Navarre

About Navarre

Navarre is a family-oriented community on the Florida Panhandle located 25 miles east of Pensacola in Santa Rosa County.

The population of this census-designated coastal town is more than 43,000 residents, who enjoy the waters of Santa Rosa Sound as well as miles of white sand and turquoise waters along Navarre Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, just across the Intracoastal Waterway on Santa Rosa Island.

The secret is out about this small town by the seashore, as the population has about doubled since 2000, all while working to preserve its natural beauty.

Navarre History

Founded in 1925 by World War I colonel Guy Wyman, Navarre was first noted by Spanish explorers who sailed into the East Bay in the late 1600s, observing Native Americans living among the oak groves of the area. Later, the Axelson shipbuilding family had an estate among those oaks, where present-day residents have dug up artifacts of that history in their yards, including ballast stones and pottery.

Living and Working in Navarre

Today, many military families make their home in Navarre thanks to nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola, Hurlburt Field, Eglin Air Force Base, and Naval Air Station Whiting Field. While there is no established town government, residents are committed to service that benefits the entire community through a variety of organizations.

The Navarre Youth Sports Association offers team sports activities year-round. Santa Rosa County operates Navarre’s great schools, parks, and library. Many small businesses thrive in Navarre, quickly establishing regulars. Most residents own their own homes, which run slightly above the national average, while the overall cost of living runs below it.

Things to do in Navarre

As you’d expect, water sports are high on the list of activities in Navarre, from paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking to snorkeling its artificial reef. Anglers love the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier, which is the longest pier in Florida and stands 30 feet above the water.

Avid golfers can play a round at the Club at Hidden Creek, Navarre’s public golf course. There are three science centers to explore at Navarre Beach Marine Park, including the Marine Life Sanctuary and Artificial Reef, Marine Science Station, and Sea Turtle Conservation Center, all a treat for ocean lovers and budding oceanographers.

Walk the dune-protected white sands of Gulf Islands National Seashore, or explore the unique natural settings of nearby Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Sandspur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Navarre Transportation

Navarre is reliant on automobile travel. U.S. Highway 98 runs east-west, and State Road 87 runs north-south, connecting Navarre to Interstate 10. Gulf Boulevard takes you from mainland Navarre across the Causeway to run along the barrier island all the way west to Pensacola Beach. Plan your own ride-sharing using the Park & Ride lot on Highway 98 just east of Highway 87 at the Navarre Visitors Center.

Resources for Moving to Navarre

Since Navarre is unincorporated, it may be helpful to know the following utility providers: Gulf Power for electric, Okaloosa Gas District or Gulf Breeze Natural Gas, Waste Management Garbage Pickup, and Holley-Navarre Water System.

With its natural beauty from woodlands to beaches, Navarre is a wonderful place to call home for families, empty nesters, and retirees.