Military members often move to the growing Point Baker
Point Baker sits just west of Naval Air Station Whiting Field, one of Santa Rosa County’s largest employers. Residential streets shaded by live oak and longleaf pine trees make up most of the community, but this relaxed setting is what attracts military members and base employees to the area. “It feels less crowded than living on base,” says Tracey McMackin, the owner-broker of BluMac Realty, who has sold several houses in the area. “And the commute time to get there is just about as short as it gets, so you get the best of both worlds.” The community is also 4 miles north of Milton's grocery stores, restaurants and public schools. Point Baker’s convenient location has helped drive a steady population growth, reaching around 4,000 residents. “There’s so much new construction happening, but just for housing, so it’s not too built up yet,” McMackin says. “A lot of non-military folk have actually moved to Point Baker for that.”
Development is ongoing in Point Baker
Housing includes ranch styles and New Traditionals built between the 1970s and 2010s. Development is ongoing, with several contemporary houses still being built. Older, smaller houses typically cost between $150,000 and $275,000, while larger, newer ones usually range from about $300,000 to around $475,000. Empty lots can start at $18,000 and reach $70,000, with prices depending on acreage. A few RV parks and mobile home communities are also in the area. Hurricanes occasionally impact Point Baker, and some properties may be at risk of flooding.
Whiting Field is one of the busiest air stations in the country
Around 3,000 people work at Whiting Field, home to the Navy’s largest air wing. An aircraft lands or takes off at the facility approximately every eight seconds. Point Baker is directly under a flight path, and locals regularly hear airplane and helicopter noise. “It’s one of the busiest air stations in the country,” McMackin says. “People shouldn’t move to the area if loud noises bother them.” Several other military sites, including Elgin Air Force Base, are within 60 miles. Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton is another one of the area’s top employers.
King Middle and Milton High are Purple Star Campuses
Santa Rosa County District Schools serve the community. Kids can attend W.H. Rhodes Elementary, which Niche grades a B, and King Middle, earning a B-minus. They may continue to B-rated Milton High, where extracurriculars include Navy JROTC and Red Cross Club. The middle and high schools are both Purple Star Campuses, a distinction given to schools that offer special programs and counseling for children of military families.
State Route 87 can be traffic-heavy
Point Baker is a car-dependent community centered around state Route 87, which connects to Milton and offers an exit toward Whiting Field. During rush hour, traffic may back up near the station. “People from Milton, Pensacola and other places all drive up to work at Whiting, so it can get pretty busy,” McMackin says. The highway also experiences heavy congestion throughout summer and spring break when tourists drive to and from Santa Rosa Island. A 22-mile drive west on Interstate 10 leads to Pensacola International Airport.
Point Baker is near the Blackwater River and hiking trails
Point Baker has a few community centers, including a Fleet Reserve Association branch, where veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy social events like bingo and karaoke. Whiting Park, less than 7 miles south, is a green space on the Blackwater River that’s only accessible to people with base clearance. It has boat launches, fishing docks and beaches. Public recreation spots with similar amenities on the river include Carpenter’s Park. The 8-mile Blackwater Heritage State Trail starts in the same area. It connects with the mile-and-a-half-long Military Heritage Trail, ending right outside Whiting Field. A driving range, a bowling alley and several sports facilities are on base. Santa Rosa Island, about 38 miles south, is home to tourist destinations like Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach.
Restaurants and stores are in Milton
Auto repair shops, gas stations and a Dollar General sit along Route 87. There’s a Navy Exchange, a commissary and a few restaurants on base. But for most shopping and dining, locals head to Milton. “It takes less than 10 minutes to get there,” McMackin says. Grocery stores include Publix, Aldi and Walmart Neighborhood Market. Coffee shops, seafood spots and chain restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, are also in town.
