Hurlburt Field Housing
Where to Live Off Base and How Long the Drive Is
Mary Esther
- Fort Walton Beach
- Navarre
- Shalimar
- Niceville
- Destin
- Crestview
Hurlburt Field sits on Highway 98 next to Mary Esther, between Fort Walton Beach and Navarre. That means you can live in a quiet neighborhood, near the water or close to Eglin and still get to work in minutes. Here's where Hurlburt families live off base, how long the drive is from each town, and who to call about base housing.
Mary Esther or Fort Walton Beach? Both Keep You Close
Mary Esther is the closest town to Hurlburt's Main Gate, and Fort Walton Beach is right next door with the most homes to choose from. If you'd like a quieter beach town, Navarre is a short drive west on Highway 98.
Drive times are from Google Maps, from each town's center to Hurlburt Field's Main Gate, checked October 2026. Highway 98 gets busy at rush hour, which adds time.
Highway 98 is the road almost everyone takes to Hurlburt. Before you choose a house, drive it at the time you'll really be commuting. A 6-minute drive at noon can feel different at 7 a.m.
Where Hurlburt Families Live Off Base
These three towns are where most Hurlburt families start their search. Each one feels a little different. The map below shows the drive from each one, plus a few more towns.
Mary Esther
The town right next to Hurlburt, with neighborhoods 5 to 10 minutes from the Main Gate and waterfront streets along the Sound. See living in Mary Esther.
Fort Walton Beach
The most homes to choose from, with downtown, the water and Okaloosa Island close by, plus an easy drive to Eglin. See the Fort Walton Beach community guide.
Navarre
A quieter beach town west of Hurlburt on Highway 98, popular with military families. See living in Navarre.
Find Your Commute to Hurlburt
Tap a town to see the drive to Hurlburt's Main Gate on Google Maps. If one of you works at Eglin, the card shows that drive too.
Drive times from Google Maps, from each town's center, checked October 2026. Your drive depends on your exact street and the time of day.
East or West of Hurlburt? It Changes Your Commute
Highway 98 runs right past the Main Gate, so which side of the base you live on makes a real difference, especially if someone in your family works at Eglin.
East of Hurlburt
- Neighborhoods off Hollywood Boulevard, Shrewsbury Road and the Mary Esther Cutoff
- About 14 minutes from the Mary Esther Cutoff area to Eglin's West Gate
- Quicker to Okaloosa Island, Destin and the shopping along Eglin Parkway
West of Hurlburt
- Anything past the Main Gate on Highway 98 heading toward Navarre
- Closer to Navarre and Navarre Beach
- From the Main Gate, Eglin's West Gate is about 13 miles, roughly 23 to 24 minutes, plus Highway 98 traffic
When you search "Mary Esther to Eglin," Google uses the center of town, not the house you're looking at. Type in the exact address and set your arrival time for a duty day. I'm happy to do that for every home we look at together.
Want the full picture of Mary Esther? See living in Mary Esther, FL.
On Base or Off Base?
Some families start in base housing and buy later. Others use their VA loan right away. Here's what helps you decide.
Is it better to live on base at Hurlburt Field or buy off base?
It depends on your timeline, your family and your BAH. Base housing availability changes, so check with the housing office early. Buying off base lets you choose your town, your commute and the kind of home you want, and with a VA loan many buyers can purchase with no down payment.
- Look up your housing allowance on the official BAH calculator
- Compare schools using Florida's official school grades
- Ask your lender what your BAH covers before you shop
Base Housing at Hurlburt & the Housing Office
If you're weighing base housing against buying, here's who runs Hurlburt's family housing and who to call first.
Hurlburt's family housing is privatized. Mayroad owns, maintains and manages it. Leasing: (850) 344-0220, 480 Weaver Ave., weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
123 McMillan St. Open weekdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email 1SOCES.Housing@us.af.mil. They help with base housing and with off-base leases too.
320 Tully Ave. Your gaining unit or sponsor lets this office know your arrival date.
How do I apply for base housing at Hurlburt Field, and how long is the wait?
Contact the Military Housing Office as soon as you know you're moving, or apply online with Mayroad or through HEAT. Hurlburt doesn't publish a set wait time, so ask when you call.
How does rent work in Hurlburt base housing?
Leases usually run one year and include a military clause. Rent is paid by an allotment of your BAH straight to the property manager. The homes aren't separately metered, so gas and electric are included in rent up to your full BAH. Residents are required to carry renter's liability and personal property insurance.
Can the Hurlburt housing office help with off-base rentals?
Yes. The Military Housing Office offers referral and relocation help, can explain leases and the military release clause, and can help if a dispute comes up with a landlord. The Defense Department's listing site, HOMES.mil, is another place to look. If you'd rather rent first and buy later, I'm happy to point you toward local rental options while you learn the area.
Schools Near Hurlburt & Which County You're In
Hurlburt sits near the county line, so the side of town you choose decides your school district. Here's where to see official zones and grades for any address.
Type in any address to see its zoned schools. Look up an address
Navarre is in Santa Rosa County, so homes there are served by the Santa Rosa County School District. District site
Compare any school using the state's official grades. Florida Department of Education
Military kids get priority under Florida's open enrollment when a school has room.
Buying a Home Before You Get to Hurlburt
Plenty of PCS families buy before they ever drive through the gate. Here's how the process usually goes.
Use the map above to narrow down two or three towns that fit your commute.
Request your VA Certificate of Eligibility and get pre-approved before you shop.
I film detailed home videos so you get a real feel for the house, the street and the drive.
Look up the flood zone and get insurance quotes during your inspection period, not after. I can connect you with local insurance agents you can talk to right away.
Line up the Commando Inn and your TLE days in case your closing and arrival don't match up.
Set a closing date that works with your report date and your household goods delivery.
Before I connect a military family with a lender, I use your rank to estimate a price range you'd likely be approved for, so we look at the right homes from day one. My VA buying guide walks through every step.
Your First Weeks: Lodging, TLE & Getting on Base
Most families need a place to stay while they close on a home or wait for base housing. Hover or tap each card.
Lodging details from Military OneSource. Florida's tax breaks for military homeowners are on my Eglin page, and they apply the same way here.
Hurlburt Field Questions, Answered
The questions people search most about living near Hurlburt Field, with straight answers.
Where to Live
Is Hurlburt Field in Mary Esther or Fort Walton Beach?
Neither, exactly. Hurlburt Field has its own address, Hurlburt Field, FL 32544, and sits on Highway 98 between Mary Esther and Navarre. The Main Gate is right at Mary Esther, which is why Mary Esther is the closest town to live in. See living in Mary Esther.
Can I break a lease with military orders in Florida?
Usually, yes. Florida Statute 83.682 lets an active duty service member end a rental lease when PCS orders (or temporary duty orders over 60 days) move them 35 miles or more away, or when they're ordered into government or privatized military housing. You give written notice with a copy of your orders, the lease ends at least 30 days after the landlord gets it, and rent is prorated to that date.
Source: Florida Statute 83.682
Buying From Away
Can I buy a house near Hurlburt Field without seeing it in person?
Yes. Many PCS families do. A detailed video walk-through, a professional home inspection and a final walkthrough by video or in person when you arrive cover most of what you'd see on a visit. Ask your title company early how they handle signing from out of state.
Can I keep my current VA home and buy another one near Hurlburt?
Often, yes. If you keep your current home as a rental, you may still have remaining entitlement to buy with little or no down payment. Your lender figures it out from your Certificate of Eligibility. My VA buying guide walks through each step.
Source: VA loan limits and entitlement
Choose Your Side of the Gate, Then the House
Decide which side of the gate fits your family first. That one choice narrows your search more than anything else, and it makes every home tour count.
If you're buying from out of state, ask your agent to film the drive from the house to the Main Gate. It tells you more than any map can.
Call or text 850-855-6899
Helpful Links
- Where to Live Near Eglin AFB
- Living in Mary Esther, FL
- Living in Navarre, FL
- Fort Walton Beach Community Guide
- Military Realtor in Fort Walton Beach for Eglin & Hurlburt Buyers
- Complete VA Buying Guide for Military Buyers
- What Does a Buyer's Agent Do?
- New to Fort Walton Beach? How to Meet People
- Leaving Hurlburt? What to Do With Your Home
Last updated October 2026 · Drive times from Google Maps · Facts linked to official sources
