What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Destin, FL?

Paul Brannon | August 22, 2024 | Personal Injury

What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Destin, FL?

Destin, FL, with a population of just under 14,000 residents, is a relatively safe town. Destin gets top ratings for being a family-friendly community and having excellent public schools while offering opportunities for health and fitness, as well as nightlife. It also ranks highly for diversity, outdoor activities, and job opportunities.

This beach community attracts young professionals, families, and retirees thanks to gorgeous views and urban amenities. It’s also a relatively safe place to live, with violent crimes like assault and property crimes like theft lower than state and national averages.

Unfortunately, traffic accidents in this popular tourist area are prevalent, with rates almost three times as high as the national average, thanks to the influx of drivers unfamiliar with the area. Most accidents happen along the Highway 98 corridor passing through the region, with several intersections identified as problem areas.

Whether you’re moving to Destin for a job, to raise a family, or to retire, you’ll want to know which neighborhoods are the safest within this small area. Here are a few to consider when looking for a rental or property to purchase.

Kelly Plantation

Situated on 900 pristine acres along Choctawhatchee Bay, this scenic gated community features a 250-acre nature preserve, walking trails, and plenty of greenery. This gem of the Emerald Coast has an 18-hole championship golf course and nine unique neighborhoods featuring golf course homes, waterfront homes, estate houses, townhomes, and condominiums.

This upscale neighborhood is known as a safe and peaceful community, with about 80% owner-occupied residences. With a friendly community and well-maintained landscapes, it’s considered one of the nicest areas to live in Destin.

Dunes of Destin

This coastal neighborhood, located along the southern edge of Destin bordering the Gulf of Mexico, primarily consists of apartments, along with single-family homes, with a blend of owner-occupied and rental units. Because many of the homes here are seasonal, the vacancy rate in the off-season can be quite high.

This seasonal vacancy makes for a relatively sleepy community when vacationers and tourists aren’t in residence, which is perhaps why it’s considered an ideal retirement spot. Diverse housing options, low poverty rates, walkability, and safety ratings higher than other Florida neighborhoods, on average, all make this a desirable Destin neighborhood. The only downside is the Stahlman Avenue intersection with Highway 98, which is a hotspot for accidents.

Regatta Bay

This wealthy, secluded community offers large, single-family homes and apartments, with about a third vacant for at least a portion of the year due to seasonal residency (i.e., vacation homes). This community is unique in that it has a fair number of active military residents. It’s also among the top 15% of high-income neighborhoods in the United States.

As you might imagine, these characteristics combine to create a safe community. While the Emerald Coast is a popular tourist destination, this gated community offers exclusive amenities for residents and their guests, including a golf course, clubhouse, pool, and more.

Take Steps To Stay Safe in Destin, Florida

There’s a lot to love about Destin, including several neighborhoods that offer access to beautiful beaches and urban amenities. While many neighborhoods provide a safe place to live, it’s always best to take steps to protect yourself from harm. Being mindful of your surroundings and paying attention can help to prevent car accidents, personal injuries, and even crime. If you are ever injured due to the negligence of others, seek medical assistance and contact an experienced law firm to help you fight for justice and needed compensation.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297