On the Florida panhandle's white-sand coast, Wright's classic suburban living provides access to scenic beaches and waterfront amenities at a lower price point than nearby communities like Destin. Hurlburt Airfield is also nearby, so the area has a significant population of military families that benefit from the highly rated schools serving the area. "We are very much a military-driven area," says Realtor Paul Domenech with Keller Williams Realty. "Military and Department of Defense bases surround us, and many active duty service members and retirees live here." In addition to its reputation as a military-friendly area, Wright and Fort Walton Beach, offer a broad range of outdoor activities that are "attracting people who want to see the beauty of nature” and a more relaxed option than more touristy areas like Destin, according to Domenech. "You get all of the beach and waterfront amenities of the area without as many tourists and without the vacation rentals that are driving up prices in neighboring towns."
Hurlburt Field is an Air Force base located near Wright.
Highway 98 runs along the Fort Walton/Destin beaches.
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A mix of remodeled homes, contemporary subdivisions and townhouses
Wright is a classic Florida suburb with sprawling subdivisions, multifamily communities and sections of older residences and manufactured homes. "Most homes here were built in the 20th century, but since 2018, most of these homes were remodeled or torn down and rebuilt," Domenech says. "Because of this, homes are much more budget-friendly than in other areas." Homes sit on tidy lots surrounded by pine, oak and palmetto trees, and many larger homes have backyard pools. Occasionally, homeowners may install solar panels to help with energy costs. Townhouses and condos are typically priced between $140,000 and $320,000. Older houses in midcentury, New Traditional, manufactured or ranch styles are often priced between $240,000 and $400,000. Contemporary subdivisions with coastal bungalows and modern New Traditional houses usually list between $400,000 and $500,000.
Townhomes are an excellent buying option for small families relocating in Wright.
New traditional homes are being built throughout existing neighborhoods in Wright.
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Okaloosa County School District serves families
Students may attend Okaloosa County School District, starting with Wright Elementary, which earns an overall B-minus rating from Niche. Depending on location, students may also attend Longwood Elementary, which earns a B-minus rating. W.C. Pryor Middle earns a B, and Choctawhatchee Senior High earns an A-minus. The high school offers CTE programs, including data science, digital design and web programming.
Choctawhatchee Senior High School is a highly rated, public school located in Wright.
Longwood Elementary School is a public school in Wright, FL, offering a Gifted & Talented program.
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Close to the sugar sand beaches of the Gulf
Proximity to the Gulf and its neighboring waterways is undoubtedly one of Wright's major attractions. White sand beaches with crystalline waters surround the community, like those on Okaloosa Island. "We have the most beautiful beaches here because they're made of quartz that gets pulled down from the mountains. So that's why the water is such a clear emerald color, and the beaches have that superfine sugar feel that doesn't stick," Domenech says. "And it's an excellent area for people who want to be active and get out--there's a walking path being built from Fort Walton Beach and down to the beaches that will bring many active people to the area." Domenech, a long-distance runner, hopes the new walkways will help put Okaloosa County on the map for Triathalon and Biathlon races.
Wright is also close to Destin, a community popular with boaters, snorkelers and dolphins alike. Destin Beach has a remarkably pristine beach less than 15 miles from Wright residents, with beaches like powdered sugar and clear, turquoise-colored surf. Crab Island is another favorite—this submerged sandbar is packed with moored boats and kayaks filled with locals and tourists. There are floating bars, food vendors and surf shops available for visitors. For a more traditional community green space, Don and Susan Stillwell Park offers a fenced-in playground, walking path, picnic areas and a large, grassy field surrounding a small duck pond. Fort Walton Beach Golf Course is a popular public course, with a greens renovation project expected to finish in September 2025.
Don & Susan Stillwell Park provides an ADA-compliant children's playground, basketball court, a paved walking trail, pavilions, picnic areas and a very large open green space.
The Shalimar Pointe Golf Club 18-hole course was designed by Finger-Dye and is open to the public for daily play.
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Dining and retail on Beal Parkway
Beal Parkway is the closest retail area, with big box stores like Walmart, Sam's Club, Kohl's and Lowes. There are also chain and local restaurants throughout the region, like Kinfolks BBQ, a family-run barbecue restaurant that serves smoked meats by the pound, or Stewby's Seafood Shanty, a walk-up seafood spot serving fried and grilled fish and shellfish, with classic sides like hushpuppies and potato salad. Wright's proximity to Destin also puts residents in proximity to Harbor Boulevard's oyster bars, fish shacks, sushi restaurants and upscale establishments like Harbor Docks. This waterfront eatery has fine dining seafood dishes, steaks and scenic views of the harbor and ocean. Destin also has some larger retail areas, offering a mix of boutique shopping centers and big box stores like Target.
Beal Parkway is where you'll find many shopping and dining options in Wright.
Sam's Club is a local favorite for big box shopping in Wright.
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Elgin Parkway connects Wright to the panhandle
Wright is well connected to other Florida panhandle communities through Elgin Parkway. This major thoroughfare connects to Interstate 10 and Highway 98. Several bus routes are available through Emerald Coast Rider's WAVE public transit system. EC Rider also has an on-call shuttle service available to residents. Wright has several communities around the Florida panhandle within reach. Fort Walton Beach is 8 miles away, Destin is 13 miles away, and Pensacola is 40 to 60 miles from Wright, depending on the route. Wright is close to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital on Beal Parkway. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is 8 miles from Wright, and the Pensacola International Airport is about 45 miles away.
Eglin Parkway runs between Wright and Fort Walton Beaches.
HCA Fort Walton/Destin Hospital provides emergency and scheduled medical services in Wright.
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Written By
Micaela Green
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Willis
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marci McKague,
an experienced agent in this area.
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