8 Most Affordable Destin Suburbs to Live In

Call it by the nickname, “the Emerald Coast,” Destin has become a destination for many people moving to Florida. This Gulf Coast city is known for many things, including its deep-sea fishing areas.

If you’re looking to buy a house in Destin, you’ll find that the median home sale price is $619,500, the average sale price per square foot is $439, and the housing market is somewhat competitive. And if you’re considering renting an apartment in Destin, the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,437.

If those prices are out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. We’ve rounded up a list of the 8 best affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida to consider living in – and they’re all under a 45-minute drive from the city. That way you can live near Destin and all its cool activities without the price tag of owning a home or renting an apartment.

#1: Ocean City

Median home price: $290,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $242 
Driving distance from Destin: 20 minutes
Ocean City, FL homes for sale
Ocean City, FL apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $290,000, Ocean City comes in at number one on our list of most affordable Destin suburbs. About a 20-minute drive away from downtown Destin, Ocean City is home to roughly 6,300 people. If you’re considering moving to this area, make sure to play miniature golf, check out the shops and restaurants, or take in the water views.

#2: Wright

Median home price: $314,325 
Average sale price per square foot: $204 
Driving distance from Destin: 20 minutes
Wright, FL homes for sale
Wright, FL apartments for rent

The second best affordable suburb in Destin is Wright. About a 20-minute drive away from downtown Destin, you can spend a day at one of Destin’s beaches in just a quick drive. Also make sure to check out the quaint shops and local cafes. When living in this suburb of 26,300 people, you can also spend time exploring the charming downtown.

#3: Crestview

Median home price: $315,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $173 
Driving distance from Destin: 45 minutes
Crestview, FL homes for sale
Crestview, FL apartments for rent

Taking the third spot on our list of affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida, is Crestview. Just 45 minutes outside of Destin, you’ll find the home prices are much less expensive. There’s plenty of charming and outdoorsy activities to take part in when living in Crestview. If you find yourself moving here, visit the lakeside Twin Hills Park. 

#4: Lake Lorraine

Median home price: $320,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $195 
Driving distance from Destin: 25 minutes
Lake Lorraine, FL homes for sale
Lake Lorraine, FL apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Crestview is the suburb of Lake Lorraine. There are several top attractions you may want to check out in Destin suburb. So make sure to visit one of the parks, golf, or take a boat tour.

#5: Fort Walton Beach

Median home price: $345,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $225 
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,850 
Driving distance from Destin: 15 minutes
Fort Walton Beach, FL homes for sale
Fort Walton Beach, FL apartments for rent

About a 15-minute drive into the city, consider adding Fort Walton Beach to your list of suburbs of Destin, Florida to consider moving to. With 20,900 residents, moving to this affordable suburb can keep you close enough to Destin, without paying the premium for a home there. In Fort Walton Beach, you can spend the day at one of the beachfront parks, explore the Emerald Coast Science Center, or head over to nearby Okaloosa Island.

#6: Freeport

Median home price: $381,563 
Average sale price per square foot: $193 
Driving distance from Destin: 35 minutes
Freeport, FL homes for sale
Freeport, FL apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known Destin suburb is Freeport, where the home prices are about $250K less than in Destin. Freeport has about 5,900 residents and is a great suburb to consider living in. You’ll have easy access to what makes this suburb unique, like fishing at HB Pier. 

#7: Navarre

Median home price: $385,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $207 
Driving distance from Destin: 30 minutes
Navarre, FL homes for sale
Navarre, FL apartments for rent

Seventh on our list of affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida is Navarre, which is only a 30-minute drive into downtown. With a population of close to 40,800, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Navarre. If you’re going to call this suburb home, plan time to golf, visit a wildlife refuge, spend the day at the beach, or grab some food at a waterfront restaurant.

#8: Niceville

Median home price: $419,900 
Average sale price per square foot: $233 
Driving distance from Destin: 30 minutes
Niceville, FL homes for sale
Niceville, FL apartments for rent

Last but not least on our list of most affordable suburbs of Destin, Florida, is Niceville. This affordable city is home to close to 15,800 residents, so you’ll have a fraction of Destin’s population while remaining close to the city and its attractions. Living in Niceville, be sure to explore the 20-acre Turkey Creek Park, have a meal along the Boggy Bayou, or golf at one of the local courses.

Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Destin and under a 45-minute drive from downtown Destin. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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