Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Fort Walton Beach is a mid-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 22,144 inhabitants. The majority of Fort Walton Beach residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Fort Walton Beach offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fort Walton Beach, Florida could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Fort Walton Beach and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Florida and national averages.
Fort Walton Beach, FL receives 78 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #127 in Florida and #1,759 in the USA. This is a great score, as Fort Walton Beach ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Fort Walton Beach ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Fort Walton Beach has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Fort Walton Beach does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Fort Walton Beach can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Fort Walton Beach is actually affordable. The median home price for Fort Walton Beach homes is $202,100, which is 21.2% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Walton Beach, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 8.8% higher than the Florida average.
| Statistic | Fort Walton Beach | Florida | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.6% | 79.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.1% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 2.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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