Nicknamed “The Emerald Coast,” Destin has become a destination for many visiting Florida. This Gulf Coast city is known for many things including its deep sea fishing areas.
If you are looking to buy one home in destin, you’ll find that the median home sales price is $619,500, the median sales price per square foot is $439, and the housing market is somewhat competitive. and if you’re considering renting Apartments in DestinThe average rent price for a two bedroom apartment is $2,437.
If these prices are out of your budget, don’t worry. We have options to help you find a home. We’ve put together a list of the 8 best affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida to consider living in — and they’re all within a 45-minute drive from downtown. This way you can live near Destin and all of its great activities without the expense of owning a home or renting an apartment.
#1: Ocean City
Average home price: $290,000
Average selling price per sq ft: $242
Driving Distance from Destin: 20 minutes
Ocean City, FL homes for sale
Ocean City, FL Apartments for Rent
With a median home sale price of $290,000, Ocean City comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Destin suburbs. About a 20-minute drive from downtown Destin, Ocean City is home to approximately 6,300 people. If you’re considering visiting the area, be sure to play miniature golf, check out the shops and restaurants, or just enjoy the water views.
#2: Right
Average home price: $314,325
Average selling price per sq ft: $204
Driving Distance from Destin: 20 minutes
Wright, FL homes for sale
Wright, FL Apartments for Rent
The second best affordable suburb in Destin is Wright. About a 20-minute drive from downtown Destin, you can spend a day at one of Destin’s beaches just a quick drive away. Be sure to check out the quaint shops and local cafes as well. While living in this suburb of 26,300 people, you can also spend time exploring the charming city.
#3: Crestview
Average home price: $315,000
Average selling price per sq ft: $173
Driving Distance from Destin: 45 minutes
Crestview, FL Homes for Sale
Crestview, FL Apartments for Rent
Taking the third spot on our list of affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida is Crestview. Just 45 minutes from Destin, you’ll find that home prices are much less expensive. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to partake in while staying in Crestview. If you find yourself wandering here, take a trip to Twin Hills Park, located along the lake.
#4: Lorraine Lake
Average home price: $320,000
Average selling price per sq ft: $195
Driving Distance from Destin: 25 minutes
Lake Lorain, FL homes for sale
Lake Lorain, FL Apartments for Rent
Slightly more expensive than Crestview is the suburb of Lake Lorain. There are several top attractions you can visit in the Destin suburb. So be sure to visit one of the parks, golf, or take a boat ride.
#5: Fort Walton Beach
Average home price: $345,000
Average selling price per sq ft: $225
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,850
Driving Distance from Destin: 15 minutes
Fort Walton Beach, FL homes for sale
Fort Walton Beach, FL Apartments to Rent
About a 15-minute drive into the city, consider adding Fort Walton Beach to your list of Destin, Florida’s suburbs. With 20,900 residents, moving to this affordable suburb can get you close enough to Destin without paying a premium to own a home there. While in Fort Walton Beach, you can spend the day at one of the beachfront parks, explore the Emerald Coast Science Center, or visit nearby Okaloosa Island.
#6: Freeport
Average home price: $381,563
Average selling price per sq ft: $193
Driving Distance from Destin: 35 minutes
Freeport, FL Homes for Sale
Freeport, FL Apartments for Rent
Sixth on the list is Freeport, another well-known Destin suburb, where home prices are about $250K lower than in Destin. Freeport has approximately 5,900 residents and is a great suburb to consider living in. You’ll have easy access to the things that make this suburb unique, like fishing at the HB Pier.
#7: Navarre
Average home price: $385,000
Average selling price per sq ft: $207
Driving Distance from Destin: 30 minute
Navarre, FL homes for sale
Navarre, FL Apartments for Rent
Seventh on our list of affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida is Navarre, which is only a 30-minute drive to the city. With a population of around 40,800, you may be living in a small area, but there is no shortage of things to do in Navarre. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan time to golf, visit a wildlife refuge, spend a day at the beach, or grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants.
#8: Niceville
Average home price: $419,900
Average selling price per sq ft: $233
Driving Distance from Destin: 30 minute
Niceville, FL homes for sale
Niceville, FL Apartments for Rent
Last but not least is Niceville on our list of Destin, Florida’s most affordable suburbs. This affordable city is home to close to 15,800 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Destin’s population while staying close to downtown and its attractions. While in Niceville, be sure to explore the 20-acre Turkey Creek Park, dine along Boggy Bayou, or golf at one of the local courses.
modus operandi: Affordability is based on whether the suburb’s median home sales price or median sales price per square foot is less than Destin’s and is within a 45-minute drive from downtown Destin. median home sale price data Redfin Data Center During March 2023. average rental data rent.com Population data from March 2023. United States Census Bureau,
