Florida's allure, with its renowned beaches, outdoor activities, entertainment, dining, and lively nightlife, is undeniable. The year-round pleasant weather only enhances its charm, making it a magnet for tourists, visitors -- and even potential new residents.
For those captivated by The Sunshine State's charm and contemplating a move to its pristine beaches, Navarre emerges as one of the top choices. Nestled in Santa Rosa County, this quaint beach town, often referred to as 'Florida's most relaxing place,' boasts a welcoming community and less crowded, picturesque beaches, as well as many opportunities for various outdoor activities.
With a population of fewer than 40,000 people, Navarre stands out for its small-town charm. As we will see below, the city's appeal goes beyond its tranquil shores (though that's a major draw!). Navarre even secured a spot on the 2021-2022 list of the Best Places to Live in the United States by Money Magazine, standing as the sole representative from Florida on the prestigious list.
Considering making the big move? In this blog, we will bring you the top reasons why living in Navarre Beach is great year-round!
1. Navarre Beach enjoys fantastic weather all year round.
It's no mystery why Florida is known as The Sunshine State, and its exceptional weather is a major attraction, especially for visitors seeking the beauty of some of the country's most stunning beaches.
For those opting to make Florida their home, the weather stands out as one of the primary appeals. In Navarre, for instance, you'll enjoy approximately 230 days of sunshine each year. The extended summers allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities under the sun, even as late as Christmas.
While the city may experience high temperatures, proximity to the sea brings refreshing sea breezes that provide a cool respite. Also, you're always within reach of the crystal-clear waters of Navarre's beaches.
Winters offer pleasant conditions, allowing both tourists and residents to partake in water and outdoor activities without enduring extreme temperatures.
Heads up: no place is perfect, and Florida, as a whole, is not exempt from the risks of hurricanes and floods. The state is prone to these natural disasters, but there are comprehensive measures in place to mitigate their impact and enhance overall resilience. If you want to know more about these risks and how local authorities react to them, go here.
2. Abundant nature and outdoor activities await in and around Navarre Beach.
We've covered the weather; now, let's explore how you can truly enjoy it. How about unwinding with the breathtaking view of a spectacular sunset or taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Navarre's beaches after a day of work?
Making all this a part of your daily routine as a resident of Navarre is not only possible but almost mandatory. The miles of pristine beaches serve as the perfect backdrop for relaxing and witnessing an inspiring sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the time, its waters are calm and warm, encouraging residents to engage in various water activities throughout the year.
Living a beach-centric life is a significant advantage in Navarre. Given the vast expanse of the city's coastline, you can always discover secluded spots to unwind on the sand, even during peak seasons.
Besides beaches like Pier Beach, Navarre East Beach, Opal Beach, and Soundside Beach, there are many other places where you can enjoy excellent outdoor activities. This wide range of options will surely encourage you to adopt a more leisurely and active lifestyle — which generally means living longer and better!
From hiking, biking, and golfing to birdwatching and diving, places like Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, Live Oaks Naval Campground, Hidden Creek Golf Club, among others, offer top-notch opportunities to embrace nature.
Looking to pick up a new hobby? Navarre is home to Florida's longest fishing pier, making fishing a popular outdoor activity. Navarre Beach Pier attracts anglers of all levels attempting various catches. The pier is also a great spot to spend time with the family, enjoying the sea breeze. Speaking of fishing, Navarre Seafood Market is a local institution where you'll find fresh catches to include in your daily diet.
Finally, Navarre's proximity to other great destinations in Florida like Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton, and Pensacola offers more opportunities to explore the region's breathtaking nature and outdoor activities — all just a car trip away!
3. There's also plenty of city-like entertainment.
Despite a slower pace of life and enjoyable outdoor activities, Navarre also boasts a vibrant social scene, thanks to its excellent entertainment options. Whether you're looking for casual or fine dining, Navarre offers a wide variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood, Mexican, Italian, Asian cuisines, and more.
Navarre's nightlife is vibrant, featuring a thriving live music scene that draws both locals and tourists to its fantastic bars and pubs. Additionally, there are intimate wine and cocktail parlors where you can connect with new people.
Among the city's most popular spots are The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar, Bella Luna Italian Bistro, Johnny Hustons, Sailors Bar and Grill, Juana's Pagodas, JJ Chago's, Cactus Flower Cafe, and Windjammers on the Pier. The latter, located at Navarre Beach Pier, is a great family-friendly spot for Gulf seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and breathtaking views.
You'll also find fantastic spots to keep kids entertained. Among the most popular entertainment venues for kids are Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Navarre Family Watersports Water Park.
Once again, Navarre's proximity to other destinations makes it easy to access endless entertainment opportunities. For instance, Pensacola is just a 45-minute drive from Navarre, and Destin is only 35 minutes away.
4. The city boasts a family-friendly environment and community.
Despite the growing population, Navarre maintains a small and local beach-town feel. The community is friendly, welcoming, and diverse, making it easy for you to connect with locals and build a social network.
The city is an ideal place for young professionals and families alike. For those raising kids, Navarre offers a wonderful environment. Alongside its relaxed pace of life and sense of security, the city provides excellent educational opportunities. You'll have abundant choices among top-rated public schools with above-average test scores.
The community in Navarre, including parents, school staff, and students, is actively involved and committed to maintaining an outstanding educational system. Additionally, the array of extracurricular activities is a notable advantage, particularly in engaging students in outdoor pursuits that foster awareness of sustainability and environmental issues.
5. In Navarre Beach, the job market is pretty diverse.
Looking for a career move? Military, academia, health, technology, and tourism are among the strongest fields in Navarre, offering great job opportunities if you're a professional seeking opportunities in such industries.
Not only in Navarre but in the whole Panhandle area, there are opportunities within these fields. Many people who live in Navarre commute to nearby cities such as Milton and Pensacola to work — for many, that's a great way to keep their workplace and home life separated.
The military is strong in the region, with the Air Force being the biggest employer. When it comes to academia, West Florida and Pensacola State College are also significant employers in the region.
Since several technology and software companies are located in the region, they also contribute to great employment opportunities.
6. Transportation, whether public or private, is convenient in Navarre.
Sometimes, distances between recreation venues and amenities in Navarre are long, making life in the city car-dependent, especially if you move to the city but, let's say, get a job in Pensacola or Milton. However, traffic jams in Navarre are minimal, and the city has other efficient transportation options if you don't own a car.
Two popular ways to commute in the city are by golf cart (Yes, it's true, and you can buy one or rent it), or scooters, a local favorite. There are also several private options such as buses, taxis, and rideshares.
If you have a car, besides not facing terrible traffic jams, you'll have access to US Highway 98. It runs from east to west through Florida, passing right through Navarre. The highway is a convenient and quick way to access the entire Florida Panhandle.
7. The city has an affordable cost of living when compared to other similar places.
Compared to other beach towns in Florida, Navarre's cost of living is still low. The housing market, for one, is affordable and offers great value for money if you're considering buying a house in the city. If you're more into renting short or long-term, you can check some options on our website. Living in one of our rentals will surely bring that feeling of holiday to your everyday life.
At the time of writing, combining housing, transportation, taxes, health and childcare, food, and other basic necessities, the total cost of living in Navarre is about 0.2% lower than the U.S. average and 3.2% lower than the average for Florida. However, these rates can vary with time, so make sure to check the latest information.
Moving to a city that feels like paradise and spending less money? What's not to like?
Extra tips on making a move to Navarre Beach, FL
All of the above sounds great, doesn't it? But don't pack your bags yet; there's more to it. Relocating to a new city is a significant decision that demands careful thought, research, and consideration.
If you find yourself at a point in life where you're contemplating a move, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Research is crucial: you should always check important aspects such as the cost of living, job and career opportunities, the educational system, healthcare, security, as well as entertainment options and what the culture and lifestyle of the city look like. Look for official sources, talk to local residents, and even get in touch with institutions. Taking an active approach is always better for you to have a good feel for the place and what it offers.
Set a budget: the act of making a move in itself can be costly. So, set a budget and put on paper the costs of having a new lifestyle. Make sure you can move without greatly sacrificing your finances in the process. This will make everything more pleasant and less stressful.
Reach out to locals: through social media groups and forums, you can reach residents of a certain city and get valuable information from them. That's also a great way to build a social network even before you move to your new home. Also, reaching out to people who actually made a move there from somewhere else could be a good idea since they can provide great insight on how to do it yourself.
Visit the city before deciding to move: spending some time in the city you're considering moving to is very important as there's no better way to experience the lifestyle, get to know its amenities, and transportation system, and get acquainted with the general feel of being there. That's also a great opportunity to visit different neighborhoods and check if there's something that aligns with your needs and preferences. In Navarre, you can check out our lovely rentals. We've got you covered with the housing part for your visit.
Leave behind unnecessary things: what better excuse to declutter? Before moving, get rid of things that are no longer useful in your new life. You should pack what is necessary since you also have to consider the costs involved in moving your belongings.
Be emotionally prepared: despite being certain about the move, be prepared for a period of adaptation where homesickness and minor difficulties can appear. It's important to embrace them as part of the process and keep your mind open.
Among the tips mentioned above, visiting the destination you're considering for a move is crucial to acquaint yourself with the lifestyle and amenities it offers.
While visiting Navarre, stay like a local and book one of our Navarre Beach vacation rentals with all the space, privacy, and home-like amenities you need.
From luxury beachfront homes to amazing rental condos, at Navarre Beach Property, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.
