Pensacola
Why Pensacola?
The Pensacola area boasts a carefree lifestyle and is surrounded by the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and crystal clear bays. Located in the Florida Panhandle, there’s always something to do, so saddle up and let’s explore.
As far as Pensacola Real Estate, Pensacola is an affordable place to live, making it a desirable place to call home. It has a laid-back beach vibe, all nestled into a metropolitan area. Whether you want to spend an evening downtown, hang at the beach, or explore multiple activities the city has to offer, aDoor Real Estate will find the perfect location in Pensacola that’s right for you.
What is the community known for?
Pensacola is known for its proud military heritage and is home to the Blue Angels. It’s quite extraordinary to see and hear the Blues (as locals call them) practicing in the middle of the afternoon. If you live on the Westside of Pensacola, you might find the Blues flying directly over your home.
You can enjoy two shows a year, one in July at Pensacola Beach and one in November at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. The Naval Aviation Museum is also a must-see attraction, with flight simulators, a children’s play area, aircraft galleries, and much more.
Pensacola is also known as a beach town and a bustling metropolitan center rich in history and culture. Read on to discover what awaits you if you decide to live here.
Area Attractions
The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
If you’re looking to explore some of Pensacola’s fascinating history, look no further than the Pensacola Lighthouse. It was built in 1859, and the Keeper’s Quarters was built in 1869. The Keeper’s Quarters occupied families until 1965 and is now used as a museum to display exhibits. If you’re up for it, you can climb 177 stories to the top to see a breathtaking view of Pensacola. The Travel Channel and Scifi’s Ghost Hunters featured the Pensacola Lighthouse as a haunted location. The Lighthouse offers real ghost hunts for those ages 13 and up who dare to meet a ghost.
Gallery Night
Pensacola offers an array of things to do on a Friday night, and one of those things is Gallery Night. A non-profit organization, Gallery Night is held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Enjoy live music, arts, and culture along Palafox Street in historic downtown Pensacola. Traffic is closed in the vicinity so patrons can walk and explore the many events.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Pensacola doesn’t lack in exceptional bars and restaurants. Whether the evening calls for a fabulous meal or catching live music, the options are limitless. Here are a few highlights.
Jaco’s Bayfront Bar and Grille
Not only does Jaco’s offer sensational views of Pensacola Bay’s sunsets and the Palafox Pier Marina, but it also offers fresh seafood and specialty drinks. This restaurant sits at the end of South Palafox Street downtown and is a local favorite. You can catch their brunch daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch and dinner are served daily, as well. There’s one in Perdido Key, too!
Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano
Angelena’s is located in the heart of historic downtown Pensacola and serves up some of the best Italian food around. It’s a fine-dining experience that you will want to do time and time again. It has an impressive wine list, and the staff is knowledgeable in helping you pair just the right vino to compliment your meal. They also host private events and have an impressive menu. If Italian is not what you’re in the mood for, you can try their short ribs, quality steaks, or the fresh catch of the day.
V Paul’s Italian Ristorante
V Paul’s is another option for fine Italian dining in historic downtown Pensacola. They’re open from Tuesday through Saturday with happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. “Wine Wednesday” offers half off select wine bottles, and don’t miss the monthly wine tastings. The impressive dinner menu covers anything from antipasti, salads, and pasta dishes to bisque and steaks.
Seville Quarter
Seville Quarter is the highlight of the nightlife in downtown Pensacola. If you’re looking for live entertainment or participating in a work event, this is the place to be. It has seven themed rooms to choose from, including Rosie O’Grady’s piano bar and a two-story dance club known as Phineas Phogg’s Balloon Works. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can’t go wrong with Seville Quarter.
Schools and Education
Pensacola is part of the Escambia School District and has an abundance of elementary and high schools (51, to be exact). aDoor Real Estate can help you determine which area is right for you when selecting a home that suits your school district needs. Even if you don’t have children, good school districts are important for resale, and aDoor will lead you in the right direction.
Pensacola State College (PSC) and the University of West Florida (UWF) serve as the local colleges. The U.S. Department of Education listed Pensacola State College as the best value among a four-year college. U.S. News and World Report listed PSC as one of the best colleges, regionally and nationally.
UWF offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and is home to the 2019 National Football Champions, the Argonauts. Need we say more?
History
Being one of the oldest cities in North America, Pensacola is rich in history and culture. Known as the “City of Five Flags,” Pensacola has an impressive heritage comprised of European, Native American, African-American, Latin, and Asian. If you’re so inclined to learn, the Pensacola Museum of History devotes the entire first floor of the 1907 building to this very topic. This Mediterranean Revival architecture is a must-see while exploring the downtown area.
