If you’re considering moving to Florida and are busy researching different cities across Florida, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post is designed to understand the Emerald Coast of Florida comprehensively. It offers insights into the area’s lifestyle, amenities, employment opportunities, and healthcare system, helping you decide about moving to Pensacola, Florida.
Founded in 1559, Pensacola, Florida, holds the title of America’s First Settlement, thanks to Don Tristan de Luna and Spanish settlers. “The City of Five Flags,” Pensacola, is home to award-winning sugar-white beaches, historical influences and sites, natural beauty and historic culture, outdoor adventures, vibrant arts and entertainment scenes, various sports activities, and large-scale food and art festivals.
This isn’t where our journey ends. There’s so much more to explore when relocating to Pensacola, Florida. So, buckle up and get ready to gather some essential info.
Quick facts before proceeding to Pensacola, FL:
Where is Pensacola, FL, Located?
Pensacola, the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, is located in the westernmost part of the Florida Panhandle.
Positioned on the north side of Pensacola Bay, it is 59 miles east of Mobile, Alabama, and 196 miles west of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida.
Functioning as a seaport on Pensacola Bay, the city is protected by the barrier island of Santa Rosa and connects to the Gulf of Mexico.
Population in Pensacola, FL
The population of Pensacola, FL, is estimated to be 52,342 as of 2023, a decrease from the 2020 census figure of 54,359.
Pensacola’s population has a median age of 38.4 years, with a gender ratio of 52.44% female and 47.56% male.
Diversity in Pensacola, FL
Pensacola, FL, is a diverse city with the largest racial/ethnic groups being White (65.25%), Black or African American (24.81%), and Hispanic (4.7%).
The city has a high diversity score of 93 out of 100, indicating significant diversity compared to other U.S. cities.
Cost of Living in Pensacola, FL
Should you be contemplating a relocation to Pensacola, Florida, we must inform you that you are pretty fortunate. The cost of living in this locale is generally lower than the state and national averages.
- The cost of living in Pensacola, Florida, is 11% lower than the state average and 5% lower than the national average.
- Housing in Pensacola is 9% cheaper than the U.S. average, but utilities are about 17% more expensive.
- The median household income in Pensacola from 2018-2022 was $67,722, and the per capita income during the same period was $43,695.
- The average monthly net salary after tax in Pensacola is $5,150.
- To live a comfortable life in Pensacola, a single adult needs an annual income before taxes of $34,666, and for two working adults with one child, it’s $85,856.
Here is a table summarizing the cost of living indexes in Pensacola, FL:
| Cost of Living Factor | Value |
| Cost of Living Index (COLI) | 89 |
| Housing Index | 13% lower than the US average |
| Grocery Index | 2% lower than the US average |
| Healthcare Index | 10% lower than the US average |
| Utilities Index | 17% higher than the US average |
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,120/month |
| Recommended Minimum Annual Income for a Family | $46,080 |
How Is the Housing Market in Pensacola, FL?
Suppose you are contemplating becoming a homeowner after moving to Pensacola. In that case, you are fortunate, as this locale boasts many affordable housing options. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a concise and accessible analysis of the local housing market.
- The Pensacola, Florida, housing market isn’t very competitive, with homes getting about two offers and selling in about 54 days.
- The cost of buying a home in Pensacola varies; recent median sale prices range from $299K to $398,875, with a reported median home value of $256,642.
- The homeownership rate in Pensacola is around 61.4%, though other sources mention rates of 62.1% and 61.41%.
- Pensacola’s median list price per square foot is $194.
- Approximately 38.59% of the population in Pensacola rents their homes.
Average rental price in Pensacola, FL
- Pensacola’s average home rental price varies, with reported median monthly rents ranging from $1,071 to $1,750.
- Studio apartment: Approximately $1,159 per month
- 1-bedroom apartment: Approximately $1,255 per month
- 2-bedroom apartment: Approximately $1,452 per month
- 3-bedroom home: Approximately $2,181 per month
- 4-bedroom home: Approximately $2,245 per month
How is the job market in Pensacola, FL?
Given your contemplation of moving to Pensacola in pursuit of a job opportunity, it is prudent to provide a concise overview of the city’s job market and salary stats:
- In 2023, Pensacola, FL, had an unemployment rate of 2.6%, down from 3.3% in February 2022 and by October 2023.
- Private sector employment in the Pensacola area increased by 4.0% in 2023, with a 3.3% growth in the labor force over the year.
- The job growth rate from 2021 to 2022 was 3.52%, and future growth is expected, especially in sectors like computer and mathematical occupations.
- The average salary in Pensacola, FL, is approximately $58,612 annually.
What are the top employers in Pensacola, FL
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Baptist Health Care
- Sacred Heart Health Systems
- Pensacola Christian College
- Ascend Performance Materials
- West Florida Healthcare
- Innisfree Hotels
- GE Wind Energy
- Santa Rosa Medical Center
- Medical Center Clinic
What are the most common job titles in Pensacola, FL
- Customer Service Representative
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Server
- Registered Nurse
- Administrative Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Assistant Manager
- Medical Assistant
- Internship
Highest paying jobs in Pensacola, FL
- Physician
- CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
- Plastic Surgery RN (Registered Nurse)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Dedicated Owner Operator
- Federal Government Jobs
- Cyber Security Engineer
- HVAC Installer
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Surgical Technician
How safe is it to live in Pensacola, FL?
As Pensacola is one of the best places to live in Florida for families, we’ve compiled a quick and easy guide to help you understand how safe Pensacola is and which neighborhoods are the safest. Check it out:
- Pensacola, Florida, has a higher-than-average crime rate, with 3,522.8 crimes per 100,000 people, 51.57% higher than the national rate and 63.62% higher than Florida’s average.
- The violent crime rate in Pensacola is 616.0 per 100,000 people, varying from 1 in 122 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 550 in the northwest. Offenses include rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
- Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 36 chance of being a victim and a rate of 2,906.8 per 100,000 people. Property crimes include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
- About 56% of respondents feel pretty safe in Pensacola, 23% feel very safe, 19% feel somewhat safe, and 2% regularly do not feel safe.
- Regarding law enforcement, 50% of respondents believe the police are apparent and responsive, while 35% think they are visible but respond slowly when needed.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Pensacola, FL
Safest Neighborhoods in Pensacola, Florida:
- Ferry Pass North
- Mallory Heights
- Treasure Hill Park
- Paradise Beach / Perdido Heights
- Gulf Beach Heights
- Perdido Key Coves
- Baywood
- Nature Trail / Beulah
- Gulf Breeze
- Oriole Beach
How Fast Can You Commute in Pensacola, FL?
- Commute Time in Pensacola: On average, the commute time in Pensacola, FL, is 19 to 25.8 minutes, shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes.
- Commuting Methods: In Pensacola, 86.1% of people drive to work, 10.1% carpool, 0.6% use public transportation, and 8.8% work from home.
List available public transportation in Pensacola, FL
The Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) operates buses in Greater Pensacola, focusing on commuter routes.
- Buses: ECAT has 21 bus routes in Pensacola, serving various areas like Ensley, West Pensacola, and Gulf Breeze.
- Trolleys: ECAT runs a free trolley on Pensacola Beach during certain times of the year.
- University of West Florida Trolley: ECAT operates a trolley service on the University of West Florida campus.
- Paratransit Services: ECAT offers door-to-door transport for people with disabilities who can’t use regular services.
- Free Bus Service: ECAT, with FDOT, initiated a free bus service connecting Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Gulf Breeze.
How’s the weather in Pensacola, FL?
When considering moving to Pensacola, the city’s weather is often a concern. We’ve compiled essential statistics about the city’s climate to help inform your decision.
- Pensacola, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
- The city experiences four seasons, but they are less distinct than in some other climates.
- Pensacola generally enjoys sunny weather, with an average of 221 sunny days yearly.
- Rainfall is possible year-round, with frequent summertime thunderstorms.
- The city receives about 66 inches of rain annually, well above the national average.
- July is the rainiest month, with 7.89 inches of rain.
- Snowfall in Pensacola is scarce, with the most recent significant event in December 2017.
- Therefore, the amount of snow in Pensacola is negligible.
- The hottest month is July, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 76°F.
- January is the coldest month, with an average low of 45°F and a high of 61°F.
How is the Education in Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola is home to several prominent educational institutions recognized as leaders in Florida. For individuals relocating to Pensacola, there are numerous high-quality universities, colleges, and other schools to choose from within the city limits.
- Schools in Pensacola, FL, have varying rankings; for example, Pensacola High School is ranked #2,682 nationally and 168th in Florida.
- The cost of education in Pensacola varies; for instance, Pensacola State College charges $3,467 for in-state and $17,225 for out-of-state students.
- Pensacola Christian College’s annual cost is about $29,600 for undergraduates, with an estimated yearly personal worth of $15,118.
- The Escambia County School District serves Pensacola and has 69 schools with 37,804 students.
- The district’s student-teacher ratio is 15:1, lower than the Florida average, but high schools have a ratio of 22:1.
What are the best schools in Pensacola, FL?
Best Middle Schools in Pensacola, FL
- Brown Barge Middle School
- Beulah Academy Of Science
- Jim C. Bailey Middle School
Best Elementary Schools in Pensacola, FL
- N. B. Cook Elementary School
- Cordova Park Elementary School
- A. K. Suter Elementary School
Best High Schools in Pensacola, FL
- West Florida High School/Technical
- Gulf Breeze High School
- Pensacola High School
Best Universities and Colleges in Pensacola, FL
- University of West Florida
- Pensacola State College
- Pensacola Christian College
- Virginia College Pensacola
- Troy University Pensacola
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Pensacola
What are the best things to do in Pensacola, FL?
Famous attractions and the best things to do and explore in Peninsular Florida are:
- Relax on the pristine sands of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, offering crystal-clear waters and ideal spots for swimming and sunbathing.
- Gain unique insights into naval aviation history at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
- Catch an exciting game at the Blue Wahoos Ballpark, home to Pensacola’s minor league baseball team.
- Explore the maritime history and enjoy a panoramic view of Pensacola Bay at the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
- Delight your taste buds with the local favorite, Grits a Ya Ya, at the Fish House, created by acclaimed Chef Jim Shirley.
- Capture a memorable photo in the Clam Shell at Quietwater Beach, a popular vacation spot.
- Experience the ambiance of McGuire’s Irish Pub, an award-winning steakhouse and traditional saloon.
- Embark on a unique fishing adventure with Hot Spots Charters in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Visit the renowned Joe Patti’s Seafood Market, a local favorite for fresh seafood.
- Savor local brews at Big Top Brewery, one of Pensacola’s many breweries.
- Explore the city’s amusement parks, offering a range of attractions from go-karts to water slides to ziplining adventures.
- Witness thrilling aerial maneuvers as the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, take to the skies.
Best Neighborhoods in Pensacola, FL
The best places to live in Pensacola, Florida are:
- Tiger Point
- Gulf Breeze
- Oriole Beach
- Belmont-DeVilliers
- East Hill
- East Pensacola Heights
- Baymarc
- Bridlewood
- Mill Lakes Estates
- Deer Run
- Mallory Heights
- Pensacola Beach
- Navarre
- Perdido Key
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Pensacola, FL?
A practical method to determine the suitability of relocating to Pensacola is to meticulously evaluate the city’s advantages and disadvantages. In this regard, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the primary pros and cons of moving to Pensacola, providing prospective residents with a clear understanding of the city’s attributes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable cost of living | Hurricanes and tropical weather |
| Variety of lifestyle options | Bugs and pests |
| Year-round festivals and markets | Lack of adequate public transportation |
| White sand beaches | Crime and safety concerns |
| Sports teams | Seasonal allergies |
| Great real estate market | High rent and housing costs |
| Laid-back beach lifestyle | Limited nightlife options |
| Southern charm and vibrant nightlife | Hot and humid summers |
| Rich cultural heritage and diverse festivals |
Conclusion
Pensacola showcases an enchanting blend of historical diversity and captivating charm. It boasts an alluring combination of affordable living, secure neighborhoods, breathtaking natural beauty, and various distinctive festivals throughout the year. However, the city faces challenges such as hurricanes and elevated crime rates, which demand thoughtful consideration from locals and experts contemplating relocation. Consequently, visitors and individuals considering settling in Pensacola should carefully weigh these factors when choosing the city as their permanent residence.