Pensacola, Florida, located along the state's panhandle, is known for its white, sandy beaches -- so white, in fact, that some visitors have remarked that the sand here resembles sugar. This city of more than 300,000 residents is currently experiencing its summertime surge of beachcombing tourists. Pensacola's weather is mild, with an average annual temperature of 75 degrees and an average 343 days of sunshine each year.

Taking a close second place to beaches in terms of popularity is Pensacola's love of aviation. That history reaches back to the 1800s, when a local naval shipyard became an air station. The city quickly established a reputation for producing top-notch aviators, including Chappie James, the United States Air Force's first African-American four-star general. James went on to fly 100 combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Younger generations are more familiar with the Pensacola-based Blue Angels, a group of high-profile stunt aviators who perform throughout the year at various events, including Pensacola's Independence Day celebration. Pensacola's wartime history hasn't been forgotten; the city is home to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, which takes visitors on a "magical history tour" of flight, from the very first precarious planes to modern spacecraft.

If you're interested in Civil War history, you'll want to pay a visit to the Civil War Soldiers' Museum for which the city is well-known. In addition, the city pays tribute to veterans of all wars at Veterans' Memorial Park, which includes its own version of the famous Vietnam veterans' memorial wall in Washington, D.C. Pensacola's tribute, called "The Wall South," is a close approximation in terms of both its appearance and the emotional impact it has on visitors.

Because the weather is so temperate in Pensacola, most of its attractions are outdoors, including its numerous golf courses, tennis courts, its greyhound track and the Pensacola Zoo. Residents spend a good deal of time outdoors; on any given day here, you'll spot plenty of bicyclists and roller-bladers making their way along trails that wind through the city. If you prefer to travel throughout the city at a more leisurely pace, Pensacola enjoys the convenience of a trolley system that will take you to many of the city's highlights, including its numerous shops.

Santa Rosa Island is located less than 10 miles from downtown Pensacola over the Pensacola Bay Bridge. It's well worth a visit while you're in the area. The island has experienced a metamorphosis since hurricanes destroyed many of its older homes back in 1995. Those who rebuilt opted to construct their homes on tall stilts, which transformed Santa Rosa Island into a resort-like community with higher property values. Upscale hotels, public parks and lush landscaping also have appeared on the island since 1995.

In addition to such large corporations as Armstrong World Industries, Champion International, Metrocall and First Data Corporation, Pensacola has a concentration of health-care centers and has attracted a high concentration of small businesses.

Perhaps more than any other Floridian city, Pensacola offers an extremely diverse housing selection, from historic homes to ranch properties to beachfront condos. Relocating families are often surprised to discover that Pensacola offers them the opportunity to enjoy seaside views at inland prices. The city's housing costs are a mere fraction of residential real estate prices in other beachfront communities throughout the United States. According to the Florida Association of Realtors, Pensacola consistently ranks at the top of the index of housing affordability. Many of the city's older residents are selling their homes as "fixer-uppers," and young families are snapping them up for a bargain -- for prices well under $100,000. At the same time, new construction is going full speed ahead in Pensacola, and those with money to spare are building palatial seaside estates worth millions. There's truly something for everyone here, and that's part of its appeal. The average sales price of a single-family home in Pensacola in 1997 was $82,394; the average selling price of a condominium was $129,832.

While its beautiful beaches, friendly climate and rich history are all big selling points, Pensacola's affordable housing is proving to be its most irresistible draw for prospective residents. The good life comes cheaply in Pensacola. As new construction continues at a feverish pace and the influx of relocating families continues, the big question is how long these reasonable home prices will last.

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