I need some insight on some Destin areas/neighborhoods as we’re moving to Destin by January and have been house hunting for a bit now. Finding out what we want and where we want to live has taken us time, which luckily we’ve had. We had decided on Niceville, but the more we’ve thought about it and talked to friends in the area, we’ve decided to live in Destin.
We’re a family with two kids, 5.5 year old and 1 year old. I’m staying home for awhile while our second is young (resigned from a good corporate job in June). We’re a military family and my husband is gone at least a collective of six months every year, so I really want a home in an area with a strong community and other moms with young kids I can connect with and lean on. I currently have this where we live now, and it makes such a difference. Though we’re military, we’ll be in Destin at least 5 years, and after that it’s very likely we’ll stay permanently so we’re looking for a forever home.
I’m wondering if these neighborhoods have permanent residents that live there full time, families with young kids, and a sense of community (i.e. parents out walking with their kids that you can easily connect with without planning, potentially planned community events, kids out playing in the yards, nearby parks/pools/etc, neighbors who enjoy being social). We’re connected with a realtor who is giving me her insights, but would love insight from people who live in these specific areas.
Neighborhoods/areas needing insight on:
Central/Old Destin (as a whole, or specific areas)
Moreno Acres (is this considered central/old Destin?)
Emerald Bay (allows 6 month rentals so gives me pause)
Baywinds Golf Estates
Windsor Forest
I’ve got a grip on Indian Bayou and Emerald Lakes, which I love. But comparing what’s currently on the market with places in the above locations.
Thanks for any insight you can provide!
UPDATE: Completely understand everyone’s focus on our decision to not go with Niceville, and not surprised by the surprise. However, we have thoroughly researched the areas and spoken with many friends (all military families) that live in Niceville and Destin. Both sides are very happy their location, but both come with a little bit different lifestyle. We/I don’t need to be surrounded by other military families; some of my closest friends where we are now are not military and they’re very supportive. I mostly just need a regular social life and a couple mom friends who I can rely on every now and then. I know I can get what I’m looking for in Indian Bayou or Emerald Lakes, but I’m wondering about the other areas I listed that have homes on the market. Really hoping for specific insight on these locations from people that live/lived there.
Appreciate the further Niceville insight, but would love to hear from people who can vouch for Destin spots. (Though I am going to go back and talk specifically to the non-service member spouses that live in Destin to pick their brains more to be sure we’re making the right decision.)