Hurlburt Field
Key Contacts
Housing Office
123 McMillan Street
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
PH: (850) 884-7505
Mayroad Housing - Eglin
50 Mayo St.Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
PH: (850) 344-0220
School Liaison
117 McMillan Street
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
PH: (850) 884-6355
Airman and Family Readiness Center
220 Lukasik Avenue
BLDG 90213
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
PH: (850) 884-5441
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time frame.
About Hurlburt Field
Science. Swiftness. Strength.
Hurlburt Field is home to the 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW), a part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The 1st SOW's mission focus is unconventional warfare: counter-terrorism, combat search and rescue, personnel recovery, psychological operations, aviation assistance to developing nations, "deep battlefield" resupply, interdiction, and close air support. The wing has units located at Hurlburt Field, FL, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, and Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.
Since 1961, Hurlburt Field has been the home of the Air Commandos. The Eglin Military Reservation, including surrounding auxiliary fields like Hulburt, played a significant role in training special operations rescue forces in operations like the 1970 Vietnam Raid of Son Tay. Today, under its organization, the 1st SOW proudly houses a 26-squadron wing available to deploy and sustain a fight anywhere around the globe at merely a moment's notice.
Composed of around 24,000 personnel, Hulburt's population breaks down as follows: 9,000 active duty, 11,000 family members, and around 5,000 reservists, contractors, and civil service employees.
About Northwest Florida Panhandle
LOCATION
Hurlburt Field is located in northwest Florida’s panhandle, 50 miles southeast of Pensacola and 13 miles northwest of Destin. Served by Interstates 10 and US- 98, Hurlburt Field is located in the center of the southern boundary of Okaloosa County. Nearby are the towns of Ocean City and Fort Walton Beach. For those traveling in and out of the Hurlburt Field area by air, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is located in nearby Pensacola.
HELPFUL HINTS
This is considered to be a moderate cost of living area. The region is also a popular vacation destination, with increased seasonal activity during the spring and summer vacation periods, particularly along the US Hwy 98 corridor. Also, commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to Hurlburt Field.
ATTRACTIONS
Whether it’s local arts and culture, the rich history of the United States, or nearby recreation at a variety of area parks and lakes, being stationed in west Florida has no shortage of things to do and see. This area offers many opportunities for many outdoor adventures or passions you may have. From Pensacola, Mobile, Alabama, is roughly 60 miles to the west along I-10. Montgomery, Alabama, is around 160 miles to the north via I-65. Tallahassee, Florida, is 200 miles to the east via I-10. Atlanta, GA, is roughly 325 miles northeast via I-65 and I-85. The Northwest Florida Panhandle includes ten counties and spans approximately 200 miles of land area from Pensacola on the east to Tallahassee headed west, known as the Emerald Coast. This location is celebrated for its stunning white sands and variety of beaches. Here you’ll find a mix of touristy spots, family-friendly beaches, and far more quiet and secluded areas.
WEATHER
The Panhandle tends to have long, hot summers and very short, cool winters. Average temperatures fluctuate between 43 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. June to September is considered the “wetter” season, where short daily rain showers are common. While rare, as with other coastal living areas, hurricanes, tropical storms, and strong winds are weather conditions to be aware of and prepare for.
Looking at relocating?
Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.
Nearby Neighborhoods
HOUSING
Mayroad Housing manages homes on Hurlburt Field. They offer two, three, and four-bedroom duplex and single-family rental homes featuring spacious layouts and a variety of community amenities. Corvias home also offers resident events and activities, and “coming soon” are community centers with fitness areas, resort-style pools, and computer labs. Additionally, several off-post areas in the Hurlburt Field community where many service families choose to reside. Among the most popular areas are Crestview, Niceville, and Valparaiso. Hurlburt Field is located inside Okaloosa County, which surrounds the other nearby areas of the Northwest Florida Panhandle. Local school districts include Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton.
Crestview
ABOUT
Crestview is a popular area among military personnel stationed at Elgin AFB. It’s almost exclusively residential, with many established neighborhoods from which to choose. Most shopping and dining is of the mom-and-pop variety.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Silver Springs
- Auburn
- Dorcas
- Deerland
Nearby Attractions
- Emerald Coast Zoo
- Peaden Brothers Distillery
- Johnson Beach
By the Numbers
- Population 27,000
- Household Income $55,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Small-town with a dense suburban, residential feel
- Great variety of home styles with a mix of older and new construction, ranch, and two-story single-family homes
- Very military-friendly community
Things to Consider
- Lower median home values compared to other nearby areas
- 31-mile, 43-minute commute to Hurlburt Field via FL-85 S
Niceville
ABOUT
Who wouldn’t want to live in a place with NICE in its name? Niceville is a wonderful family-centered community with excellent schools and higher property values than some surrounding areas.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Seminole
- Blue Water Bay
- Hattie’s Grove
- Rocky Bayou
Nearby Attractions
- Turkey Creek National Trail
- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
- Lions Park
By the Numbers
- Population 16,000
- Household Income $76,800
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Desirable K-12 schools, as well as access to Northwest Florida State University
- Very family-friendly community
Things to Consider
- Due to the proximity to beaches, this area can sometimes feel congested
- Traffic can be hit or miss during certain times, especially during rush hour
- 9-mile, 15-minute commute to Eglin AFB via FL-85 N or S. John Sims Parkway.
Valparaiso
ABOUT
A much smaller and quieter coastal community than others in the Okaloosa County area near Eglin Air Force Base. If you’re looking for a tight-knit small-town community, look no further.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Hidden Cove
- Indian Shores
- Jasmine North
Nearby Attractions
- Heritage Museum of NW Florida
- Emerald Coast Indoor Shooting and Sport
- Discovery Dive World
By the Numbers
- Population 4,750
- Household Income $53,700
- Median Home Value: Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Small-town with a sparse suburban feel
- Great outdoor opportunities with many parks, lakes, and nearby beach access
- 6-mile, 12-15 minute commute to Eglin AFB via FL-85 N or S. John Sims Parkway
Things to Consider
- Less inventory of homes for sale, many of which are older, dating back to the 1950s
- Most shopping, dining, and entertainment is in nearby Niceville or Fort Walton Beach.
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
