Crestview, FL, United States

Capital City

Crestview is no tropical paradise - the population of 27,134 faces some of the hottest temperatures in Florida, with summer highs averaging 92°F. And while the city is officially classified as having a humid subtropical climate, the winters can be downright frigid, with the all-time record low a bone-chilling 5°F. The bureaucracy here is also a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 1943 incident where the town marshal's overzealous arrest of a soldier led to Crestview being briefly off-limits to military personnel. Still, the city's location near the Eglin Air Force Base has driven steady population growth, making it a viable option for those seeking a more affordable alternative to the coast. But for those craving a laidback, tropical lifestyle, Crestview may not be the best fit.