Best Areas to Live When Traveling for Work on the Emerald Coast, Florida

If you're like me and you want to live in the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida but have to travel frequently for work, you may be wondering where the best places to live are and which airports offer the most convenient travel options. In this article, we will explore what it's like to be in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area and discuss the best areas to live and the airports that serve the region. So, if you're looking for information on how to strategically position yourself to easily access airports for your work travels, keep reading!

The Emerald Coast, located in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area of Florida, is a popular destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant communities. Whether you're a military veteran, a military spouse, or simply someone looking to relocate to this beautiful area, it's important to have all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to live.

The Need for Convenient Air Travel

In recent years, many people have found themselves working remotely due to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has allowed for more flexibility in work arrangements, including the ability to work from home or anywhere with an internet connection. While this has been a positive change for many, it has also meant that people often need to travel by plane for work-related purposes. As someone who runs a real estate team and frequently attends conferences and masterminds, I understand the need for convenient air travel options.

Airports in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Area

In the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, there are four main airports that serve the region: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Destin Executive Airport (DTS), Pensacola Airport (PNS), and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Each airport offers different flight options and destinations, so it's important to know which airport is best suited for your travel needs.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

In my personal opinion, the best airport to be near in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Being within a 10-15 minute drive from this airport allows you easy access to a variety of destinations. VPS is served by five different airlines: Delta, Southwest, American, Allegiant, and Sun Country. These airlines offer non-stop services to several cities across the United States.

If you're flying with Delta, you can travel to Atlanta, which serves as their hub, as well as Minneapolis-St. Paul. American Airlines offers direct flights to Austin, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Southwest Airlines provides non-stop flights to Austin, Baltimore, Dallas Love, Houston, Kansas City, Nashville, and St. Louis. Allegiant Air offers an impressive 30 different destinations, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Pittsburgh, and more. Lastly, Sun Country Airlines flies to Minneapolis-St. Paul twice a week.

Destin Executive Airport (DTS)

Destin Executive Airport (DTS) is primarily used for private airlines and individuals flying their own aircraft. However, there is a service called JSX that operates out of this airport. JSX offers seasonal flights to Dallas Love, Nashville, and Houston. This can be a more comfortable and convenient option for those looking for a different travel experience.

Pensacola Airport (PNS)

If you prefer to be closer to Pensacola, the Pensacola Airport (PNS) is another option to consider. It is approximately an hour to an hour and 20-minute drive from the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. The Gulf Breeze and Navarre areas are good places to live if you want to be between both airports. PNS is served by several airlines, including Delta, Frontier, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

Delta offers direct flights to Atlanta from PNS, while Frontier Airlines flies to Denver. Silver Airways provides non-stop flights to Orlando and Tampa. Southwest Airlines offers flights to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Spirit Airlines flies to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, and United offers direct flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Washington D.C.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest airport for those living in Walton County and wanting to be in the 30A area. However, ECP has fewer destinations compared to VPS and PNS. The airlines that serve ECP are American, Delta, Southwest, and United.

American Airlines offers direct flights to Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Delta flies to Atlanta, Southwest offers flights to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Nashville, and Washington D.C., and United provides direct flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Washington D.C.

Choosing the Right Airport for Your Needs

When deciding which airport to use for your travels, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you want easy access to a wide range of destinations, VPS is a great option with its multiple airlines and non-stop flights. If you prefer a more private and comfortable experience, DTS with JSX flights might be the right choice for you. And if you want to be closer to Pensacola or have specific airlines in mind, PNS or ECP might be the better options.

Living in the Emerald Coast Area

If you're considering a move to the Emerald Coast area, it's important to choose the right location that suits your lifestyle and travel needs. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area offers a variety of communities, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you prefer to live near the beach, in a golf course community, or in a more secluded area, there are options available to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area provides convenient air travel options through multiple airports. Whether you choose VPS, DTS, PNS, or ECP, you'll have access to a variety of destinations and airlines. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right airport for your travels. And if you're considering a move to the Emerald Coast area, explore the different communities and amenities available to find the perfect place to call home.

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to call/text us at 850-204-4416 or email us at Admin@WhittemoreGroupRE.com.

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