Moving to Eglin Air Force Base
Housing, neighborhoods, schools, and 2026 BAH for families PCSing to Valparaiso, Florida.
Also known as: Eglin AFB
Eglin Air Force Base, on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is one of the largest Air Force bases and a center for weapons testing and F-35 training. Families PCSing here live in Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, or Crestview, drawn by white-sand beaches and no state income tax, though coastal demand keeps prices above other Gulf posts.
Last updated: 2026-07-19
On-base vs off-base housing
On-base housing through Hunt Military Communities stays in demand given the desirable location. Off-base, Niceville and Bluewater Bay sit closest with top schools, Fort Walton Beach offers the beach lifestyle, and Crestview inland has the lowest prices. Florida has no state income tax, but coastal demand makes this pricier than most Gulf Coast bases.
Where military families live near Eglin Air Force Base
Families PCSing to Eglin Air Force Base most often settle in Niceville / Bluewater Bay, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview. The table below shows typical rents, home prices, and drive time to the gate for each.
| Area | 3-bed rent | Home prices | To gate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niceville / Bluewater Bay | $1,600-$2,300 | $320k-$460k | 10-20 min | Closest to the main gate with the area’s top schools; family favorite. |
| Fort Walton Beach | $1,500-$2,100 | $300k-$430k | 15-25 min | Beach-town lifestyle and amenities near the coast. |
| Crestview | $1,350-$1,850 | $260k-$370k | 20-35 min | Lowest prices in the area, inland and newer construction. |
2026 BAH near Eglin Air Force Base
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Eglin Air Force Base is set by the FL056 (Eglin AFB, FL) military housing area. Rates below are monthly, by pay grade, for 2026.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-5 | $2,433 | $2,157 |
| E-7 | $2,841 | $2,340 |
| O-3 | $3,399 | $2,592 |
Source: DoD/DTMO 2026 BAH rate table (travel.dod.mil), effective January 1, 2026.
Schools near Eglin Air Force Base
| School | Level | District | Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niceville High School | High | Okaloosa County Schools | Niceville |
| Ruckel Middle School | Middle | Okaloosa County Schools | Niceville |
| Bluewater Elementary | Elementary | Okaloosa County Schools | Niceville |
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Where do most families live near Eglin AFB?
Niceville and Bluewater Bay are the most popular, with the shortest commute to the main gate and the area’s top-rated schools. Fort Walton Beach draws those who want the beach lifestyle, and Crestview, farther inland, has the lowest prices. All sit on Florida’s Emerald Coast with no state income tax.
Is it expensive to live near Eglin AFB?
It runs higher than most Gulf Coast bases. The Emerald Coast’s beaches and strong schools drive steady demand, pushing home prices above inland Florida. Florida’s lack of a state income tax helps take-home pay, but families should expect Niceville and the beach areas to cost more than a typical Air Force posting.
Related bases
Naval Air Station Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Air ForceNellis Air Force Base
Las Vegas, Nevada
Side-by-side comparisons: Eglin Air Force Base vs Naval Air Station JacksonvilleEglin Air Force Base vs Nellis Air Force Base
More: Air Force bases · Bases in Florida