Located on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast, the town of Navarre offers gorgeous beaches, friendly neighbors, and a genuinely laid-back vibe. Like any town or city in the United States Navarre has a few blemishes to accompany its beauty. If you’re considering moving to Navarre and want perspectives from both sides of the fence, the information below from Move It Storage will be beneficial. Read on to discover the notable pros and cons of living in Navarre, FL, and get the info you need to make an educated decision about your upcoming relocation.
The PROs of Living in Navarre
1. The Cost of Living in Navarre is Not As Expensive as Many Florida Towns
Cost of living in Navarre is cheaper than most other coastal cities in Florida, making it one of the best reasons to come live here!
2. The Beaches in Navarre are World Class
Navarre Beach and the surrounding beaches are rated excellent and praised for their natural beauty and sugar-white sand. The emerald green waters are typically calm and inviting, and Navarre Beach itself is more relaxed and less crowded than many other Florida beaches.
3. There’s So Much to Do in Navarre. You Won’t Know Where to Start
One of the best reasons to move to Navarre, FL, is its wide variety of outdoor activities! From fishing and boating to skiing, crabbing, and simply lounging on the beach, there are plenty of fun things to do. Dolphin tours, scuba diving, and sailing are all top-rated, and plenty of other attractions and activities are offered outside the beach and Gulf.
4. The Public Education System in Navarre gets Excellent Grades
There are only 12 public schools in Navarre, and while one or two get low grades, the rest are rated highly. It’s worth noting that, if you have children in school, it would make sense to seek out a community in Navarre that’s attached to one of the better schools.
5. Navarre’s Job Market is Strong and Growing
Navarre is projected to see a 34.4% increase in jobs in the next 12 months, considerably higher than the national forecast. Also, the unemployment rate is 3.7%, significantly lower than the US average of 6%.
6. Dining Out in Navarre is a Genuine Treat
The dining scene in Navarre can be summed up in one word: delightful! You’ll find a mix of local flavors as well as international cuisines and, if you’re a seafood lover, daily fresh catches direct from the Gulf of Mexico! Some local favorites that should be noticed are Gulf shrimp, oysters, and grouper. From local eateries that will serve you right on the beach to more refined dining, Navarre is a great place to stuff your face!
7. Navarre has Fun, Family-Focused Nightlife
While Navarre doesn’t have the bustling nightlife of larger Florida cities, it does favor quality over quantity. You’ll find a nice selection of cozy bars and pubs where you can unwind after dark. Several beachfront spots also offer a mesmerizing backdrop while sipping a cocktail and listening to local tunes.
8. The Weather in Navarre, while not perfect, is Pretty Close
Spring, fall, and winter are excellent in Navarre, with lots of sun and less humidity. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that, in summertime, the weather gets extremely hot and humid.
The Cons of Living in Navarre
1. Navarre Sees Occasional Extreme Weather
Situated on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s not surprising that Navarre is hit by the occasional hurricane. Thunderstorms can also be quite fierce in this part of Florida, although they tend to pass by quickly.
2. The Winter Tourists Crowds can be Frustrating
What do you get when you combine beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather, and fun activities? Answer: There are a lot of snowbirds. As you can imagine, this can make things hectic regarding getting around, shopping, and finding a quiet spot on the beach. However, it’s also a boon for local businesses, especially those connected to tourists.
3. Public Transportation in Navarre is Limited
There’s no denying Navarre has limited public transportation options. What this means for most is that if you’re going to live here, you’ll need a reliable vehicle.
4. Commuting Might be Necessary for Some Professions
Even though the job market is strong in Navarre, your opportunities might be limited if you’re in a specialized field or profession. The good news is that Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach are nearby and offer a much wider variety of job opportunities.
The 4 Best Beaches in Navarre
- Navarre Beach: The titular beach in Navarre is praised for its serene beauty and miles of unspoiled sand.
- Opal Beach: Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Opal Beach is celebrated for its pristine conditions and secluded beach experience.
- Navarre Beach Marine Park: This park is a hub for conservation and education, making it an excellent spot for families interested in learning about marine life while enjoying the beach offers.
- East Bay River Beach: This charming beach is a hidden gem for those who want an alternative to the Gulf’s constant waves.
Top Restaurants in Navarre
- The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar: Creative, delicious, affordable sushi in a fun atmosphere? Yes, please!
- Dewey Destin’s Navarre: It doesn’t get much fresher than the seafood served at Dewey Destin’s in Navarre. Plus, the views of Navarre Sound are spectacular!
- Alphy’s Catfish House: If you enjoy catfish and grits, Alphy’s will be your favorite place to eat in Navarre!
- Bella Luna Italian Bistro: This bistro is a local favorite because it serves authentic Italian food made with fresh, locally grown ingredients.
- Juana’s Pagodas & Sailor’s Grill: The food here is excellent, and the beachfront location, especially at sunset, is superb.
- Windjammers on the Pier: This restaurant on Navarre Beach Pier offers spectacular ocean views and delicious seafood, making it a must-visit!
- Cactus Flower Cafe: Cactus Flower offers innovative (and delicious) Mexican cuisine with a California flair.
Final Thoughts about the Pros and Cons of Navarre, Florida
As we’ve seen, there are more pros to living in Navarre, Florida, than cons. The town receives rave reviews from residents and visitors alike. If you’ve just arrived and need to store your belongings while you search for a new home, Move It Storage can help. Our clean, affordable storage units in Navarre will ensure your things stay in pristine condition.
Of course, if you’ve lived here your whole life and need extra storage space, Move It can also help you. That goes for business owners who need extra storage for tools, equipment and overstock, also. (Boat owners, too!) Reserve a storage unit in Navarre today, and let Move It keep your stuff safe. Until then, we wish you a fun and memorable visit to our favorite Florida beach town, Navarre!