Parker Grove

Pace, Florida is an unincorporated, close-knit community with a rural feel, while still providing access to plenty of entertainment and dining options. Conveniently located in Santa Rosa County, it’s just under nine miles to the county seat of Milton and just over 16 miles to Pensacola. The beauty of the Florida panhandle throughout this friendly, small town makes it the ideal setting for a quiet retreat. D.R. Horton offers a range of new build homes in Pace, Florida. With multiple spacious open floorplans and included smart home technology, you can choose the new house that best suits your lifestyle. Many of our communities in Pace and the surrounding area come with additional amenities to enjoy.

Why choose Pace, Florida

Pace, Florida is a small town with a beautiful countryside atmosphere and deep community pride. This pride is evident in the overwhelming attendance of high school sporting events, the bustling farmers market with over 50 local vendors, local events, and well-supported local businesses. Pace is a great choice for anyone looking to settle down into a quiet, close-knit community in the “Sunshine State” without sacrificing modern conveniences.

You can also drive less than 20 miles to Pensacola or Milton, which provide additional entertainment and recreation options in a larger city environment. Pace’s proximity to Pensacola also makes vacation and travel simple, whether you’d like to hang out at Pensacola Beach all weekend or head out of town at the Pensacola International Airport, just 20 minutes away.

Community life in Pace, Florida

Pace, Florida is a welcoming little town that takes great pride in the local community, making it easy to get involved and form new connections in your area. You can join a club at the library, support local athletes, check out the farmers market, and more, all with the company of neighbors with similar interests.

Residents of Pace unite each fall and spring for the local school district’s football and baseball games. Going to the games has become more than just supporting the team or watching a game; it is a community event. Pace is all about those “Friday Night Lights.” But the community support extends beyond high school athletes. The Pace Athletic and Recreation Association (PARA) sponsors local teams for all levels of baseball, football, cheerleading, and softball. The organization focuses on learning the skills of the game and making connections within the community, making it a great way to involve the area’s youth in the excitement and pride of the area’s sports.

If sports aren’t really your thing, the Pace Library, part of the Santa Rosa Library system, sponsors a variety of events and programs that promote community throughout the year. The Pace Library hosts a book club, virtual author talks with bestselling authors, and a regular chess night. For the younger bookworms, there is also a Summer Reading Program for kindergarten through fifth grade, and readers earn prizes as they reach milestones throughout the summer.

The Market is another popular event and gathering spot in Pace. This local farmers market is held every Saturday, and there are regularly over 50 local farmers and artisans in attendance. The organizers also regularly sponsor themed events in conjunction with the farmers' market. Whether it’s a car show or a celebration to kick off the summer, these added activities ensure that The Market is more than a stop for groceries; it’s fun for the whole family and a great way to connect with others in the community.

Business owners and professionals in Pace can participate in the events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The Pace Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly networking breakfast with guest speakers and great food. At a county level, the Santa Rosa Chamber organizes and sponsors a range of events for business support, networking, and community building for residents. Events such as their Military Appreciation Picnic, Lunch and Learns, and Freedom Car and Bike Show create fun and engaging ways to network and meet others within the county, both for business and enjoyment.

Milton, the county seat of Santa Rosa County, is less than ten miles away and provides Pace residents with additional entertainment options, as well as a beautiful historic district featuring local shops and restaurants. Home to the Northwest Florida Ballet, you can go to a show and admire the beauty and athleticism of the dancers or take a class to channel your inner ballerina. The Northwest Florida Ballet offers summer camps, workshops, and pre-ballet classes for kids, alongside those that cater to all ages and skill levels throughout the year.

On the other hand, maybe you just want to spend an afternoon learning about a new topic. The West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton examines the impact of the railroad on the Florida panhandle by displaying historic facilities and railcars as part of its collection. Housed in a historic train depot, the exhibits feature educational and interactive activities, including a kid-friendly train ride through the Garden Railroad on-site.

Pace is also about a 30-minute drive to Pensacola, allowing residents to enjoy the activities and amenities of a bustling city. Pensacola has an interesting mixed culture, as it is celebrated for both its daily events and festivals and its deep roots in military and aviation. Being just 16 miles away, it's easy for Pace residents to take part in all the city has to offer any day of the week, whether you want to see a coordinated flight performance by the Blue Angels or enjoy one of many Pensacola festivals.

With such a tight community and easy access to larger cities like Milton and Pensacola, Pace residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Outdoor fun in Pace, Florida

While Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, there are many other options for outdoor recreation in and around Pace. Whether it's hiking, biking, horseback riding, or sports you enjoy, there are facilities and trails for you in the Pace area.

The ADA-accessible Santa Rosa Sports Plex provides a wide variety of recreation options from sports fields to a playground. It is home to many Pace Athletic and Recreation Association teams and games, but the fields are also available for community use. The complex serves as a great option for families and friends with varied interests, as it features a fitness court, a walking trail, and tennis/pickleball courts.

Likewise, Benny Russell Park and Florida Town Park in Pace each provide great options to enjoy outdoor fun with family and friends. The Benny Russell Park spans nearly 30 acres of green space and includes a playground, picnic area, and pavilion. A Splash Pad opens during the warmer months, providing a great way to cool off in the heat of the summer. The water fun doesn’t stop there, as Florida Town Park features a pier and boat ramp alongside a playground, basketball court, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot to gather in town and enjoy the outdoors.

Those looking for a little competition can find a variety of options in Pace as well. The Stonebrook Golf Course is an 18-hole semi-private course with five different tee boxes to serve golfers of various skill levels. They offer lessons for all ages, so it’s easy to improve your game. With leagues and a grill, it is also a place you can come to meet your neighbors and enjoy the beauty of the course. The leagues are very active, with several annual local tournaments, social events that welcome members of nearby courses, and multiple holiday events and weekly activities throughout the year.

If competing on horseback is more your style, the Santa Rosa Horse Park in Pace is home to the Chumuckla Barrel Racing Association, which meets from September through April on the fourth Sunday of each month. The association also hosts pop-up races, which they announce on their Facebook page for added competition and practice between regular race days. The arena is complete with benches, bleachers, and lighting. If you would like to enjoy a leisurely ride with your horse, the Santa Rosa Horse Park offers 58 acres of space for riding and spending time with family and four-legged friends. The Horse Park also features a walking trail, a playground, 20 stables, and four pavilions.

You can also find plenty of trails in the Pace area that welcome equestrians. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail in Milton, about ten miles away, functions as a multi-use paved trail that allows everything from walking to skating to horseback riding. The trail is just over eight miles long and features the scenic vistas of the historic downtown area and nearby countryside. Trail visitors can also enjoy great birdwatching opportunities in the trees lining the path, as well as an abundance of wildflowers that stretch through the area. Horses are allowed on both the paved trail and the unpaved shoulder for the entire 8-mile trail, but you must turn around before reaching the U.S. Navy’s Military Heritage Trail, which connects to the Blackwater Heritage Trail at one end.

If you prefer the solitude of the river, the Escambia River State Wildlife Management Area in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties is a popular choice to enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature. The 35,000-acre area borders approximately 25 miles of the Escambia River and encompasses a large floodplain forest that is only accessible by boat. The Escambia River State Wildlife Management Area is especially popular for fishing, as it is home to a wide range of freshwater fish and boasts several species of bass, longear sunfish, catfish, and many others. Escambia Bay, which is fed by the Escambia River, is under five miles from Pace and is another popular fishing spot. Many species of fish thrive in the bay thanks to the water celery that protects them from predators and sunlight. You might see similar fish to those in the river, as well as Mahi-Mahi, sheepshead, flounder, trout, grouper, and more.

Pace residents can also head down the road to Pensacola, about 16 miles away, to enjoy a variety of additional outdoor recreation. Pensacola is known for many things, but its gorgeous, crystal-clear beaches and multiple state parks that house endangered species are a definite reason to visit for the weekend. If you’re seeking additional fitness opportunities, Pensacola has a network of biking and walking trails through varied terrain, or you can head to the University of West Florida, as their athletic facilities such as the track, campus trails, and pools are open to the public.

The town of Pace is an ideal location to enjoy both tranquil rural beauty and the varied outdoor recreation activities in the nearby towns of Pensacola or Milton. With so many options, you can find an activity that you love and enjoy the views in the area.

Businesses and economics in Pace, Florida

Tourism and agriculture are important industries in Pace and provide various employment opportunities, but many residents are government employees or military personnel. Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field is about 30 miles from Pace and employs both service members and civilians alike. The NAS is one of the largest employers in Santa Rosa County and serves as an important training facility for the military.

The Santa Rosa Medical Center, Santa Rosa County Schools, and the city and county governments are also major employers in the area. Many residents also own their own businesses in a range of industries. The Santa Rosa County Chamber and Pace Area Chamber of Commerce support businesses from construction to restaurants, and the chambers and community work hand-in-hand to support the area’s local business owners.

What makes Pace, Florida a great place to live

The town of Pace, Florida offers a unique combination of quiet retreat and convenience, making it easy to enjoy a peaceful day at home, hang out with your neighbors, run some errands, take part in a local event, or head into nearby Pensacola for extra entertainment or a beach day. There are plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors, whether it’s at a high school football game, through a shared love of horses, or an outing to the local farmers market, ensuring you can comfortably settle into your new home in Pace, FL.

New construction homes in Pace, Florida

D.R. Horton’s new houses for sale in Pace, Florida are great for any stage of life. The area’s connected community and small-town charm make it an appealing place to call home. Browse our listings of new build homes in Pace, FL, or visit one of our model homes today.