Welcome to Hurlburt Field, Florida!
What started as a small pilot and gunnery training site next to Eglin Air Force Base has grown into one of the Air Force’s most adaptable installations.
After decades of meeting the military’s changing demands, Hurlburt Field’s Special Operations Command proudly lives by its mission: “Any time, any place, anywhere.”
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Newcomers to Hurlburt Field
From hurlburtaf.mil:
“The 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW) at Hurlburt Field, Fla. is one of five Air Force active duty special operations wings and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The 1st SOW is a pivotal component of AFSOC's ability to provide airpower to conduct special operations missions worldwide. The primary mission of the 1st SOW is to rapidly plan and execute specialized and contingency operations in support of national priorities. The wing's core missions include close air support, precision aerospace firepower, specialized aerospace mobility, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and agile combat support.”
Included within the 1st Special Operations Wing are the 1st Special Operations Group, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, 1st Special Operations Missions Support Group, and the 1st Special Operations Medical Group.
Hurlburt Field employs over 11,000 active-duty personnel and civilians. Considering the number of dependents and retirees living at Hurlburt Field and nearby installations like Eglin AFB, NAS Whiting Field, and NAS Pensacola, there’s a strong military presence in the Florida panhandle.
Living Near Hurlburt Field
Earning its name from the color of the nearly glowing water, the Emerald Coast is nothing short of beautiful. While your life and responsibilities follow you when you PCS to the area, it’s nearly impossible to shake the energy of vacationers who kissed their worries goodbye to dig their toes in the sand.
The tourism industry is thriving at Hurlburt Field. With Destin and Panama City to the east and Pensacola to the west, the pristine beaches attract inland families to the coast every summer. As the weather cools, the small-town charm emerges.
The benefit of not being a tourist? You get to know the area. White sands and sparkling water beckon, and if you're a seafood lover, you'll enjoy the area's fresh seafood. Try Stewby’s and The Shack!
Hurlburt Field Housing
Hurlburt Field On-Base Housing
Mayroad manages the Hurlburt Field Housing. On base, you’ll find small military communities offering quick access to work and base amenities.
Hurlburt Field Housing Office and Information:
- 1 SOCES/CEIH
- 123 McMillan Street
- Hurlburt Field FL 32544
- 850- 884-7505
Hurlburt Field Off-Base Housing
Mary Esther and Fort Walton Beach offer the closest neighborhoods to Hurlburt Field. Shalimar, Niceville, and Navarre are all within 20 miles of the base. The cost of living at Hurlburt Field is lower than the Florida average, with the median price of a single-family home in Fort Walton Beach sitting at $339,000.
Get an idea of how much house you can afford near Hurlburt Field with our BAH Calculator.
Examples of BAH rates at Hurlburt Field:
- E-2 without dependents: $2,004
- E-7 with dependents: $2,706
- 0-1 without dependents: $2,205
- 0-4 with dependents: $3,216
Hurlburt Field Area Schools
Kids in the area can attend the Santa Rosa County or Okaloosa County School Districts.
Cities in the Santa Rosa County School District:
- Mary Ester
- Fort Walton Beach
- Niceville
- Shalimar
- Destin
Cities in the Okaloosa County School District:
Besides public schools, there are preschools, private schools, and homeschool groups. Private School Review is a great place to start the search for private schooling options near Hurlburt Field.
Connect with the Hurlburt Field School Liaison Program for more information and support.
Photo by StockPlanets from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
Things to Do Near Hurlburt Field
1. The Beaches
For a family-friendly outing, there’s nothing better thana day at the beach. And lucky for you, there’s no shortage of beaches near Hurlburt Field.
- Fort Walton Beach
- Santa Rosa Island
- Pensacola Beach
- Okaloosa Island
- Destin
- Miramar Beach
- Florida Caverns State Park
2. Fishing
Offshore, inshore, fly, and more, fishing is a way of life here. Whether you head to the pier, hop on a charter, or climb into a little john boat and cruise up the river, there’s every pace of fishing to enjoy.
3. Shopping
If you love a good deal, you’re in luck. Right down the road from Hurlburt Field is the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. A 40-minute drive grants you access to dozens of your favorite brands, including a Bass Pro Shop.
4. The History
The Naval Aviation Museum is on NAS Pensacola, and south of the base is Fort Pickens. Built in 1834 on the Pensacola Bay, Fort Pickens has historical significance and serves as a great backdrop to a day at the beach.
5. State Parks
Trade in your swimsuit for a pair of play clothes and head to any of the dozen state parks nearby.
- Blackwater River State Forest–Milton
- Point Washington State Forest–Santa Rosa Beach
- Pine Log State Forest–Ebro
- Conservation Park–Panama City Beach
- Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area–Apalachicola
- Florida Caverns State Park–Marianna
6. The Attractions
The Emerald Coast is home to some interesting attractions. The Tracks, Crab Island, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are a few places to start.
Note that Eglin AFB is a few short miles away from Hurlburt Field and offers more amenities for your military life.
Moving to Florida’s Emerald Coast? Whether you live in Hurlburt Field housing or a nearby town, every day brings new adventures, golden sunsets, and a welcoming military community.
