Navarre Beach

As reported by BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Navarre Beach is almost as par with the national average, but around 3% lower than the Florida average. Navarre Beach provides homebuyers with the opportunity to live the coveted Florida coastal lifestyle at a relatively more affordable cost.

Navarre Beach and the surrounding areas offer a range of economic and job opportunities in various sectors. The local economy is supported by tourism. Prestigious hotels such as SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach, Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre, and Best Western Navarre Beachfront invite affluent tourists to the area. Vacation rentals and cabins along with various services provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities for income and profit.

Nearby Navarre offers more employment and business opportunities in healthcare, education, and retail. Additionally, the proximity to larger cities like Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach provides residents with access to a broader job market and employment opportunities.

Schools
Navarre Beach is served by the Santa Rosa County School District, which is known for its high-performing schools, including the following:

• West Navarre Intermediate School
• East Bay K-8
• Holley-Navarre Intermediate School
• Holley-Navarre Middle School
• Navarre High School
• Healthcare

Healthcare
Residents of Navarre Beach have access to top-notch healthcare facilities and services in the town of Navarre and the nearby Fort Walton and Pensacola. The area is home to several hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide comprehensive care, such as HCA Florida Navarre Emergency, Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care, and Baptist Medical Park Navarre.

Navarre Beach offers a variety of dining and shopping options to cater to residents’ needs and preferences.

From fresh seafood restaurants to casual beachside eateries, there is something for everyone. Juana’s Pagodas & Sailors’ Grill and TC’s Front Porch offer the perfect al fresco dining experience right on the beach. There’s a wealth of options for excellent seafood in the area including Dewey Destin’s Navarre and Windjammers on the Pier. For fantastic burgers, head to Johnny Huston’s Grille & Bar in Navarre or drive a little further east to Papa Nalu Aloha Grill in Gulf Breeze.

For shopping, residents can explore charming boutiques, specialty shops, and local markets. The Island Style Store, Saltwater Cottage and Southern Specialty Market are popular spots for unique gifts, souvenirs, and coastal decor and lifestyle items.

The Saturday Farmer’s Market in Navarre is the locals’ go-to source for the freshest meats and produce, as well as artisanal products such as baked goods, gourmet food, snacks, and unique handcrafted items.

Not to be missed are the local icons, including Boomerang Pizza Kitchen, a retro-themed gift shop and restaurant, touted to serve “some of the most delicious pizzas in Florida.” Also a must visit is Marlene’s Sea Shell City which first opened in Navarre in 1983, selling sea shells and other gift and souvenir items.

Larger shopping centers, grocery stores, and retail outlets are also conveniently located in Navarre, as well as in Fort Walton, Pensacola, and Destin, all just a short drive away.

Navarre Beach is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities.

The pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing are popular among residents and visitors alike.

At 1,545 feet long, the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is considered the longest pier in Florida. This, along with its elevation of 30 feet above water, makes it the perfect spot for fishing and appreciating the Florida sunset and the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy fishing with the family or take a relaxing stroll to fully appreciate its breadth.

The area around Navarre Beach also boasts unique outdoor destinations that beckon the adventurous. The top places to visit include:

• Gulf Islands National Seashore

  This widely encompassing preserve offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs alike. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, shorebirds, and diverse marine life. The area is ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.

  Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing are other activities in the area. Several trails are also available for hiking and biking. History enthusiasts can explore well-preserved historic forts such as Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, and Fort Massachusetts.

• Navarre Beach Marine Park

  This coastal gem is dedicated to preserving the natural environment while providing visitors with a variety of recreational activities and educational opportunities. The park features beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.

  It is also home to an artificial reef system, located just offshore, attracting a variety of marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving to explore the reefs and get up close with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
  Other park features include The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, where visitors can learn about the different species of sea turtles, their nesting habits, and the efforts being made to protect them. The Navarre Beach Marine Science Station provides educational programs and hands-on activities focused on marine biology, ecology, and conservation.

  Visitors can also enjoy leisurely walks along the park’s nature trails, which offer scenic views of the beach, dunes, and coastal vegetation. The location along the Gulf of Mexico also makes it a popular spot for fishing. Anglers can fish from the shore or venture out to the nearby Navarre Beach Fishing Pier.

• The Blackwater Heritage State Trail

  Just a 32 minute drive from Navarre Beach, The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is a scenic multi-use trail stretching approximately 9 miles. This paved trail runs from the city of Milton to Whiting Field Naval Air Station and is part of Florida’s Greenways and Trails System. Offering a serene escape into nature, it’s a great place for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading.

  One of the highlights of the trail is the picturesque Blackwater River, which runs parallel to parts of the trail, providing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. If you want a longer and more scenic trail experience, take on the Military Heritage Trail, a three-mile extension that leads into the Whiting Field Naval Air Station.

Navarre Beach residents often participate in community events, festivals, and volunteer activities, fostering a close-knit and welcoming environment.

One of the most anticipated annual events is the Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade, taking place every February to align with the Mardi Gras season. This vibrant and festive celebration is part of the wider Mardi Gras festivities that are celebrated across the Gulf Coast, bringing the spirit of New Orleans’ famous carnival to the shores of Navarre Beach. Unlike some of the more raucous celebrations in larger cities, the Navarre Beach parade is known for being a safe and enjoyable event for attendees of all ages. Families gather along the parade route with lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the festivities.

Jams in the Sand is another popular local event, bringing together the community and visitors for a series of live concerts. It typically features a lineup of talented musicians and bands, spanning various genres such as rock, reggae, country, and blues. The concerts are held outdoors, right on the beach, allowing attendees to enjoy live music with their toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background.

For cycling enthusiasts, participating in the Annual Fenner McConnell/Mark Wantz Blackwater Heritage Century Ride is a must. The event typically takes place in October, offering participants the opportunity to ride in the cooler fall season. Named in honor of Fenner McConnell and Mark Wantz, two avid cyclists who contributed significantly to the local cycling community, the Century Ride features several route options, taking riders through the scenic landscapes of the Blackwater River State Forest, along the Blackwater Heritage State Trail, and through charming rural communities.

The emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability is another unique aspect of life in Navarre Beach. The community actively participates in beach cleanups, sea turtle conservation efforts, and other initiatives to protect the natural beauty of the area.