Pensacola, FL Hometown locals, I could use some LIVING THERE advice...

Grew up in South Florida all my life (since 1967), but for work opportunity and a change, we moved to Charlottesville, VA in 2005. After 11 years, we are over the mountains and really want to get back to sea kayaking again. So we are pondering a move to Pensacola (one of three FL cities on our short list)...

How is the economy there and cost of living? Decent business community or all tourist/.gov/.mil based?

Average cost of "normal middle class" homes near some kind of water access to larger bays of water, and the gulf? (kayaking and boating)

What areas of Pensacola should one look for homes, and/or good apartments (aka avoid high crime trouble areas)?

If you had a choice, would you live in Pensacola, or somewhere else in Florida (if so, where)?

Any other info you wish you would have known about before moving to Pensacola?

Any evil black rifle clubs and shooting ranges in that area? Is the local government and schools infected with libtards?

Thanks in advance!
Rmpl

Gulf Breeze proper. Excellent schools, parks/ball fields within walking distance, small town feel, close to the beach, safe, about a 20-25 minute drive to your work 20. Not cheap, but

you can find rental houses w/ fenced yards for the pup. Pretty darn good quality of life.

Good luck.

BGF

This was from a previous post.

Economy seems to be slowly diversifying, still strong Mil. and tourist presence.
Search online for home prices, you'll get better info than from me.
Pretty conservative...So far.  
There are almost unlimited areas for a "yaker" , river, bay, and gulf access are all close.
Escambia River Gun Club is inexpensive, safe, and a family friendly place to shoot. There are several other places, both indoors and out in the area.
Not as crowded as central/south FL.....yet.
Cost of living is not to bad.. Ya gotta live somewhere and all in all it's a pretty nice spot.

Again, good luck.

BGF

sorry, dbl. tap