If you plan on moving to Destin, Florida, this blog post discusses detailed information about Destin, the gorgeous city in Florida’s panhandle and the World’s Luckiest fishing village in Florida.
Fishing village because Destin boasts the largest and most equipped fishing fleet in Florida, offering various water activities, stunning beaches with white quartz sand and emerald green waters along Florida’s Emerald Coast, and diverse experiences, from dolphin cruises to golfing at championship courses.
Created by Captain Leonard Destin, a fisherman from the 1830s, Destin stands at#17 on U.S. News ‘Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-24, #1 in Best Places to Live, and #1 beach in Florida.
So, without waiting too long, keep reading the blog post to know what it is like to live there after relocating to Destin, Florida.
Quick facts before moving to Destin, FL
Where is Destin, FL, Located?
Destin, Florida, is in the northwestern part of the state, in Okaloosa County, part of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin metropolitan area.
It’s on the Florida Panhandle, east of Pensacola and west of Panama City.
The city is approximately 50 miles east of Pensacola and 150 miles west of Florida’s capital, Tallahassee.
The coordinates for Destin are approximately 30.3935°N latitude and -86.4958°W longitude.
Population in Destin, FL
As of 2023, the estimated population of Destin, Florida, averages 14,085 residents, with an annual growth rate of 0.46%.
The median age in Destin is 43.3 years, with 18.8% of the population aged 65 and over.
Diversity in Destin, FL
Destin has a predominantly White population, ranging from approximately 81.2% to 84.7%, followed by a Hispanic population of about 7.8% to 8% and a Black or African American population of roughly 2.6% to 2.47%.
Destin’s diversity score varies, with one source giving a score of 75 out of 100 and another showing a score of 17.9, reflecting potential variations in perception based on metrics.
Cost of Living in Destin, FL
Since you are moving to Destin, FL, knowing the city’s top-quality living style and high living standards creates a massive difference in the cost of living. The cost of living in Destin, Florida, is 13% higher than the national average, with a reported Cost of Living Index of 113.
- Destin has a median household income of $81,827, and the average annual household income is higher at $111,778.
- To live a comfortable life in Destin, FL, a single person needs around $59,600 annually, while a family requires approximately $115,920.
The table below indicates the cost of living index of Destin for different categories in comparison with the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
| Index | Destin | Florida | National Average |
| Cost of Living | 129.1 | 99 | 100 |
| Goods & Services | 105 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 110 | 105 | 100 |
| Health Care | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 182 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 105 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 101 | 100 |
How Is the Housing Market in Destin, FL?
The Destin, FL, housing market isn’t very competitive. Homes in the city get two offers on average and sell in 75 days after remaining in the market, which makes it easier for you to get a new home quickly before moving to Destin, FL.
- The average house price in Destin was reported to be $763K.
- The median home cost in Destin is $647,444.
- The homeownership rate in Destin is 62.8%, indicating that most residents own their homes.
Average rental price in Destin, FL
- Destin’s average home rental price is $2.85K, and the median gross rent is $1,636.
- The average rent for a studio apartment in Destin is around $1,695.
- The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Destin is approximately $1,745.
- If you’re looking for a 3-bedroom home in Destin, the average rent is approximately $3,592.
- The average rent for a 4-bedroom home in Destin is $2,380.
How is the job market in Destin, FL?
The job market in Destin, FL, is vital. The unemployment rate is low, and various job opportunities are available. If you were interested in acquiring a job after moving to Destin, Florida, we have collected the critical stats about Destin’s job market to give you a head start.
- The job market in Destin, FL, grew by 4.2% in the past year, and future growth is estimated to be 31.28% over the next decade, slightly higher than the national average.
- Destin’s unemployment rate is 4.0%, lower than the U.S. average of 6.0%, and as of September 2023, the local unemployment rate is at 2.80%.
- The reported average salary for jobs in Destin is $60,221 per year or an hourly rate of $29.
What are the top employers in Destin, FL
- CertaPro Painters of Northwest Florida
- Sandestin
- Xator
- Emerald Grande
- Acentria Insurance
- Southern Vacation Rentals
- Village Baptist Church
- Harbor Docks
- City of Destin
- Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
What are the most common job titles in Destin, FL
- Retail Sales Associate
- Sales Associate
- Administrative Assistant
- Assistant
- Assistant General Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Assistant Store Manager
- Associate
- Associate Retailer
Highest paying jobs in Destin, FL
- Nurse Practitioner
- Project Management
- Travel Nurse
How safe is it to live in Destin, FL?
Destin, Florida, has a crime rate higher than the national average, impacting the perceived safety of living there.
- The overall crime rate in Destin is 15.84 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 63 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
- The violent crime rate in Destin is 3.65 per 1,000 residents, covering offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
- The property crime rate, including burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson, is 12.18 per 1,000 residents.
- Your chance of becoming a victim of any property crimes in Destin is 1 in 82.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Destin, FL
- Dunes of Destin
- Kell-Aire Gardens / Town Center
- Regatta / Emerald Bay
- Destin North
- Indian Bayou
- Spring Lake / Destin Harbor
How Fast Can You Commute in Destin, FL?
The average commute time in Destin, Florida, is between 20.58 and 22.5 minutes.
The public transportation options available in Destin to get around the city are-
- Emerald Coast Rider (E.C. Rider): Okaloosa County Transit operates E.C. Rider, a public transportation service with various routes in Destin. Visit their website for route maps and schedules.
- Destin Water Taxi: Get around Destin with the Destin Water Taxi service, as recommended in TripAdvisor reviews.
- Greyhound: For Greyhound services near Destin, check out the station in Fort Walton Beach.
- Rideshare Services: Utilize rideshare options like Uber and Lyft for convenient transportation in Destin.
- Bike Paths: U.S. Highway 98 features a dedicated bike and pedestrian path on the north side, providing a route through Destin.
How’s the weather in Destin, FL?
Destin, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and cool, windy winters.
- The city has two main seasons: a hot season lasting 4.1 months from May 26 to September 30, with July being the hottest month, and a winter season lasting 3.1 months from December 4 to March 6, with January as the coldest month.
- During the hot season, the average daily high temperature is above 83°F, reaching an average high of 88°F in July, while the winter season sees an average daily high temperature below 66°F, with January having an average low of 46°F and a high of 61°F.
- Destin experiences the most rainfall between June and September, with the heaviest rainfall in July and August.
- The best time to visit Florida, Destin is from March to May.
How is the Education in Destin, FL?
Destin, FL, boasts a robust education system with a reasonable student-teacher ratio. If you are relocating to Destin, Florida, with your family or are interested in knowing the best schools and universities in the city, here’s what you need to learn about them and make the right choice.
- Schools in Destin rank on average 9/10, placing them in the top 20% of Florida public schools.
- Destin Elementary School and Destin Middle School are top-ranked. Destin Elementary has a math proficiency of 79% and a reading proficiency of 70%, while Destin Middle School scores 69% in math and 65% in reading.
- The student-teacher ratio in Destin schools is 22:1, but at Destin Elementary School, it’s slightly lower at 16:1.
- Destin has two public schools and one private school. The Okaloosa County School District, including Destin, has 18 public and 14 private schools.
- Public education in Destin is state-funded and free. The expenditure per student is $8,676, below the US average of $12,383.
- Average test scores in Destin’s schools are 72% in math and 67% in reading, surpassing the Florida averages.
Best Middle Schools in Destin, FL
- Destin Middle School
- Okaloosa Stemm Center
- Liza Jackson Preparatory School
- C. W. Ruckel Middle School (located in Niceville, FL)
Best Elementary Schools in Destin, FL
- Destin Elementary School
Best High Schools in Destin, FL
- Destin High School
- Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State
- Fort Walton Beach High School
- Niceville Senior High School (located in Niceville, FL)
Best Universities and Colleges in Destin, FL
- University of West Florida
- Northwest Florida State College (located in Niceville, FL)
- Troy University
- Okaloosa Technical College
What are the best things to do in Destin, FL?
The famous attractions and best things to see in Destin, Florida, are as follows:
- Relax at Henderson Beach State Park, where white sand beaches and emerald waters offer a tranquil day by the coast.
- Explore the shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere of the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
- Stroll along the bustling Destin Harbor Boardwalk, taking in scenic views and discovering local eateries and shops.
- Shop and enjoy entertainment at Destin Commons, a popular complex for leisure and retail therapy.
- Discover the unique underwater sandbar at Crab Island, a favorite spot where boats anchor for waist-deep emerald green waters.
- Experience the wonders of marine life on Destin Dolphin Cruises, offering a captivating glimpse of dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Engage in fishing in Destin, renowned as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” with opportunities ranging from local to deep-sea charters.
- Dive into various water activities in Destin, including parasailing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and SNUBA diving.
- Visit HarborWalk Village for quality dining and seafood options after a day of water adventures.
- Enjoy family-friendly marine life encounters at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Best Neighborhoods in Destin, FL
The best places to live in Destin, FL, are listed below:
- Kelly Plantation
- Crystal Beach
- Holiday Isle
- Regatta Bay
- Indian Lake
- Downtown Destin
- Miramar Beach
- Indian Bayou
- Joe’s Bayou Subdivision
- St Tropez
- Destiny East and Destiny By the Sea
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Destin, FL?
Before deciding to move to Destin, Florida, check out the benefits and disadvantages of living in Destin.
| Pros | Cons |
| Home to Emerald Coast Beaches | High cost of living |
| Fishing is big | Hurricane risks |
| Amazing weather | Overcrowding |
| Diverse economy | Terrifying traffic |
| Above-average income | There are no good hospitals nearby |
| Top-quality schools | Limited college options |
| Plenty of restaurants | Poor public transport system |
| Vibrant nightlife | Limited job market |
| Plenty of golfing options | Not very diverse |
| Accessible location | Extra insurance costs due to hurricanes |
| Scenic harbor boardwalk | High risk of hurricanes |
| Water sports and outdoor activities |
Final verdict
Destin is a great place to live with your family or retire if you’re considering moving to Florida. The city has a small-town beach vibe with beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, gorgeous homes, stunning neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor activities. It also has a great mix of excellent schools, exciting attractions, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal place for people looking to live near the water in a small city. If you’re intrigued by what Destin offers, take the next step and move to Destin, FL.