Navarre Beach, FL - Real Estate & Market Data
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Barrier island between Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound |
| Island Length | 4 miles |
| Median Home Price (October 2025) | $865,000 (up 38.4% YoY) |
| Price per Square Foot | $569 (up 12.6% YoY) |
| Average Days on Market | 184 days (October 2025) |
| Homes Sold (October 2025) | 7 homes |
| Market Competitiveness | Not very competitive (slower sales pace) |
| Protected Land | Gulf Islands National Seashore (undeveloped portions) |
| Flood Risk | 99% of properties at severe flood risk (30-year projection) |
| Wind Risk | 100% extreme wind event risk (hurricanes) |
| Nickname | "Florida's Most Relaxing Place" |
Sources: Redfin (October 2025), First Street Foundation, Gulf Islands National Seashore
What is the median home price on Navarre Beach?
$865,000 as of October 2025 (Redfin), representing a 38.4% increase from October 2024.
Recent Price Trends:
April 2025: Median $740,000
November 2025: Median list price $948,000
Price per square foot: $569 (up 12.6% YoY)
Important: Navarre Beach prices are significantly higher than mainland Navarre (median $375,000). This reflects the premium for direct Gulf or Sound access.
Market Overview
Navarre Beach is a 4-mile barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound. Known as "Florida's Most Relaxing Place," it offers pristine white sand beaches with less development and tourism than nearby Destin or Pensacola Beach.
Current Market Status (Fall 2025):
Not very competitive - slower sales pace, longer days on market
Average 184 days on market (vs 150 days in 2024)
7 homes sold in October 2025 (down from 8 in October 2024)
Buyers have more negotiating power
Well-priced homes still sell, especially $400K-$700K range (mainland Navarre)
What Makes Navarre Beach Unique:
Undeveloped National Seashore protection - No commercial development on significant portions
Less crowded than Destin/Fort Walton Beach
12,000-foot fishing pier (Florida's longest)
Small-town beach atmosphere
Mix of single-family homes and condominiums
Popular for vacation rentals and second homes
Property Types
Gulf-Front Condominiums
Navarre Beach is predominantly condominiums. Major complexes include:
Premium High-Rise Complexes:
Summerwind Resort - 3 buildings, 450 ft beachfront, 3 pools (1 heated), 3 hot tubs, gym, security
Caribbean Resort - 19-story Gulf-front, recently refurbished, pools, hot tubs, tennis
Beach Colony Resort - Largest pool on Navarre Beach, newest addition, 1,500-2,000 sq ft units
Navarre Towers - Gulf-front, 2BR/2BA units (~1,360 sq ft)
Belle Mer - 2-5 bedroom units, upscale features
The Pearl of Navarre Beach - Premium units
Mid-Rise/Low-Rise Complexes:
Sundunes - 9 floors, moderately priced, next to Marine Park & Turtle Sanctuary
Gulf Island - 3-story buildings, 12 units each, surrounded by National Seashore
Emerald Surf
Navarre Beach Regency
Sound-Side Complexes:
Sunset Harbor Palms - Santa Rosa Sound views, quieter, more affordable
Typical Condo Specifications:
1-3 bedrooms
2-3 bathrooms
800-2,000+ sq ft
Gulf or Sound views
Sold furnished (turnkey for rentals)
Pool, hot tub, beach access, parking
Single-Family Homes
Limited inventory of single-family Gulf-front or Sound-front homes.
Typical Features:
3-5 bedrooms
Custom-built elevated coastal designs
Metal roofs (hurricane rated)
Large decks with Gulf/Sound views
Many used as vacation rentals
No HOA fees common
Flood insurance required
Recent Listing Examples:
4BR/3BA Gulf-front: Recent updates, new roof, deck, windows, $800K+ range
Elevated homes with dual Gulf & Sound views
Strong rental income potential ($66K-$76K annually projected for STRs)
Major Condominium Complexes
| Complex | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Summerwind Resort | Gulf-front, 3 buildings | 450' beachfront, 3 pools, gym, next to pier |
| Caribbean Resort | 19-story Gulf-front | Recently refurbished, tennis, pools, beach walkover |
| Beach Colony Resort | Gulf-front | Largest pool, newest, luxury finishes, 1,500-2,000 sq ft |
| Navarre Towers | Gulf-front high-rise | 2BR/2BA (~1,360 sq ft), floor-to-ceiling windows |
| Gulf Island | Low-rise (3 stories) | 12 units per building, National Seashore location |
| Sunset Harbor Palms | Sound-front | More affordable, Sound views, quieter |
Vacation Rental Investment Potential
Strong Short-Term Rental Market:
Year-round tourism (especially March-August peak)
Navarre Beach less crowded than Destin = repeat visitors
Proximity to military bases = family reunions, graduations
Projected Rental Income (varies by unit/location):
Gulf-front 2BR/2BA: $64,000-$65,000 annually (verified historical data from listings)
Gulf-front 3BR/3BA: $66,000-$76,650 annually
Sound-front units: Lower but still profitable
Investment Considerations:
Flood insurance required (expensive on barrier island)
Wind insurance/hurricane coverage (100% extreme wind risk)
HOA fees (typically $300-$600+/month for condos)
Property management fees (25-30% of rental income typical)
Break-even occupancy: approximately 41%
Flood & Hurricane Risk (CRITICAL)
Flood Risk
99% of Navarre Beach properties at risk of severe flooding over next 30 years (First Street Foundation, 2025)
What This Means:
Flood insurance required for mortgages
Annual flood insurance: $2,000-$8,000+ depending on elevation
Elevated homes/upper-floor condos have lower premiums
Ground-floor units have highest flood insurance costs
Hurricane/Wind Risk
100% of properties at extreme risk of severe wind events (hurricanes)
What This Means:
Wind/hurricane insurance required
Higher insurance premiums than mainland
Building codes require elevated construction
Hurricane shutters/impact windows standard
Combined Insurance Costs: Navarre Beach property insurance (flood + wind + homeowners) can be $5,000-$15,000+ annually, significantly higher than mainland Navarre.
Schools
Navarre Beach students attend mainland Navarre schools (same as other Navarre subdivisions):
| School | Grades | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Holley-Navarre Primary | PK-2 | Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 |
| Navarre High School | 9-12 | Top 21% in Florida | 89.7% graduation rate |
Santa Rosa County Schools: "A" rated district (2024-25)
Note: Most Navarre Beach properties are vacation rentals/second homes. Full-time family residents are less common due to high costs and insurance.
Military Considerations
Commute to Bases
To Hurlburt Field: Approximately 25-28 miles via Navarre Beach Causeway → US-98 West (35-45 minutes)
To Eglin AFB: Approximately 37-40 miles via Causeway → US-98 East (50-70 minutes)
Traffic Considerations:
Navarre Beach Causeway is only bridge access
Heavy traffic during summer tourist season
Hurricane evacuations require early departure
BAH Compatibility
Navarre Beach median ($865K) is NOT compatible with BAH alone.
Realistic Military Buyer Profile:
Investment/rental property (not primary residence)
Dual high income with significant down payment
Retirement property for senior officers
O-6 retirement + civilian income
Exception: Sound-side condos in $300K-$400K range may work for O-4/O-5 as vacation property.
PCS Resale Considerations
Moderate to Good - depends on property type:
Condos: Strong vacation rental market provides alternative buyers
Gulf-front homes: Premium properties maintain value but smaller buyer pool
Days on market: Currently 184 days (slower than mainland)
Price appreciation: Strong (+38.4% YoY) but volatile
Why Choose Navarre Beach?
Best For:
Vacation Property Investors - Strong rental market, year-round tourism
Retirees - Beach lifestyle, quieter than Destin, golf cart friendly
Second Home Buyers - Weekend/summer getaway from Pensacola/Atlanta/Birmingham
Beach Lifestyle Seekers - Direct Gulf access, white sand, emerald waters
Remote Workers - Beach views while working, relaxed pace
NOT Ideal For:
✗ Primary residence military families - Long commute, high insurance, flood risk
✗ Budget-conscious buyers - Median $865K vs $375K mainland
✗ Risk-averse buyers - Hurricane exposure, 99% flood risk
✗ Families prioritizing schools/activities - Limited island amenities, bridge access required
Navarre Beach vs. Mainland Navarre
| Factor | Navarre Beach (Barrier Island) | Mainland Navarre |
|---|---|---|
| Median Price | $865,000 | $375,000 |
| Property Type | Mostly condos, few homes | Single-family homes |
| Flood Risk | 99% severe flood risk | Many Flood Zone X (no flood insurance) |
| Insurance Costs | $5,000-$15,000+ annually | $1,500-$3,000 annually |
| Commute to Hurlburt | 35-45 min | 20-30 min |
| Best Use | Vacation/investment property | Primary residence |
Common Questions
Q: Is Navarre Beach a good investment?
A: For vacation rentals, yes - strong rental market with $64K-$76K annual income potential. However, factor in high insurance ($5K-$15K/year), HOA fees, and property management (25-30%). Cash flow depends on occupancy and financing terms.
Q: Do I need flood insurance on Navarre Beach?
A: Yes, 99% of properties require flood insurance. Costs range $2,000-$8,000+ annually depending on elevation. Upper-floor condos cost less than ground-floor units.
Q: How much are HOA fees for Navarre Beach condos?
A: Typically $300-$600+ per month, covering insurance, pool/gym maintenance, building upkeep, and amenities. Verify specific fees with each complex.
Q: Can I use my Navarre Beach condo as a short-term rental?
A: Most complexes allow vacation rentals. Check specific HOA rules and Santa Rosa County regulations. Many owners use property management companies (Wyndham, ResortQuest, local firms).
Q: What's the rental income potential?
A: Gulf-front 2BR: $64K-$65K/year. Gulf-front 3BR: $66K-$76K/year. Sound-side units earn less but have lower purchase prices and insurance costs.
Q: Is Navarre Beach crowded?
A: No. Navarre Beach is significantly less crowded than Destin, Pensacola Beach, or Fort Walton Beach. Much of the island is protected as Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Q: What's the hurricane risk?
A: Extreme. 100% of properties face severe wind event risk. Navarre Beach has been impacted by Hurricane Ivan (2004), Hurricane Sally (2020), and others. Proper insurance and evacuation plans are essential.
Amenities & Attractions
On Navarre Beach:
Navarre Beach Fishing Pier (12,000 feet - Florida's longest)
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Marine Science Station & Turtle Sanctuary
Public beach access points
Restaurants, beach bars
Bike/walking paths
Nearby (Mainland):
Shopping: Publix (5 miles), Walmart (7 miles)
Medical: HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital (25 miles), Fort Walton Hospital (16 miles)
Dining: Navarre Parkway corridor
Regional:
Pensacola Beach: 18 miles west
Destin: 20 miles east
Pensacola: 25 miles west
Page Last Updated: February 2025
Data Sources: Redfin (October 2025), First Street Foundation, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Multiple MLS listings, Santa Rosa County Schools
