Aptly named for its location on the peak of a long woodland range between the Shoal and
Yellow rivers in the panhandle of Florida, Crestview is one of the state’s fastest growing and
unique cities. As the county seat of Okaloosa County, this community is the steadfast heart of a
dynamic county that only continues to get better with each new development.
Originating as an outgrowth of the burgeoning railroad services to the western reaches of
Florida, Crestview was officially incorporated in 1916 and has since proceeded to grow and
prosper at an astonishing rate.
A Transportation Hub
Dating back to its infancy in the early 1900’s, transportation has been an important factor to
the city. Today, Crestview is known as the “Hub City” of northwestern Florida due to its
location at the junction of three major highways: U.S. 90, State Road 85 and Interstate Highway
10. The railroad is still an important factor as well, with the CSX, Inc. freight line operating
through the city.
The fast-growing economy of Crestview has been largely influenced by its status as a
transportation nexus. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the population of Crestview as of
2013 data was 22,351, however many more residents throughout the region depend on the
variegated economy enable by transportation routes. Many smaller cities throughout the
county and in neighboring counties such as Covington in Alabama and DeFuniak in Walton
County provide an intricate network of suppliers and consumers that has allowed Crestview to
prosper.
The economy of Crestview is driven substantially by military, tourism and manufacturing. The
U.S. Census Bureau reports the largest employer for Okaloosa County is the Eglin Air Force
Base, which is growing substantially due to the closing of other bases. Other businesses have
been rapidly coming to the city such as L-3 Crestview Aerospace, Aerospace Integrations
Corporation and Lowe’s, providing a diverse base of employment for area homeowners.
Four Seasons in Florida
At an elevation of 235 feet above sea level, Crestview is one of the highest points in the state.
This elevation grants this humid subtropical region a bit of reprieve from the heat in the winter
time. Known as the “icebox of Florida,” Crestview has some of the coldest winters in the state
and is one of the only metropolitan areas in Florida that can offer its residents something akin
to four seasons.
No matter what season it is, there is always something exciting to do in Crestview. The region is
home to quite a few museums and monuments that commemorate the strong military
presence in the area including Carver-Hill Museum, Baker Block Museum, the Heritage
Museum, the Air Force Armament Museum and Indian Mound Museum.