Living in Pace
North in Santa Rosa County. More land for the money, newer construction, and a sensible base for anyone reporting to Whiting Field.
- NAS Whiting Field personnel
- Buyers who want newer construction and a yard
- Buyers prioritizing space over beach proximity
Pace is north, in Santa Rosa County, and it is where the map stops being about the water and starts being about space.
Who it works for
If you are reporting to NAS Whiting Field, this area and Milton should be the front of your search rather than an afterthought. The difference in daily drive compared to the beach side of the bay is not marginal.
It also suits buyers who want newer construction, a real yard, and more square footage for the same money.
The honest trade-off
You are away from the beach and away from downtown. That is the whole deal. Some people find that they visit the water four times a year regardless of where they live and would rather have the extra bedroom. Others move here for the coast and then resent every drive. Be honest with yourself about which one you are.
A note on new construction
If you are looking at builder communities here, get representation before your first visit to a sales office. The person greeting you at the model home represents the builder, not you. Having someone whose job is to look out for your interests changes how the process goes, and it is much harder to add that after you have already registered with a builder. I go through exactly how it works before you visit anything.
What to check before you commit
Drive time to your actual workplace at your actual hour. School zoning direct from the district. And on new construction, the specifics of what is and is not included, in writing.
Pace: common questions
Is Pace a good area for new construction?
Pace and the surrounding northern Santa Rosa County area have seen significant residential growth, and new construction communities are a regular part of the search here. If new construction is your priority, it is worth having representation before you walk into a builder's sales office, because the builder's representative works for the builder.
How far is Pace from NAS Whiting Field?
Pace is one of the more practical bases for Whiting Field personnel, considerably closer than the beach side of the bay. Confirm the specific drive from any property you are seriously considering at your actual report time.
Thinking about Pace?
Tell me your timeline and your budget and I will tell you honestly whether this area fits.