Pensacola () is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 51,923, down from 56,255 at the 2000 census. Pensacola is the principal city of the Pensacola metropolitan area, which had an estimated 461,227 residents in 2012.
Pensacola is a sea port on Pensacola Bay, which is protected by the barrier island of Santa Rosa and connects to the Gulf of Mexico. A large United States Naval Air Station, the first in the United States, is located southwest of Pensacola near Warrington; it is the base of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the National Naval Aviation Museum. The main campus of the University of West Florida is situated north of the city center.
The area was originally inhabited by Muskogean language peoples. The Pensacola people lived there at the time of European contact, and Creek people frequently visited and traded from present-day southern Alabama. Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna founded a short-lived settlement in 1559. In 1698 the Spanish established a presidio in the area, from which the modern city gradually developed. The area changed hands several times as European powers competed in North America. During Florida's British rule (1763–1781), fortifications were strengthened.
It is nicknamed "The City of Five Flags", due to the five governments that have ruled it during its history: the flags of Spain (Castile), France, Great Britain, the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. Other nicknames include "World's Whitest Beaches" (due to the white sand of Florida panhandle beaches), "Cradle of Naval Aviation", "Western Gate to the Sunshine State", "America's First Settlement", "Emerald Coast", "Red Snapper Capital of the World", and "P-Cola".
reviews (47)
This is not a place for the elderly to come live and retire
This is a retirement city and to enjoy time visitation and vacation at
A lot of seniors retire and live here, because it's so warm and beautiful
There are a lot of senior programs available
East Hill is a family oriented neighborhood, bordered with sidewalks and a large park that includes a dog park and park benches throughout. The homes are older homes built in Old Hyde Park fashion, quaint and strongly influenced & richly designed. There is a private school for school aged children and a active community center for all ages from youth, young adults, and seniors. Seniors have a active community life where long standing friendship are developed. Its highly sought after mostly by seniors and growing families. The East Hill community has a fresh and clean appeal with maintained lawns and southern charm and lastly at Christmas time the light display is fantastic its worth a drive through the famous East Hill landmarked community