MOVE TO EGLIN AFB

PCS Guide to Eglin Air Force Base

A practical relocation guide for military families moving to Florida’s Emerald Coast

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Relocating on PCS orders can feel overwhelming—but a move to Eglin AFB comes with real advantages: strong schools, Gulf Coast beaches, and a wide range of housing options from family-friendly neighborhoods to luxury coastal homes. This guide covers VA benefits, BAH considerations, where to live, and how to search for homes so you can settle in with confidence.

Why Eglin AFB?

Eglin AFB is one of the largest Air Force installations in the world and supports multiple missions across the Florida Panhandle. Many service members choose to live off base to take advantage of lifestyle options, school districts, and long-term equity.

Popular nearby communities include Niceville, Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, and Miramar Beach—each offering a different commute, vibe, and price point.

VA Loan Benefits (Big Advantage of PCS)

The VA loan is one of the strongest financial tools available to active-duty and veteran buyers:

Key VA benefits

• $0 down payment (in most cases)

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Flexible credit guidelines

• Ability to reuse your VA benefit on future PCS moves

Many PCS buyers use the VA loan to buy instead of rent, even if they expect to move again in a few years—often selling or renting later with strong demand in this market.

Tip: Some condos require VA approval. I can quickly confirm eligibility before you fall in love with a property.

BAH at Eglin AFB (What to Expect)

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Eglin AFB is tied to rank and dependency status and adjusts annually. While exact figures change, here’s how it typically plays out locally:

• Enlisted with dependents: Often supports townhomes, condos, or modest single-family homes in Niceville or inland Walton County

• Senior enlisted / officers: Frequently aligns with newer construction or larger homes

• Higher-ranking officers: Can comfortably support waterfront, golf-course, or luxury coastal properties

📌 Important: BAH varies by year—always confirm current rates when budgeting. I help PCS buyers structure purchases so their monthly payment stays aligned with BAH.

Best Areas to Live Near Eglin AFB

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Niceville

• Closest commute to Eglin’s East Gate

• Highly rated schools

• Established neighborhoods and newer builds

• Popular with military families planning to stay long term

Destin

• Harbor, boating, and beach lifestyle

• Short commute depending on duty location

• Mix of condos, townhomes, and luxury homes

Santa Rosa Beach & Miramar Beach

• Coastal living with upscale communities

• New construction and resort-style neighborhoods

• Ideal for those prioritizing lifestyle and long-term appreciation

Start Your Home Search (PCS-Friendly Listings)

To make your transition easier, I’ve created a custom home search portal focused on active and coming-soon residential and condo listings in the Eglin AFB area.

👉 Search homes here:
https://coastalvillagesfl.com/home-search/listings?sortBy=LIST_PRICE&propertyType=%5B%22CONDO%22%2C%22RESIDENTIAL%22%5D&listingStatus=%5B%22ACTIVE%22%2C%22COMING_SOON%22%5D&encodedMultiPolygon=%5B%22ebyey%40ltk%7EcD%60cDt%7C%40%7Cy%40xlCpY_%7E%40%7Eg%40bUjj%40liAw%40fk%40cyAh%40oB%7CcG%7Bec%40wK%7DEdrAy%7EPza%5Bc%7EIrt%40maTo%60Gdm%40ef_Bnxo%40%3Fzg%40_a%5D%60aErt%40%7BLw_CtdByYbrA%7CdB%60fFijBxlH%7CdBnQmd%5C%5CubWaG%7DmBztAnQggk%40l%7Bh%40r_%40%7BLjbQowCrhVjeDkDfH%7DzEzgKiDylLxbb%40j%60CpbRfcKwuF_d%40hlMnlKst%40tdBwbS%60pHojCd%7CCfaK%7CwDajAtvcDogNlgKo%7DJb%60B_hDf%7BLrt%40wZmmScsCccU%7CxFa%7Ch%40mrYoTxfSktx%40peD_ch%40ydBw%7Bf%40_hJbgAsji%40grPhm%40w_CdyGduC%7Ec%40gwNpeHvWdO_fHjuIvQdOo%60G%7CscAzzAfrXmirByam%40il%40l_%40c%60%60%40dus%40hdAsCz%7CAcpGfd%5Bp%7BAlT%7B%7CYvltBatKb%7BdAktOtj%7DBoyFzbjBxiCjowAib_%40bmQ%7BqLevHgcVed%5BikGywQjnO%7Dn%5BxxFcfe%40oowC%7CoJpwCpbRmpIxwQqtWzuJclJezA__Lh%60F_sKzbT%22%5D&center=%7B%22lat%22%3A30.454012316994767%2C%22lng%22%3A-86.37582090555101%7D&zoom=11&boundary=%5B%5B%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%2C%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.09807279764085%5D%2C%5B30.32074089068604%2C-86.09807279764085%5D%2C%5B30.32074089068604%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%2C%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%5D%5D&omnibox=Santa+Rosa+Beach+%7C+Niceville+%7C+Destin+%7C+Miramar+Beach%2C+FL%2C+USA&priceMin=750000&priceMax=5000000

You can favorite listings, track changes, and message me directly through the portal—perfect for sight-unseen PCS purchases.

PCS Buying Tips (Local Insight)

• Timing matters: Inventory and pricing shift seasonally along the coast

• VA appraisals: I help structure offers that protect your contract timeline

• HOA & condo rules: Important for VA eligibility and future rentals

• Resale strength: Neighborhood selection matters if you PCS again

Need Help Navigating Your PCS?

As a Veterans United–experienced, PCS-savvy Realtor®, I help service members:

• Align payments with BAH

• Navigate VA loan requirements

• Buy confidently from out of state

• Choose homes that make sense now and for the next PCS

If you’d like a custom home list, BAH-based price guidance, or help narrowing neighborhoods based on your duty location, I’m happy to help.

Absolutely — here is the revised PCS Guide to Eglin AFB, with Santa Rosa Beach and Miramar Beach removed and Fort Walton Beach and Crestview added. I’ve updated the narrative, location guidance, and visuals to match the change.

PCS Guide to Eglin Air Force Base

A practical relocation guide for military families moving to Florida’s Emerald Coast

5

Relocating on PCS orders can feel overwhelming—but a move to Eglin AFB offers excellent quality of life, strong resale demand, and diverse housing options. This guide walks you through VA loan benefits, BAH considerations, top areas to live, and how to search for homes near Eglin AFB.

Why Eglin AFB?

Eglin AFB is one of the largest and most mission-diverse Air Force installations in the world. Many service members choose to live off base to access better schools, more space, and long-term equity.

Popular nearby communities include Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Destin—each offering different commute times, price points, and lifestyles.

VA Loan Benefits (One of the Biggest PCS Advantages)

VA loans remain one of the strongest tools available to military buyers relocating to Eglin AFB.

Key VA benefits

• $0 down payment (in most cases)

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Competitive interest rates

• Flexible credit requirements

• Reusable benefit for future PCS moves

Many PCS buyers choose to buy instead of rent, even with shorter assignment timelines, due to strong demand and resale potential in Okaloosa County.

BAH at Eglin AFB: What It Means for Housing

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is determined by rank and dependency status and adjusts annually.

How BAH typically aligns locally

• Junior enlisted / enlisted with dependents: Condos, townhomes, and smaller homes in Fort Walton Beach or Crestview

• Senior enlisted & officers: Newer construction and established neighborhoods in Niceville or west Fort Walton Beach

• Higher-ranking officers: Larger homes, golf-course communities, and select waterfront options

📌 BAH rates change yearly—always verify current allowances when planning your purchase.

Best Areas to Live Near Eglin AFB

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Niceville

• One of the shortest commutes to Eglin’s East Gate

• Highly rated schools

• Mix of established neighborhoods and newer builds

• Popular with military families planning longer stays

Fort Walton Beach

• Close to Eglin’s West Gate and Hurlburt Field

• Wide range of price points

• Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes

• Strong rental and resale demand

Crestview

• More space and newer construction at lower price points

• Growing community with easy access to Highway 85

• Ideal for buyers prioritizing value, land, or larger homes

• Longer commute, but popular with families seeking affordability

Destin

• Harbor, boating, and beach lifestyle

• Condos, townhomes, and luxury homes

• Higher price point, but strong appreciation and demand

Start Your PCS Home Search

To help simplify your move, I’ve created a custom home search portal focused on active and coming-soon residential and condo listings near Eglin AFB.

👉 Search homes here:
https://coastalvillagesfl.com/home-search/listings?sortBy=LIST_PRICE&propertyType=%5B%22CONDO%22%2C%22RESIDENTIAL%22%5D&listingStatus=%5B%22ACTIVE%22%2C%22COMING_SOON%22%5D&encodedMultiPolygon=%5B%22ebyey%40ltk%7EcD%60cDt%7C%40%7Cy%40xlCpY_%7E%40%7Eg%40bUjj%40liAw%40fk%40cyAh%40oB%7CcG%7Bec%40wK%7DEdrAy%7EPza%5Bc%7EIrt%40maTo%60Gdm%40ef_Bnxo%40%3Fzg%40_a%5D%60aErt%40%7BLw_CtdByYbrA%7CdB%60fFijBxlH%7CdBnQmd%5C%5CubWaG%7DmBztAnQggk%40l%7Bh%40r_%40%7BLjbQowCrhVjeDkDfH%7DzEzgKiDylLxbb%40j%60CpbRfcKwuF_d%40hlMnlKst%40tdBwbS%60pHojCd%7CCfaK%7CwDajAtvcDogNlgKo%7DJb%60B_hDf%7BLrt%40wZmmScsCccU%7CxFa%7Ch%40mrYoTxfSktx%40peD_ch%40ydBw%7Bf%40_hJbgAsji%40grPhm%40w_CdyGduC%7Ec%40gwNpeHvWdO_fHjuIvQdOo%60G%7CscAzzAfrXmirByam%40il%40l_%40c%60%60%40dus%40hdAsCz%7CAcpGfd%5Bp%7BAlT%7B%7CYvltBatKb%7BdAktOtj%7DBoyFzbjBxiCjowAib_%40bmQ%7BqLevHgcVed%5BikGywQjnO%7Dn%5BxxFcfe%40oowC%7CoJpwCpbRmpIxwQqtWzuJclJezA__Lh%60F_sKzbT%22%5D&center=%7B%22lat%22%3A30.454012316994767%2C%22lng%22%3A-86.37582090555101%7D&zoom=11&boundary=%5B%5B%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%2C%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.09807279764085%5D%2C%5B30.32074089068604%2C-86.09807279764085%5D%2C%5B30.32074089068604%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%2C%5B30.587101727646175%2C-86.65356901346117%5D%5D%5D&omnibox=Niceville+%7C+Fort+Walton+Beach+%7C+Crestview+%7C+Destin%2C+FL%2C+USA&priceMin=750000&priceMax=5000000

You can favorite homes, track updates, and message me directly through the portal—ideal for PCS and sight-unseen purchases.

PCS Buying Tips (Local Insight)

• Inventory and pricing fluctuate seasonally

• VA appraisal requirements matter—offer structure is key

• HOA rules and condo approvals can impact VA eligibility

• Neighborhood choice plays a major role in resale when you PCS again

PCS Support You Can Rely On

As a PCS-experienced, Veterans United–preferred Realtor®, I help service members:

• Align home payments with BAH

• Navigate VA loan requirements

• Buy confidently from out of state

• Choose homes that make sense now and for your next PCS

If you’d like, I can also:

• Create a BAH-specific home list by rank

• Compare Niceville vs. Fort Walton Beach vs. Crestview

• Review a property before you travel

Just let me know how you’d like to tailor this next.