[metoval]

We have spent a portion of many summers in the Panhandle and love it. My husband and I are thinking of buying a vacation home that we can retire to in about 10 years. I'm leaning toward Niceville/Bluewater Bay; he prefers Navarre. He plans on continuing to work in Florida and collaborates with folks at NAS Pensacola and Eglin AFB.

Any suggestions/observations/points to ponder? Which area experiences more flooding?

Thanks so much!

[beachmouse]

How much time would he be spending at NAS Pensacola? You're looking at a 3+ hour round trip commute from Bluewater to there, and I'm not sure how many trips it takes before that becomes Not Fun.

Pros for Navarre- can get much closer to the beach if you're near the town center, and the bridge to Navarre Beach is free. Equally distant between the two bases for reasonable commutes to either. Your money will go further. More housing stock post-2001 state building code revisions.

Pros for Niceville-Bluewater- further inland and less prone to hurricane surge (our house is 40+ feet above sea level), more architectural diversity and established neighborhoods, homes also hold value better than in Santa Rosa County. Closer to amenities of Destin and the South Walton beaches.

[nwc07]

I've lived in both..although 15 years ago in Navarre--which was a very "different" Navarre from today! Navarre today is very crowded due to the expansion at Hurlburt.

I currently am in BWB. HANDS DOWN--BWB..especially if you will be retiring. I think BWB is quite charming and if I was retiring it would be my choice. Safe, clean and quiet. The basic amenities are available and if you need more you can go over to Destin. I am here temporarily but really enjoy BWB..there are people out walking their dogs, jogging and everyone is very social and nice. Its an older neighborhood but very well laid out.