Yes, if you love fish! Destin Florida is tagged as the world’s luckiest fishing village, and residents take pride in this legacy. Aside from the abundance of fish, Destin Florida is an excellent place to live.
In this article, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in Desitin, Florida. I will also answer some FAQs that people like you are asking. If this is what you’ve been looking for, then let’s ride!
Life in Destin, Florida
Destin is an age-long paradise that has served as a playground for families. Life in Destin is primarily slow-paced, relaxed, and friendly. The city has the most beautiful scenery with luxurious accommodations for anyone intending to live there.
Residents are particularly inspired by the emerald green waters and white beaches. History shows that Destin has been in existence since the seventh century. Shocking, right?
Its history can be traced to Leonard Destin, a Connecticut, New London fisherman who relocated to Northwest Florida. There’s even more – artifacts reveal that native Americans had lived there for a long time in the past.
Throughout those years, they survived on seafood, courtesy of abundant water. An urban feeling comes with living in Destin; residents even own their homes. To date, the beauty of this city on the Gulf of Florida teems with beaches that attract tourist activities.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Destin, Florida
| Pros of Living in Destin, Florida | Cons of Living in Destin, Florida |
| Beautiful Scenery | High Risk of Hurricanes |
| Truckload of Activities to Explore | Very Little Population |
| Great Education | Tremendous Traffic |
| Poverty Rate is Low | Heavy Storms |
| Affordable Cost of Living | Dreary Weather |
Pros of Living in Destin Florida
1. Beautiful Scenery
Destin, Florida always calls out to whoever loves to view the best scenes. From state parks to water views to resorts and beaches. It’s a wonder! Where to get the best views? Here’s a short list:
- Henderson Beach State Park
- Lucky Sun Beach
- Destin Waterview
2. Truckload of Opportunities to Explore
Instead of just staring, you can also do something while at it. Destin scenic destinations also offer a truckload of activities to engage in. That way, tourists don’t get bored exploring. Here are some activities you can always look forward to
- Take a walk on Destin Harbor Boardwalk
- Learn History at Destin History & Fishing Museum
- Take sand castle lessons with Beach Sand Sculptures
- Go snorkeling at Flipper’s Adventures
3. Great Education
There are top-rated schools in Destin to enroll your kids at. According to greatschools.org, the city has 14 preschools, 2 public district schools, 5 elementary schools, and 1 middle school.
These schools are top-rated based on academic performance and equity rating. Destin also has the 10 best universities and colleges you can explore if you need a great college.
4. Poverty Rate is Low
According to World Population Review, Destin, Florida’s poverty rate is 9.6%. The average income for every household is about $104,472. This is a very commendable rate when you compare it to the national poverty rate.
5. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared with other major Florida cities, you’ll enjoy living in Destin. The total cost you’ll be spending as a single person for necessities (housing, healthcare, transportation, and food) is about $38,600 per year.
A significant part of the money goes to housing. However, you can consider renting to own your home, at least until you save enough money.
6. Destin, Florida is Diverse
According to US Data, Destin has 5 large ethnic groups. That’s a lot for such a small city if you ask me. These 5 large ethnic groups are broken down thus:
- White (Non-Hispanic) – 83%
- Other (Hispanic) – 5.42%
- White (Hispanic) – 3.63%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) – 2.39%
7. Vibrant Nightlife
If you love to party, Destin, Florida will serve you well! Destin harbor comes alive the moment the heat of the sun goes down. You’ll get to enjoy live music and dancing in abundance.
Your best bet will be the Boathouse Oyster Bar, the Red Door Saloon, and AJ’s Club. Calm bars and restaurants are still available at night if you love the quieter nightlife.
8. Winter is Cozy in Destin
Winter is often recommended as the best time to visit Destin. This is definitely because of the pleasantness and mildness of the weather.
During winter, you’ll have an average high temperature of 62 – 64°F. The environment is also less crowded in the winter. Even more, bills are reduced by up to 65% during the off-season.
What a time to save more!
9. Plenteous Eating Spots
Do you love food? Destin is a perfect spot for seafood and all kinds of cuisine. Some of the popular dinings and restaurants include
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- Ruth’s Steak House
- Bijoux
- Lulu’s
- Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer
10. Wide Fishing Opportunities
Since Destin is famous for its fish, it’ll be impossible not to find a range of spots to fish. You’ll find the species in the city: redfish, snappers, tarpon, groupers, billfish, and cobia. Here are some places to fish:
- Power Ranger Charters
- Apex Charter and Rental
- Cinnsational Saltwater Fishing
- Destin Inshore Gulf & Offshore Fishing Charters
Cons of Living in Destin Florida
1. High Risk of Hurricane
According to Homefacts, Destin has experienced 58 hurricanes since 1930. The largest occurred in 1985 — the Kate Hurricane. The most recent occurred in 2010. Being a high-risk zone, you can take precautionary measures if you must live there.
2. Very Low Population
If you like the laid-back life, you may not mind. In contrast, it may be a problem for people who love to see numbers. According to the World Population Review, Destin, Florida has a population of 14,257. Do you think it’s too small?
3. Tremendous Traffic
This is weird since there’s only a small population in Destin. However, it shows that the expanse of land on which Destin, Florida lies is small. You’ll experience the most traffic when the tourists are around in the summer. Far from that, it’s tolerable.
4. Heavy Storms
Cities with a high risk of hurricanes are also prone to heavy storms. While Destin may not experience yearly hurricanes, heavy storms may take that place.
5. Dreary Weather
This con is courtesy of the storms. Destin runs the risk of having gloomy weather that almost leaves its residents depressed when it’s not winter. However, this doesn’t last too long to cause an alarm.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that the job is half done when one has enough data! In the same vein, I hope this article gives you all the information you need on whether or not Destin, Florida is an excellent place to live. Happy deciding!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Destin or Panama City Better?
What are your preferences? Destin is for you if you want a good life — going fishing, enjoying seafood, and vibrant nightlife. If you still want a good life, but this time with a calmer environment, picturesque waterfront lodgings, and child-friendly activities, Panama City Beach is your bet.
Why’s Destin Water so Blue?
It’s easy to conclude that the water is turquoise or blue, especially when you look down from an airplane, but it’s not always blue.
Have you noticed that sometimes it becomes emerald green and even brown or discolored? It shows that the seasons can influence the color of the beach. However, the water is not blue. It’s only a reflection of the unabsorbed molecules in the ocean.
Choctawhatchee Bay also helps preserve the Emerald Coast’s color in Destin, Florida. The deposits from River basins come with nutrients that spur algae (phytoplankton) growth, hence mixing with the ocean. When light enhances this reaction, it gives it a green color.
The water can also become brown due to the decay of organic materials in the water. It causes brackish water.
Which is nicer, Pensacola or Destin?
They’re pretty much the same. However, you’ll get a more natural feel in Pensacola, especially because its beaches are still undeveloped and less crowded.
What is the clearest water beach in Florida?
Destin, Florida is actually. The Choctawhatchee serves to filter the darker sediments of the water and leave clearer waters upward to Destin beach.
Can you drink alcohol on Destin, FL beaches?
Yes, you can. However, the reverse is the case in the state parks. Glass bottles are not allowed, and underage drinking is not lawful.
Where is the pink sand beach in Florida?
The pink sand beach is on Harbor Island. Since Florida is a top destination for tourists, you’ll always find several awe-inspiring places to view nature. Considering the number of tourists coming into Florida yearly, significant developments are still being made to attract more guests.
