Fort walton beach : Florida

Fort Walton Beach retirement communities

What Fort Walton Beach is like for active adults

The City of Fort Walton Beach, “The Emerald Coast”, is a popular beach and fishing community of 20,000 on Florida’s extreme northwest coast, almost in Alabama. Many of its residents are active adults using it as a retirement community. Some of those retirees were formerly connected with the U.S. Air Force, which has 2 huge bases in the area. With its 24 miles of sandy beaches it is also very popular spring break destination.

This town has a reputation as a low key beach and fishing town. Part of the city is on a barrier island, the rest is surrounded by Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay. It has a mild climate in the winter, although not as warm as in south Florida. Average home price in mid-2008 was about $200,000. Places near the water will sell for much more.

Fort Walton Beach is located in Okaloosa County, Florida. Here are more resources and information on what is like to retire in Florida

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What is special about this retirement community

• 24 miles of great beaches and 4 beachfront parks • Fort Walton Beach Golf Club has two public 18 golf courses • AVT Pro Women’s Tennis Tournament • Many residential options for retirees • Affordable Housing program • The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center • Destin and Okaloosa Island are popular local tourist destinations

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What is not special about this retirement community

Hurricane and spring break seasons can be turbulent

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Fort Walton Beach attracts a community of retirees who like living in an understated beach town. Fishing and golf are very popular.

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Local economy is driven by

The military and tourism are the two major drivers of the economy. Two major Air Force bases border Fort Walton Beach: Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB. Support industries include military contractors and the service industry. Spring break contributes to the economy. The Emerald Coast Conference Center has 35,000 sq. ft. of flexible exhibit space

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Climate and Physical Environment

Fort Walton Beach is in the north west side of Florida’s Gulf coast. Barrier islands connect to the mainland across a very large Choctawhatchee Bay.

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Cultural environment

The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center provides area historical educational programming.

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Medical facilities

There are 2 hospitals here: Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and the Gulf Coast

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Transportation

Pensacola Regional is 40 miles

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Facts about FORT WALTON BEACH

State: FL
Environment: Coastal,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: ctyankee

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