Find the Perfect Work-Life Balance in Okaloosa County, Florida
Whether you’re a young professional just getting started, a bit more established in your career and raising a family or a senior executive for a large corporation, you’ll find what you need to thrive while living in Okaloosa County, Florida.
The region offers world-class beaches, sunny weather, seafood and other mouthwatering dishes, live music, and much more. But this county is far from just a beach community. It’s known for its thriving military, aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing and technology sectors, vastly improved infrastructure, and increasing number of small businesses. Leading employers include Eglin Air Force Base, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Northwest Florida State College.
“In Okaloosa County, you get the best of both worlds – a thriving professional scene and the chance to live in a place where you can unwind and savor life’s simple pleasures right at your doorstep,” says Emma Wegher, vice president of operations at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, who moved to the Destin area for her job in September 2023.
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Families Thrive Here
Wegher’s newcomer optimism is shared by Daniel “Gus” Gusoff, who moved here more than 10 years ago. Active in the community, Gusoff owns Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, and though he was immediately delighted with the area’s business opportunities, he soon found something even more important.
“You realize it is a huge family community,” says Gusoff, whose children are now 10 and 12. “We have a top-rated school system, all the outdoor things for families to do, and safety. I can say without hesitation that I have never been anywhere that is so community-minded. It’s one of a kind.”
That supportive community is what Maureen Bierman, director of marketing and external affairs at Step One Automotive Group, finds most important about life here.
“Everyone here is committed to helping each other, to giving back, and I love that so much,” Bierman says. “It has that small-town feel but with the resources of a bigger city. Okaloosa County is authentic Florida, the way it was back in the day. You don’t have to be a billionaire to live here. We have a whole mix of people, from the very rich to the working class, and everyone can access what’s here. It’s Mayberry by the sea.”
More to Life
While the economic opportunities are great and getting even better, leisure time is important in this coastal community, and Okaloosa has plenty to keep people busy and happy. Outdoor activities and places to hike, bike, camp and just hang out are everywhere, from Timberlake Recreation Area to expansive parks, like Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee Park.
Gusoff and his family are outdoor lovers who enjoy going to the beach, hiking, biking and participating in motor sports and organized youth athletics, not to mention catching fireworks displays.
“There’s always something to do, whether you’re interested in joining one of the many beach volleyball leagues, exploring breweries and restaurants, or simply enjoying the vibrant local scene,” Wegher says. “The variety of activities and venues makes it easy to meet new people and make friends across different age groups. Plus, with so many restaurants and social spots, you’ll never run out of new places to explore.”
For fun, take a stroll along the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island (talk about catching a glimpse of authentic Florida), catch some music at DownTown Music Hall or the Concerts at The Landing series. Shop for goodies at Okaloosa or Crestview farmers markets, and don’t miss local celebrations, like the Fort Walton Beach International Festival or Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival each spring.
The area’s local eateries offer just about everything – think a traditional beer and burger at the beach to fine dining, with legendary Gulf seafood, unsurprisingly, taking first place in most people’s hearts.
“You can go somewhere and get a nice dinner with your family while watching the sun set over the Gulf,” Gusoff says. “There’s nothing better.”
Q&A
A rapid-fire Q&A with three Okaloosa County, Florida, residents. Here’s what they had to say.
Gus Gusoff
What do you love most about living in Okaloosa County?
The beach!
What’s your favorite restaurant?
AJ’s on the Bayou (a seafood and oyster bar in Fort Walton Beach).
What’s your go-to place?
Crab Island (a submerged sand bar in Destin).
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about the county?
Most people would underestimate the closeness of our community.
Why should other people relocate to Okaloosa County?
Opportunity.
Emma Wegher
What do you love most about living in Okaloosa County?
We have the most beautiful beaches!
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Harbor Docks (a restaurant in Destin known for its seafood).
What’s your go-to place?
For a good cup of coffee, I love Main Brew Coffee in Fort Walton Beach.
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about the county?
One word that captures the essence of Okaloosa County is opportunity.
Why should other people relocate to Okaloosa County?
Professional and personal fulfillment.
Maureen Bierman
What do you love most about living in Okaloosa County?
The people!
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Marina Cafe (a fine-dining restaurant in Destin).
What’s your go-to place?
I spend a lot of time at Publix (grocery store)! I like to walk around there.
What’s something most people wouldn’t know about the county?
That we have some of the highest-rated schools in Florida.
Why should other people relocate to Okaloosa County?
There is nothing but opportunity.
Get to Know Okaloosa County, FL
Want to learn more about living and working in Okaloosa County, FL? Check out the latest edition of Livability Okaloosa County, Greater Fort Walton Beach Area, FL.