Why Pace, Florida Continues to Be One of the Panhandle’s Most Reliable Real Estate Markets
2025 housing market Santa Rosa Escambia real estate overview
Pace, Florida stands out for steady prices, great schools, and real demand.
Discover why this market stays reliable year after year.
While some parts of Florida’s real estate scene have swung from frenzy to cooldown, Pace has done something different — it’s stayed steady. Prices have held strong, new construction is active, and families continue to move here for the same reasons they always have: great schools, safe neighborhoods, and a sense of community that keeps people rooted.
It’s a market built on everyday demand, not hype — and that’s exactly what makes it reliable.
A Snapshot of Stability
PRICES: Mid-$300s, nearly unchanged year-over-year and still more than 50% higher than pre-2020
INVENTORY: Balanced 3–4 months of supply between resale and new construction
DAYS ON MARKET: Around 45–60 for well-priced homes
DEMAND: Local families, first-time buyers, and military relocations continue to fuel steady activity
Pace isn’t chasing trends. It’s built on practical growth and long-term livability.
Why Buyers and Builders Keep Choosing Pace
Top-rated schools and family roots: Education continues to be a major driver here. Families moving from Pensacola or Navarre often cite Pace’s school zones as their number-one reason.
Active new construction: Builders are still confident in the area, with new communities rising along Woodbine Road, Chumuckla Highway, and the Pea Ridge corridor. Incentives like rate buydowns and closing-cost help are keeping new builds within reach despite higher mortgage rates.
Commuter convenience: Quick I-10 access means you can work in Pensacola but live with more space and newer homes in Pace.
Growing amenities: Retail, restaurants, and parks are catching up with demand—offering modern comfort without losing that small-town heart.
Prices, Supply, and What They Tell Us
After several years of fast growth, Pace prices have found their footing. Homes now sell for roughly 97–98% of list price, showing a healthy balance between buyers and sellers.
Inventory has inched upward, giving buyers more breathing room—but not so much that sellers are sweating. The market still favors well-presented listings, especially newer three- and four-bedroom homes.
Builders, with their incentives, sometimes set a lower price floor in certain neighborhoods, so resale sellers should watch those comps closely when pricing.
Who’s Buying — and Why That Matters
A steady market attracts steady buyers:
Local upgraders looking for more space and better schools
Military families who value location and VA loan access
First-time buyers seeking newer, affordable homes inland from the coast
Long-term investors drawn to low vacancy and durable rent demand
The takeaway? These aren’t speculative buyers chasing quick profits. They’re families and investors who plan to stay — and that’s what keeps the Pace market strong year after year.
Strategy by Role
BUYERS: Time and Opportunity
The frenzy has eased, giving buyers time to think — but not forever. Well-priced homes still move quickly. Focus on total monthly cost instead of just sticker price; new homes often come with lower insurance premiums and better energy efficiency. Builder incentives can make new construction surprisingly competitive.
SELLERS: Presentation and Precision
This market rewards accuracy. Price correctly within the first two weeks, and you’ll likely sell near asking. Overprice or overlook condition, and you’ll linger on the market. Curb appeal, upgrades, and awareness of nearby new-build competition make the difference.
The Big Picture for 2025
Pace isn’t riding a wave; it is the calm water. Limited land, strong schools, and steady local employment continue to support healthy home values. If interest rates drop, demand could surge quickly — but even if they don’t, this market’s solid foundation means you can move forward with confidence.
