Moving to a new military installation involves much more than simply finding a place to sleep. Your choice of housing can directly impact your daily commute, budget, family routine, and overall quality of life throughout your entire tour of duty.
For service members arriving at Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach stands out as one of the most compelling options, especially for those wanting to combine a convenient location with an idyllic coastal lifestyle.
Mar-A-Sol Waterfront Residences, located at 480 Santa Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, offers one- and two-bedroom apartments and features special military discounts. The property is conveniently situated approximately 14.7 miles from Eglin AFB, with an estimated driving time of about 25 minutes.
✈️ Why Consider Fort Walton Beach?
Eglin Air Force Base is surrounded by several residential communities. The base itself notes that Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar are among the closest localities to its West Gate, while Niceville and Valparaiso sit near the East Gate.
Fort Walton Beach is exceptionally attractive for military personnel who want to live off-base without sacrificing proximity to their duty station.
Key Advantages Include:
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Relatively quick access to Eglin AFB.
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Close proximity to pristine beaches and outdoor recreation.
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Abundant restaurants, grocery stores, and daily conveniences.
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A diverse range of rental options.
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Year-round coastal living.
🏠 1. Determine Your Housing Needs First
Before you start touring properties, outline your baseline requirements:
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Do you need a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment?
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Are you moving solo, with a partner, or with family?
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Do you have pets?
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What parking options are available?
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Which amenities matter most to your daily routine?
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Do you want to live right by the beach?
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What is your target monthly budget?
Having these answers locked down makes your housing search much more efficient.
💰 2. Factor in Your Total Budget
Monthly rent is only one component of your housing expenses. Before signing a lease, factor in:
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Electricity and water utilities.
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Internet service.
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Renter’s insurance.
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Parking fees (if applicable).
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Upfront security deposits.
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Pet-related fees.
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Daily transportation and fuel costs.
It is always wise to compare the total cost of living off-base with the allowances and alternatives available on-base.
📍 3. Prioritize Your Commute Time
For military members, distance on a map doesn’t always equal actual drive time. Traffic patterns, the base gate you use, and rush hour schedules can significantly alter your daily trip.
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Check the exact route to your workplace.
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Confirm which gate you will routinely use.
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Test-drive the route during standard duty hours.
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Keep seasonal tourist traffic in mind.
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Evaluate how much time you want to spend commuting each day.
From Mar-A-Sol, official property insights place Eglin AFB at roughly a 25-minute drive.
🌴 4. Don’t Forget Your Quality of Life
A military assignment is also an opportunity to enjoy where you live. Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island offer easy access to beaches, water sports, restaurants, and outdoor parks.
For many service members and their families, returning from a demanding workday to a relaxed coastal environment can completely transform a PCS experience.
🏖️ 5. What Does Mar-A-Sol Offer Residents?
Mar-A-Sol pairs close proximity to the base with gorgeous waterfront living.
Community Amenities:
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Fitness center.
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Swimming pool.
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Sundeck.
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BBQ grills.
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Picnic areas.
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Bicycle storage.
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Laundry facilities.
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High-speed Wi-Fi.
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On-site maintenance and property management.
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Direct waterfront access.
These features make it easy to enjoy a relaxed, resort-style routine without sacrificing everyday domestic comfort.
🎖️ 6. Ask About Special Military Incentives
This step is crucial. Promotions and terms can shift, so always inquire about:
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Eligibility requirements.
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The duration of the discount.
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Required deposits.
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Lease terms and PCS-friendly clauses.
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Unit availability.
📋 7. Carefully Review Your Lease Agreement
A military move can bring sudden orders. Before signing, carefully review all lease conditions, paying close attention to:
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Lease duration.
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Early termination policies.
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Military clause protections for PCS or deployment.
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Security deposits.
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Maintenance responsibilities.
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Pet policies.
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Included utilities and parking regulations.
Official Eglin guidance encourages utilizing housing resources to vet community rental options safely.
📦 8. Start Early If You Are on a PCS Move
PCS moves require delicate coordination between housing, transport, work, and family.
The Eglin Military & Family Readiness Center offers relocation assistance before, during, and after arrival, including specialized newcomer resources. Furthermore, Eglin warns that temporary lodging can be tight during peak summer moving seasons, making early reservations essential. Start your housing search as early as possible.
👨👩👧 9. If You Are Moving with Family, Look Beyond the Apartment
For military families, location must be evaluated through the lens of everyone’s needs:
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Local schools and childcare facilities.
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Medical centers.
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Grocery stores and family parks.
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Commute times for working spouses.
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Extracurricular activities.
Fort Walton Beach strikes a wonderful balance between everyday family services and outdoor coastal recreation.
🐾 10. Verify Pet Rules Before You Apply
Not all properties share the same pet policies. Before committing, check on:
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Accepted pet types and weight limits.
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Deposits or monthly pet rent.
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Breed restrictions (if any).
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Maximum number of pets allowed.
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Designated relief areas and cleanup rules.
🌊 An Alternative for Those Wanting More Than Just Base Proximity
Finding housing near Eglin AFB doesn’t mean giving up the lifestyle you want to enjoy off duty. For service members seeking a seamless blend of convenience, waterfront living, and modern amenities, Fort Walton Beach offers an ideal balance.
At Mar-A-Sol, residents enjoy a pool, fitness center, sundeck, picnic spaces, and a stunning waterfront setting.
🎖️ Your Next Home Can Be Near Eglin AFB
Fort Walton Beach is an incredible alternative for military personnel who want to live close to Eglin Air Force Base while fully enjoying the Emerald Coast lifestyle.
Mar-A-Sol Waterfront Residences pairs that convenient location with one- and two-bedroom layouts, resort-style amenities, and a true waterfront atmosphere. Plus, the property invites members of the Armed Forces to inquire about its special military benefits.
👉 Contact Mar-A-Sol Waterfront Residences today to check current availability, ask about military specials, and schedule your private tour.
Make your next PCS the start of an amazing new chapter on the Emerald Coast.
