Lovers of the coastal vibe, unite! Pensacola, a seaport on Pensacola Bay is surrounded by the barrier island of Santa Rosa, connecting to the Gulf of Mexico. It is nicknamed as ‘The City of Five Flags’ owing to the governments that have ruled the city all through history. So if you’re here to find more on rooms for rent in Pensacola, soak yourself in the many cultures of the city, as well as the waters of its wonderful beaches. Let’s get straight to all you need to know about the city, along with the average rent in Pensacola.
Getting to know Pensacola
As far as nicknames go, Pensacola has many! It’s been called home to the world’s whitest beaches, for its white sand beaches (naturally). It also bears the name ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’ for the first Naval air station of the US Navy in 1914 under which many naval aviators including Neil Armstrong and John H Glenn received training.
Other nicknames include ‘Western Gate to the Sunshine State,’ ‘Emerald Coast,’ ‘P-Cola,’ and even ‘America’s First Settlement!’ Pensacola was in fact the first American settlement! Although the city was discovered 5 years earlier than St. Augustine, Pensacola was destroyed by the hurricane soon after, thus losing its fame as the first settlement.
And with the miles of coastline and crystal clear bay areas, along with feats of human civilization, Pensacola offers the best of both worlds: A sleepy beach town vibe and a bustling city life!
Not only that, but if you’re planning to find rooms for rent in Pensacola, you’ll be happy to know that the city boasts the shortest average commute time in the country: Only 19 minutes!
Finding rooms for rent in Pensacola
With 16 separate districts and about 100 neighborhoods, Pensacola usually refers to the greater Pensacola area in Escambia County. And according to the 2018 U.S. Census Bureau, Pensacola has a population of about 52,000 residents, with the median household income for the greater Pensacola area under $50,000.
Top neighborhoods in Pensacola
- Downtown: Downtown Pensacola is an area that has a rich past, and an ever-growing present, making it the ‘heart and soul’ of the city. You can find cheap rooms for rent in Pensacola, along with a variety of restaurants, boutiques, event venues, parks, arts & culture, and more!
- Belmont-Devilliers: A historically African American neighborhood, Belmont Devilliers has a jazzy past, being home to the venues where African American Jazz performers like Louis Armstrong performed. And keeping the tradition alive, you will find great jazz and great food, along with downtown being just a short walk away.
- Beulah: If you want the beach, the grasslands, and wide roads, all together in one city, Pensacola is here to make your dreams come true! The Beulah neighborhood is located within acres of beautiful farmland. And with its housing boom and development in recent years, you can easily find cheap rooms for rent in Pensacola here!
Average rent in Pensacola
| Rooms for Rent in Pensacola | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in Pensacola | $631 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Pensacola | $1,520 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in Pensacola | $2,280 |
University life in Pensacola
If you’re looking for cheap rooms for rent in Pensacola as a student, you have an array of universities to choose from. From arts and academics, to medicine, Pensacola is a lot more than just a sleepy beach town.
Here are the top universities in the area:
- University of West Florida
- Pensacola State College
- Fortis Institute
- Pensacola Christian College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
How transit friendly is Pensacola?
Walkability & cycling in Pensacola
If you’re on the hunt for rooms for rent in Pensacola, you should know that the city is more car dependant. However, with an average walk score of 35, and an average bikeable score of 50, the most walkable neighborhoods are Downtown, St. John’s Coalition & Westpointe Heritage.
Airports in Pensacola
Pensacola is home to the second busiest airport in North Florida, the Pensacola International, with the American, Delta air, Frontier, Silver Airways, Southwest & United Airlines offering services.
Buses in Pensacola
Along with Greyhound bus services, the local bus service ECAT (Escambia County Area Transit) offers bus services in the city.
To make your hunt for cheap rooms for rent in Pensacola easier, you can get single fare tickets for ECAT for $1.75, 1 day passes for $5.25, 7 day passes for $14.50, or 30 day passes for $47.
Ferries in Pensacola
You can find two Ferry bay cruises operating in Pensacola between downtown, and the Pensacola beach boardwalk. You can check the schedule on the website before planning a fun day out! The fares can go up to $26 for a round trip on the ferry.
Cultural activities in Pensacola
Saenger Theatre
The Saenger Theatre was opened in 1925 boasting beautiful Spanish Baroque architecture, and Rococo style. Interestingly, this theatre took 13 months to build. It has been, and still is, home to a variety of shows and events from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and David Copperfield to Ziggy Marley, CATS, and Sesame Street. So when you want to soak in the culture while finding rooms for rent in Pensacola, this is the place to go!
Pensacola Museum of Art
The Pensacola Museum of Art facilitates the preservation, understanding and engagement of visual arts from 1850 to the present times. Moreover, you can view their collection and exhibits, or be a part of their programs and academic research to understand the passing of time through the arts.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
If you’re into exploring the outdoor culture of the coastal city of Pensacola, go explore the Gulf Islands Seashore where you can indulge in boating, camping, swimming, surfing, biking, fishing, snorkelling, birdwatching and more! Furthermore, if you have some more time and some more love for the outdoors, there are plenty nature reserves close by too.
Historical spots in Pensacola
National Naval Aviation Museum
History buffs, head straight to the Naval Aviation Museum when in Pensacola. Go through books at the Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library, the history up close series, exhibits and more! You can also participate in educational programs at the Museum and the National Flight Academy. If you’re interested in the Sciences, or have kids tagging along with you this is a perfect choice.
Historic Pensacola Village
Known as the Seville Historic District, the Historic Pensacola village is home to beautiful restored buildings you can marvel at. Museums such as the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Museum, the Museum of Commerce, and the Museum of Industry allow you to revisit Pensacola’s history while you’re here.
Pensacola Lighthouse
If you don’t mind a bit of a hike (177 steps) to a great view, head to the Pensacola Lighthouse. The beacon from this historic tower has been lighting the way for mariners since 1859. When at the top, you might get a chance to see the famous Blue Angels performing their beautiful routine. But if you’re easily spooked out, be warned! As legend has it, this one’s a haunted tower with friendly ghosts accompanying you on the way up!
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