The Scenic Hills of Pensacola

Nestled in the heart of Pensacola, FL lies the Scenic Hills neighborhood, a residential paradise with access to golf, wooded trails, tree-lined streets and a quiet, homey feel.  Located just west of the main campus of the University of West Florida, this one-square mile neighborhood is a perfect place to call home, even if it’s just for a short visit to the area.    

While the name “Scenic Hills” may conjure up images of the country club of the same name, this area is much more than just golf.  Pensacola’s unique combination of white, sandy beaches, beautifully dense forests, many historical attractions, shopping, and nightlife are just a few of the highlights that you will find in this area.  Sound intriguing?  Read on to learn more.    

Two Separate Neighborhoods

A little-known fact to non-residents of the Pensacola area is that there are two neighborhoods in the area with almost identical names, yet two very different feels.  Scenic Hills, itself, is a tiny, two-road neighborhood situated in northeast Pensacola extremely close to the ocean.  Homes within this area range on the lower end of the market (between $100-$200K) making it both accessible and affordable.   

The Scenic Hills Country Club Estates neighborhood, however, currently has listings starting at $200K all the way up to $550K, making it a bit of a higher-end neighborhood, while still affordable.  The estates neighborhood is maintained by an HOA and boasts a $3.5 million clubhouse and an 18-hole golf course that can be enjoyed year-round in the beautiful Florida weather.  It should also be mentioned that these homes do not appear on the market very often, a showcase of the satisfaction homeowners feel post-purchase.

Employment Opportunities

If you plan to move to the Pensacola area permanently, you might be considering what type of job opportunities exist.  Due to the many local attractions, you will find that that the tourism and hospitality industries are quite active, though the region has a strong economy and business is full-speed in all industries.  The Scenic Hills neighborhood is equidistant to both Pace and Pensacola, making it easily accessible to a plethora of opportunity.  Professors, administrators and other educational professionals may also feel called to the area due to its close proximity to the University of West Florida.  Whatever industry you’re in, you’ll find a booming economy awaits you here. 

Educational Opportunities

Escambia County offers access to a variety of schools, both public and private.  Residents whose children are attending public school in the Scenic Hills area will be zoned for R.C. Lipscomb Elementary School, Ransom Middle School and Tate High School.  Both the elementary and middle school come highly rated by parents (per Realtor.com), receiving 4 out of 5 possible stars.  While the high school falls in at around 3 stars, it still offers a wide variety of educational opportunities for attendees. 

For parents looking to enroll children in private school, there are many quality options that are also available nearby.  Trinitas Christian School, Carden Christian Academy, and Pensacola Private School of the Liberal Arts are just a few. 

For those seeking higher education, the University of West Florida (UWF) is also just around the corner, situated on a beautiful 1,600-acre campus.  The school is comprised of five separate colleges; The College of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, The College of Business, The College of Education and Professional Studies, The Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering and The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health.  The student body consists of around 12,500 enrollees.  Access to on-site housing, fraternities, sororities, national honor societies, intercollegiate athletics, student clubs, and special interest groups are just a few of the things that make this institution such a great place to learn.  The main campus also includes a 160-acre wildlife refuge and is bordered by both Escambia Bay and the Escambia River.

 An Outdoor Lover’s Paradise

Life in Florida means taking advantage of the beautiful, year-round weather.  With average yearly temps of around 75 and enough sunshine to fill your cup, there’s no reason to spend your time indoors in the Scenic Hills area.  The area offers so many wonderful opportunities to slow down and reconnect with nature (whatever that looks like for you).  Let’s take a look at a few:

• Golf:  The Scenic Hills Country Club boasts an 18-hole golf course that will leave you coming back for more!  Whether you’re new to the sport or an avid pro, Scenic Hills has something for you.  It’s the only golf course in the entire state of Florida to have hosted a U.S. Open and GolfPass.com reviews rate it at an 82.6%.  Its stunning landscape is unmatched, with signature rolling hills and the shade of countless pine trees.
• Beaches:  Pensacola is long-revered for its white, sandy beaches and crystal, clear water.  Whether you’re taking your furry friend to play, strolling the shore, catching some rays or splashing around in the gentle surf, there’s always a reason to spend time in the sand.   
• Trails:  With easy access to countless state and national parks, it’s guaranteed that you can find a biking, walking or hiking trail suitable to your needs, skill and activity level.  In the Scenic Hills neighborhood, you are also within five minutes of the University of West Florida’s biking trails (which can also be used for walking, hiking, or jogging). 
• On-the-water Activities:  Don’t forget to take advantage of the many on-the-water activities available in the area.  Dolphin tours, snorkeling, boating excursions and fishing are just a few of the ways you might choose to enjoy the amazing weather. 

Other Things to Do in the Area

There is truly something to do for everybody in the Scenic Hills area.  If you’re not an outdoor buff, maybe history is your thing!  Scenic Hills is within close proximity to a plentitude of historical and cultural sites worth visiting.  Among them are the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fort Barrancas, or Fort Pickens

If you’re looking to shop, check out the Miles Antique Mall, Alyssa’s Antique Depot, The Blue Morning Gallery, or the Cordova Mall. 

Calling all foodies; there’s something for you, too!  The Pensacola area boasts many fantastic places to grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage (or both).  Head to Seville Quarter, the Old History Whiskey Bar, O’Reilly’s Uptown Tavern, or check out some local brews at the Perfect Plain Brewing Company. 

If you want to step entirely outside of the box, there’s plenty of opportunities for that, too.  Challenge your strength at Grizzly Axes, get yourself thinking as you try to escape from Escape Zone 60, Exithis Pensacola, or Escape LOL, take a tour in style on the Go Retro bus, check out the DeLuna Lanes Bowling Center for some family fun, or take a walk on the wild side at Fast Eddies Fun Center

With so many fun and exciting experiences close at hand, you most certainly won’t be bored.  If you’re not sure what, exactly, you want to do, head into the downtown Pensacola area and see what it has to offer that might intrigue you. 

Walkability, Commutability, and Transportation in the Scenic Hills Neighborhood

A phrase often heard around Pensacola is, “Getting here was easy.  Leaving is so hard.”  While there’s certainly no denying that, it can be helpful to know how to make the best of your stay (no matter how short or how long) by knowing how to easily access the many things to do. 

The Pensacola area can be easily accessed via car by taking I-65 from the North or I-10 from the East or West.  For those flying in, Pensacola International Airport is the most convenient option.  Airlines serving the Pensacola airport include American, Delta, Spirit, Frontier, Southwest, United, Silver and Boutique Air.  You can also access this amazing destination via boat by tying up to one of the over 20 marinas along the coast. 

Once you’ve arrived, you’re quite likely to rely heavily on your feet!  The most common (and easiest) way to get around downtown or the beach is to walk, though many people prefer to cycle, as well.  Uber, Lyft, Lucky Cab and other ride services are also available throughout the area.

If you do come with your own vehicle, it’s highly recommended (though not required) to purchase a SunPass for the use of all toll roads in the area.   If not, consider utilizing the Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), which runs throughout the entire of Escambia County Monday-Friday, with limited destinations available on weekends.  In the height of season, make use of the free Santa Rosa Island Authority trolley, servicing approximately 3-dozen stops running from the east to west end of Pensacola Beach.

Come See What the Hype’s All About

The Scenic Hills area obviously has a lot to offer, whether you’re here for a short visit or looking to relocate to the area permanently.  The sunshine, warm sand, and gentle breezes are awaiting your arrival!  If you’d like more information on how to get started finding a place to stay, reach out today to contact the Hansen Team.  We are eager to help you navigate this next leg of your journey!