Yes, if you love fish! Destin Florida is considered the happiest fishing village in the world, and residents are proud of that heritage. In addition to the abundance of fish, Destin Florida is an excellent place to live.
In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons of living in Desitin, Florida. I'll also answer some common questions that people like you ask. If that's what you're looking for, then let's drive!
Living in Destin, Fla
Destin is an ancient paradise that was once a family playground. Life in Destin is mostly slow, relaxed, and friendly. The city has the most beautiful landscapes with luxurious accommodation for those who want to live there.
Locals are particularly fond of the emerald green waters and white sandy beaches. History shows that Destin has existed since the 7th century. Shocking right?
Its history dates back to Leonard Destin, a fisherman from Connecticut, New London, who moved to Northwest Florida. There's more - artifacts show Native Americans lived there long ago.
For all these years, they survived thanks to the abundant water from seafood. An urban feel comes with living in Destin; The residents own their own houses. To this day, the beauty of this Gulf of Florida city is teeming with beaches that attract tourists.
Summary of the pros and cons of living in Destin, Florida
| Perks of living in Destin, Florida | Disadvantages of living in Destin, Florida |
| beautiful landscape | High hurricane risk |
| Truck full of activities to explore | Little population |
| great education | enormous traffic |
| Poverty rate is low | Strong storms |
| affordable living expenses | dark weather |
Living in Destin Florida soon
1. Beautiful scenery
Destin, Florida always draws the attention of those who like to see the best scenes. From state parks to ocean views, resorts and beaches. It is wonderful! Where do you get the best views? Here is a small list:
- Henderson Beach State Park
- Praia do Sol da Sorte
- Soul Waterview
2. A truckload of opportunities to explore
Instead of just watching, you can do something right away. Destin's scenic destinations also offer plenty of activities to partake in. That way, tourists don't get bored while exploring. Here are some activities you can always look forward to.
- Take a walk on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk
- Learn history at the Destin History & Fishing Museum
- Take sand castle classes with Beach Sand Sculptures
- Snorkel at Flipper's Adventures
3. Great education
There are top schools in Destin to enroll your kids in. Accordinglygreatschools.org, the city has 14 preschools, 2 public schools, 5 elementary schools and 1 high school.
These schools are highly rated for their academic performance and equity rating. Destin also has top 10 universities and colleges to explore if you need a great college.
4. The poverty rate is low
AccordinglyRetrospective of the world population, Destin, Florida, the poverty rate is 9.6%. The median income for each family is about $104,472. This is a very commendable rate compared to the national poverty rate.
5. Affordable cost of living
Compared to other major Florida cities, you will enjoy living in Destin. The total cost you spend as a single person on basic necessities (housing, health care, transportation and groceries) is about $38,600 per year.
A significant portion of the money goes to housing construction. However, you might consider renting your own home, at least until you have enough money saved.
6. Destin, Florida is diverse
AccordinglyUS data, Destin has 5 major ethnic groups. That's a lot for such a small town if you ask me. These 5 major ethnic groups are broken down as follows:
- White (non-Hispanic) - 83%
- Andere (Hispanics) – 5,42 %
- White (Hispanic) - 3.63%
- Black or African American (non-Hispanic) - 2.39%
7. Vibrant nightlife
If you like to party, Destin, Florida will serve you well! Destin Harbor comes to life as the warm sun sets. You will enjoy live music and dancing galore.
Your best bets are the Boathouse Oyster Bar, the Red Door Saloon, and the AJ's Club. If you like the quieter nightlife, there are still quiet bars and restaurants available in the evenings.
8. Winter is cozy in Destin
Winter is often recommended as the best time to travel to Destin. This is certainly due to the joy and smoothness of the weather.
In winter you have an average high temperature of 62 to 64°F. The surrounding area is also less crowded in winter. In addition, off-season bills are reduced by up to 65%.
What a time to save more!
9. Plenty of restaurants
do you love food Destin is a perfect spot for seafood and all types of cuisine. Some of the popular dinners and restaurants include
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- Ruth's Steakhouse
- Schmuck
- Passed
- Brotula's Seafood House and Steamers
10. Abundant fishing opportunities
Since Destin is famous for its fish, it will be impossible not to find a variety of fishing spots. You can find species in town: redfish, snapper, tarpon, grouper, swordfish and cobia. Here are some places to fish:
- Power Ranger Cards
- Apex charters and rentals
- Cinnational Saltwater Fishing
- Destin Coastal Golf & Offshore Fishing Charters
Disadvantages of living in Destin Florida
1. High hurricane risk
Accordinglyhousehold facts, Destin has experienced 58 hurricanes since 1930. The biggest occurred in 1985 - Hurricane Kate. The last one was in 2010. As it is a high risk zone you can take precautions if you have to live there.
2. Very small population
If you like the relaxed life, you might not mind. On the other hand, it can be a problem for those who like to see numbers. AccordinglyRetrospective of the world population, Destin, Florida has a population of 14,257. Do you think it's too small?
3. Huge traffic
This is strange since Destin has a small population. However, it shows that the land area that Destin, Florida is located on is small. You will experience the most traffic when there are tourists around in the summer. Far from bearable.
4. Strong storms
High hurricane risk cities are also prone to severe storms. Although Destin does not experience annual hurricanes, severe storms can occur there.
5. Gloomy weather
This blow is due to the storms. Destin faces a grim climate that makes its residents almost depressed when it's not winter. This doesn't take long to set off alarms, however.
Diploma
It's safe to say that when you have enough data, the job is half done! Likewise, I hope this article gives you all the information you need about whether or not Destin, Florida is an excellent place to live. Happy decision!
frequently asked questions
Is Destin or Panama City Better?
What are your preferences? Destin is for you if you want the good life - fishing, seafood and a vibrant nightlife. If you still want the good life, but this time with a quieter setting, quaint beachfront accommodations, and kids' activities, then Panama City Beach is your choice.
Why is Destin Water so blue?
It's easy to infer that the water is turquoise or blue, especially when looking down from an airplane, but it's not always blue.
Have you noticed that sometimes it turns emerald green and even brown or discolored? This shows that the seasons can affect the color of the beach. However, the water is not blue. It's just a reflection of the unabsorbed molecules in the ocean.
Choctawhatchee Bay also helps preserve the color of the Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida. Watersheds contain nutrients that encourage the growth of algae (phytoplankton) and mix with the ocean. When light amplifies this reaction, it gives a green color.
The water can also turn brown due to the decomposition of organic materials in the water. It causes brackish water.
Which is better, Pensacola or Destin?
They're pretty much the same. In Pensacola, however, you'll get a more natural feel, especially since the beaches are still undeveloped and less crowded.
What is the clearest beach in Florida?
Destin, Florida is actually. The Choctawhatchee serves to filter the darkest sediments from the water and clear the water for Destin Beach.
Can you drink alcohol on the beaches of Destin, Florida?
Yes you can. In state parks, however, it's the other way around. Glass bottles are not allowed and underage alcohol consumption is not permitted.
Where is the pink sand beach in Florida?
The pink sand beach is on Harbor Island. Since Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations, you can always find many inspiring places to see nature. Considering the number of tourists arriving in Florida annually, significant developments are still being made to attract more visitors.
Related
FAQs
Is Destin Florida a good place to live? ›
Destin is in Okaloosa County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Destin offers residents an urban feel and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Destin and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Destin are highly rated.
Is Destin expensive to live? ›Boston's housing expenses are 127% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 24% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 26% higher than the national average. Boston has grocery prices that are 14% higher than the national average.
Is Destin good for retirees? ›The Destin area offers the ideal small town beachfront community setting that is absolutely perfect for anyone who is passionate about fishing, golfing, or just relaxing on the beach. If you are looking for a retirement destination where every day feels like a vacation, Destin is a great place to start.
Is Destin Florida safe from hurricane? ›As idyllic as Destin is, storms and hurricanes do occur infrequently and their aftermaths can be severe.
Is it worth buying a property in Destin? ›Destin, Florida is an excellent place to invest in rental property or residential homes. Beautiful year-round weather, stunning beaches, coastal charm, endless outdoor activities keep property values strong.
What is the racial makeup of Destin Florida? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| White alone, percent | 84.7% |
| Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 2.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) | 0.1% |
| Asian alone, percent(a) | 1.1% |
Precipitation is very common here, though most storms blow by rather quickly. Over the course of the full year, temperatures may drop as low as 32 degrees all the way up to 95 degrees. With the humidity in the Summer, some days may feel over 100 degrees.
Is Destin nicer than Panama City? ›Destin is just bigger and nicer than the other two and whatever your expectations are for accommodations, dining, or shopping, you'll find what you want.
What are winters like in Destin Florida? ›Destin Winter Weather is Mild and Pleasant
According to Google, average winter temperature highs in Destin range from 62 - 64°F from December through February. In terms of precipation, there is an average of 6 days of rain typically each month.
Other sports stars like TJ Oshie, Danny Wuerffel and NFL all-stars Kevin Greene, Jason Elam, Keith Brooking and others have dropped their bags in Destin. TV personalities frequent and live in Destin. Wayne Rogers of the hit movie and television series MASH calls Destin home.
What is the coldest month in Destin Florida? ›
The cool season lasts for 3.1 months, from December 4 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 66°F. The coldest month of the year in Destin is January, with an average low of 46°F and high of 61°F.
What type of people live in Destin? ›Destin Demographics
White: 85.03% Black or African American: 5.07% Two or more races: 4.74% Other race: 3.14%
I remember a big hurricane hitting Destin in the western Florida Panhandle in the mid-1990s, shortly after my parents bought a home there.
Is Destin water safe to drink? ›For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Is the water safe to swim in Destin? ›Heck yes! Destin is one of our favorite places to swim and snorkel in the summertime. During the summer months, the water is the perfect temperature for cooling off and swimming comfortably.
What celebrities own homes in Destin FL? ›Garth Brooks and Tricia Yearwood fly down there from Nashville on a regular basis for vacations. Other celebrities and sometime residents who have homes here include Britney Spears, Sheryl Crow (who frequents the Red Bar in Grayton Beach), Jessica Simpson, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban.
What is the average rental income in Destin Florida? ›Average Monthly Traditional Rental Income: $2,145.
Why is the water not clear in Destin Florida? ›Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin
Believe it or not, the presence of Choctawhatchee Bay plays a key role in preserving the clarity and color of the Emerald Coast water. Rivers that empty into the bay contain sediment and that murkier water we talked about above.
Due to its location in the Gulf of Mexico, where a large number of alligators reside, Destin, Florida, is a prime location for alligators. Destin has so many alligators that they have an alligator park named after the reptile, where you can view the alligators from a cane pole.
Why is Destin water Brown? ›With that in mind, our bay is “brackish” water which is fresh, salt water, giving it the brownish color. Our bay also has a river, creeks, and springs that feed into it as well as the salt water from the Gulf.
Why does everyone go to Destin Florida? ›
Visit Destin Florida, aptly referred to as both the 'Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast' and the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village', for spectacular beaches that are continually voted among the top in the country, and some of the best fishing in the world.
Is Destin warm for Christmas? ›If you're looking for a place to escape the cold winter weather, Destin in December is the perfect spot! The temperatures in Destin stay in the 70s and 80s throughout December, and the water temperature is still warm enough to enjoy a swim.
What is hurricane season in Destin? ›Hurricane Season begins June 1st and ends November 30th. The time to prepare for hurricane season is now. This guide is designed to provide valuable information that you can use before, during and after a storm.
Does the sunset over the ocean in Destin? ›The star is where Destin is located with Okaloosa Island being immediately to the west and Miramar Beach to the East. If you are at the beach on the west coast of Florida, you will see the sunset over the water at the beach all year but never the sunrise.
Which is nicer Pensacola or Destin? ›Almost every traveler can agree that both locations provide that same 'Emerald Coast charm'...it all comes down to whether you like crowds or not! Destin is a more crowded and 'touristy' location, but it also offers more things to do and more selections for shopping and dining.
What airport do you fly into for Destin Florida? ›The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest airport to Destin. It's located just 16 miles away in Valparaiso. Airlines flying into VPS include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, and United Airlines.
What part of Destin has the clearest water? ›Just east of Destin on Hwy 98, Panama City Beach marks the end of the beaches of South Walton. These beaches are widely considered to be the clearest and pure in the country. There is nearly no river runoff in the area and the St. Andrew Bay filters much of the sediment out.
Is it too cold to swim in Destin in January? ›The water is too cold for swimming, and many of the popular tour companies provide parasailing, snorkeling tours, and banana boat rides close for the winter and fall. But rest assured, there are plenty of things to do in Destin in cold weather!
Are there snakes in Destin Florida? ›Florida is home to 44 species of native snakes, and of the 44, only 6 are venomous. Destin does have some venomous snakes, usually around the outer areas of Destin Metro, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, and Hernando County areas.
Is it warm enough to swim in Destin in December? ›December. It's holiday time and there is nothing better than a coastal Christmas. Early in the month, festive décor and fun events such as the Destin Boat Parade kick off the holiday season. Water temps are cool (the average temp is a chilly 68 degrees).
Is crime high in Destin Florida? ›
The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Destin is 1 in 63. Based on FBI crime data, Destin is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Florida, Destin has a crime rate that is higher than 57% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.
Does Britney Spears own a house in Destin Florida? ›Now that Britney Spears has gotten out of her conservatorship, she's also emancipating herself from some real estate holdings: The pop princess has listed a three-bedroom condo in Destin, Florida, for $2 million. Spears, 40, bought the 3,600-square-foot penthouse at the Regency Towers for $920,000 way back in 2001.
Is Destin Florida a cheap place to live? ›Higher Cost Of Living
And that means the cost of living in Destin is considerably higher than the national average. You can find a much cheaper place to live in Florida. Without a doubt. Consider that BestPlaces.net marks the median home value at 68% more.
The color of the water here on the Emerald Coast is attributed to the Algae in the water. When the sun reflects off the Algae it makes our water the beautiful emerald color we all love. Because the sun plays a big role in why the waters are emerald, the water may not be as green on rainy days.
Has it ever snowed in Destin FL? ›Northern Escambia County saw up to 2 inches (51 mm) of snow while Century saw 0.5 inches (13 mm) of snow. Snow flurries were reported in Destin and Miramar Beach.
Which is cheaper Gulf Shores or Destin? ›Okay, so Gulf Shores vs Destin… in this category I think Destin is slightly more expensive. So if you're looking for an affordable spot… Gulf Shores wins!
What is the prettiest beach in Destin Florida? ›Without a doubt, Henderson Beach State Park has the prettiest beach in Destin. As one of Florida's state parks, the land is protected and thus its natural beauty is allowed to thrive. Henderson Beach actually has the last remaining coastal scrub area in the city.
Is Destin Florida affordable? ›Not only are the costs cheaper when traveling to Destin but it's also less expensive to spend time in this Florida destination overall. Destin's hotels offer rates from $85 to $299 per night, with an average cost for a week-long trip to Destin of around $1,847 for a single traveler and $6,000 for a family of four.