Life at Eglin Air Force Base: A Family-Friendly Review
Located in the lush, scenic area of the Florida Panhandle, Eglin Air Force Base is more than just a military installation; it's a bustling community with a rich history. Situated near Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Eglin offers a unique lifestyle for families, including those with children. But how does it stack up when it comes to raising a family? Letâs take a comprehensive look.
The area surrounding Eglin Air Force Base boasts a variety of educational opportunities for families. Early childhood education is well catered to with numerous preschools and daycare centers in nearby Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. Public schools in Okaloosa County, such as Niceville High School and Bluewater Elementary School, are often highly ranked, offering robust curriculums and numerous extracurricular activities. For higher education, Northwest Florida State College and the University of West Floridaâs main campus in Pensacola provide excellent opportunities.
Healthcare is another vital aspect of life at Eglin and the surrounding areas. The base itself has the 96th Medical Group, which provides comprehensive healthcare services, including pediatric care. Off-base, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast offer specialized child health facilities and emergency services. These healthcare providers ensure that families have access to top-notch medical care without having to travel far.
For families who love the great outdoors, Eglin does not disappoint. The base is surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces such as the Eglin Reservation and Turkey Creek Nature Trail. Additionally, the nearby Henderson Beach State Park offers stunning white sandy beaches and lush greenery, perfect for family outings. The baseâs playgrounds and sports fields are well-maintained, providing safe and engaging environments for children to play.
Families will also find numerous attractions in the area to keep the little ones entertained. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach showcases marine life and offers interactive experiences for children. The Air Force Armament Museum, located on base, is another family-friendly venue where kids can learn about aviation history. Just a short drive away, the Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin provides endless fun for families during the warmer months.
When it comes to housing, Eglin Air Force Base offers a mix of on-base and off-base options. On-base housing is convenient and fosters a close-knit community atmosphere. Off-base, the neighboring towns of Niceville and Shalimar offer affordable and family-friendly neighborhoods. The cost of living in these areas is relatively moderate compared to other parts of Florida, and the proximity to essential services and amenities makes it easy for families to settle in.
Education Opportunities
The educational landscape around Eglin is robust, offering numerous options for families seeking quality education for their children. Public schools in the Okaloosa County School District are known for their high performance, extensive extracurricular programs, and general dedication to student welfare. Schools like Bluewater Elementary and Niceville High School consistently receive high marks, both academically and in terms of student satisfaction.
For early education, families have access to well-reviewed preschools and daycare centers. Institutions such as Kids Discovery in Niceville and Destin's Creative Learning Center offer excellent early childhood programs that focus on holistic development. High school graduates looking to stay close to home can pursue higher education at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, offering a range of associate degrees and professional certifications.
Healthcare Services
Eglin Air Force Base and its surrounding areas are well-equipped with healthcare facilities that serve both military and civilian families. The 96th Medical Group on base provides a comprehensive suite of services, including general pediatric care and specialized child health facilities. Nearby Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and the Sacred Heart Hospital ensure that families have access to top-tier medical care in emergencies or for specialized treatments.
The presence of these robust medical facilities provides a safety net for families, ensuring that both routine and emergency medical needs can be addressed promptly without a lengthy commute.
"The healthcare facilities around Eglin Air Force Base provide a reassuring level of medical care that ensures the well-being of both children and adults alike."
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces around Eglin are plentiful and varied, offering numerous activities for families who enjoy the great outdoors. The Eglin Reservation covers vast tracts of land with hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas. Turkey Creek Nature Trail, a local favorite, provides an easy, family-friendly hiking experience with opportunities to spot wildlife.
Henderson Beach State Park, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a gem that attracts both locals and visitors. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The well-maintained playgrounds and recreational areas on the base itself also offer safe and engaging environments for children.
Family-Friendly Attractions
The area around Eglin Air Force Base is ripe with family-friendly attractions. The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach allows kids to explore marine life up close, with interactive experiences that educate and entertain. The Air Force Armament Museum on base is another fantastic spot for family visits, offering a fascinating glimpse into aviation history and military aviation.
For more fun, families can head to Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin. Especially in the warmer months, this water park offers a great way to beat the heat and enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides.
Housing
Housing options abound both on and off Eglin Air Force Base. On-base housing is exceptionally convenient, providing easy access to community activities and fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. Off-base, towns like Niceville and Shalimar offer a range of family-friendly neighborhoods that blend affordability with high-quality living environments.
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The cost of living in these areas is relatively moderate, especially compared to larger Florida cities. This affordability, combined with the ample availability of essential services and amenities, makes these neighborhoods ideal for families looking to settle down.
Safety and Security
Safety is always a primary concern for families, and Eglin Air Force Base does not disappoint in this regard. The base and surrounding areas benefit from low crime rates and robust security measures. Emergency services, including police and fire departments, are highly responsive and well-equipped to deal with any situation. The neighborhood safety in towns like Niceville and Shalimar is generally high, giving parents peace of mind.
Community Support
The sense of community at Eglin Air Force Base is strong. Numerous parent groups, support networks, and community events are consistently available, fostering a supportive environment for families. The base regularly hosts family-friendly activities and events, connecting residents and creating a tight-knit community feel.
Off-base, local towns frequently hold community events, farmer's markets, and festivals, further enhancing the community spirit. Libraries and community centers in areas like Niceville offer a range of programs for children, from story hours to educational workshops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent public schools and access to higher education.
- Comprehensive healthcare facilities, both on and off base.
- Abundant outdoor spaces and family-friendly attractions.
- Affordable and family-friendly housing options.
- Strong sense of community and robust support networks.
Cons:
- Limited higher education institutions close by, necessitating longer commutes for some programs.
- Potential isolation due to the baseâs geographic location.
- Summers can be extremely hot and humid.
- Limited public transportation options, necessitating personal vehicles.
- Proximity to hurricanes and extreme weather conditions.
In Conclusion
Eglin Air Force Base offers a robust and family-friendly environment, making it a commendable place to raise children. From its excellent educational opportunities to comprehensive healthcare services and abundant recreational spaces, the base and surrounding areas create a nurturing backdrop for family life. While there are a few drawbacks, such as hot summers and limited higher education institutions close by, the strengths of the community and the quality of life it offers are clear. Whether you're part of the military community or a civilian family, Eglin Air Force Base stands out as a strong contender for an enriching family life.