7 Advantages of Living in Navarre Beach, FL

Ever wondered what it's like to live year-round in a place most people only get to visit on vacation? Imagine waking up every day with the Smokies or the stunning Gulf Coast as your backyard—sounds like living the dream, right?

If you've been charmed by Florida's sunny vibes and are thinking about trading city life for sandy shores, Navarre Beach should be at the top of your list. Tucked away in Santa Rosa County, this cozy beach town—known as "Florida's Most Relaxing Place"—offers laid-back living, beautiful uncrowded beaches, and endless outdoor adventures.

Below, I've rounded up 7 perks of living in Navarre Beach that might just have you itching to pack your bags and live the Florida coastal dream.

Here's a sneak peek just for you: 

Reasons to Live in Navarre Beach	Highlights
Fantastic Weather Year-Round	230 sunny days a year. warm weather well into winter, and refreshing sea breezes.
Abundant Nature and Outdoor Activities	Active, nature-centered lifestyle.
City-Like Entertainment Nearby	Diverse dining, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions nearby.
Family-Friendly Environment	Excellent public schools with strong community involvement.
Diverse Job Market	Strong military presence, Academia opportunities, growing technology sector.
Convenient Transportation	Minimal traffic and good transportation options.
Affordable Cost of Living	Lower cost of living compared to U.S. and Florida averages.

At Navarre Beach Properties, we've got a variety of gorgeous vacation rentals, and I like to think we're pretty much local experts on all things Navarre Beach—no bragging, promise! Our destination blog is filled with helpful posts on beach day tips, where to find the best craft beer and even a quick history of Navarre Beach. First time visiting Navarre Beach? take a look at these great tips.

1. Navarre Beach enjoys fantastic weather all year round.

Florida's nickname as "The Sunshine State" is well-deserved, with its beautiful weather being a major draw for both visitors and residents. In Navarre, you can expect around 230 days of sunshine each year, perfect for enjoying its stunning beaches and outdoor activities.

Highlights

• Year-Round Sunshine: Approximately 230 sunny days per year in Navarre.
  
  
• Endless Summers: Warm weather extends well into winter, making beach days possible even around Christmas.
  
  
• Sea Breezes: The coastal location brings refreshing breezes to temper the summer heat.
  
  
• Mild Winters: Comfortable temperatures that still allow for water and outdoor activities.
  
  
• Proximity to Beaches: Always just a short walk or drive to the pristine waters of Navarre Beach.

• Weather Risks: Florida is prone to hurricanes and floods, but local authorities have strong measures to mitigate these risks.
  
  

2. Abundant nature and outdoor activities await in and around Navarre Beach.

Enjoy a beach-centric lifestyle where stunning sunsets, calm waters, and endless outdoor activities are part of everyday life. From its pristine beaches to its top-notch recreational spots, Navarre Beach is the perfect place to embrace nature and relax.

Highlights

• Pristine Beaches: Enjoy Pier Beach, Navarre East Beach, Opal Beach, and Soundside Beach, each offering serene spots to unwind, even during peak seasons.
  
  
• Water Activities: Calm, warm waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more—all year round.
  
  
• Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, biking, birdwatching, and diving at Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary, Live Oaks Naval Campground, and Hidden Creek Golf Club.
  
  
• Fishing Haven: Home to Florida's longest fishing pier—Navarre Beach Pier—ideal for anglers of all levels. Nearby, Navarre Seafood Market offers fresh local catches.
  
  
• Local Attractions: Easy access to Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton, and Pensacola for more outdoor adventures and scenic spots.
  
  
• Leisurely Lifestyle: A relaxed, nature-focused community that encourages an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

3. There's also plenty of city-like entertainment nearby.

Despite a slower pace of life and enjoyable outdoor activities, Navarre also boasts a vibrant social scene, thanks to its excellent entertainment options just a short drive from the town. Whether you're craving fresh seafood or live music, there's always something happening in and around Navarre Beach.

Highlights

• Diverse Dining Options: Fresh seafood, Mexican, Italian, Asian cuisines, and more at spots like The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar, Bella Luna Italian Bistro, Johnny Hustons, Juana's Pagodas, Cactus Flower Cafe, and Windjammers on the Pier.
  
  
• Nightlife & Live Music: Thriving bar scene with live music and intimate wine and cocktail parlors for a laid-back evening out.
  
  
• Family-Friendly Spots: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Navarre Family Watersports Water Park.
  
  
• Stunning Beach Views: Windjammers on the Pier offers Gulf views paired with great food and a family-friendly atmosphere.

• Proximity to More Fun: Easy access to Pensacola (45 minutes) and Destin (35 minutes) for even more entertainment options.
  
  

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.

Highlights

• Small-Town Charm: A friendly and welcoming community that makes it easy to build connections.
  
  
• Family-Friendly Living: Perfect for raising kids with its relaxed pace and sense of security.
  
  
• Top-Rated Schools: Excellent public schools with above-average test scores and strong community involvement.
  
  
• Engaged Community: Active participation from parents, staff, and students to maintain high educational standards.
  
  
• Outdoor Learning Opportunities: Extracurricular activities that promote environmental awareness and outdoor engagement.

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.

Highlights

• Military Presence: The Air Force is the largest employer in the region, providing robust career options.
  
  
• Academia Opportunities: West Florida and Pensacola State College are major employers for those in education.
  
  
• Technology Sector: Several tech and software companies are based in the Panhandle area, offering diverse career paths.
  
  
• Healthcare & Tourism: Growing sectors that contribute to the local economy and provide stable job opportunities.
  
  
• Commuter-Friendly: Easy access to Milton and Pensacola for expanded career possibilities while enjoying Navarre's relaxed lifestyle.

6. Transportation, whether public or private, is convenient here.

Since Navarre Beach is pretty small, you might need to commute for more entertainment, outdoor adventures, or work—especially if you land a job in Pensacola or Milton. But the good news? Traffic is a breeze, and there are plenty of transportation options if you don't have 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).
  
  
• And scooters, a local favorite. 
  
  
• There are also several private options such as buses, taxis, and rideshares.
  
  

Besides not facing terrible traffic jams, you'll have access to US Highway 98 if you have a car. 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.

Navarre offers a low cost of living compared to other Florida beach towns, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability and coastal charm. Whether buying or renting, you'll find great value for your money.

Highlights

Affordable Housing: Navarre's real estate market is budget-friendly, offering great value for both buyers and renters.

Rental Options: Long-term and short-term rentals available, perfect for experiencing that vacation vibe year-round.

Cost of Living: About 0.2% lower than the U.S. average and 3.2% lower than Florida's average.

Overall Savings: Lower costs in housing, transportation, taxes, health, childcare, and food.

Paradise on a Budget: Live in a beach paradise without breaking the bank.

Heads up:  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.

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:

1. 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.
   
   
   

2. 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.
   
   
   

3. 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.
   
   
   

4. 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.
   
   
   

5. 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.
   
   
   

6. 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.
   
   
   

Experience Navarre Beach like never before!

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 Properties, we guarantee you'll have a 5-star experience during your Navarre Beach vacation.