“My ancestors chose to live here, and I chose to stay here.” – Randy Wise
For many years I have been asking my customers why they choose to live here. Many could have chosen to live anywhere in the country and even the world. This is a compilation of their many responses:
Beaches
Known as the world’s most beautiful beaches, our emerald waters and sugar white sands draw millions of tourists every year and have labeled the Emerald Coast as a premier vacation destination.
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Water Recreational Activities
If you love the water, this is the place to be! Skiing, parasailing, boating, jet skis, kayaks, and more await you for tons of fun in the sun.
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Fishing
Known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, Destin offers world class fishing year round to include deep sea fishing, sport and bay fishing.
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Shopping
From little boutiques to the nation’s largest designer outlet center, we have what you are looking for.- Silver Sands Factory Stores
- Destin Commons
- Grand Boulevard
- The Market at Sandestin
- Baytown Wharf
- Pier Park
- Pensacola Historic District Merchants
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Golf
This area is home to some of the finest year round golf courses in the country. Offering degrees of challenge well-suited for players of every level of ability and talent, our area courses boast breathtaking scenery and outstanding facilities.
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Dining
Hungry? From casual fare to four star dining, our area has what you are looking for. Don’t miss the fresh seafood!
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Attractions
Looking to spend quality time with the family? Our area offers plenty of fun from water parks and go carts to putt-putt golf and zoos.- The ZOO Northwest Florida
- The Track
- Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park
- Florida's Gulfarium
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum and Motion Picture Theater
- ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park
- Farmer’s Opry & Campground
- Pensacola Greyhound Track
- Pensacola Lighthouse
- Sam’s Fun City & Surf City
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Festivals and Events
There is always something new and exciting happening on the Emerald Coast. Enjoy annual events such as the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Destin Seafood Festival, Mullet Festival, and the Fishing Rodeo.- The Beach Calendar
- www.TheBeachFla.com Calendar
- www.EmeraldCoast.com Calendar
- www.VisitPensacola.com Calendar
- Destin Seafood Festival
- Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
- Seabreeze Jazz Festival
- Destin Fishing Rodeo
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Parks and Ecotourism
Love the great outdoors? Then plan to spend some time at our many parks enjoying camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, nature trails and more!- Big Lagoon State Park
- Henderson Beach State Recreation Area
- Eden Gardens State Park
- St. Andrews State Park
- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Nokuse Plantation
- Blackwater Canoe Rentals
- Adventures Unlimited
- Jackson Guard Natural Resources Facility
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Air Service
It’s easy to get to the Emerald Coast with several convenient airport options, including the new Panama City-Bay County International airport scheduled to open in 2010.- Northwest Florida Regional Airport
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
- Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport
- Destin Airport
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Arts/Culture
World-class ballet, symphonies, theater and artists are nurtured, celebrated and enjoyed by all!- Okaloosa Arts Alliance
- Pensacola Cultural Center
- Pensacola Museum of Art
- Pensacola Opera
- Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
- Saenger Theatre
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Educational Opportunities
Our area offers highly ranked schools. In 2008, 35 of Okaloosa's 38 schools earned A's. Between the tri-county area of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton, 67 of the 77 schools are A-rated.
Primary & Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Education- Northwest Florida State College
- University of West Florida
- Troy State University of Florida
- Florida State University
- Gulf Coast Community College
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Health Care
Our heath care systems offer state-of-the-art technology with highly trained physicians and staff who are dedicated to providing high quality, compassionate care to all.- Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
- North Okaloosa Medical Center
- Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast
- Twin Cities Hospital
- White-Wilson Medical Center
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History/Educational Attractions
Our area boasts an interesting history, and it has been beautifully preserved.- National Naval Aviation Museum and IMAX Theatre
- Indian Temple Mound Museum & Park
- Emerald Coast Science Center
- Heritage Cultural Center and Museum
- Destin History and Fishing Museum, Inc.
- U.S. Air Force Armament Museum
- Historic Pensacola Village
- Pensacola’s Colonial Trail
- Pensacola Historical Museum
- Veterans Memorial Park & Wall South
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Eglin Air Force Base
The largest air force base in the world, Eglin provides us with a stable economy. Eglin contributes over $6,000,000,000 in defense economic impact in Okaloosa County annually.
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Economic Stability
- Florida’s Great Northwest
- Walton County Economic Development Council
- Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County
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Low Pollution
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Low Crime
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Climate
Our delightful climate brings tourists year round. Here we enjoy plenty of sunshine and breezes.
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People
Most of all, the people here are so nice!
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Stay tuned for more great reasons to live here!
