Navarre, Florida · Santa Rosa County
Homes for Military Families in Navarre, Florida
Quieter neighborhoods, Gulf beaches, and a short drive to Hurlburt Field. Here's what living in Navarre is really like, from a local agent who helps buyers and sellers here.
Is Navarre, Florida a good place to live?
Yes, especially if you want the Gulf, the Sound, and a relaxed residential pace without the density of busier beach towns. It works best when your day centers on Hurlburt Field.
Peak times do slow things down. The Navarre Beach Bridge backs up during spring break and summer, and that can create congestion on Highway 98. But many of Navarre's residential neighborhoods sit miles west of the bridge, so that traffic isn't part of most daily routines.
One thing to know up front: Navarre is in Santa Rosa County, so property taxes, schools and flood maps differ from nearby Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County.
Coastal Lifestyle, Commute Reality
Commute Times From Navarre
For military buyers, where you drive each day matters as much as the home itself.
Heaviest traffic Early mornings 3:30–6:00 PM
The Draw
Water & a Slower Pace
Beautiful water, a more relaxed pace and strong long-term appeal.
The Catch
Highway 98 Is the Main Route
Most drives toward Eglin pass Hurlburt Field's main gate, where base traffic can slow things down. A short drive on paper can feel much longer.
The Sweet Spot
Hurlburt-Centered Days
Navarre works especially well if you work at Hurlburt Field. Daily drives to Eglin take more planning.
My Advice
Test-Drive Your Commute
Drive your route at the time you'd actually commute before you decide. I'm happy to help you compare areas side by side.
Full-Time Living
Why Buyers Still Choose Navarre
Even with Highway 98 traffic, Navarre has what people need year-round. Tap a card.
Find Your Part of Navarre
Best Areas in Navarre for Different Buyers
Some areas lead with amenities, some with golf, some with the beach, and some with the best mix of commute, convenience and value.
Amenities & Value
Holley by the Sea
Best for amenities and everyday value.
Stationed at Hurlburt? Amenities & long-term flexibility.
- One of Navarre's most recognized communities.
- Pools, recreation, fitness and boating-oriented amenities, with relatively low HOA fees.
- An established feel with a range of home styles and lot sizes.
- Strong name recognition that helps at resale.
Golf Living
Hidden Creek
Best for golf-course living and a polished feel.
Stationed at Hurlburt? Golf setting & polished feel.
- Golf-course surroundings and a tailored residential look.
- Homes from approachable price points to higher-end options.
- HOA community with a strong resale identity.
- Navarre access without the most beach-oriented setting.
Flexibility
Soundside & Inland Pockets
Best for flexibility, convenience and value.
Stationed at Hurlburt? Shortest daily drive & budget.
- A wider range of home styles and easier entry points into the market.
- Practical for daily commute and budget.
- Close to groceries, shopping, restaurants, schools and the YMCA.
Beach Life
Navarre Beach
Best for beach-home and vacation-home living.
Stationed at Hurlburt? Beach-home lifestyle.
- Beach homes, second homes and vacation homes.
- Open shoreline, beach access and local favorites like Juana's.
- A different pace and energy than mainland Navarre.
- The bridge and intersection can back up in peak season.
An Honest Take
Is Navarre Right for Your Move?
A Strong Fit If You Want
- A residential coastal lifestyle without the density of busier beach markets.
- A reasonable drive to Hurlburt Field.
- The Gulf and the Sound nearby, with shopping, schools and healthcare close to home.
- Long-term livability and resale appeal.
Another Area May Fit Better If You Want
- A short, predictable commute to Eglin AFB, especially at peak times.
- A nightlife-driven, highly walkable or more urban setting.
- The shortest drive possible. Fort Walton Beach or Mary Esther are often better fits.
After You Buy
What Life Looks Like Here
Owning a home in Navarre means the Gulf, the Sound and a small-town pace are part of everyday life, not just vacation.
The Beach & the Pier
Navarre Beach is wide, open and close enough for an evening walk. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, the longest on the Gulf, is a local landmark for fishing and spotting marine life.
Calm Water Days
Santa Rosa Sound is usually calmer than the Gulf, ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and easy family beach time.
Nature & Parks
Protected shoreline and the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center help keep it less built-up. Navarre Park gives families room to play.
Casual & Easygoing
Navarre isn't built around nightlife, and that's the appeal. Think casual seafood spots and waterfront favorites like Juana's.
Military Housing
What’s Your BAH in Navarre?
Pick your rank and dependents. Your allowance follows your duty station, so Navarre homes use the same rate as Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field.
I am
Pay grade
Dependents
per month
E-5 · With dependents
$29,196 a year
2026 rates for the Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field area, effective January 1, 2026. Your exact amount can vary with personal rate protection, so confirm it with the official DoD BAH calculator.
Why Navarre Homes Hold Their Appeal
Navarre Resale Value & Market Strength
Buyers here usually think beyond the first move. Here's what supports long-term demand.
Single-family homes in Navarre (ZIP 32566) that closed from July 18 to October 16, 2026. Waterfront homes are left out so the numbers reflect what most Navarre buyers will see.
Half sold for more, half for less.
About 56 closings a month.
Days on market before going under contract.
Median sale price vs. the final asking price.
Median sold price per heated square foot.
How long current listings would last at today’s pace.
See the full Navarre housing market update
Demand
A Wide Buyer Pool
Primary-residence buyers, second-home buyers, downsizers, out-of-state relocations, and active-duty and retiring military all shop Navarre. A home that appeals to many buyers is easier to sell later.
Insurance
Flood Zones Vary
Many Navarre homes sit close to the Gulf without the flood exposure of waterfront locations. Because zones change street by street, I check every home's zone before an offer or a list price.
Growth
Room to Grow
Buyers who want the beach without the built-out feel of neighboring markets keep coming back, including people planning ahead, not just buying for today.
Good Questions
Living in Navarre FAQ
Is Navarre, Florida a good place to live?
Yes, especially if you want a coastal lifestyle without the density of busier beach towns. You get the Gulf and the Sound, schools, shopping and healthcare in town, and steady resale demand.
The main thing to understand first is the commute along Highway 98, especially if you work at Eglin.
What county is Navarre, Florida in?
Navarre is an unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County, just west of the Okaloosa County line. Property taxes, public schools and flood maps are handled by Santa Rosa County, not Okaloosa County like nearby Fort Walton Beach. I can walk you through how those differences affect a purchase.
How far is Navarre from Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB?
About 15 to 20 minutes to Hurlburt Field and 35 to 45 minutes to Eglin Air Force Base. At peak times, the Eglin drive can stretch close to an hour.
If a short commute matters most, Fort Walton Beach or Mary Esther are often better fits.
Is Navarre or Fort Walton Beach better for military families?
It depends on the base. Navarre works well for Hurlburt Field families who want more newer construction and a relaxed coastal feel. Fort Walton Beach usually means a shorter Eglin commute, established homes, and multiple Okaloosa Island beach access points minutes away. Fort Walton Beach guide →
Do I need flood insurance in Navarre?
It depends on the home's flood zone, which can change from street to street. If a home is in a high-risk zone and you have a mortgage, your lender will usually require flood insurance. Outside those zones it's typically optional, though many owners choose to carry it.
I check the flood zone for every home before you write an offer, so you know your insurance costs up front.
What are home prices like in Navarre, Florida?
Prices vary mainly by how close you are to the beach and which neighborhood you choose. Inland and soundside pockets usually offer the easiest entry points, amenity and golf communities like Holley by the Sea and Hidden Creek span a wider range, and beach homes on Navarre Beach sit at the top.
Tell me what you're looking for and I'll send current listings and recent sales.
Can I sell my Navarre home if I have PCS orders?
Yes. Start by building your timeline around your report date, not your move date. We'll compare your home with current inventory to decide which updates are worth doing, and much of the sale can often be handled remotely if you leave before closing. Selling with PCS orders →
Navarre Homeowners
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