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Located on the Blackwater River and less than 30 miles from Pensacola Beach, Milton, Florida offers a variety of outdoor recreation options and beautiful views. While time on the water is an important part of living in Milton, there are plenty of entertainment options on land, ranging from festivals to museums. Milton, Florida is the county seat of Santa Rosa County and is located at its center, making travel to surrounding towns for other local events easy and convenient. Pensacola is under 25 miles away, so there are also plenty of urban activities nearby. D.R. Horton offers a range of new construction homes in Milton, Fl with spacious open floorplans and smart home technology. Many of our new home communities offer additional amenities to enjoy, so you can meet your neighbors and have additional entertainment options just a few steps from your door.

Living in Milton, Florida

Known for its historic charm and friendly atmosphere, Milton, Fl is a small town with plenty of fun things to do, whether it’s outdoor recreation or enjoying a cool museum. Sometimes referred to as the “Canoe Capital of Florida,” Milton’s proximity to water, both through the sea and the Blackwater River, is a significant part of the city’s identity and culture. With many events and celebrations held on the river and no shortage of trails and outdoor activities near the water, it’s simple to enjoy the beauty of nature. The town also offers beautiful architecture and a variety of fabulous local shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the historic district. As one of the oldest cities in Florida, Milton’s historic district honors its history while promoting progress in a unique local setting. The town was initially established as a center for timber and shipbuilding, and the historic area is situated directly on the Blackwater River, making it accessible by both boat and land. The combination of historic buildings and outdoor recreation makes Milton, Fl ideal for those seeking a close-knit community to call home.

Fun and celebrations in Milton, Florida

The town of Milton offers a connected community life with plenty to do and enjoy around town. The historic downtown area is home to a variety of interesting local shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses, serving as a cultural hub for the town.. The historic district is home to the West Florida Railroad Museum, which celebrates the impact of the railroad on the Florida panhandle. Housed in the train depot, which was built in 1882, the museum showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive programs detailing the railroad’s contribution to Florida and the United States. While the exhibits are interesting, many children find the Garden Railroad and Riding Train to be particularly enjoyable, as they can take a ride through the depot’s garden on an engine just their size.

Aside from the engaging places available to residents year-round, Milton also hosts a variety of seasonal celebrations and events in its historic district. Bands on the Blackwater, held at Jernigan’s Landing, is a concert series held throughout the spring and fall with a special concert for Riverfest on Independence Day. The series features both local and nationally recognized bands, and the event always includes on-site food vendors available when you would like to grab a bite. However, you are welcome to bring coolers with snacks and drinks. Parking is available, or you can anchor in the river to enjoy the tunes and become a member of the “Milton Navy.” However you choose to arrive, there is sure to be great music and a strong sense of community.

The town of Milton hosts their annual Mardi Gras and Light Up Milton celebrations in the historic district as well. Mardi Gras features a parade with different themes each year, followed by a concert and plenty of family-friendly activities, including kids’ zones, vendors, and a VIP area. Similarly, Light Up Milton ushers in the holiday season with both a tree lighting and the lighting of the town’s decorations. There is a boat parade on the Blackwater, visits with Santa, and fireworks, offering a day of fun and celebration for the whole family.

Held at the Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribal Grounds, Milton puts on the annual Creek Fest, a two-day festival hosted by the Santa Rosa Creek Band. This celebration honors Creek traditions through dance and drum performances, music, food, and educational activities, including a replica village and trading post. The cultural center is also easily accessible, providing interactive displays, artifacts, and information about the Creek towns, villages, and land throughout history.

Milton is home to a variety of celebrations that bring people together, and the historic district is a popular gathering place, both for seasonal events and everyday fun.

Trails and outdoor recreation in Milton, Florida

Getting your steps in is easy in Milton, Fl as there are a variety of beautiful and interesting trails throughout the town. Whether you are looking for scenic water views or historic architecture, you can find a trail to suit your interests. The town offers a brochure online featuring the Historic Walking Tour through the historic district. The information identifies over 80 sites of interest, including details such as the architectural type and style, as well as the site’s significance. If you’d rather enjoy views of the water than take in historic architecture, you can always opt to take a walk on Milton’s Riverwalk, a boardwalk along the Blackwater River. Commonly used as the site of events such as the Riverwalk Run 5K and the Riverfest Fourth of July Celebration, the boardwalk connects beautiful gathering spaces on the north and south ends, and the walkway itself provides scenic views of the river.

If you are looking for trails with a little more emphasis on wildlife viewing, the Blackwater Heritage State Trail offers an 8.1-mile multi-use trail. Though the westernmost portion of the trail includes the historic area of Milton, the majority of the state rail trail winds through the countryside and features creeks, wildflowers, local birds, and wildlife. The 1.3-mile trail looping through Arcadia Mill also offers interesting scenery with signs along the trail pointing out local trees and plants. Of course, this historic site offers more than just natural beauty. It was once the first water-powered complex in 19th-century Florida, and the site now serves as both a beautiful trail area and an archaeological site. There is a visitor center open on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can drop in to learn more about the area and its contribution to Florida history.

For a wider variety of outdoor adventures, you can take advantage of the University of West Florida’s track, walking trails, and swimming facilities, which are open to the public. Some of the trails incorporate a variety of natural scenery and birdwatching opportunities, while others provide more traditional workout options.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush can find it at either the BMX track or the Steven Morgan Skate Park in town. The skate park features a skate bowl and paved areas for skateboarding. Though the skate park is open to BMX riders as well, there is also a BMX Pump track nearby, offering plenty of options for tricks and thrills.

At the height of the summer, however, a bit of water fun may be just what you are looking for, and conveniently, Milton offers that as well. There’s a marina in the area, so you can rent a boat or launch your own to utilize the area’s natural waterways. Or, if you have little ones looking to beat the heat, the Carpenter Park Splash Pad is open May through the first weekend in October. For a relaxing water day for the whole family, it’s about 45 minutes to Pensacola Beach, so time in the sand and on the water is only a short drive away.

Professional opportunities in Milton, Florida

NAS Whiting Field is located less than 10 miles from Milton and serves as one of the area’s top employers for both civilians and military personnel. However, there is a wide variety of career options beyond aviation and military service. Gulf Cable, a manufacturer of insulated, high-voltage electrical cables for alternative energy sources, is headquartered in Milton, and the Santa Rosa Medical Center is one of the largest medical facilities in the county. Both provide a wide range of professional opportunities. For those looking to serve their community, the town serves as the county seat of Santa Rosa County and is home to both city and government positions. With career opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and government, Milton offers numerous options for professional pursuits.

New construction homes in Milton, Florida

D.R. Horton’s new build houses in Milton, Florida offer modern designs and open floorplans that allow you to design and decorate a home that reflects you and your lifestyle. With a bustling historic district and entertainment options ranging from community events to outdoor recreation, there is something in Milton to cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that you can enjoy where you live for years to come. With homes for every stage of life, D.R. Horton’s new Milton, Florida homes for sale offer a great way to become a member of the Milton community. Browse our listings of new homes for sale in Milton, Florida, visit a model home, or reach out to us for more information today.