Still a great place to live
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7/24/2019
I moved to Destin in 1987 when there was no development in the eastern part of town, only trees, beaches and a two lane road. I worked as a Sheriff's Deputy for over 30 years and have lived in the same house in Destin for as long. This place was a dream to live in 30 years ago and it's still a great place to be. Low crime rate with only minor property crimes and one homicide every two or three years (very rare) and usually domestic related. Prices here are reasonable for essentials but housing has gone through the roof. I bought my house for $65,000 30 years ago and they just built three down the street that have just sold for half a million now. If you love the beach, golfing, fishing and boating then this is your place to be. There are bike paths along the beach roads and nice jogging paths. The main road going east (Hwy 98) is being developed into six lanes and traffic is miserable. I mean bumper to bumper in the summer. The winter and fall not so much. Remember this is a tourist town and one of the most visited places in Florida besides Orlando and Tampa because of the white powdery beaches and emerald water. I do enjoy living here as the neighbors I have are great people and I can use the back roads to get to where I need to go during the summer. It's just getting more crowded every year it seems. My only other drawback for this place is you have to be ready for hurricanes. I have lived through many and it's never fun. They are devastating, just ask the folks in Mexico Beach, Florida last year (2018). I have a travel trailer now as an insurance policy in case I need to leave and have somewhere to live with my pets. I am considering a move with the money I can cash in on my home and look for a less crowded spot with lower humidity to enjoy the rest of my retirement years. I would also suggest looking at other websites like Citi-data.com to research details like population size, housing, ect. Good luck and happy trails to those looking for greener pastures!
UPDATE: 5/28/20 - I just moved to Henderson, Nevada! Love the area and got a deal on a nice home with a beautiful landscaped yard and pool. Quite neighborhood and a short drive to the Vegas strip or Lake Mead. Great location and enjoying my new home. Sorry Destin, but needed a little more space and saving a lot more money from my homeowners insurance which is only 600 a year here as compared to $3,700 in my old Destin home. Missing my friends back in Florida but I'm sure they will want to come visit!
Ron | Henderson, NV