Welcome to the Emerald Coast! At Eglin and Hurlburt Field the world is truly your oyster! Nestled halfway in between Destin + Pensacola, a short 40 minute drive either way has you surrounded by incredible food, stunning beaches, awesome nightlife + endless outdoor activities. Or better yet, find yourself in Navarre, paradise without having to drive anywhere + considered “Florida’s best kept secret.” Don’t worry about the fact that it will take you a solid month of living here before you can say “Hurlburt” easily without having to correct yourself, it’s totally normal. Here at Hurlburt you’re in a military heavy area of living- between this base, Eglin Air Force Base + Pensacola Naval base you’re surrounded by men, women + families who serve our country. Better yet, the locals here truly love, appreciate + respect the military that surrounds them. It’s easy to quickly feel at home here. Eglin AFB is a large community that backs up to Hurlburt Field and Duke Field. This means there are a ton of wonderful people to meet and plenty of activities within a short drive. There are a few cities that blend into one another and each brings its own unique vibes. Niceville is your small-town USA. With one main road and a single high-school this charming area has all of the quaint community you get from living in a small town. Destin is where you will find the ultimate “Florida” feel that so many tourists enjoy. Sea, sand and sun can be found year around at this tourist destination. Fort Walton Beach is more of a city vibe with less of the tourists. This area provides all of your creature comforts from local consignment shops to Sam’s Club and everything you may need in between. Finally, Crestview provides a taste of Southern charm. The tea is sweet and the land is plentiful. If you’re into camping, trails, mudding or just need some space in nature, this is where you’ll find it.
Things to know about Eglin + Hurlburt Air Force Base
I would encourage anyone who wants to become a “local” to do the local events that happen year around, like the Mullet Festival and the Emerald Coast MudRun. These are not your massive events like Coachella or a Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon, but they are still a ton of fun! I would also suggest doing things that are local adventures like tubing down Turkey Creek and paddle boarding in the gulf. I would also suggest connecting with others through Facebook groups (there are plenty!). There is no reason for anyone to be alone while stationed here.
Chelsea
We now eat ALL of the fish tacos and seafood. The local beer is incredible! Grayton + Props are two of our favorite local brewers. Water sports – kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, etc. We love to be outside! Especially in the spring before it gets really hot. Stock up on beach gear! Umbrella, sunscreen, chairs, etc. We keep them in our car and stop whenever we can. There are some many local events and festivals – definitely take advantage of those.
Rachel
Having lived way up north in Vermont for 22 years, this Florida living has thrown me a curve ball! Way of life is very different down here, but I enjoy every single minute of it. While living here I’ve learned how to become Hurricane Ready! Unfortunately, the guys tend to leave + fly the planes to safety whenever there is an impending storm, so that leaves spouses + family members home alone to brave the hurricane if it happens to hit. Luckily, there are plenty of people willing to lend a helping hand if needed. I’ve learned to appreciate the deliciousness (that’s a word, right?) of fresh gulf seafood! We embrace every single fresh meal we get because we know that the next base we’ll be at probably won’t be nearly as nice as this! Also, while here in Florida you learn how to try things you never thought you would- whether that’s new food, new activities (paddle board yoga anyone??), or new military adventures, Hurlburt Field will provide you, your spouse + your family endless opportunities!
Mattea
When I learned my now-husband would be stationed at Eglin post grad school, I was definitely hesitant. I purposefully left the humidity of the southeast for college, grad school, and my career and was not looking forward to moving back. In the past couple years, I’ve learned how to embrace all kinds of weather and cultures, find the greatest seafood markets, and enjoy the best local produce – especially the lemons from our backyard tree. As an avid outdoors adventurer, I’ve realized that there’s always a way to be outside whether it’s running in the woods, paddleboarding on the ocean, or kayaking around the bayou, and that you don’t need mountains to have good views. Over our time here, I’ve really enjoyed being part of local running groups to see the area differently and make connections with people outside of my husband’s work. Even though I miss the bustle and diversity of the larger cities I’ve lived in, I know that living in a coastal city is something I’ll miss when we leave.
Emily
Looking for more specific recommendations from the WAF community on topics like best neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, or doctor recommendations – join the conversation in our private Facebook group of incredible WAFs!
In an effort to better serve every WAF across all branches, and with the help of some amazing other WAFs, we’ve curated branch specific Facebook groups. You can find your branch’s group by joining the general WAF Facebook page and then clicking “visit group”.
