Naval Support Activity Panama City Beach
Key Contacts
Housing Service Center
308 Vernon Avenue
Panama City, FL 32407
PH: (850) 234-4248
NSA Panama City Housing (Balfour Beatty)
101 Vernon Avenue, Bldg. 386
Panama City, FL 32407
PH: (850) 236-1095
School Liaison
101 Vernon Avenue, BLDG 387
Panama City, FL 32407
PH: (850) 238-9830
Fleet and Family Services
101 Vernon Avenue, Bldg. 387
Panama City, FL 32407
PH: (850) 230-7300
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 NSA Panama City
Enabling War Fighter Readiness
NSA Panama City's mission is to enable warfighter readiness. The largest tenant command at Naval Support Activity Panama City is the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWC) Division, one of the Navy's major research, development, test, and evaluation laboratories. NSWC boasts expertise in engineering and scientific disciplines in mine warfare, expeditionary warfare, special warfare and diving, and life support. NSWC has three other tenant commands; Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, and Center for Navy Ordnance Disposal and Diving. These commands make the installation a consolidated site for all Navy diving and salvage research, development, testing, and training.
Currently, NSA Panama City hosts many other tenant commands, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment, U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Naval Branch Health Clinic Panama City, Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Navy Exchange, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Naval Special Warfare Training Group 3 Detachment, and the Navy Federal Credit Union.
The installation and tenant commands employ more than 4,000 military, DOD civilian, and contractor personnel to provide a total economic impact of nearly $600 million. NSA Panama City is the only naval base dedicated to joint diving training, annually graduating nearly 1,300 students from all services, partner nations, and other federal agencies.
About Northwest Florida Panhandle
LOCATION
Naval Support Activity Panama City is located in north-west Florida’s panhandle, in Panama City, Florida. By car, NAS Panama City is roughly two hours west of Tallahassee and about two and a half hours east of Pensacola. Served by Interstates 10, US-98, and US- 231, NSA Panama City is located in Bay County. Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) are located nearby for those traveling in and out of the NSA Panama City area by air.
WEATHER
The Panhandle tends to have long, hot summers and very short, cool winters. June to September is considered the “wetter” season, where the average daily chance of rain is 41%, according to Weatherspark. Average temperatures fluctuate between 43 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. While rare, as with other coastal living areas, hurricanes, tropical storms and strong winds are weather conditions to be aware of and prepare for.
ATTRACTIONS
This area offers many opportunities for many outdoor adventures or passions you may have. Whether it’s local arts and culture, the rich history of the United States, or nearby recreation at a variety of sandy Gulf beaches, parks, and lakes, being stationed in west Florida has no shortage of things to do and see. The Northwest Florida Panhandle includes ten counties, and spans roughly 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.
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 summer and snowbird months, particularly along the FL 30A/US Hwy 98 corridor. Commute times, schools, and accessibility of restaurants and shopping should be considered when choosing a neighborhood and its proximity to NSA Panama City.
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HOUSING
Homes on NAS Panama City are managed by Balfour Beatty Communities and offer two, three, and four-bedroom, one-level, single-family rental homes featuring spacious layouts and a variety of community amenities. Homes include covered parking or garages, fenced yards, and are pet friendly. Residents have access to basketball courts, playgrounds and tot-lots, as well as a community center with a playroom.
Additionally, there are several off-post areas near NAS Panama City where many service families choose to reside. NAS Panama City is located inside Bay County, which surrounds the other nearby areas of the Northwest Florida Panhandle. Students living on base and in the greater Panama City area attend Bay District Schools, which encompasses 18 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and 5 high schools.
Panama City
ABOUT
Military families love living in Panama City for its access to beaches, shopping, dining, and endless entertainment options.
Popular Neighborhoods
- Pretty Bayou
- The Cove
- Cedar Grove
Nearby Attractions
- St. Andrews State Park
- Pier Park
- Shell Island
- Gulf World Marine Park
- Panama City Beach Winery
By the Numbers
- Population 32,000
- Household Income $44,000
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
Big Plus
- Entertainment, shopping, and dining options abound
- Options for single-family homes, townhomes, and condos with lots of real estate inventory
- 8 mile, 15-minute commute to NSA Panama City via US-98 E
Things to Consider
- More congested area with potential for heavy traffic at rush hour
- More touristy feel with nearby Panama City Beach and attractions
Lynn Haven
ABOUT
Of the neighboring areas around NAS Panama City, Lynn Haven offers a wide variety of homes of various styles within a range of price points. It’s family-friendly but with a moderate commute.
POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS
- Point Havenwood
- Huntington Ridge
- Ravenwood/Woodrun
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
- Kaleidoscope Theater
- Annie’s Hideaway Pub
- Americana Café
BY THE NUMBERS
- Population 18,695
- Household Income $65,650
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
BIG PLUS
- Small-town community with a sparse suburban feel
- A good mixture of established neighborhoods and new construction homes; particularly popular are one level ranch style houses
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Fewer dining and shopping options; would need to drive to nearby Panama City for stores like Target and Lowe’s
- 11 mile, 22-minute commute to NAS Panama City via FL-390 E
Gulf Breeze
ABOUT
The Callaway community (and nearby Springfield) is a bit of a further commute to NAS Panama City. Keep an eye on property values as homes in this area haven’t kept pace with Panama City and Lynn Haven.
POPULAR NEIGHBORHOODS
- Lakeside Estates
- Express Bridge Harbor
- Lannie Rowe Lake Estates
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
- Shooters Billiards and Brew
- Gary’s Oyster Shack
- Adrenaline on H20
BY THE NUMBERS
- Population 13,045
- Household Income $50,383
- Median Home Value Home values vary widely in this area, so ask your real estate agent for local market analysis.
BIG PLUS
- A less congested area that is a bit further away from touristy spots in Panama City
- Friendly community with military retirees
- 15.4 mile, 29-minute commute to NAS Panama City via US-98 W
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Lots of new construction neighborhoods popping up
- Median home values are lower than in some outlying areas
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.
