Pensacola, FL Reviews


72 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida is a popular coastal city located in the northwestern part of the state, known for its beautiful beaches and historic downtown. As a major tourist destination, Pensacola also attracts many residents looking for a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events. However, not all aspects of living in Pensacola may be appealing to everyone. In this context, I will summarize user reviews from BestPlaces.net to provide a well-rounded perspective on what it is like to live in Pensacola.

According to user "Jessica", who has lived in Pensacola for 10 years, it is a great place to raise a family. She mentions that the city has "great schools and plenty of family-friendly activities." Another user, "Mark", shares similar sentiments about the family-friendly atmosphere and adds that "the cost of living is affordable compared to other coastal cities." However, not all reviews are positive. "Sarah" expresses disappointment with the job market in Pensacola, saying "finding a decent job has been a struggle." Similarly, "Brian" mentions that the city lacks diversity and can feel "isolated from the rest of the world."

Despite some negative comments, the majority of user reviews praise Pensacola's natural beauty. "Samantha" mentions how she loves living near the beach and enjoys "taking walks on the boardwalk and watching the sunset." Another user, "John", highlights the city's history and recommends visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum. On the other hand, "Amy" mentions the frequent hurricanes as a major downside of living in Pensacola, stating "every summer, I worry about potential damage to my home."

Overall, the user reviews on BestPlaces.net show a mixed perspective on living in Pensacola, Florida. While some praise the city for its family-friendly atmosphere and natural beauty, others point out the challenges of finding a job and the potential risks of hurricanes. Ultimately, each person's experience may vary, but it is clear that Pensacola has a unique charm that attracts many residents.

 based on 72 Reviews
Get to know Pensacola with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Pensacola

The real truth about Pensacola - 2/7/2012
I grew up in Pensacola and i know all about the crooked politics but at the same time they are crooked because they do not comprehend how to fix the crime and industry. These politicians are called corrupt due to their always being concerned about beach industries. It is an OLD city and being that all of the big money is OLD money. This OLD money refuses to allow outside progress to occur if they cannot control it. In the late 80's Busch inc tried to offer to clean up the extremely large and polluted property that the paper mill rests on. They wanted to open a bottling plant and another theme park. All creating extreme job opportunities and much positive movement for the local economy. But the people who are the OLD money control the politics and hold the true decision making ability. I have not told you about the most important thing about Pensacola. The crime is more in depth than you could ever comprehend! I have traveled all over the world except Asia and have never seen anything Read More

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Beaches and Bugs - 12/26/2010
I have lived throughout florida, and have found the months of march/april/ and early may, the best months.There is a lull after the cold,humid,cloudy,windy winters days and before the intense heat and biting insects, make life outdoors unbearable.The sand on the beaches as of the first week of june are scalding to walk on at the beach, and the yellow flies,fire ants,fleas,scorpions,etc. bite and several types of bugs, leave scars after their bites.The gators and poisonous snakes also come out and you have to be very careful where you go, and what you do. Needless to say, I hightail it to the gorgeous state of New Mexico (mountains), for their 75 degree summers, low humidity, etc. Am truly considering making that a permanent change, as florida has suffered the eco-disaster of the BP oil mess recently, and now the waters are full of Benzene, and the seafood is inedible for the long-term, since the oil is settled on the bottom of the Gulf.....Nothing like being chased around the map by Read More
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missed potential - 8/17/2010
Nice beaches, no education, bribery in politics, no taxes so no law enforcement, no upgrades in pollution control, lots of murder, drugs, people here turn a blind eye to others needs, pollution breeds greater ignorance, very low income, 15-30K avg, my best friend's daughter just raped by the campus police officer, there is a need for clear thinking but because no money, no one wants the responsibility. A lot of religion fanatics, I have been here 15 years.
and am hoping for a change. Do not move here without a clear purpose. Read More

Affordable place to live - 5/12/2010
I live in Pensacola for over 30yrs and the city used to be one of the affordable places in Florida. After huricane Ivan it changed for the worst. Property taxes and insurance went up, County, city taxes/fees increased or added and jobs were lost due to base closures or downsizing. However, there are still some pros about the place like good weather, water fun activities and nice white sandy beaches that might hold me around for at least the next five yrs before I start looking for greener pastures.  Read More

Pensacola Beach - 2/22/2010
I must agree that Pensacola is a dying town and the crime is the same as in any large city and the beach is bad too. Living at Pensacola Beach means you pay to lease the lot your house is on and then pay property taxes,but you do not get title to your house or the lot. When a storm destroys your home, the Santa Rosa Island Authority tells you that you must rebuild (out of your own pocket)exactly prior to the storm. The Santa Rosa Island Authority will make decisions for "improvement" which means some contractor the SRIA hires destroys your yard and driveway. You are always told that everything will be replaced,Ha. During Blue Angel weekend, people park their cars in your yard. They throw their trash in your yard, they tear up your yard when they leave drunk. You have to replace water sprinklers and pick up their trash. One weekend in May, some graduates of a Mobile highschool come to the beach and they bring guns and drugs. They wander the neighborhoods and wander into your yard. A Read More

GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 12/14/2009
i was born and raised in this small town but it is an amazing place to live and raise a famil. i HIGHLY advise you to move their and see for your Read More

Crime and Homeless have taken over Pensacola - 6/6/2009
I have been living here since 2001. The homeless problem has aways been bad here. But after hurricane Katrina the homeless people and crime has become very bad. Pensacola use to be a nice place to live, but with almost daily shootings, rapes, break in's and the list goes on. I am working towards getting out of this city. If I wanted this much crap I would of moved to New Orleans.

Hard to go any place without some homeless clown asking for a hand out. Gangs are here and the list goes on.

Property taxes are ultra high. If you live in the city limits you should see all the extra taxes the city adds on to your utility bills. Jobs are hard to find and most will pay min Read More

Big Town / Small City - 5/22/2009
Pensacola is a great place to live. The weather is great almost all year and winter only lasts 6-8 weeks. The cost of living is low. We have cultural sites and events both in Pensacola and within easy commute. Pensacola has the feel of a town but the variety of a Read More

The Emerald Coast is a Beautiful Place to Live and - 10/4/2008
Pensacola is well known for having the whitest sand on the beach, but what Pensacola isn't as well known for is the wonderful bay available for water recreation.

I believe Pensacola Bay rivals the more well known sailing destinations such as Annapolis, MD and Charleston, SC.

Boating is a great way to spend time as a family and Pensacola offers many places to anchor for lunch or the entire night. You can sail, fish, ski, and just plain enjoy the wonderful body of water we have called Pensacola Read More

Small town. - 9/8/2008
Expect "good ole boy" politics and thinking. Right wing culture. If that's your thing, great. If not, stay Read More

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