Skip to content
Fact Checked by Experts

New Homes for Sale Near NAS Pensacola Navy Base | Florida

Finding a perfect home can be exciting and challenging, especially in competitive real estate markets. With so many new home options available near NAS Pensacola Navy Base Florida, how do you know which to choose?

It depends on your specific wants and needs, whether you're looking for a more economical or luxurious home, and where exactly you want to live in the greater Pensacola area.

This article will walk you through everything you need about homes for sale near NAS Pensacola Navy Base to help you find your dream home.

We'll give you a brief rundown of the NAS Pensacola Naval Base, explore what it's like to live off base and discuss the top five neighborhoods to consider in your following house-hunting process. Read on to learn more!


A Brief Overview of NAS Pensacola Navy Base

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Navy Base is considered the naval aviation cradle and is located within the Pensacola city limits.

The base is famous for its advanced training fields and programs for the Navy, Marines, and naval flight officers or coast aviators. The base not only has Navy personnel but also hosts the Blue Angels, an elite group that performs dynamic demonstrations.

The base is the most important of its kind in the United States. It has sophisticated equipment to train psychologists and surgeons, but only for naval flight operations. Additionally, it has a historic district, a museum, a national park, and a cemetery.


Base History

The Naval Air Station Pensacola Base's history dates back to the 16th century. Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna had built a fort there when American exploration began.

In the 18th century, John Quincy Adams, the US President, envisioned this place as a perfect spot to build a navy base, and the construction began around 1826.

The NAS Pensacola surrendered to the enemy during the Civil War. However, the inhabitants destroyed the base before abandoning it, leaving it useless to the enemy. Reconstruction started after the war, and everything you see at the base today was built after the Civil War.

Before World War I, there were hardly any trained aviators and pilots at the naval base, despite that it was the only naval air station back then. By the end of WWI, the base was filled with professionals ready to join the war and fight.


Amenities

The NAS Pensacola Navy Base is one of the world's most important bases that must meet high standards and create a perfect setting for workers and their families.

For this reason, the inhabitants benefit from all the modern conveniences, from healthcare facilities to top-rated schools, gyms, theaters, recreational areas, cinema halls, and a wide range of other services.


Housing

Since so many newcomers to the camp and the base are relatively large, the housing system usually takes a long time to process. However, relocating and living off base or going for the privatized system are some of the perfect options to consider before dealing with the time-consuming housing system.

This is why you need to consider looking for new homes for sale near NAS Pensacola Navy Base to facilitate your housing needs while your base housing application is being processed. This could take a few months.


What It's Like to Live Off Base

Living off base in Pensacola, Florida, can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of your military experience. Being stationed in NAS Pensacola Navy Base allows you to enjoy living in the civilian community. But as exciting as it sounds, there are still some challenges to living off base that you must be prepared for before making the big move.

The guide below will walk you through what it's like to live off base when stationed in NAS Pensacola Navy Base, Florida.


The Benefits of Living Off Base

Pensacola is a fantastic city with so much to offer. One of the best things about living off base is exploring the area and all it offers. There are many restaurants and nightlife spots to choose from depending on your mood or what you're looking for. The beaches are always fun for an outing.

Plus, there's so much more to do than just sunbathing and swimming! You can explore the area's history and try Pensacola's multiple outdoor activities. By living off base, you'll get multiple housing options, from renting an apartment to purchasing a single-family home, a condo, or a townhouse. Living off base also allows you to enjoy more time with your family in a civilian lifestyle.


Finding a Perfect Off-Base Housing Option

There are many off-base housing options for military service members looking for convenient access to the city's amenities. For instance, there are newly constructed houses with several bedrooms, full bathrooms, and plenty of living space. You'll be able to find your new home away from the base just minutes from downtown Pensacola, or you could rent an apartment near the University of West Florida.

However, finding suitable housing options to suit your needs can be time-consuming if you don't know where to start. The following tips will help you narrow down your options and get an ideal house to fit your needs:

  • Identify your priorities and goals before you begin your search. For instance, do you want a home near a beach or golf course?

  • Visit each potential home and see it yourself rather than relying solely on online listings.

  • Please speak with a nearby resident to find out what they like and don't like about a particular neighborhood.

  • You can find out how safe an area is by checking its crime rates.

  • When looking for a place to live, explore the nearby schools, healthcare facilities, nightlife, restaurants, and shops.

  • Find a realtor specializing in military housing who understands what you need.

The School System in Pensacola, Florida

A high concentration of top-ranked public schools is located in Pensacola, which educates 86% of all K-12 students. These schools are very good at providing students with a well-rounded education that teaches them to be productive and independent citizens.

The school system also provides many resources to military members and their families to help them adjust to life outside the NAS Pensacola Navy Base.

Below are some of the best schools in Pensacola, Florida:

  • Cordova Park Elementary School

  • N. B. Cook Elementary School

  • Brown Barge Middle School

  • A. K. Suter Elementary School

  • Hellen Caro Elementary School

  • R. C. Lipscomb Elementary School

  • Scenic Heights Elementary School

  • Blue Angels Elementary School

  • West Florida High School/Technical

  • Pine Meadow Elementary School

Additionally, education is a priority for military service members, who must have a high school diploma or equivalent certification before entering the service. The school system in Pensacola, Florida, provides every student with free lunch and breakfast. There are also many opportunities for vocational training in addition to traditional academic courses.


The Cost of Living Off Base

In Pensacola, there are many expenses to consider outside of your paycheck. The cost of living off-base can vary depending on your lifestyle and preference. It would be best if you determined the cost of living off-base in Pensacola. Start by checking the cost of renting an apartment or buying a new home near NAS Pensacola Navy Base.

If you would like something more urban in downtown Pensacola, the average rent for an apartment or condo ranges from $800-$1,453 per month. For example, a one-bedroom house with a yard and garage could cost anywhere from $800-2,000 per month. The home value in Pensacola is $248,301, which has increased by 17.8% since last year.

Generally, the cost of living in Pensacola can be less expensive than living on base, and you have more freedom to make your own decisions about where to live and what to do with your money. However, you'll also have to pay for housing, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. You may also commute longer if you live farther from work or school.


The Healthcare System

The good news? A handful of town hospitals, clinics and urgent care centers offer various services. An emergency room visit can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 and will depend on your situation. There are plenty of discounted programs for military service members, veterans, and their families.


Miniature cardboard house with magnifying glass analyzing it


The Top 5 Communities Around NAS Pensacola Navy Base

There are many factors to consider when looking for new homes for sale near NAS Pensacola Navy Base. These could include your commute time to work, your commute time to the Navy base, whether you want a neighborhood with lots of homes or just a few, and what amenities you'd like your community to have.

Below are the top five communities near NAS Pensacola Navy Base that fit these criteria.


Tiger Point

Tiger Point is a small community with a rural feel located about 10 miles from NAS Pensacola. This community is famous for its proximity to beautiful white beaches and the Tiger Point Golf Course. While there are no significant businesses or stores in this neighborhood, it's affordable for those looking for a peaceful home for their family. Families here enjoy the city's low crime rates, excellent healthcare facilities, and highly rated schools.

This is also an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing or boating and those with children who want more space. Tiger Point boasts some of the most affordable housing close to NAS Pensacola.


Oriole Beach

Oriole Beach is a quaint neighborhood with a suburban vibe, yet it's still modern and family-friendly. It's about 20 minutes from the base and is home to many military families. The area consists of primarily single-family homes on large lots with plenty of space for children to play outside. Oriole Beach offers an excellent school system, so this might be the perfect fit for your kid's education needs.

The real estate here is usually a bit more expensive than in other communities, but there are some really beautiful homes and great amenities. Plus, it has all the shopping and restaurants you need on your doorstep.


Gulf Breeze

Gulf Breeze is the perfect place to raise a family. It's got some of the best schools in all of Florida, and the Gulf breeze helps keep things cool during hot summer days. With plenty of parks nearby and the beach just a short drive away, it's easy for kids to get outside and enjoy themselves.

Also, excellent recreational facilities like golf courses, bike paths, and sports courts make life in Gulf Breeze fun. The houses are affordable, and the neighborhoods feel safe and welcoming, with tree-lined streets on the way to each house from sidewalks wide enough for people walking or biking by.


Gonzalez

Gonzalez is a neighborhood in the western part of Pensacola. It's perfect for families looking for a quieter life outside the city. Gonzalez offers a mix of single-family homes and apartments, so it's suitable for all lifestyles. The schools here are some of the best in the area, so you can rest assured that your kids will get an excellent education.

And if you want to get back into shape after being away from home for months, there are plenty of trails with beautiful views throughout the area. Homes can be found in a variety of sizes and price ranges. Many of these homes have pools, large backyards with great landscaping, or plenty of other amenities and homes in Gonzalez are reasonably priced.


Pace

Pace, Florida, is a town located northwest of Pensacola and is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. There are many local shopping areas, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and activities for adults, teens, and children alike—it's like a brief vacation every day! The cost of living is low here, making it an affordable option for military families stationed at NAS Pensacola.

Pace has a range of housing options, from high-end condominiums to family homes with yards within 10 miles of NAS Pensacola Navy Base.


Bottom Line

Buying your first new home near NAS Pensacola Navy Base Florida can be exciting and challenging. You'll want to find the right home that fits your needs, budget, and other household members' requirements.

If you're a military officer and can't find a home yourself, don't be afraid to hire a real estate agent experienced in military housing needs.

With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

Find The Right Mortgage

For more than 20 years, Phil have been helping customers achieve their home purchase and refinance goals by providing them with invaluable resources and support.

Schedule a FREE Consultation
Phil Ganz

Subscribe to Get Your First Time Homebuyer Checklist

Sign up for the weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest real estate market trends, loan news, and so much more!