Pensacola 83 Exceptional
Pensacola Livability #52 ranked city in Florida#883 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Pensacola

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Ratings Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in Pensacola?

Pensacola is a medium-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 54,052 people. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 48% of the Pensacola population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Pensacola will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Pensacola could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Florida if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Pensacola and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Florida and national averages.

Pensacola has a livability score of 83/100 and is ranked #56 in Florida and #882 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Pensacola ranks well in multiple categories! Pensacola has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Pensacola scores well for amenities (A), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+)

If you're considering living in Pensacola, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Pensacola provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Historic Pensacola Village, T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, and Emerald Coast Tours.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Pensacola can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Pensacola. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Pensacola are affordable. Median real estate prices in Pensacola come in at $365,022, which is 21.8% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Pensacola, the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 2.4% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Pensacola

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Pensacola?

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Compare Pensacola, FL Livability

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      Pensacola transportation information

      Statistic Pensacola Florida National
      Average one way commute20min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.4%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.7%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.1%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home8.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Pensacola, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.