Best Places to Live Near Eglin Air Force Base

By Mike Marston

10/25/2023

4 minutes

Mike Marston

Mike Marston
Veteran
Premier Property Group

Looking to Buy or Sell a Home Near Eglin AFB?

Welcome to Northwest Florida—home to Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, Duke Field, and the 7th Special Forces Group. With multiple military installations in close proximity, you’ll find a strong military community, excellent housing options, and top-rated schools.

If you're PCSing to Eglin AFB or nearby, this guide will help you explore the best neighborhoods and communities for military families.

Top Places to Live Near Eglin AFB

Niceville, FL – The Top Choice for Military Families

📍 Best for: Eglin AFB personnel

If you’re stationed at Eglin AFB, Niceville, FL is an ideal location with top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong military presence.

Why Choose Niceville?

  • Close to the East Gate of Eglin AFB
  • Convenient to Northwest Florida Regional Airport & Northwest Florida State College
  • Near Destin’s world-class beaches & entertainment
  • 15-20 minute commute to Eglin AFB

Popular Neighborhoods in Niceville:

  • Swift Creek
  • Deer Moss Creek
  • Woodridge
  • Osprey Ridge
  • Blue Water Bay

Crestview – A Great Alternative

📍 Best for: Duke Field, 7th Special Forces Group, and Eglin AFB personnel

For those stationed at Duke Field or the 7th Special Forces Group, Crestview, FL is another excellent choice. It offers affordable housing, a great school system, and easy access to Interstate-10.

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Buying Or Selling

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Why Choose Crestview?

  • Lower home prices compared to Niceville
  • More shopping & dining options
  • 15-20 minute commute to Duke Field & 7th SFG
  • 30-40 minute commute to Eglin AFB

Popular Neighborhoods in Crestview:

  • Ridgeway Landing
  • Silvercrest
  • Colton Blaine
  • Patriot Ridge
  • Timberland Ridge

Hurlburt Field – A Hidden Gem

📍 Best for: Air Force Special Operations personnel

As the home of Air Force Special Operations, Hurlburt Field is one of the best-kept secrets in the Air Force. If you’re stationed here, you’ll love the proximity to white-sand beaches, top schools, and great housing options.

Best Areas for Hurlburt Field Personnel:

  • Navarre – Holly-by-the-Sea
  • Mary Esther – Mary Esther Manor
  • Fort Walton Beach – Ferry Park, Kenwood, Seabreeze

🚗 Most of these locations are within a 30-minute commute to Hurlburt Field.

Work with a Veteran Real Estate Agent

A PCS move comes with many challenges, including tight timelines, financing complexities, and unfamiliar markets. That’s why you need a local real estate expert who understands the military lifestyle.

Meet Mike Marston

✅ Retired Air Force Veteran (Special Operations, 24 years) ✅ Specializes in military relocation near Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, and 7th SFG ✅ Personal relationships with lenders, inspectors & contractors ✅ Available 24/7 for calls, texts, and emails

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