Moving to Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin is one of the largest Air Force installations by land area and focuses on testing and developing air-delivered weapons, home to the 96th Test Wing and the 33rd Fighter Wing. It sits on the Emerald Coast, with white-sand beaches, boating and fishing nearby.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Valparaiso / Niceville / Fort Walton Beach, FL |
| Airports | Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) nearby; Pensacola International (PNS) ~60 mi |
| Climate | Hot humid summers, mild winters, hurricane season June-November. |
| Cost of living | Above the US average, especially in Destin and beachfront areas. |
| On-base housing | The Mayroad (privatized family housing) |
| Medical care | 96th Medical Group (Eglin Hospital), 307 Boatner Road |
| Family support center | Airman & Family Readiness Center, 502 West Van Matre Avenue, Bldg 205 |
Where families live
Niceville / Valparaiso
Quiet, family-oriented communities next to the base with good reputations for schools.
Fort Walton Beach
Beach-town housing with a range of prices and many shops and restaurants.
Crestview
More affordable and newer subdivisions for families who accept a longer commute.
Destin
Tourist-heavy area with high prices, popular for the lifestyle.
DeFuniak Springs
Small-town option with lower housing costs.
Schools
Eglin has no DoDEA schools; military children attend Okaloosa County School District schools (or Walton County for DeFuniak Springs) based on address. The School Liaison Office can help with enrollment and transitions.
- Okaloosa County School District — Main district for Eglin, Niceville, Valparaiso and Fort Walton Beach; has a Military Families page.
Eglin School Liaison Office, 310 West Van Matre Avenue, Bldg 210 (850-882-4319; eglin96fss.com/slo)
Things to do near Eglin Air Force Base
- Gulf beaches near DestinoutdoorsSugar-white beaches and clear water within a short drive.
- Grayton Beach State ParkoutdoorsState park beach and dune trails to the east.
- DeFuniak LakeoutdoorsNearly circular spring-fed lake in a historic town.
- Pensacoladay-tripArts, shopping and museums about an hour west.
- Destin CommonsfamilyShopping and dining center in Destin.
- Camping and hiking in Eglin's forestsoutdoorsLarge wooded reservation with recreation access for service members.
- Gulf seafood restaurantsfoodFresh local seafood throughout the Emerald Coast.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Florida Department of Veterans' AffairsState agency for veteran benefits, Hope Florida navigators and employment resources.
- Eglin Airman & Family Readiness CenterRelocation help, spouse employment and family programs.
PCS tips for Eglin Air Force Base
- Contact the Military Housing Office as soon as you have orders; neighborhoods are split by rank.
- Hurricane preparedness matters; have an evacuation plan before the June-November season.
- Beach-season traffic on US-98 and the bridges can double commute times in summer.
- Good Gulf-side housing fills quickly during summer PCS season, so start early.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Southeast
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.
Sources
- https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-life/the-complete-base-guide-to-eglin-air-force-base/
- https://myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil/Benefit-Library/Resource-Locator/Florida
- https://www.health.mil/Education-and-Training/DHA-GME/Institutions/Eglin
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Units/Eglin/
- https://www.okaloosaschools.com
- https://www.floridavets.org