Pensacola, FL, a Gulf Coast paradise, has risen in popularity for those looking to move to the region. From its military history and miles of beaches to its easy access to all Florida has to offer, it shouldn’t come as a surprise nearly 53,700 people call Pensacola home.
As more people move to Pensacola, it’s important to keep in mind that the median home sale price is $265,000, and the average sale price per square foot is $173. For renters, the average rent price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Pensacola is $1,539.
If those prices don’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. To help you find the right place to buy a home or rent an apartment, we’ve gathered a list of the 10 best affordable Pensacola suburbs to check out. And they’re all less than 30 minutes away from the city. That way you can live nearby without paying the price of living in Pensacola.
#1: West Pensacola
Median home price: $157,320
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Driving distance from Pensacola: 15 minutes
West Pensacola, FL homes for sale
West Pensacola, FL apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $157,320, West Pensacola is the most affordable Pensacola suburb on our list. About 21,000 people live in this suburban area and you’ll only be about 15 minutes away from downtown Pensacola. Living in West Pensacola, you can explore everything that makes this suburb an awesome place to move to.
#2: Brent
Median home price: $187,250
Average sale price per square foot: $146
Driving distance from Pensacola: 7 minutes
Brent, FL homes for sale
Brent, FL apartments for rent
Taking the second spot on our list is Brent. Just about 7 minutes from Pensacola, you can explore the National Naval Aviation Museum or relax at one of the beaches in no time. Some popular things to do in Brent include visiting one of the parks. When living in this suburb of 23,400 people, you can also spend the day checking out the charming downtown.
#3: Bellview
Median home price: $230,000
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Driving distance from Pensacola: 15 minutes
Bellview, FL homes for sale
Bellview, FL apartments for rent
Just 15 minutes away, you’ll find the suburb of Bellview. From parks and outdoor recreation to supporting local businesses, there’s lots of things that make Bellview a great place to live. So, make sure to explore Lake Lillian, check out one of the parks, or shop downtown if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: Warrington
Median home price: $230,000
Average sale price per square foot: $162
Driving distance from Pensacola: 15 minutes
Warrington, FL homes for sale
Warrington, FL apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Bellview is Warrington, the next suburb on our list. With roughly 15,200 residents in this Pensacola suburb, make sure to check out one of the waterfront parks or grab lunch at a local restaurant.
#5: Myrtle Grove
Median home price: $240,550
Average sale price per square foot: $144
Driving distance from Pensacola: 15 minutes
Myrtle Grove, FL homes for sale
Myrtle Grove, FL apartments for rent
Drive 15 minutes outside of Pensacola and you’ll find the suburb of Myrtle Grove, another great area to add to your list. Home to 17,200 residents, this affordable town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Pensacola without paying the price for a home or apartment in the city. Living in Myrtle Grove, you’ll have easy access to all the attractions throughout the city of Pensacola.
#6: Ferry Pass
Median home price: $261,400
Average sale price per square foot: $172
Driving distance from Pensacola: 10 minutes
Ferry Pass, FL homes for sale
Ferry Pass, FL apartments for rent
A recognizable Pensacola suburb is Ferry Pass, where you’ll find the home prices are $261,400. With just about 29,900 people living in Ferry Pass, it’s a great suburb to consider moving to. There’s lots of activities to do like hiking along the UWF Trails and golfing, among many other local favorites.
#7: Milton
Median home price: $262,500
Average sale price per square foot: $165
Driving distance from Pensacola: 30 minutes
Milton, FL homes for sale
Milton, FL apartments for rent
Coming in seventh place on our list of affordable Pensacola suburbs is Milton, which is about a 30-minute drive into the heart of the city. With a population of nearly 10,200, you’ll be living in a smaller area, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Milton. Don’t miss out on touring the West Florida Railroad Museum, strolling along the Riverwalk, and exploring Arcadia Mill once moving to the area.
#8: Ensley
Median home price: $275,000
Average sale price per square foot: $151
Driving distance from Pensacola: 10 minutes
Ensley, FL homes for sale
Ensley, FL apartments for rent
Living in Pensacola, it’s likely that you know of Ensley, the eighth suburb on our list. About 23,800 people live in Ensley, so you’ll have a fraction of Pensacola’s population while remaining only 10 minutes from the city. Living in Ensley, make sure to visit Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park.
#9: Gonzalez
Median home price: $297,900
Average sale price per square foot: $163
Driving distance from Pensacola: 20 minutes
Gonzalez, FL homes for sale
Gonzalez, FL apartments for rent
Without traffic, you’ll be in downtown Pensacola in about 20 minutes, making Gonzalez a great place to buy a house or rent an apartment in. Close to 14,600 people live in this suburb, but you’ll find plenty to do in Gonzalez, like exploring the downtown area.
#10: Pace
Median home price: $325,500
Average sale price per square foot: $169
Driving distance from Pensacola: 20 minutes
Pace, FL homes for sale
Pace, FL apartments for rent
Rounding out our list of affordable Pensacola suburbs is Pace. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Pensacola in roughly 20 minutes. This suburb has a population of 24,700 and you spend time checking out the water views at Floridatown Park. You’ll find there’s always something to check out while living in Pace.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Pensacola and under a 30-minute drive from downtown Pensacola. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.