Firstly why Pensacola, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Pensacola
• State: Florida
• Population: 51,835 people
• Pensacola’s quick summary would be In Pensacola, the Blue Angels overhead are a regular summer thrill, and white-sand beaches bring in visitors year-round.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 11,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a coastal lifestyle and military presence attracting families and professionals

Perk #1: Pensacola Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,100
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Pensacola is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6900 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Pensacola’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,570
• Property Tax %: 0.86%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Pensacola
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Pensacola, Gulf-Breeze, Navarre, Pace, and probably could include Milton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Pensacola: 46 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Pensacola’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Pensacola are  Military, Tourism, and Healthcare
• Pensacola Job Scene: moderate job market focused on military and tourism
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily focused on military and aerospace industries , ,
• Pensacola Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Pensacola: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 18

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Pensacola

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-10 runs through Pensacola connecting it to other major cities
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening traffic jams on I-10
• Transportation Score: 39 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Pensacola: 62,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.2
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Pensacola: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 59 of 100
• Local Airport: Pensacola International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Pensacola’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Pensacola is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with occasional thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Pensacola i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Pensacola can be described as warm and humid with rain
• Summer’s in Pensacola are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Pensacola is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 81 days in summer
• Days in a row in Pensacola below Freezing: 1
• Average Annual Rainfall: 62 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by coastal breezes
• Pensacola Winter Air generally good air quality occasional pollution spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Pensacola Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Pensacola 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Pensacolas’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Pensacola Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Pensacola Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Pensacola only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Pensacola only Police Officers is about 240
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Pensacola’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Pensacola’s Monthly Gym Membership: $48
• Pensacola’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Pensacola

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: coastal city with a rich history and military presence
• You might enjoy live shows at the Saenger Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Pensacola  features a lively nightlife with beach bars restaurants and various cultural events by the water

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Pensacola

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features seafood restaurants and a mix of southern dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Pensacola
• The Popular Sports Team is Pensacola Blue Wahoos
• Top Level Political Climate in Pensacola can be described as conservative coastal city with military influences
• Pensacola’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Baptist Church of Pensacola

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Pensacola Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Pensacola has 25 Parks?
• Pensacola Beach is Pensacola’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Pensacola Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, sailing, and kayaking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Pensacola Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Pensacola can be described as laid-back urban lifestyle with a focus on beaches and history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Pensacola beach trips visiting local attractions community sports events
• The Cities people commute to from Pensacola are Mobile 65 miles away Fort-Walton-Beach 51 miles away Tallahassee 194 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Pensacola or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening traffic jams on I-10. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Pensacola’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Pensacola is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Pensacola are Mobile 65 miles away Fort-Walton-Beach 51 miles away Tallahassee 194 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Pensacola has 1 days in a row below freezing and 81 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Pensacola people have an average (positive or negative) $6900 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,000 homeless people living in Pensacola. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative coastal city with military influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Pensacola.

Retiree & Senior Life in Pensacola

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax exemptions assisting with homeownership costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Waterford at Creekside
• Pensacola Senior Center offers recreational activities health screenings and meal programs

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Pensacola, Florida?

If Pensacola, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Pensacola, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!