About
This may sound cliché, but Niceville is a really nice place to live! In the late 1800s, Valparaiso and Niceville were lumped together as the town of “Boggy.” A few years later the town came to its senses and chose a more flattering name—Niceville. Some say the legendary gangster, Al Capone, had a hideout on the shores of Boggy Bayou, and when asked about its location he would call it “Niceville,” so the town adopted the moniker. And while the “Twin City” of Valparaiso separated from Niceville, the two communities are still tightly interwoven.
Proximity to Eglin AFB as well as Duke Field make Niceville a popular choice for military families. Niceville is located between Eglin AFB and the Choctawhatchee Bay and is just a bridge away from the area’s tourist and entertainment hub, Destin. The “bypass” or Spence Parkway makes commuting north to Duke Field (home of 7th Special Forces Group) easy—but be sure to invest in a SunPass to save on tolls.
Highly-rated schools, a small-town vibe, and breathtaking views are top reasons families, couples, and retirees choose to call Niceville home. Niceville is surrounded by water (with great fishing, boating, and watersports), and close to Emerald Coast beaches. Amenities that Niceville doesn’t have can easily be found in Destin. Parks, recreation centers, and even a skate park are lures for active kids, and the high school sports teams are some of the most competitive around! Go Eagles! There is an active arts community here, as well as a robust event calendar for festival-goers. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the area’s golf courses. Eglin Golf Course, Rocky Bayou Country Club, and Bluewater Bay all call Niceville home.
Neighbors
You’ll feel right at home amongst your military kin here, and most of your neighbors will be military-affiliated. Families love the area, as do hospitable locals and retirees. There’s a laid-back vibe in this coastal town, and the small-town charm is a source of pride for the community.
Neighborhood Feel
You’ll find well-maintained ranch and two-story homes throughout the area. New construction is available, but in high demand so you’ll pay dearly for it. The area is sandwiched between the water and Eglin AFB, so there’s no room for sprawl.
