Niceville, FL

Niceville – A Hidden Gem of a Town

A city of around 13,000 residents in Florida’s Okaloosa County, Niceville, with Destin and Fort Walton Beach, makes up one of the largest population centers in the otherwise rural panhandle. The main attractions in the city are Boggy Bayou, Gulf of Mexico, and Choctawhatchee Bay.

Niceville typically appeals to visitors looking to enjoy its relatively undeveloped beauty and a slower pace of life than is often found on the State’s Atlantic coast destinations like Miami and Daytona Beach.

Fishing and watersports are the most popular activities here, but there are various historical and cultural attractions nearby as well.

Beach House Image from Canva

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Education in Niceville

Located in the panhandle of Florida, Niceville’s average educational level is above the national norm. There are multiple top-rated public and private schools in the city, such as Emerald Coast Autism Center, Florida State College, St. Paul Christian School, Bluewater Elementary School, and Niceville Senior High School. What’s more, Niceville is also home to Northwest Florida State College.

23 Advanced Placement and ten AICE courses are also offered in the subjects of science, English, mathematics, social studies, foreign language, physical education, and other electives, totaling up to 114 weighted honors and advanced-level courses throughout the curriculum.

Climate in Niceville

Niceville is a pleasant town featuring comfortable temperatures throughout the year—40 degrees in winter to 90 degrees in summer. October, April, and November are the best months to be in the city as visitors get to enjoy Niceville’s excellent atmosphere and take part in a vast array of activities.

Public Transportation in Niceville

Okaloosa County offers additional bus service between Crestview, Niceville, and Fort Walton Beach. The express route that runs from Crestview to Fort Walton Beach has six stops—Crestview City Hall, Niceville City Hall, Northwest Florida State College, the VA clinic at Eglin Air Force Base, the Shalimar Courthouse Annex, and Uptown Station.

Paratransit—transportation from door to door is also available, and all buses feature wheelchair lifts and bicycle carriers.

Living in Niceville

Located just 20 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico, Niceville was named by a postman’s daughter in 1910. The population in this beautiful city ranges just over 13,000, and the city continues to live up to its name by bringing its residents everything the panhandle of Florida has to offer.

With a median household income is $62,538 and a median home value of $224,000, Niceville has options from waterfront houses to exclusive gated communities with many amenities and planned suburban neighborhoods like Swift Creek.

Boggy Bayou and Choctawhatchee Bay border the city, and it is also a short drive away from Destin, one of Florida’s popular tourist beach destinations.

Featuring mild winters and warm summers, Niceville residents get to revel in a resort lifestyle and a secluded small-town feel. Watersports are in vogue all year round, and so are golf, biking, and other outdoor fun activities.

The cost of living is below the national average, and Niceville, with its community parks and low crime rate, is a beautiful and safe place to raise a family, close to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.

Things to Do in Niceville

The weather in Niceville is near perfect, and one can find activities here all year long. There are various outdoor recreation options in the city for those looking to stretch their legs or burn a few excess calories.

The Boggy Bayou is one of the city’s most notable features. The annual Boggy Fest is held here for over three days in late October, celebrating the panhandle city’s historic and fun side.

You could even spend your Saturdays in the Park, which features local artists and live music or enjoy a show at the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Centre. Niceville also holds numerous museums that will appeal to history buffs.

The Turkey Creek Natural Trail features a mile one-way boardwalk and ground-level portions that wind around multiple natural environments. There are plenty of covered seating areas here as well as a slip for launching canoes and kayaks—an exhilarating way to explore the waterways.

With all that sunshine and good vibes, Niceville is perfect for boating, biking, fishing, and exploring. Even better, it is the ideal location to build your own paradise.