Serving as the county seat of Santa Rosa County, Milton, FL, is noted for its close proximity to Pensacola, about half an hour away by car, and its thriving art culture. In addition to neighborhood art galleries, the city is also home to the Santa Rosa Arts and Culture Foundation, which supports local art-related endeavors and events. Apartment renters who happen to be nature enthusiasts will feel right at home in Milton thanks to the many opportunities to camp and hike or enjoy a walk along the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. The Blackwater River is a popular spot to fish, swim, canoe or appreciate the natural beauty of the region throughout the year.
Milton has been known by several nicknames throughout the years, including "Jernigan's Landing", "Scratch Ankle" and "Hard Scrabble." However, the nickname that's easiest to explain is "Mill Town," a reference to the large number of lumber mills once common throughout the region and likely leading to the city's current name.
The city developed as a village in the early 1800s that centered around the lumber industry due to its location along the banks of vital waterways. The town continued to grow until the mid-1800s when much of it was destroyed during the Civil War. An important naval air station was constructed in the area during World War II. Today, more than 8,000 people call Milton home.
If you rent or lease here, you'll discover a diverse city that has elements appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Apartment renters and homeowners new to the area will soon discover that Santa Rosa County is rural with top attractions including the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve in nearby Gulf Breeze, offering 7.5 miles of hiking trails, and Becks Lake Fish Camp, a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.
Many sports fans in the area tend to support neighborhood youth sports teams. As for the big leagues, loyalties are generally divided among various Florida and nearby Alabama teams although there is often local support for Pensacola teams like the Pensacola Ice Flyers and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Most people in the area drive or walk throughout various neighborhood locations and surrounding destinations. Getting around is convenient due to well-maintained roads and easy access to major roadways serving the region, including interstates 87, 89 and 90. Pensacola International Airport is the closest major airport in the area. Peter Prince Field Airport serves as a smaller county airport. There's also transit and shuttle service available throughout the county.
Homeowners or apartment renters in the area with school-age children are served by the Santa Rosa County School District. If you're looking to rent or lease a place in Milton and pursue your higher learning goals at the same time, you'll find that you're not far from highly regarded schools like Pensacola State College and the University of Florida, which has a local campus. Radford M Locklin Technical Center is a leading vocational school serving the region.
The Santa Rosa Medical Center is a leading employer in the Milton area. It's common for business owners living in Pensacola or other Florida cities to rent or lease commercial space in Santa Rosa County. If you're living in an apartment here, you'll have easy access to many of the region's top employers, including Baptist Healthcare Systems, Blackwater River Correctional Facility and Mediacom. Walmart and Lowe's are the top retail employers in the area.