Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Santa Rosa Sound at your door, Okaloosa Island across the bridge, and Hurlburt Field and Eglin on either side.
Living in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach sits on Santa Rosa Sound, with Okaloosa Island and the Gulf of Mexico just across the Brooks Bridge. It is one of the Emerald Coast's established hometowns: incorporated in 1941 and renamed Fort Walton Beach in 1953, with neighborhoods that range from mid-century bungalows to waterfront homes on the sound and the bayous.
The city's economy runs on the military and tourism. Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field border it and are the area's two largest employers, so many neighbors are active-duty families, veterans and defense professionals — and many homes change hands with every PCS season.
Moving on orders? Our Eglin and Hurlburt relocation guide covers 2026 BAH, drive times to each gate, schools and a PCS checklist.
Fort Walton Beach at a glance
The numbers behind the neighborhood.
21,025
Residents
$321,800
Median home value
$68,538
Median household income
$1,307
Median monthly rent
61%
Homes that are owner-occupied
4.8%
Residents 16+ serving in the armed forces
16.9%
Adults who are veterans
39.1
Median age
29.6%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates. Survey estimates; for what homes are selling for right now, call Bethany at 850.226.2692.
How home values compare
Median home value in each city Bethany serves.
- Fort Walton Beach$321,800
- Navarre$375,700
- Shalimar$476,500
- Niceville$423,500
- Crestview$277,900
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates.
Why people choose Fort Walton Beach
On the water
Santa Rosa Sound runs along the city, and Okaloosa Island's Gulf beaches are just across the Brooks Bridge.
Between the bases
Hurlburt Field borders the city to the west and Eglin Air Force Base to the east — the area's two largest employers.
An established hometown
Incorporated in 1941, with mid-century neighborhoods, waterfront streets and a downtown on the sound.
A-rated schools
Okaloosa County School District. Rated A by the Florida Department of Education.
Where to live in Fort Walton Beach
Every street differs on flood zone, HOA and age of home — ask Bethany which fit how you want to live.
Okaloosa Island
Gulf-front condos and beach access, across the Brooks Bridge.
Elliott's Point & Ferry Park
East Fort Walton Beach, close to downtown, the sound and Choctawhatchee Bay.
Bass Lake & Forest Park
Established neighborhoods with brick homes and mature trees.
Along US 98
Homes close to downtown, the sound and both bases.
Schools and getting around
School zones change — confirm the assignment for any address with the district before you buy.
Okaloosa County School District
Rated A by the Florida Department of Education. Fort Walton Beach High and Choctawhatchee High serve the area; assignments go by address.
Northwest Florida State College
The college has a Fort Walton Beach campus.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
VPS is in nearby Valparaiso.
Getting around
US 98, State Road 85 and State Road 189, with the Brooks Bridge to Okaloosa Island.
Things to do in Fort Walton Beach
A museum and ancient temple mound in the heart of downtown.
The boardwalk and park on the sound downtown, home to many of the city's festivals.
Who Bethany Helps
What People Are Saying
Bethany's clients say it better than she ever could.
“Bethany was great to work with, very knowledgeable and resourceful. The entire process, from initial walk thru, inspection, lending and closing was easy and painless due to the group people and teams at 1st Defense Home Inspection, Movement Mortgage, and Old South Title. Highly recommend all and will definitely be using again.”
“Bethany was absolutely amazing!!! She made our first time purchasing a home painless! She was patient and knowledgeable and answered every crazy question we had. We wouldn’t have found the perfect home for our family without her help. I would HIGHLY recommend Bethany to anyone looking for a home!!”
“If you are looking for a realtor who is patient, responsive, caring, professional, knowledgeable, and who will help you every step of the way: you found her. My wife and I knew what we wanted and the price we wanted it at. Bethany worked with us for years (literally) to find what we wanted. She was always patient and kind and is very knowledgeable and knew all the people we needed to address any concerns with the house. She walked us through every step of the way. If you are looking for a realtor, I recommend Bethany without hesitation.”
“I highly recommend her for her professional service and experience.”
“Bethany was a pleasure to work with. My purchase had quite a few hurtles to overcome during the process, and Bethany was there to offer her expertise and guidance along the way. ”
“Bethany sincerely cares about her clients and is the hardest working agent I’ve ever known! She is a great communicator and always responds promptly. I recommend her to everyone I know who needs an agent. ”
“Bethany was incredible to work with. Very diligent and excellent communication. Customer service was top notch! If you're in the market for a great agent, give her a call. Extremely proficient and professional! ”
“Bethany was awesome in the selling of our home she exceeded all our expectations and done everything we needed. Was always available to answer our questions. Very professional from start to finish anyone would be wise to use her skills in selling their house. ”
“As a first time homebuyer with not much knowledge of the process, Bethany was very helpful in educating us on how things were going to go. She was very responsive and friendly and on top of things with the seller. She also showed us several properties before we finally decided on one, and gave us lots of great advice. I was a little nervous having a realtor I didn’t know personally, but I have nothing bad to say about her. She also gave us a small gift after closing. Thank you again, Bethany”
“I can’t say enough nice things about Bethany. She truly cares for her customers and delivers the best service! Communication is awesome!”
“I both bought and sold my house through Bethany. She was professional, smart and extremely accommodating to every one of my needs. She was reliable, communicated well, and really knew her stuff! I'd give Bethany 6 stars if I could! ”
“Bethany was our agent when purchasing our first home together. She listened to our needs and made sure to look for what we were asking for. She was also straightforward and realistic when it came to facts, which is honestly something that you want in a realtor. She was very forthcoming when it came to discussing property value and possible resale value for the future. Any time, and I mean literally any time, I texted her she got back to me immediately. I would recommend her services to anybody house hunting! We had put in offers on 4 houses and had literally given up. The very next day Bethany called first thing in the morning to tell us about a house which we put an offer on and it was accepted! Thanks Bethany!”
“Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value”
Fort Walton Beach real estate questions
Buying? Selling? Moving to the Emerald Coast?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating to the Emerald Coast, or planning your next chapter, Bethany would love to help you explore your options.
Call or Text: 850-226-2692
Or schedule a time to talk.