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Pensacola, Florida

What It Is Like to Retire in Pensacola

Pensacola, population 54,310 (2020 census), is a popular town for retirement and tourism in the western end of the Florida panhandle. Its location on the Pensacola Bay gives it access to the emerald green waters and sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. People often remember that as a historical note about Pensacola, flags of 5 different governments have flown over the city. Recreational opportunities are plentiful with the many bays, Gulf, and plentiful land. Vacationers and homeowners come here because they view it as a desirable place to live/visit, and it offers good value. Many military personnel become familiar with the area because of Naval Air Station Pensacola, a major training base, then stay or return to retire here. Pensacola is not a typical kind of Florida town due to the navy presence and distance from the rest of the state. Pensacola Beach is more relaxed and quite different than Pensacola proper. The area was hard hit by hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Dennis (2005). Bottom photo of beach courtesy of Wikipedia in the public domain. Watch this short Youtube video prepared by SipDineDesign:

Where to Retire in Pensacola and Home Prices

There are active adult and 55+ communities in the area to choose from, as well as many attractive neighborhoods. Many are near the water, whereas there are suburban areas quite a bit inland. Housing prices in Pensacola are more reasonable than the rest of Florida and the U.S. The NAR reported that the median selling price of a home in Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL was $319,900 in the 1st quarter of 2023.

What Is Special about Pensacola

Access to the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers 150 miles of discontinuous pure white sandy beaches stretching from here into Mississippi. Pensacola Beach was voted Florida's best beach in a USA Today poll. Great fishing and boating too. Pensacola offers a combination of lower prices and taxes - but very close to the water.

What Is Not Special about Pensacola

A more conservative atmosphere than some other parts of Florida (which could be a plus for other folks!). The area is prone to hurricanes and insurance could become a problem.

Who Will Like Retirement in Pensacola

Pensacola is especially attractive to military or government retirees, who will find like company and government facilities for medical needs, shopping, and recreation. Folks looking for a relaxed, beach oriented lifestyle will like Pensacola Beach.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism, the Naval Air Station, and health care drive the economy. All three provide considerable stability to the region.

Climate and Physical Environment

Located on the western end of the Florida panhandle on Pensacola Bay, an inlet from the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile and Tallahassee are the closest cities.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are many festivals throughout the year such as the Great Gulf coast Arts Festival. As a tourist town, there are many attractions. Two colleges are in Pensacola: University of West Florida, and Pensacola Junior College.