Last Updated on November 1, 2022 by Lily Connel
Pensacola is a great place to live. It has great weather, beaches, and a low cost of living. However, it does have its drawbacks such as the high summer heat and hurricanes.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Pensacola – The Comparison Table
Serial | The Pros of Living in Pensacola | The Cons of Living in Pensacola |
1. | Pensacola’s Employment opportunity is excellent. | The crime rate is high. |
2. | The housing market is blossoming. | The weather is inclement in Pensacola. |
3. | Pensacola’s public education system is impressive. | Pensacola has poor access to public transit. |
4. | The beaches of Pensacola are the heart and soul of the city. | In Pensacola, summers are hot. |
5. | Pensacola is a wonderful place to retire. | Pensacola is not a very walkable city. |
6. | Pensacola has lower real estate prices. | Pensacola has a Population problem. |
7. | Pensacola has plenty of outdoor recreation areas. | Schools are not the best. |
8. | Salaries in Pensacola are higher | Pensacola is not a very diverse place. |
9. | Pensacola, Florida, is a beach city with warm winter weather. | Pensacola is Not an affordable city for everyone. |
The Pros and Cons of Living in Pensacola

Pro #01: The Weather is Almost Perfect
Let’s start with the most apparent pro: the weather. Pensacola has an incredible climate. The average temperature is a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit. And there are only about 15 days of rain per year. That means you can enjoy sunny skies and beautiful beaches almost every day!
Con #01: There Aren’t Many Job Opportunities
Unfortunately, Pensacola is not a great place to find a job. The unemployment rate is high, and there aren’t many opportunities for career growth. If you’re thinking of moving to Pensacola, you’ll need to make sure you have a solid plan for finding employment.
Pro #02: You Can Enjoy the Beach Life
Pensacola is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And when we say “beach life,” we mean more than just lying on the sand and soaking up the sun (although that’s certainly part of it!). There are also plenty of activities, like swimming, surfing, fishing, and kayaking.
Con #02: Hurricanes are a Real Threat
While Pensacola’s weather is usually perfect, one significant downside is hurricanes. These massive storms can cause severe property damage and even loss of life. If you’re thinking of moving to Pensacola, you need to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane.
Pro #03: The Cost of Living is Fairly Low
One of the most significant benefits of living in Pensacola is that the cost of living is relatively low. Housing, food, and other essentials are all reasonably priced. And, if you’re looking for a bargain, you can find plenty of deals at the many outlet malls in the area.
Con #03: Traffic Can Be a Nightmare
Pensacola is a small city, but it’s located on a busy stretch of highway. That means traffic can be an absolute nightmare, especially during rush hour. If you’re thinking of moving to Pensacola, you’ll need to be prepared for some severe gridlock.
Pro #04: There’s No State Income Tax
One of the best things about living in Florida is that there is no state income tax! That means more money in your pocket every year. And, if you’re retired, you’ll enjoy even more savings thanks to Florida’s generous homestead exemption.
Con #04: The Crime Rate is High
Unfortunately, Pensacola has a high crime rate. There is a lot of drug activity and violent crime in the city. If you’re thinking of moving to Pensacola, you’ll need to know the risks.
Pro #05: There’s a Lot to Do
Pensacola may be a small city, but there’s still plenty to do! There are great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and plenty of things to see and do. And, if you’re looking for some excitement, you can always take a drive down to New Orleans for the weekend.
Con #05: The Schools are Not the Best
One of the most significant drawbacks of living in Pensacola is the quality of the schools. Unfortunately, many of the schools in the city are underfunded and overcrowded. If you’re thinking of moving to Pensacola, you’ll need to be prepared to send your children to private school or homeschool them.
Pro #06: It’s a Great Place to Raise a Family
Pensacola is a great place to raise a family. There are plenty of activities for kids, like museums, parks, and playgrounds. And, if you’re looking for a safe neighborhood to raise your family, you’ll find it in Pensacola.
Con #06: There’s Not Much Cultural Diversity
One of the drawbacks of living in Pensacola is not much cultural diversity. The city is predominantly white, and most of the residents are Christian. If you’re looking for a more diverse community, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Pro #07: The Beaches are Beautiful
Pensacola’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. White sand and clear blue water make it a paradise for beach lovers. And, if you love to fish, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to wet your line in Pensacola.
Con #07: There’s a lot of Humidity
One of the drawbacks of living in Pensacola is the humidity. The city is located on the Gulf Coast, so the air is often thick and muggy. If you’re not used to the heat, you may find it difficult to adjust to living in Pensacola.
Pro #08: It’s a Friendly City
Pensacola is a friendly city. People are always willing to help out a neighbor, and there’s a strong sense of community. If you’re looking for a place to feel like you belong, Pensacola is right.
Con #08: There’s Not Much Public Transportation
One of the drawbacks of living in Pensacola is not much public transportation. The city does have a bus system, but it’s not very reliable. If you need to get around, you’ll need your car.

Pro #09: It’s a Beautiful City
Pensacola is a beautiful city. From the white-sand beaches to the historic downtown, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a place to call home, Pensacola is perfect.
Con #09: It’s Not the Most Affordable City
One of the drawbacks of living in Pensacola is that it’s not the most affordable city. The cost of living is high, and housing prices are rising. If you’re looking for a place to live on a budget, Pensacola is not the right choice.
So, there you have it – the pros and cons of living in Pensacola. We hope this list has helped you decide if Pensacola is the right place. Thanks for reading!