Pensacola, FL | The Holman Law Firm
Pensacola, Florida is a city known for its history, beautiful beaches, military heritage and variety of water and entertainment activities. The city is located in Escambia County in the northwest area of the state known as the Florida Panhandle. It is bordered by the Escambia Bay and Pensacola Bay and is flanked by over 50 miles of coastline. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald-colored waters and sugar sand beaches make it a popular destination among locals and tourists.
History of Pensacola
First established by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, Pensacola is often referred to as America’s First Settlement. Over the course of its history, the city “changed hands” many times and is commonly referred to as “The City of Five Flags”. The flags of the Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and America have flown over the city.
Population Statistics
The city of Pensacola has a population of over 52,000 with the entire metropolitan area totaling well over 475,000. This figure includes the surrounding cities of Century, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Jay, and Milton. This makes Pensacola one of the most urbanized cities in Florida.
The cost of living ranks 5.80% lower than the national average in the United States. The median household income in Pensacola is $46,500. The median home price is $156,000 and the average monthly rental amount is $884. Pensacola has an unemployment rate of 3.5%.
The median age in Pensacola is 38. Over 90% of residents are high school graduates while close to 36% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Nearly 13% hold a Graduate or professional degree.
Marital Statistics in Pensacola
Married: 36.8% Single: 37.2%:
Separated: 2.3% Widowed: 7.6%
Divorced: 16.1%
Driving Numbers
Pensacola credits itself with having the shortest average commute in the country of only 19 minutes. Interstate 10 and I-110 are commonly used by locals and visitors to navigate the city. These roads are some of the most traveled in the country.
Military Information
Pensacola is known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation”. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Saufley Field, Corry Station, Naval Hospital Pensacola and Whiting Field all call the area home. The National Naval Aviation Museum and the National Flight Academy are also located in the Greater Pensacola Region. Over 35,000 military retirees currently reside in the Pensacola area.
The Department of Defense is a major economic provider in Pensacola by contributing over $7.8 billion to the economy.
The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, is based in Pensacola.
Weather Information
Pensacola boasts a warm climate with an average of 220 sun-filled days per year. However, its location to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico makes it susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. So far,12 known hurricanes have hit the Pensacola area. Storm surges from hurricanes have caused millions of dollars of damage to homes and the shoreline over the years.
Other natural disasters that have affected the area include fires, floods, heavy rains, and tornadoes. Tornado activity in Pensacola is 10% greater than the United States average.
The annual rainfall in Pensacola is 65 inches with summertime being rainiest season.
Annual Events in Pensacola
Pensacola has several popular events throughout the year. The Blue Angels host an aeronautical treat for spectators with their annual show in July. Pensacola honors its history with the Five Flags Fiesta and celebrates local artists and food with Foo Foo Festival. Mardi Gras is another big event celebrated in the city. Pensacola plays host to a number of parades and balls throughout the season.