(Mar 27, 2023)
There are several options for you if you are looking for new homes for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base. We have discussed all you need to know about the area, including the experience of living off base, the cost of living, top communities to choose from, and everything in between.
A Quick Overview of NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
NAS Whiting Field Navy Base is located in Milton, Florida, and is home to the Naval Air Technical Training Center. It was established in 1943 and has been a key training base for the U.S. Navy. The base covers over 3400 acres and comprises two military airfields that house various aircraft carriers and fighter jets.
NAS Whiting Field is one of the country's two main pilot training bases, the other being in Texas. The base offers training services to U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and Air Force members. Here are the other things you should know about this base.
Base History
The NAS Whiting Field Navy Base was commissioned in July 1943 and has been in operation for nearly 80 years. This navy base is named after the renowned Naval Captain Kenneth Whiting, who served during World War I.
The base has been used by various groups throughout its history, including being used as a training site for pilots during World War II and as an air combat fighter training center from 1943 to 1946.
During the same period, it also housed prisoners of war, who provided free labor to expedite its construction. In 1955, the base welcomed the legendary Blue Angels, a professional team of Navy Pilots tasked with performing air shows every once in a while in various parts of the country.
Today, NAS Whiting Field Navy Base produces some of the most accomplished military pilots and has tested advanced aircraft and facilities for decades.
Amenities
As you would expect of any military base of this level, many amenities are available to service members and their families. These include shops, a clinic, restaurants, grocery stores, a library, and a fitness center. Ideally, most services are offered free of charge or at discounted prices.
If you plan on living off base, you'll also enjoy several amenities, from a wide range of shopping stores and restaurants to state parks, beaches, and biking trails. You can also find your favorite fast food chains, from McDonald's to Sushi spots. If you are an outdoor person, there are several hiking trails and camping grounds near Milton, Florida.
Housing
Like in most military installations, you can live on or off base in NAS Whiting Field. Once deployed here, you'll need to join the waiting list to qualify for military houses. However, this process is lengthy and tiresome. Those on the waiting list will need to rent outside while waiting to be assigned a house. Most military personnel live off base to avoid all the hassle of applying and waiting to move in.
Some will rent off-base, but many will buy homes instead. Over the years, there have been an increasing number of new homes for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, thanks to the increase in demand pushing investors to put up new developments. Most homes you'll find off-base are occupied by active military families, veterans, and civilian residents.
The Experience of Living Off Base
Living off base is one of the most exciting experiences you can have as a Navy member. You get to live on your own, in a community of people who share your interests and hobbies, and in a place that offers everything you need.
Buying a new home outside the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base is a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people.
Milton, Florida, has a population of approximately 10,000 and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, fun family time, and recreation. Historic sites, national parks, and extensive sandy beaches are within driving distance, ideal for an afternoon walk and weekend family outings.
The cost of Living off Base
Several factors will determine the overall cost of living. The cost of living off base in NAS Whiting Field is pretty reasonable.
For instance, living on-base may be slightly cheaper than living off-base, but your quality of life may be a bit limited. Some differences may also result from renting vs. buying a new home in the nearby neighborhoods.
It all depends on your needs and how much money you want to spend on them. Remember that everything has a price, and if you want to live in a really nice home or neighborhood, it will probably cost more than average. If you want something basic and affordable, that's fine too.
Benefits of Living off Base
NAS Whiting Field and the Milton area are known for their pleasant overall quality of life and relaxed atmosphere. But what are the benefits of living off base?
Well, if you're looking for a place close to the base but far enough away that it doesn't feel like a military installation, then living off base is definitely for you.
Not only do you get more freedom when it comes to choosing where and how you want to live, but there are also a bunch of other perks that come with living away from work.
Here are some of the benefits of living off base in NAS Whiting Field Navy Base:
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You'll have the option to choose a bigger home to ensure more space for your family. When living on base, you don't have control over which type of house you want. You often take what is available.
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You can save money by shopping at the local supermarkets instead of on base. Products and services on base are discounted, but there could be cheaper options on the local market, especially for groceries and everyday goods.
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You'll be able to have more control over your children's education by sending them to public or private schools nearby.
- You'll have more freedom to decide how you want to live your life, where you want your children to grow, and what kind of culture they will grow into.
How to find the Best Off-base Housing Option
With many new homes for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, choosing the best option can be challenging. Typically, you should first know what you want in a home and how much you are willing to spend.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself to ensure you've picked the right home in the right area.
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What kind of neighborhood do I want? Do you want to live somewhere quiet or vibrant? Some people prefer living in neighborhoods with many families with children because those areas are safer, and children get the best social life.
- Which type of house fits my family now and in the near future? Consider whether you'd prefer an apartment building or a house with yards so that there's plenty of room for pets and children alike.
With these questions in mind, you also want to assess the availability and proximity to social amenities and the cost of living off base.
School System around NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
Whether you're a long-term resident or just got a PCS order to NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, living in an area with good schools is always convenient. And while the NAS Whiting Field has no DOD schools on base, there are several Florida school options nearby.
If you are an active military parent with school-going children, you should contact the school liaison officer, who will guide you on school-related affairs. The office works closely with school districts, base leadership, and local communities to ensure a smooth transition for military students and local communities.
Popular elementary schools near the NAS Whiting Field are:
- East Milton Elementary School.
- Bagdad Elementary School.
- O.J. Semmes Elementary School.
- Ferry Pass Elementary School.
- Pine Meadow Elementary School.
- W.H. Rhodes Elementary School.
Middles schools near the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base include:
- King Middle School.
- Sims Middle School.
- Ransom Middle School.
High schools near NAS Whiting Field include Milton high school and Pace high school. If you are to take your child to a private school, you'll have a couple of options to choose from. Some top-rated private schools include West Florida Baptist Academy, Santa Rosa Christian School, and Aletheia Christian Academy.
Healthcare System around NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
All active-duty or veteran military personnel with their children and spouses have access to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field, which offers general health care services, including immunizations, pediatrics, and school physicals.
For emergency room services, radiological and surgical services, cases are often referred to the nearby Naval Hospital Pensacola.
You can receive expert medical services in nearby healthcare centers and hospitals if you live off base. Popular medical facilities around Milton, Florida, include Santa Rosa Medical Center and the HCA Florida West Hospital.
Unless you or a family member needs immediate medical emergency services, the naval clinic on base will meet most of your medical service needs.
Top 5 Communities around the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base
When looking for new homes for sale near NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, you'll have a lot of options to choose from.
Ideally, you want to live within a 30 to 40 miles radius of the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base to ensure you aren't spending a lot of time and money on gas commuting to work. Anything above 50 miles would make your commute tedious and expensive.
With that in mind, we've picked five communities popular among active duty military personnel living off base.
Milton, Florida
If you're looking for a peaceful neighborhood perfect for raising your young family or one that offers the perfect blend of military and civilian lifestyle, Milton, Florida, is the place to be.
Located 7.7 miles south of the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base, Milton, Florida, is only a 13-minute drive from the base. Being the county seat of Santa Rosa County, the city offers several amenities, from state parks and shopping centers to museums and theaters.
According to the 2020 census, Milton had 10,197 residents with a median household income of $37,629.
The current housing market is as follows:
- Lowest home listing price - $140,000
- Median home listing price - $347,500
- Highest home listing price - $4,500,000
Pensacola, Florida
This is the westernmost city in the renowned Florida Panhandle, with 54,312 per the 2020 national census. The area is known for its lively and fun outdoor activities that range from kayaking, canoeing, and charter fishing to swimming on the pristine beaches. Pensacola also has incredible state parks ideal for camping and picnicking.
One of the benefits of buying a home in Pensacola is that you'll be more connected to the civilian and outside world while still being some 30 minutes drive from the base. You'll also have more housing options to choose from.
Here are the latest home listing stats from the area:
- Lowest home listing price - $145,000
- Median home listing price - $315,000
- Highest home listing price - $8,500,000
Ferry Pass, Florida
This is a census-designated community in Escambia County, located 25 miles southwest of NAS Whiting Field Navy Base. As per the 2020 census, the area had a population of 29,921 with a median household income of $38,674.
The area has developed faster over the decades, thanks to more people relocating to live near the University of West Florida, located in the northern part of Ferry Pass.
Like most communities in Florida, Ferry Pass offers an excellent environment for young families, thanks to the well-developed communities and several schools in the area. There are plenty of things to do, from community events to outdoor fun activities that you can enjoy with your entire family.
Here are the latest housing market stats in the area:
- Lowest home listing price - $100,000
- Median home listing price - $254,900
- Highest home listing price - $1,699,000
Point Baker, Florida
Located 3.4 miles southwest of NAS Whiting Field, Point Baker, Florida, is only a 7-minutes drive from the NAS Whiting Field Navy Base.
Point Baker is known for its remote setting that offers the perfect lifestyle for homebuyers looking for communities with a rural-suburban feel. The area has slightly above 3,000 residents and is one of the census-designated areas in Santa Rasa County.
Most homes for sale come with expansive fields and yards, making them ideal for families with children or those looking for a large tract of land. The schools in the area are above average, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Below are the current home listing stats to consider:
- Lowest home listing price - $110,000
- Median home listing price - $283,450
- Highest home listing price - $4,000,000
Roeville, Florida
Roeville, Florida, has some of the most serene neighborhoods and offers a suburban rural mix feel. This is a census-designated and unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County located 3.6 miles southeast of NAS Whiting Field.
The area has nearly 700 people spread across 4.57 square miles of land. Most residents in the area own their homes, and it is popular among retirees and veterans. Schools in the area are above average, and residents enjoy the warm Florida weather in a peaceful, close-knit community.
Here are some home listing stats from the area:
- Lowest home listing price - $145,000
- Median home listing price - $235,000
- Highest home listing price - $1,750,000
Bottom Line
Once you've decided to live off base, consider working with an experienced local realtor who will guide you through the home-hunting process. You will also want to partner with a caring and flexible lender who will meet your expectations.
That said, there are many reasons to consider buying a new home in the Whiting Field area of Florida. The community is welcoming and friendly, and there are plenty of amenities and activities for your entire family. Whether you want a modern home near a city or a rural neighborhood, you have several options.
(Mar 27, 2023)
