Ratings on Various Items
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9/1/2009
I was stationed at Eglin for 6 years (with a break to go to Korea for one year) and I question some of the ratings from this site. First of all, i will say that the area is very nice to live in as far as climate and access to the beaches. To live in an area where people vacation has its upside. As a military member, I was fortunate to have access to the military beaches, so crowding wasn't that great a concern. Also, if you know where to go, even the general public can find uncrowded beaches to enjoy.
The rating of people only being 46% religious is highly doubtful! I would wager nearly 99% are affiliated with a church, and relatively fundamentalist at that! Evolution is considered questionable by the population, and Young Earth Creationism is a prevalent opinion. As an open atheist there, I had property vandalized, and the police were unwilling (or unable as they reported) to follow up on it just for expressing those views.
The schools are the best in Florida, but that's like being proud of being the best amongst a field of dismal performers...
Small time crime is rampant. In general, there is an Andy Griffin mentality to handling young offenders. I think the town has outgrown that method of handling things, but don't tell the locals that they might consider a change to that policy.
The "good ole boy" network is how things are done there. If you aren't in the right church, and pall around with the right guys, you may as well just enjoy going things on your own. Although considering how many public officials are facing jail time right now, that may be a good thing.
Access to culture and high entertainment is severely limited. You will need to travel upwards of 4 to 6 hours just to expand your horizons. The people are incredibly insular and provincial. Just go to the beaches and enjoy the natural wonders, and you'll do fine though.
P.S. The name Niceville is relatively new. The original name was Boggy Bayou, much more appropriate in terms of what to expect.
Steve | Bow, NH