Congratulations are in order to Baker School in Baker, Florida and Laurel Hill School in Laurel Hill, Florida for placing in the U.S. News & World Report's "Top 1000 Schools" in the United States. Both of these schools, located in Okaloosa County, were chosen after U.S. News & World Report studied the academic and enrollment data from more than 18,000 public high schools. The high school programs at Baker School and Laurel Hill School were praised for their students' preparation for college and readiness for facing life in the "real world".
Okaloosa County residents have long been aware of the quality education that our public school system offers our children. Not only did Fitch Ratings give the Okaloosa County School system an A+ for having ample reserves and low debt burden, but our schools boast some impressive rankings and awards of their own.
In addition to the schools mentioned above, in the Niceville, Florida area all of the schools from K-12 are A+ recipients from the Florida Department of Education. Niceville high school is also a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and is ranked #22 amongst Florida high schools. The OWC Collegiate School in Niceville, Florida is ranked # 3 in the State of Florida, and is also a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Fort Walton Beach High School, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is ranked # 33 and Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach is ranked # 53. Crestview High School is ranked at # 69. That means that in the Tri-city area of Niceville Florida, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Crestview, Florida our high school programs are in the Top 100 schools in the State of Florida!
A big "Thank You" is in order to everyone associated with the Okaloosa County School District, but most especially to the educators who have dedicated their lives to ensuring our children are educated in such a fine public school system.
There are many other elementary and middle schools in Okaloosa County that received an A+ rating. To rank your Florida school, visit School Digger .
Are you wondering how Niceville Florida real estate fared for 2007? Below is a market analysis of homes sold in Niceville, Florida by area. If you are ready to sell your home, this will give you a good idea of what you can expect your house to sell for in your area. If you are interested in purchasing a home, this market analysis will give you an idea of which areas of Niceville Florida best fit your budget. Of course real estate prices change often, so for a complete assessment of your real estate situation, please contact me at (850) 543-8617 or visit my website at www.thinkbeth.com .
Niceville Real Estate
Market Analysis of Sales by Area - 2007
Valparaiso North and South of Tom's Bayou
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $113,000 | $555,000 | $206,621 | $135.21 |
Total Averages | $113,000 | $550,000 | $206,621 | $135.21 |
Niceville North
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $74,000 | $235,000 | $173,129 | $131.33 |
Total Averages | $74,000 | $235,000 | $173,129 | $131.33 |
Niceville South Of I-20
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $120,000 | $1,350,000 | $318,007 | $146.17 |
Total Averages | $120,000 | $1,350,000 | $318,007 | $146.17 |
Rocky Bayou Area
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
Total Averages | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
Bluewater Bay Area
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $162,449 | $265,000 | $221,202 | $144.81 |
Total Averages | $162,449 | $265,000 | $221,202 | $144.81 |
Seminole, Villa Tasso, Choctaw Beach
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $129,116 | $300,000 | $227,056 | $134.76 |
Total Averages | $129,116 | $300,000 | $227,056 | $134.76 |
Located in the heart of Niceville, Florida is a very popular series of neighborhoods collectively called The Rocky Bayou area. So named because of it's close proximity to Rocky Bayou, which is a basin bayou that leads out to Choctawhatchee Bay. For anyone looking to purchase real estate in the $250,000 range on up, this is an area of Niceville, Florida that you should consider.
Some of the subdivision's like Huntington and Edgewater are situated directly on beautiful Rocky Bayou which opens out to Choctawhatchee Bay.
Other subdivisions, like Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates, are located on or near the eighteen hole Rocky Bayou Golf Course at the Rocky Bayou Country Club facility.
There are still other subdivisions located on or near Lakes Amick, Henderson, Kenny, Phelps, and Werk. These lakes offer fishing and boating (no gasoline engines, or swimming). The Rocky Bayou area is situated across the bayou from Fred Gannon State Park , which I think has one of the best public boat launches in the area, as well as fantastic camping facilities.
Some of the subdivisions have mandatory Homeowners Association dues (i.e. Rocky Bayou Owner's Association dues are 110/year), some have no fees, and some have fees which are voluntary. There is also a privately owned limited use airstrip located in Rocky Bayou Estates, as well as a horse stable.
All in all, this area offers everything that a family could want. Easy access to Rocky Bayou for boating, kayaking, salt water fishing, and swimming; Golf; freshwater fishing; Country Club facilities - which include a restaurant, tennis facilities, and a pool; horse stables; and a small aircraft strip. The Rocky Bayou area is also very close to the Mid-Bay Bridge, which crosses over Choctawhatchee bay and connects Niceville with the beachesand shopping of Destin, Florida.
Now is the time to SELL or BUY in this area. If you compare the tables below you can see that after a dip in housing prices in 2007, the area is experiencing an increase in values. If the beginning of 2008 is any indicator, the Rocky Bayou area will regain ground lost in the declining market of 2007. There is no doubt, the Rocky Bayou area offers value. Value in the amenities it offers your family, and value as a real estate investment.
01/01/06 - 12/31/06
Cumulative Analysis*-Avg 63 houses sold in Rocky Bayou area.
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $229,000 | $565,000 | $419,903 | $170.70 |
Total Averages | $229,000 | $565,000 | $419,903 | $170.70 |
1/01/2007 - 12/31/2007
Cumulative Analysis*-Avg 44 houses sold in Rocky Bayou area.
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Sold | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
Total Averages | $219,900 | $765,000 | $410,702 | $156.27 |
01/01/2008 - 01/14/08
Cumulative Analysis*
Listing Category | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price | Avg. Price/SqFt |
Contingent | $366,900 | $366,900 | $366,900 | $166.32 |
Pended | $249,900 | $849,000 | $548,386 | $176.80 |
Sold | $525,000 | $525,000 | $525,000 | $170.45 |
Total Averages | $249,900 | $849,000 | $525,622 | $174.93 |
*information compiled from Emerald Coast Association of Realtors MLS
Contact me at info@thinkbeth.comif you are interested in purchasing Real Estate in the Niceville, Florida area. It pays to work with a Realtor® who has the knowledge and skill to help you find the best value for your dollar.
Niceville, Florida is a community located in the Florida Panhandle of Northwest Florida. Sitting on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, it is located just across the Mid-Bay Bridge from Destin, Florida and is centrally located to Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Crestview, Florida. Eglin, AFB is also located in Niceville, and therefore we have a large proportion of Military Families who relocate to this area. The mild winters and close proximity to the shopping and beaches of Destin Florida, also make this area a popular real estate destination for second homeowners wishing to escape the harsh winters of their permanent residence. While there are many indoor and outdoor activities to recommend to anyone contemplating a move to the Niceville Florida area, I chose what I considered the top 4 Free things to do in Niceville. They are:
The Children's Park is located in the Civic Center Complex at 204 N. Partin Drive, across from Ruckel Middle School. This is a clean, safe place to take your children, and I highly recommend it. There are always park attendants available, but children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. I especially enjoy the many walkways throughout the park, and the shaded seating areas. There is also a picnic area with drink machines available. The bathrooms include changing tables and are located inside the park.
My children have especially enjoyed the sandboxes, bubble machine, slides, monkey bars, and diggers. But their favorite area is the seasonal Children's Spray Park that offers many water play features. It opens in May and closes around October. Park hours are:
JUNE 1 thru
SEPT 30
Tuesday thru Saturday: 8:30am to 1pm and
4pm to 8pm,
Sunday:
4pm to 8pm
OCTOBER 1 - 31
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 7pm
Sunday:
2pm to 7pm
NOV 1 - APR 30
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday:
1pm to 5:30pm
MAY 1 - 31
Tuesday thru Saturday:
8:30am to 7pm
Sunday:
2pm to 7pm
The Spray Park is open Tuesday thru Saturday: 10-1pm & 4-6pm and Sundays: 4-6pm
The Niceville Dog Park was constructed by the community of Niceville, FL in 2002. It has approximately 4 acres with plenty of shade trees and running space. It is located off Hwy 85 just north of the soccer/football fields. Just next to the area where they hold the annual Mullet Festival. Hours are from Dawn until 10pm. Bright lights automatically turn on at dusk. The park provides a water station with a continuous fresh supply for the dogs. People have donated disposal bags, chairs, frisbees, balls, and other toys for the dogs to play with. The only rule for the area is that everyone is expected to clean up their pets waste. The park is within driving distance of Crestview FL, Ft. Walton Beach FL, and Destin FL.
Turkey Creek is located at 340 John Sims Parkway in Niceville FL. My family has spent many hours floating down this lazy creek. There is a boardwalk that has many places to stop along the way and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife. There are markers along the way to identify vegetation. There are swimming holes and rest areas with benches. The boardwalk is 3/4 of a mile one way, with markers at the 1/4 mile points. Canoes, kayaks, and tubes are allowed. However, no gasoline engines.
The Turkey Creek Walkway is open from 6:30am till dark, seven days a week. The City of Niceville provides free rides for senior citizens and physically handicapped persons. Please contact Curt Barto at 850-642-7454 to schedule a visit or for more information about Turkey Creek Nature Trail and Pavilion. Security staff are on site to ensure a safe, fun environment for all to enjoy.
New Construction Specialist
I have been a Realtor in the Northwest Florida area since 2003. I am originally from the Birmingham, Alabama area, where I worked as an R.N. When I moved to the Florida Panhandle area I decided that a change in location was the perfect time to do something I have always loved...sell Real Estate. I went into nursing because I have a natural desire to help people. Real Estate was a natural transition for me because I am still able to help others, just in another capacity.
I specialize in New Construction in the Navarre, FL area. I work for Whitworth Builders, Inc. selling pre-sale and spec homes in Holley by the Sea Subdivision. I have the training and experience necessary to guide you through all phases of constructing your new home. Come by and see our model home located at 1824 Sunrise Drive in Holley by the Sea. You will easily see the value and workmanship placed in each Whitworth home. Model open daily from 12pm to 5pm.
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