Travis Talley | March 12, 2025
Relocating as a military family comes with unique challenges, especially when moving to or from the Florida Gulf Coast. From tight timelines to searching for a home from afar, the process can be overwhelming. That’s why working with a realtor who understands military relocations is crucial to making your transition as smooth as possible. Our team at The Talley Group is experienced in handling military moves, ensuring that service members and their families can settle into their new homes with ease.
Why Military Families Choose the Florida Gulf Coast
The Florida Gulf Coast is home to several military bases, including NAS Pensacola, Eglin Air Force Base, and Hurlburt Field, making it a common relocation destination for service members and their families. The region offers numerous advantages that make it an ideal place to live:
Proximity to Bases – The Florida Gulf Coast has several military bases, reducing commute times and ensuring quick access to military facilities, commissaries, healthcare centers, and other essential services. This makes daily life easier for service members and their families, allowing them to focus on their duties while enjoying a comfortable home environment.
Great Schools & Family-Friendly Communities – The Gulf Coast is known for its top-rated schools, making it a fantastic place for military families with children. The availability of extracurricular programs, community support groups, and child-friendly amenities ensures a stable and nurturing environment. Additionally, military-friendly communities provide a welcoming atmosphere where families can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military life.
Tax Benefits & Incentives – Florida is a military-friendly state with significant financial benefits. There is no state income tax, which allows military families to save more of their earnings. Additionally, property tax exemptions are available for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, further enhancing financial stability.
Beautiful Coastal Living – One of the most appealing aspects of living in the Florida Gulf Coast is the stunning natural scenery. With white sandy beaches, warm weather, and outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and hiking, military families can enjoy a high quality of life when they’re off duty.
Buying vs. Renting: What’s Best for You?
One of the biggest decisions when relocating is whether to buy or rent. Military families have unique considerations due to the potential for frequent moves. Here are some factors to consider:
Buying a Home
Long-Term Investment – If you plan to stay for more than three years, buying may be the smarter financial move, allowing you to build equity over time.
VA Loan Benefits – Military families can take advantage of VA loans, which require no down payment and offer lower interest rates compared to conventional loans. This makes homeownership more accessible and affordable.
Building Equity – Instead of paying rent, owning a home allows you to invest in property value growth over the years. When it’s time to move, you can rent out your home for additional income or sell it for a profit.
Renting a Home
Flexibility – If you anticipate another PCS (Permanent Change of Station) soon, renting might be the better option to avoid the hassle of selling your home later.
Lower Upfront Costs – Renting requires fewer initial costs, making it a practical choice if you prefer to allocate your finances elsewhere.
Less Responsibility – Home maintenance and repairs are typically handled by landlords, saving you time and effort during your stay.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families
Finding the right neighborhood is key to a smooth transition. Military families prioritize safety, school quality, and proximity to base when choosing where to live. Here are some of the top military-friendly areas:
Pensacola – Ideal for those stationed at NAS Pensacola, offering affordable housing, strong military support, and excellent schools. The area has a mix of historic homes and new developments, providing options for various budgets.
Navarre – A quiet, family-friendly community close to Hurlburt Field, featuring top-rated schools, beautiful beaches, and a slower pace of life.
Fort Walton Beach – A popular choice for Eglin AFB families, with a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. The area has a vibrant community with frequent military-oriented events and activities.
Destin – A great option for families who love coastal living near Eglin AFB. It offers upscale housing, breathtaking beaches, and a resort-like atmosphere.
Panama City – Convenient for service members stationed at Tyndall AFB, with a growing housing market and a strong sense of community.
Understanding VA Loans & Military Homebuyer Benefits
VA loans offer unique advantages to military families and veterans. These government-backed loans make homeownership easier and more affordable. Here’s what you need to know:
No Down Payment – Unlike conventional loans, VA loans require no down payment, making it easier for military families to purchase homes.
Lower Interest Rates – VA loans typically offer competitive interest rates, which can save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – Since VA loans don’t require PMI, monthly mortgage payments are lower compared to conventional loans.
Flexible Credit Requirements – VA loans are more lenient with credit scores, allowing more service members to qualify.
Schooling & Childcare for Military Families
Education and childcare are top priorities for relocating families. The Florida Gulf Coast offers excellent resources to support military children’s unique needs:
Military-Friendly Schools – Many schools have military liaisons, transition programs, and support services to help children adjust.
DoDEA Schools – Some bases have Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, which follow a curriculum tailored to military families.
Free & Discounted Childcare – On-base childcare centers provide affordable options, and many off-base providers offer discounts for military families.
PCS Checklist: What You Need to Do Before Moving
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) requires careful planning. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on track:
Contact Your Base Housing Office – They can provide guidance on on-base and off-base housing options.
Research the Local Market – Work with a military relocation specialist to find the best housing options.
Plan for Temporary Lodging – Book a hotel or temporary housing in advance.
Transfer Important Documents – Gather school records, medical documents, and financial paperwork.
Update Your Address – Notify banks, insurance providers, and the USPS about your move.
Why Working with a Military-Experienced Realtor Matters
A real estate team with military relocation experience understands these unique challenges and provides tailored solutions. Here’s how an experienced realtor can help:
Virtual Home Tours & Remote Assistance – Since many military families must make housing decisions from a distance, we offer detailed video walkthroughs and live virtual showings. These allow families to get a realistic view of potential homes, ask questions in real time, and make informed decisions without the need for immediate travel.
Knowledge of VA Loans & Military Housing Benefits – VA loans offer incredible benefits, but they also come with specific requirements. Our team has extensive knowledge of VA loan qualifications, appraisal guidelines, and the funding process, ensuring a smooth and efficient home purchase for military families.
Understanding of PCS Timelines – Military moves operate on strict timelines, and missing deadlines can cause complications. We work proactively to ensure that every step of the home-buying or selling process aligns with your PCS schedule, allowing for a seamless transition between duty stations.
Local Market Expertise – Not all neighborhoods are created equal when it comes to military relocation. We have in-depth knowledge of the best areas for military families, considering factors such as proximity to bases, school ratings, safety, and community resources.
Personal Connection to the Military – Some of our team members have direct military affiliations, including a retired military spouse, giving us firsthand knowledge of the relocation process. This personal connection allows us to provide a level of service that goes beyond just real estate transactions—we genuinely understand the lifestyle and challenges that come with military moves.
How The Talley Group Has Helped Military Families
Over the years, we have successfully assisted numerous military families with buying and selling homes in the Florida Gulf Coast. Our team has worked with service members from all branches of the military, helping them navigate complex relocations with minimal stress. Whether it’s finding the perfect home near base, securing the best financing options, or handling the logistics of a long-distance move, our expertise ensures a stress-free experience.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to buy a home with a VA loan?
A: On average, 30-45 days. Having a military relocation expert helps speed up the process.
Q: Can I use my BAH to cover rent or mortgage?
A: Yes! BAH can be used for housing expenses, and rates vary by rank and location.
Q: Are there any military-specific home-buying grants?
A: Yes! Programs like Homes for Heroes and Military Housing Assistance Fund offer financial help.
Q: What’s the best way to find a military-friendly real estate agent?
A: Work with an agent who is a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certified.
