A Guide To Destin: Florida Real Estate

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Destin is a popular tourist destination rife with clear, green waters and outdoor attractions on Florida’s panhandle. Real estate in Destin, Florida is also thriving – there are plenty of reasons for you to consider this locale for year-round living.

Destin might be the place for you if you want immediate access to the country’s best beaches, enjoy excellent weather all year, and rely on a dependable economy. Keep reading our guide to Destin, FL, real estate!

History And Background

Named after Captain Leonard Destin of New London in 1835, Destin was Florida’s premier fishing village. Nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin became a bustling resort destination in the late 1980s and an official municipality in 1984. Since then, Destin has expanded its recreational activities to include tennis, golf, diving, and snorkeling.

Today, Destin is a famous tourist destination and home to dozens of privately-owned vacation rentals. While it only has a population of about 14,000, Destin draws almost 4 million tourists looking to rent fishing charters and enjoy its pristine white-sand beaches yearly.

Gay Florida Panhandle Road Trip Guide

Top 5 Reasons You Should Move To Destin, Florida

If you’re looking into Destin as a permanent home, here are the top six reasons relocating might be a good idea!

It’s A Fishing Hotspot

Destin has been a premier fishing destination for nearly 150 years. Fishing populations in Destination are diverse. Avid anglers can get their hooks on tuna, grouper, snapper, wahoo, tarpon, and dozens of other species. There are many ways to access these fish species: party boat fishing, private deep sea charters, inshore fishing, or even fishing from the shore.

Competitive anglers can compete in the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which draws in over 30,000 participants every October. Not to mention, the event is free to the public!

The Beaches Are Stunning

Florida has always been famed for its picture-perfect beaches, but Destin attracts the most tourists on the Emerald Coast for a reason. Not only does Destin experience roughly 226 days of sun a year, but it also boasts white, crystal-like sand. Most tourists don’t know that its sand is naturally ground from quartz crystals from the historical Appalachian Mountains.

Fans of sea life can hop on a boat ramp in the morning for a first-of-the-day catch or go stargazing on an evening ride. Outdoor lovers will particularly love Crab Island, a sandbar just by the harbor where friends and couples can picnic.

If you’re looking for something more active to do in the water, options for paddleboarding, pontooning, and jet skiing are everywhere in Destin.

Plus, Destin weather is mild year-round, with January lows dropping to 40F and July temperatures hitting 90F. Destin only receives about 66 inches of rain per year.

It Has Many Dining And Nightlife Options

Destin is a melting pot of cultures with over 275 locally-owned restaurants across an impressive variety of cuisines. Plus, given its reputation as a sport fishing hotspot, expect Destin to have the best options for seafood.

Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer is known for its regional seafood specialties. The location itself is ambient and overlooks Destin’s most beautiful harbors. Its most popular dish is the steamed snow crab, lobster, and mussels platter.

Breakfast lovers won’t want to miss out on Crackings, which serves family-sized breakfasts and hosts live music events to accompany your meal.

After the sun sets, Destin also hosts its fair share of vibrant entertainment options. For live music and cold drinks, visit The Boathouse Oyster Bar – its 35-year-old gumbo recipe has stolen the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Alternatively, craft beer enthusiasts can get their fix at The Craft Bar, a gastropub that serves over 30 homemade craft beers on tap.

One challenge you may face is scrambling for room at these nightlife must-sees during peak tourist seasons. Make reservations and call ahead when possible.

Explore Scenic Highway 30A on the Florida Panhandle

Its Economy Is Diverse

While tourism is Destin’s primary driving force, being close to the Pensacola Naval Air Station has allowed the fishing town to maintain a diversified economy and variety of job opportunities. For example, budding pilots can train with the Blue Angels and kickstart their careers immediately.

Destin also provides many opportunities in the education, medical, and local government sectors, resulting in above-average income for its residents. Compared to the U.S. average of $31K annually, a typical Destin individual can make up to $40K yearly.

Tennis And Golf Enthusiasts Have A Lot Of Options

If you play golf or tennis, you’ll be pleased to know that Destin is home to eight top-ranking golf courses and a handful of world-class tennis facilities.

Avid golfers have access to 17 master-tier golf courses within just 20 miles of the town. The Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a Destin crowd favorite and ranks 4.5 stars on Golf Digest. The club spans more than 7,000 yards and also has a well-stocked pro shop.

Tennis fans can choose between three memberships: TOPS’L Tennis, Watercolor Tennis, and Destin Tennis Club. Those who play both sports should consider getting a membership at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which, incidentally, has its own tennis program.

It Has Excellent Retirement Options

Despite its small population, Destin is home to eight elderly communities and an additional six assisted living homes. It is also among the top 2% of places to retire in America – it has an above-average income and is a very safe place to live.

The Bottom Line

If you’re on the fence about where in Florida to relocate, Destin makes an excellent option for those who love spending time by the water, eating delicious seafood, and want to live in an LGBT-friendly community.

Are you looking for other places to retire in Florida? Check out our other relocation guides!

Top Beaches in the Florida Panhandle

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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