Cantonment

          Cantonment – a suburb of Pensacola and part of the greater Pensacola area – is located roughly 20 miles northwest of the downtown district.  The community is an excellent choice for families and potential buyers wanting to stay close to the city, without the associated bustle and stress of urban living.  The area lies on the main northern approach into Pensacola around 10 miles from Milton, and is defined best by its geography nestled between two large river areas – the Perdido and the Escambia.  Because of this, outdoor activities are a main focus of Cantonment life – with the Escambia River know as the best fishing river by the Florida Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Neighborhood Make-up

            The Cantonment area is a mixture of many different styles in varying price ranges – with homes in subdivisions suck as Robinson’s Mill, Shepherd's Grove, and The Lakes of Carrington being very popular with buyers.  Homes in Cantonment also tend to come with much more acreage for the asking price, leading many city-dwellers to relocate to larger properties.  Many potential homeowners looking to move to Cantonment even forgo buying a home, deciding instead to purchase a parcel of readily available land in the area and build themselves. 

Dining

            Most dining in the Cantonment area itself is common of suburban living, offering a healthy mix of chain sit-down eateries and casual dining experiences.  Local gems include Moms Place – a simple shed-sized establishment that churns out world-class comfort food – and beloved local pizzeria, Porky’s Pizza.  Most dining options in the greater Pensacola area, including downtown, are also within a short 25-minute drive from most areas in Cantonment. 

Entertainment & Shopping

            Although entertainment and shopping options are limited – comprised mainly of a handful of local bars offering live music and small, local shops – it is only a short drive to the high-end retailers & venues of Downtown Pensacola.  For those looking to enjoy all that Pensacola has to offer, while keeping clear of city traffic and stress, the Cantonment area offers the perfect middle ground.

Attractions

            Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park

            Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park – a parrot rescue and sanctuary located a few miles south of Cantonment – is the perfect option for a quick day trip.  The sanctuary is a non-profit dedicated to the care and rescue of unwanted parrots and other birds, that allows the public to interact with many varieties of parrots and other exotic birds.  Admission is $5, and is by appointment only.

            Becks Fish Camp & Wildlife Refuge

            Located on “Becks Lake” – really a deep bayou of the Escambia River – Becks Fish Camp & Wildlife Refuge, has been dubbed Northwest Florida’s ‘best fishing spot’ for over 50 years.  The camp offers bank fishing, picnicking, hiking, primitive & RV camping, and boat launch facilities.  Recently, the camp has teamed up with Iron Horse Stables, to again offer horse rides on the camp’s 400+ acre property!

            Iron Horse Stables

            Iron Horse Stables – a family-oriented stable in eastern Cantonment – has offered a wide range of equine programs since its creation in 2013.  The stables offers beginner/intermediate lessons in a wide range of equine skills – such as horse boarding, jumping & dressage, and various Western lessons.  Day & summer camps, birthday parties, and horse boarding & leasing options are also available.

Schools

Cantonment is served by the Escambia County Public School District.

·         Kingsfield Elementary – Public, PK-5

·         Jim Allen Elementary – Public, PK-5

·         Ransom Middle School – Public, 6-8

·         J.M Tate High School – Public, 9-12