Crestview – A City with Hometown Feels and Stunning Views
Located between Tallahassee to the east and Alabama to the west, Crestview is the largest city in Okaloosa County, Florida. Previously, the city was known as the ‘Icebox of Florida,’ for featuring the coldest temperatures in the state. However, it is currently called the ‘Hub City’ of Northwest Florida due to its location at the peak of the woodland range amidst the Shoal and Yellow rivers.
Unlike many of Florida’s smaller cities, Crestview isn’t particularly close to many urban areas or attractions. Nonetheless, there are things to do in town, and it definitely has some great Floridian neighborhoods.
Homes for Sale
Education in Crestview
Crestview is home to a number of public schools. Currently, the city’s top public schools include Crestview High School, Riverside Elementary School, Shoal River Middle School, and Richbourg School. The schools together serve a total of 8,807 students, and the student: teacher ratio is 16:1.
Climate in Crestview
One of Crestview’s most notable features is its annual rainfall that’s the second-highest in the state. There are, on average, 226 sunny days per year, and the temperature varies from 38 degrees in winter to 91 degrees in summer. October, April, and May are typically the most pleasant months in Crestview.
Public Transportation in Crestview
Getting around by car is the most convenient transportation method in Crestview. However, you can also leverage Okaloosa County Transit, the public transportation service offered by Okaloosa County. The OCT provides both bus and trolley transportation services for Crestview.
The Emerald Coast Rider, another public transportation provider, operates bus routes all across Okaloosa County. With ten bus routes and 216 bus stops, their bus routes cover an area from Crestview to Miramar Beach, with a stop at Crestview City Hall and Silver Sands Factory Stores.
Living in Crestview
With a population of 25,274, Crestview is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida. Alongside being the largest city in Okaloosa County, it also has the highest development rate in both the housing and retail sectors. Many homes you will find in Crestview’s neighborhoods differ significantly from the traditional Floridian-style homes as the city sits on the highest point in the state and boasts cooler weather year-round.
From historical to traditional homes and modern ramblers, Crestview’s plethora of beautiful neighborhoods, such as the Yellow River Plantations, will appeal to you regardless of your age group or preferences. The estimated median household income in the city is $55,674, and the estimated median house value is $180,723.
Thanks to Crestview’s proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, the city in itself is a little melting pot. Additionally, it puts many job opportunities at the residents’ fingertips, which is one of the major factors driving economic growth and bringing more development to the area.
Crestview does a great job taking care of its residents’ needs and making it a magnificent place to live for everyone—through excellent amenities, beautiful parades and parties, and the highly-anticipated Fall Festival. If anything, family living comes easy in this charming, wooded town.
Things to Do in Crestview
Despite its small size, Crestview has a lot to offer its residents. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park and the hopping Panhandle Opry make an ideal location for families looking to plan their next outing with kids.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something suitable for grown-ups, stopping at the Yellow River Wine Bar after a workweek or taking a tour through the Peaden Brothers Distillery will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Fort Walton Beach in the city offer several recreation and entertainment options, of which the Fort Walton Beach Flea Market is the most unique. The market features over 10,000 feet of floor space and dozens of vendors selling everything from antiques to vintage jewelry, accessories, books, and musical instruments.
Of course, what’s a day trip without food? Well, with numerous dining choices ranging from five-star to fast food, Crestview has something for everyone’s unique tastes. Alongside its wide array of retail and eating establishments, this ever-expanding city also has an impressive range of picturesque trails and outdoor parks bordered by waterways and filled with wildlife.
