Pensacola or Key West? Most expensive?

[paysensmom]

My husband is in the Navy and we need to choose between Pensacola or Key West. Is one more expensive to live? Benefits, pros, and cons of each one?

Tell me what you know!

 

[worm761]

Pensacola will probably be cheaper than Key West. Which base is he looking at in Pensacola? NAS or Correy Station? Boyfriend works on Correy Station. He is an instructor. Key West is an expensive area to live in.

If it helps, Pensacola is a very military friendly town.

 

[NotUrsula]

Important this time of year is that it is MUCH harder to evacuate from Key West in the event of a hurricane, because there is only one road in and out. Also, being that it is an island, you run much greater risk of storm surge damage there.

Big pro for most people is that Key West is much more tropical-feeling because it is below the frost line. It can still get fairly cold in the wintertime as far north as Pensacola.

 

[churchpilot]

Pensacola all the way. We lived in Pensacola while hubby finished up his Air Force career at NAS Pensacola. Housing was completely reasonable, schools were great, shopping good, good size airport right in the city, and all those beaches. Key West would be a fantasy location for us, but if you are looking at 3 or more years, then being that far from everything might get old. Best of luck.

 

[mikehn]

Boy, wish I had a job that offered me a choice to move to key west. Good luck with your decision.

 

[edk35]

Pensacola!!! We were married on NAS almost 22 years ago. I was teaching school and met my husband in P'cola. My in-laws are still there. I lived in Pensacola and out on Perdido Key (that is also where my dh's father and wife live). I love Perdido Key. Nice area!!!!

 

[amyy]

I would love, love, love a job offer to live in Key West. Even bought the book Quit Your Job and Move to Key West. Most anyone could afford Pensacola but Key West is pretty much just a fantasy for us (and a vacation spot).


I am pretty sure that base housing is right on the ocean in Key West. Paradise with free housing (I know he will work for it but still...)

 

[Purseval]

My sister and her family had a chance to transfer to Key West. He is a Federal employee that works with the military. They took a tour of the area and turned it down because of the high cost of living. Paradise and free housing weren't enough to sway them.