Pensacola : Florida

What Pensacola is like for active adults

Pensacola is a popular town for retirement and tourism in the western end of the Florida panhandle. Its location on the Pensacola Bay gives it access to the emerald green waters and sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Recreational opportunities are plentiful with the many bays, Gulf, and plentfiful land. Vacationers and homeowners come here because they view it as a desirable place to live/visit, and it offers good value. Many Americans become familiar with the area because of Naval Air Station Pensacola, a major training base, then stay or return to retire here.

Pensacola is not a typical kind of Florida town due to the navy presence and distance from the rest of the state. The area was hard hit by hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Dennis (2005). Almost 6% of its homes were destroyed, which caused a short-term housing shortage followed by an influx of insurance money and building. There are active adult and 55+ communities in the area to choose from. Housing prices in Pensacola are more reasonable than the rest of Florida and the U.S. The NAR reports that the median selling price of a home in Pensacola was $147,800 in mid 2009.

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What is special about this retirement community

Access to the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Great fishing, boating, beaches. Lower prices and taxes but close to the water.

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What is not special about this retirement community

A more conservative atmosphere than some other parts of Florida (which could be a plus for other folks!). The area is prone to hurricanes and insurance could become a problem.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Pensacola is especially attractive to military or government retirees, who will find like company and government facilities for medical needs, shopping, and recreation.

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism, the Naval Air Station, and health care drive the economy. All three provide considerable stability to the region.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Located on the western end of the Florida panhandle on Pensacola Bay, an inlet from the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile and Tallahassee are the closest cities.

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Cultural environment

There are many festivals throughout the year such as the Great Gulf coast Arts Festival. As a tourist town there are many attractions. Two colleges are in Pensacola, University of West Florida, and Pensacola Junior College.

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Medical facilities

In addition to many naval medical facilities there are 3 other hospitals: Baptist, Sacred Heart, and West Florida

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Transportation

Interstate 10 runs through Pensacola with fast travel to points west or east. The Pensacola Airport is a convenient one.

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Valuable Links

Florida retirement guide
Pensacola Wikpedia

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Facts about PENSACOLA

State: FL
Environment: Suburban,College Town,Coastal,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
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: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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