/ electric & water, and multiple private lockout suites. It's flexible layout offers multiple possibilities. Perfect for a full-time coastal retreat, secondary home, Airbnb or multi generational property. No HOA and short term rental is allowed. Currently operating as a thriving turnkey waterfront rental property with proven
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Amazing Ft Walton Beach opportunity! Fire damaged home on .25 lot in highly desirable area. This is the chance to build a custom home or DUPLEX approximately 3 miles from the beach. There is a boat ramp at the end of the street for public use. This is also close to several restaurants, shopping and groceries. This location gives you the opportunity to live the lifestyle you have been dreaming of.
PRICE REDUCTION! SELLERS ARE OFFERING $5K TOWARD BUYERS CLOSING COSTS. Bring offers!**Come and see this beautiful turn-key 2-story traditional home. It's the perfect starter home or investment property. Just Minutes from breathtaking white sand beaches of the beautiful Emerald Coast, Hulburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base. The kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and beautiful cherrywood
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This beautiful CORNER lot home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus an office, newly updated and meticulously maintained in the heart of Fort Walton Beach. Conveniently situated in proximity to military bases, beaches, schools and shopping. NO HOA! Buyer to verify all lot and home dimensions. This home is a must see!!!
... a dual vanity and shower/tub combo. As you make your way to the back yard, you'll enjoy the extended covered patio, additional decking, outdoor shower, and a backyard that offers an abundance of room for entertainment as well as privacy. This property is a fantastic location with easy access to Eglin AFB or the beach. Call for a showing today!
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
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
Instantly upgrade your day-to-day life with our newly renovated one and two bedroom apartments at The Cove. Our premier apartment community offers a variety of layout options to work with your lifestyle, with some boasting upgraded finishes and styling. Life in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, never looked better with a beautiful place to call home in a great location near Garniers Beach Park. Make
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Discover Elevate at 604 West! Select your 1- or 2-bedroom apartment and create a living space that is uniquely your own! The newly renovated apartments feature completely updated kitchens with new cabinets, appliances, and countertops; great living spaces; a private patio/balcony; and more! The sparkling swimming pool and recreation lawn are there for your enjoyment. We are very pet friendly with
The advertised rate of $7,618/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 26, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Comfortable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment in Fort Walton Beach with air conditioning and heating. Huge covered private porch, great for a grill. Located minutes from Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, with shopping, dining, and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center all nearby. Quiet 4-unit residential building.
$100 OFF PER MONTH FOR THE 1ST 10 MOVE-INS!!!! Introducing Barrow Apartments a brand-new 2026 apartment community in the heart of Fort Walton Beach featuring a mix of spacious 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units designed with modern style and everyday convenience in mind. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath floor plans also feature spacious walk-in closets for added storage and comfort. Residents will enjoy a
Move in ready, welcome to this beautifully renovated 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located on a spacious corner lot in Fort Walton Beach. This thoughtfully updated property offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and room to spread out, featuring fresh renovations throughout that give the home a bright, clean, and welcoming feel. With five bedrooms, there is plenty of space to meet all of your
Spacious End Unit Townhome. Roomy Living/Dining Room Combo that opens up to a covered patio, which is fully fenced. Kitchen is large with plenty of cabinets and counterspace. There is an indoor laundry room off the kitchen. ( note: washer and dryer not incl) The master bedroom features a walk in closet and private balcony. Large driveway with extra parking. No Carpet- Wood flooring everywhere
Annette GuinRoyal Palm Realty Service Inc
$2,000 per month
"Charming 3-Bed Townhouse Retreat in Fort Walton Beach!"
Envision yourself in a charming townhouse at 121 Tooke St, Fort Walton Beach, where comfort meets style in an exquisite living space. This spacious 1,510 sq ft home offers three beautifully appointed bedrooms, perfect for relaxation or productive work-from-home setups. The two full bathrooms and an additional half bath ensure convenience and privacy for all your needs. Step into the heart of the
$100 OFF PER MONTH FOR THE 1ST 10 MOVE-INS!!!! Introducing Barrow Apartments a brand-new 2026 apartment community in the heart of Fort Walton Beach featuring a mix of spacious 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units designed with modern style and everyday convenience in mind. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath floor plans also feature spacious walk-in closets for added storage and comfort. Residents will enjoy a
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