(Jun 7, 2023)
The federal government created this program to make homeownership accessible for frontline community workers such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, educators, healthcare professionals, childcare employees, and active military or veterans. This program is for you if you've been looking at houses and wondering how they could ever be affordable enough for you—especially if you're not a millionaire.
Program Details: What You Need To Know
The Hometown Heroes Loan Program is a great way to get a home loan for you and your family. It's also one of the best ways to help out brave servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty.
But there's more! Did you know that if you're a frontline worker, like a police officer or firefighter, you can get lower than market rates on an FHA, VA, RD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac first mortgage?
That means no more worrying about whether your house payment will be too high for your budget. You'll breathe easy knowing that your housing costs won't take all of your money every month.
And that brings us to the next point: eligible frontline workers can receive up to 5% of their first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $25,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance.
How To Verify Eligibility In Escambia County
This loan program offers grants of up to $25,000 to help veterans, active military members, and their spouses get into a place of their own. It's easy!
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First, connect with a participating loan officer in Escambia County.
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Then make sure your credit score meets or exceeds 640 points. If it doesn't, we recommend working on improving your credit history before applying for a loan.
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Provide certification for one of the eligible occupations.
- Beware of these financial income limits to access this program in Escambia county: 2022 Hometown Heroes Income Limits is $118,950, 2022 Hometown Heroes Loan Limits FHA & USDA-RD is $420,680, 2022 Hometown Heroes Loan Limits HFA Preferred, HFA Advantage, and VA is $647,200.
Where To Live In Escambia County: The Best Options
When you're living in a new place, it can feel like too many options. You don't know where to start, and you don't have any idea what to look for. And then there's the fact that you're probably working with a more limited budget than you'd like.
So where do you go? What do you look for? And how do you know if a place will be a good fit for your lifestyle? We've got the answers. Here is a list of the best options while looking for a home in Escambia:
Pensacola
Pensacola is close to an international airport, with plenty of beaches, parks, and shopping to keep you busy. Also, families thrive here —there are many neighborhoods with good schools and low crime rates.
Pensacola is also a great place to retire; the cost of living is lower than in other parts of Florida, and there are plenty of activities for seniors. If you're interested in starting your own business, this city has all the amenities you need: there are numerous business incubators and events where entrepreneurs can connect.
Additionally, if you enjoy traveling or need somewhere close by that's easy on the wallet, Pensacola is an excellent choice for vacations. There are numerous beaches nearby where you can swim, fish, or surf; museums and art galleries throughout the city for those who prefer indoor activities over outdoor ones.
Gonzalez
Gonzalez is a suburb of Pensacola with just over 14,000 people. The residents here are conservative, and most people in the area are homeowners.
Gonzalez is the perfect fit if you're looking for a place to live that has rural vibes but still boasts modern amenities. Gonzalez has excellent community events and activities, so it's easy to make friends here if you're new to town. It's also an ideal spot for professionals with young families who like living in a small-town atmosphere without sacrificing access to larger cities like Pensacola.
Brent
If you're looking for a place to live in Escambia County, Florida, Brent is a great option. It's located about 15 minutes from Pensacola city center, and it has a population of about 20,000 people.
Brent is well known for its quality public schools. If you have kids, this is a great place to raise them! Also, you'll see lots of young families with children around town—it's a very family-friendly neighborhood. Residents have moderate political views, and the community is very welcoming to newcomers.
There are plenty of entertainment joints in Brent—hotels, restaurants, bars—and several parks where you can enjoy your favorite pastimes: hiking, biking, boating… you name it!
Ensley
Ensley is a suburb with a population of 22,194. When people think of Ensley, they think of tree-lined streets and open space. They think of kids playing in the park and families walking their dogs. They think of conservative families driving their SUVs to church on Sunday morning and going out for ice cream after services.
It also has excellent schools, including an elementary school, middle school, high school, and private school—so you can be sure your kids will get a good education.
So if you're looking for a place where family values are essential but still want access to downtown Pensacola's restaurants and entertainment options, Ensley might be the place for you!
Warrington
If you're looking for a place to live in Escambia County, Florida, look no further than Warrington. This charming suburb boasts an incredible population of 14,351 and is full of young families and professionals. The city has a low crime rate, with no significant crimes such as homicide.
Warrington is also close to the beach so that you can enjoy the sun all year long. The city is located just 45 minutes from Pensacola Beach and 30 minutes from Navarre Beach. You'll never get bored!
The schools here are some of the best in the state—so if you have kids or plan on starting your own family soon, this is the place for you. It's also dominated by conservative families who value education and hard work.
Bellview
When you think of the perfect suburb, you probably imagine a place with great schools and safe neighborhoods. You want to live somewhere where everyone feels like they're part of the community and where you can get to know your neighbors. And if you're going to be able to enjoy the outdoors with your family on weekends, you need to be within 30 minutes of a beach.
Well, Bellview has all those things—and more! The local schools are excellent, residents are friendly and welcoming (but not overwhelming). With a population of 21,515 people, Bellview is an excellent place for families looking for a community feel without dealing with too many people.
West Pensacola
West Pensacola is a suburb with a population of 21,056. It's a great place to raise a family because it has an excellent school system and plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in sports and clubs. It's also an ideal location for retirees who want to be near the beach but don't want to pay Miami prices. You can get there from West Pensacola in about 15 minutes on the South Blue Angel Parkway area.
It's also a great place to invest. There are many new developments underway throughout West Pensacola. The community is always working together to improve its infrastructure and make it more attractive to potential residents and businesses alike.
And finally, West Pensacola is an ideal place for startups. Many resources are available through local incubators and state funding programs explicitly designed for small businesses that initially need help getting off the ground.
Myrtle Grove
Myrtle Grove has a population of 16,875 and is one of the safest places to live in the county. The area is also home to great schools and plenty of space to take walks. However, it isn't a place you want to walk by yourself at night—there are some sketchy characters around here.
The town is close enough to stores that you can get everything you need without traveling too far out of town. Still, if you're looking for something specific, it might be best to go into Pensacola because there aren't many specialty area shops or boutiques here. In addition, there aren't any hospitals within driving distance, so make sure you have good health insurance!
Ferry Pass
There's so much to do here; you're never bored. You can shop at the local stores and restaurants or go out to one of the many bars and clubs nearby. If you want to enjoy some fresh air, go hiking or camping in nearby parks. And if you're going to stay indoors, there are plenty of options for that too!
Ferry Pass is also an excellent place for families with children. The public schools are highly rated, and there are many activities for kids throughout the year, including summer camps and sports leagues.
The Pros of Living in Escambia County
You've heard the name a million times. Escambia county. But what's it like to live there? Well, we're going to let you know. Suppose you're thinking of moving or retiring. In that case, you should know some essential things about Escambia county before making your final decision, so keep reading for a rundown of our top pros for living here.
Escambia County Is More Affordable
Escambia County is your place if you're looking to move to a new area and need to save some cash. The average cost of living in Escambia County is lower than in other regions like Pensacola, so your money goes further here.
Property taxes are also lower than in other areas, which means homeowners can pay less on their monthly mortgage payments. Income taxes are also lower here than elsewhere because Florida has no state income tax—so if you work in the county, they won't take any of your earnings! Gas prices tend to be significantly cheaper here, and insurance costs tend to be less expensive (though this may vary depending on what kind of vehicle you drive). These factors add a much lower overall cost of living than what most people find elsewhere!
Good Schools
You don't have to worry about your children getting a good education in Escambia because you'll have some of the best schools in Florida! The schools in this county are among the best in the state.
They offer students a wide range of educational options, including magnet schools, charter schools, and public schools. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Education's School Performance Scores, Escambia County has some of the highest average reading scores in the state.
Let's leave it at this: Escambia County has got your back when it comes to your children's educational needs - whatever those needs may be.
Close To The Beach
Escambia County is the perfect place to live if you like to spend time on the beach. Pensacola's beaches have fewer crowds, which means more room for you and your friends to enjoy them without elbowing your way through crowds of people trying to get their fair share of sand. At the same time, other Florida communities may offer beautiful beach areas to tourists and locals alike.
Furthermore, there's plenty to do at these secluded spots. If you want something relaxing and low-key, there's always swimming or lying out on a towel under an umbrella (don't forget the sunscreen!). For those looking for something more adventurous, surfing is a popular activity at Fort Pickens State Park Beach; remember not to go into the water after dark because there have been reports of great white sharks!
The Housing Market Is Booming
If you're one of the people who has decided to move to Escambia County, you're in luck: there is a lot of new housing being built in our area. According to Florida Trend, during the first quarter of 2018, more than $100 million in construction was completed in Pensacola downtown, including a $53-million, 252-unit apartment complex and a $15-million office building, both developed by Quint Studer.
This is good news for home buyers looking for a great deal—and there is plenty of those! According to Zillow, the median home value in Escambia County is currently $350,000. That's 15.1% higher than it was last year. But It's also low compared to posh Florida counties like Miami, where the median home value is $494,527
There Are Tons Of Employment Opportunities
Escambia County is a great place for young people to start their careers. There's no better place for entry-level workers to get their feet wet in the workforce than here, especially if they love seafood and not being able to see out of their car windows because it won't stop raining.
The county is also friendly to retirees who want some sun in their lives while they're still young enough (and affluent enough) to enjoy it.
The Cons of Living in Escambia
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The hot weather is one of the most common concerns for people thinking about moving to Escambia. While some people love it, others find it challenging to live in such a warm environment. If you're used to living in a temperate climate, you will have difficulty adjusting to the heat. In addition, the humidity can make life more uncomfortable than it needs to be.
- Some Areas Are Crowded During Tourist Seasons. Escambia has many beautiful beaches and other sites that draw tourists from all over the world during certain times. Unfortunately, there will be more people than usual in certain areas, making for difficult living conditions.
List of Towns and Cities in Escambia County
- Bellview
- Brent
- Century
- Ensley
- Ferry Pass
- Gonzalez
- Goulding
- Molino
- Myrtle Grove
- Pensacola
- Warrington
- West Pensacola
- Cantonment
- Century
- McDavid
- Molino
Other Populated Places:
- Bohemia
- Bratt
- Brickton
- Brownsville
- Byrneville
- Cantonment
- Cerny Heights
- Chanticleer
- Cottage Hill
- East Pensacola Heights
- Enon
- Farm Hill
- Fort Pickens
- Gaberonne
- Gandyville
- Gulf Beach Heights
- Happy Valley
- Haven Park
- Johnsons Beach
- McDavid
- McKinnon
- Millview
- Molino Crossroads
- Muscogee
- Navy Point
- Oak Grove
- Olive
- Oyster Lodge
- Paradise Beach
- Pensacola Beach
- Perdido Bay
- Perdido Heights
- Perdido Key
- Pine Barren
- Pine Forest
- Pineville
- Pleasant Grove
- Quinavista
- Quintette
- Ramsey Beach
- Riverview
- Sand Cut
- Sanders Beach
- Satsuma Heights
- Seaglades
- Sherman Grove
- South Flomaton
- Tenile
- Treasure Hill Park
- Tristan Village
- Villa Sabine
- Walnut Hill
- Yniestra
- Avondale
- Barrineau Park
- Barth
- Bay Springs
- Beach Haven
- Beulah
- Bluff Springs
- Bogia
And Finally...
The Hometown Heroes Loan Program is the best thing that could have happened to the housing market in Escambia County (and the rest of Florida, for that matter). Those who couldn't save up enough money to buy a house before now have the opportunity thanks to this program.
Now, instead of being forced to continue living in an apartment or renting a home from another individual/company, you can finally achieve that dream: homeownership. This is an excellent program for current residents of Florida looking for a new home or for veterans looking to find somewhere suitable after returning home.
(Jun 7, 2023)
