Firstly why Valparaiso, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Valparaiso
• State: Florida
• Population: 5,600 people
• Valparaiso’s quick summary would be known for its beautiful parks and family-friendly atmosphere this small town is perfect for those looking for a tight-knit community.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 800 annually
• While this many move-out: 210 annually
• Net Migration: 590 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 305
• Number of Homeless people: 0

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a small-town feel and access to outdoor activities appealing to families

Perk #1: Valparaiso Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 72%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $66,042
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Valparaiso is $79,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $12958 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Valparaiso’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,700
• Property Tax %: 0.85%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $1,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Valparaiso
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Valparaiso, Portage, Kouts, Chesterton, and probably could include Union Town
• Avg. Age of Homes in Valparaiso: 36 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Valparaiso’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Valparaiso are  Military, Tourism, and Retail
• Valparaiso Job Scene: limited job market primarily in military and services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech focus mainly on military and local services , ,
• Valparaiso Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Valparaiso: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 2

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Valparaiso

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $99 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 85 connects Valparaiso to Niceville and beyond
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Eglin Parkway
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Valparaiso: 10,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.8
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Valparaiso: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 58 of 100
• Local Airport: Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Valparaiso’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricane
• General Weather in Valparaiso is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with occasional thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Valparaiso i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Valparaiso can be described as warm with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Valparaiso are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Valparaiso is usually warm and humid
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 34 days in summer
• Days in a row in Valparaiso below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 53 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by its small size
• Valparaiso Winter Air generally good air quality with few local pitfalls

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Valparaiso Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Valparaiso 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Valparaisos’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Valparaiso Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Valparaiso Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Valparaiso only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Valparaiso only Police Officers is about 40
• Crime Rate Index: 19/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Valparaiso’s Monthly utility bill average is $190
• Valparaiso’s Monthly Gym Membership: $32
• Valparaiso’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Valparaiso

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small town feel with a strong focus on family and local events
• You might enjoy local events with live music
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Valparaiso  features a cozy atmosphere with local bars and eateries perfect for after-work unwinding

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Valparaiso

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers small local diners and a few casual dining spots
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Valparaiso
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Valparaiso can be described as small conservative community focused on local governance
• Valparaiso’s Longer standing religious establishment is Valparaiso First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Valparaiso Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Valparaiso has 7 Parks?
• Valparaiso Park is Valparaiso’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Valparaiso Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Valparaiso Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Valparaiso can be described as quiet small-town atmosphere with a focus on family
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Valparaiso exploring parks community gardening fishing events
• The Cities people commute to from Valparaiso are Destin 24 miles away Fort-Walton-Beach 12 miles away Niceville 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Valparaiso or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Eglin Parkway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Valparaiso’s Hurricane risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Valparaiso is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Valparaiso are Destin 24 miles away Fort-Walton-Beach 12 miles away Niceville 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 19 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Valparaiso has 0 days in a row below freezing and 34 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Valparaiso people have an average (positive or negative) $12958 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   0 homeless people living in Valparaiso. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general small conservative community focused on local governance could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Valparaiso.

Retiree & Senior Life in Valparaiso

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for tax reductions aimed at assisting with living costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Valparaiso Health & Rehabilitation
• Valparaiso Senior Center provides supporting resources activities and social engagement for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Valparaiso, Florida?

If Valparaiso, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Valparaiso, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!