Live Like a Local in Okaloosa County, FL

Okaloosa County native shares some tips for experiencing all the region has to offer.

By Kevin Litwin on January 8, 2024

Okaloosa County

Several polls rank Okaloosa County, FL, among the best places to live in the state, where families and young professionals enjoy an attractive way of life and where most residents own their homes. 

Albert Sousa is the president of Mortgage Apex and also serves as chairman of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals program. He shares his ultimate guide to living in Okaloosa County, FL. 

What are your favorite leisure activities to enjoy in Okaloosa County, FL? 

The obvious answer is going to the beach, and my wife, Jessica, and I like the Concerts at the Landing summertime series at Fort Walton Beach Landing. We also often visit the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market, and the area has many annual fun festivals such as Dog Daze. 

What are some of your favorite coffee shops, lunch spots or restaurants that only locals know about? 

My mortgage office is in downtown Fort Walton Beach. I always buy fresh roasted coffee beans from nearby Maas Coffee Roasters. For lunch, I often go to Sax Grille and Domo Café as well as Sugar Mill Sweets for amazing desserts, and Stewby’s always serves great seafood. 

Any other dining spots? 

Anyone new to the area should experience McGuire’s Irish Pub, which has a fantastic environment and atmosphere along with excellent food. For my clients who close on mortgages and are moving here, I always get them a gift card to experience McGuire’s. 

What’s the nightlife like in Okaloosa County? 

Destin has a number of places open in the evening and night, and you can also go from bar to bar in downtown Fort Walton Beach. I’m a craft beer guy, and there are quite a few excellent breweries in this area, including family-friendly places like 3rd Planet Brewing in Niceville. 

The county is part of the Emerald Coast and known for its beauty, so where are your favorite places to enjoy the outdoors? 

There are several water access points to beaches and hiking trails, and a couple of the more popular destinations are The Boardwalk and Navarre Beach. Myself, I like to visit less-crowded beach access points – my favorite is John Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. 

Do you have a favorite spot for outdoor exercise? 

Eglin Air Force Base has many acres of land set aside for recreational activities like hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and mountain biking. I’m a mountain biker who rides the many trails at Eglin, with several of them near water and with elevation changes. 

What are some popular neighborhoods in the community? 

I grew up in the Kenwood neighborhood in Fort Walton Beach that has homes from the 1960s forward, and Jessica and I actually closed on a house in August 2023 in that same beautiful Kenwood neighborhood. I also get many clients who are interested in neighborhoods like Poquito Bayou in Shalimar, Blue Water Bay in Niceville and Overbrook in Fort Walton Beach.