Recommendations for empty nesters, but not retired or 55+ in Pensacola

[Anonymous]

Dh is in his early 50s and I'm in my late 40s. Our youngest is a senior in high school (class of 24)
Dh is considering a job in Pensacola (just applied. If for whatever reason this job doesn't workout, he will continue to look for and apply to other jobs in Florida, but not necessarily Pensacola.)

So if we move there, we'd likely be looking to buy our "final" home--we'd want single story living. I've always thought I'd like a 55+ community when for our final home for the social aspects, but even Dh will be too young by a few years. Would it be worth just renting for a few years and then buying? Any recommendations for nice 55+ communities in that area, or other neighborhoods that aren't too young family oriented?
Anything else we should consider about living in the Pensacola area? Please no political comments.
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I live in Fl (tampa bay area). I'd rent for a few years. Prices are high right now.

The single story houses are awesome. I don't miss lugging laundry baskets up and down, and my parents are able to live in their house despite physical disabilities with minimal difficulty because there are no barriers.

[Anonymous]

I think you're going to love it! I've never been to Pensacola but I love the SW Gulf area, I'm south of Tampa. Everybody I know loves it here despite the politics and the heat. We all know that we will reap the benefits of FL living from Nov to March and it's not even that bad now. Traffic is way down!

[Anonymous]

I live 50 miles east of Pensacola.
There are lots of old people in Florida. You don't have to live in a community that is specifically labeled 55 and older in order to live among a lot of older people in Florida.
I have lived in the same town for 33 years and the same county for 41 years. I have noticed that there seems to be subdivisions full of young people with young families, and subdivisions full of older people. In my opinion, which is just a survey of one, it seems to make a difference as to when the subdivision was built. Newer subdivisions means younger families. Subdivisions built 1960 or earlier might have a lot of homes that are run down. Subdivisions that were built 20 or 30 years ago seems to be the sweet spot if you want to have more older neighbors.

If you want that "go all your neighborhood in a golf cart" feel, then buy a house in a gated golf course community. There are lots of organized activities in those gated communities.

[Anonymous]

How close to you want to be to beaches? On it, near it, 30 minutes out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dh is in his early 50s and I'm in my late 40s. Our youngest is a senior in high school (class of 24)
Dh is considering a job in Pensacola (just applied. If for whatever reason this job doesn't workout, he will continue to look for and apply to other jobs in Florida, but not necessarily Pensacola.)

So if we move there, we'd likely be looking to buy our "final" home--we'd want single story living. I've always thought I'd like a 55+ community when for our final home for the social aspects, but even Dh will be too young by a few years. Would it be worth just renting for a few years and then buying? Any recommendations for nice 55+ communities in that area, or other neighborhoods that aren't too young family oriented?
Anything else we should consider about living in the Pensacola area? Please no political comments.
Thanks.

We lived in DC for and relocated to Pensacola. A few things to know:

1. Pensacola is culturally the south with a touch of Florida. The closer you get to the water, the more Florida flavor. Further from the water, it’s functionally Alabama.

2. That said, Pensacola is booming and has a lot going for it. Downtown is now vibrant (albeit small), more cultural opportunities (art festival, theater, etc.) plus UWF.

3. In terms of neighborhoods, I’m not familiar with 55+ communities. The two big decisions are (a) which culture do you want to experience—Florida or Deep South?, and (b) if Florida, do you want to be near downtown?

For more Florida, less country, but close to downtown, I’d look at East Hill, Cordova Park, Seville area downtown and anything off Scenic Highway south of I-10.

Gulf Breeze is also very popular, but is further from downtown (over a bridge, closer to beach).

If proximity to downtown not important, Nature Trail subdivision is very nice but a hike to dining, etc.