Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, FL

Information last verified:

30 Holly Avenue, Shalimar, FL 32579

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.9 from 58 reviews
5 stars
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Overall Review of Air Force Enlisted Village

Pros

  • pro It is a great area for retired military.
  • pro It is a beautiful area with wonderful accommodations.
  • pro It is a friendly place.
  • pro It is a great place for retirement.
  • pro It is well kept with many amenities and is safe.
  • pro The staff are wonderful and attentive.
  • pro It is a wonderful village for retired folks with many activities and events.
  • pro It is a top-tier managed community with fun and entertainment, including events like a Military Ball.
  • pro It offers transportation to stores and medical appointments, plus roomy apartments.

Cons

  • pro Ryan Price is described as a fast talker who is not a good listener and not patient with elderly people.
  • pro He allegedly took $4,000 from an 88-year-old military widow and has been reluctant to respond.
  • pro The mother never received any keys and never moved into the unit, indicating poor service from the sales staff.
  • pro The situation is in legal litigation against Bob Hope Village.
  • pro Bob Hope Village is said to have lost sight of its original mission due to greed, with Ryan Price singled out in sales; his credibility is questionable.
  • pro The reviewer questions what kind of person would take advantage of an 88-year-old military widow.
  • pro Rental prices are described as absurd and have been raised, making the community expensive for residents.

Review

Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Florida, is best suited for retired Air Force enlisted personnel and their spouses, with a strong emphasis on widows. The community treats retirement as a continuation of military fellowship, weaving a veteran identity into daily life, culture, and programming. Reviewers describe a beautiful, safe campus with spacious apartments and a broad slate of amenities that feel resort-like rather than institutional. The mix of on-site activities, reliable transportation, and a robust events calendar creates a sense of belonging beyond basic care. This is not generic senior housing; it is a purpose-built home for those who want camaraderie, respect for service, and practical support. For families seeking a mission-driven, veteran-connected living option with easy access to peers and resources, the Village stands out.

Not everyone will fit. Price matters, and several reviews flag rising rents that strain fixed incomes or survivor benefits. A troubling note concerns the sales process: accusations of aggressive tactics and financial missteps involving an elderly prospective resident, culminating in litigation. While isolated, the episode underscores the need for careful, independent counsel and crystal-clear contracts. For families prioritizing maximum independence, very low ongoing costs, or a non-military atmosphere, alternatives may offer a better balance of cost and choice. This community is best approached by those who value a tight-knit, service-oriented culture and can absorb the accompanying expense as part of the value proposition.

On the upside, the benefits are tangible. The area is safe and attractive, with a culture of service underpinning daily life. Residents enjoy a rich calendar of clubs, social events, fitness programs, and group outings, plus transportation to stores and medical appointments. Apartments are roomy and well maintained, with ongoing improvements showing commitment to quality. Staff receive frequent praise for attentiveness and warmth, and governance centers on resident care and veteran-friendly policies, including priority for Air Force widows while welcoming all branches. Dining venues and casual spots contribute to a resort-like rhythm, and amenities such as a year-round pool and diverse activities promote ongoing engagement. Taken together, these elements create a retirement experience that feels meaningful and well supported, with clear, practical benefits for daily living.

Yet the landscape carries drawbacks. Cost remains the most significant hurdle, with rents creeping upward and potentially pricing out survivors. The social climate can feel cliquey in spots, leaving new residents needing time to find their place in established circles. Some observers sense a shift toward expansion and revenue, which can clash with the ideal of a survivor-focused mission. In short, this community is not the right fit for everyone, especially those seeking ultra-low costs, minimal programming, or a strictly neutral environment without a strong military identity.

When the fit is right, the pros far outweigh the cons. For surviving spouses and retired enlisted airmen who value safety, camaraderie, and structured activity, the Village delivers a cohesive, mission-aligned community. The advantage of widow priority, reliable transportation, and a rich events calendar translates to a retirement that feels purposeful and secure. Ongoing maintenance and a new development signal staying power, while the friendly staff reinforces a practical, supportive daily life. The military culture is evident but balanced, helping residents view aging as part of a larger story rather than isolation. This combination creates a durable sense of belonging that is rare in other settings, especially for those who want the reassurance of a strong network of peers with shared values.

Families evaluating options should test each prospect against budget, culture, and continuity of care. Tours should probe the exact rent structure, what is included in monthly fees, and how widow priority is enacted in practice. Speaking with current residents reveals whether the social environment feels welcoming or insider-heavy. For those seeking a veteran-centered community with rich programming and dependable support services, Air Force Enlisted Village stands out as a strong choice, provided finances align and engagement is transparent. When budgets are tight or a non-military atmosphere is preferred, it makes sense to explore alternatives that offer lower costs or different cultural emphasis while preserving safety and independence. In all cases, a clear decision emerges: this community delivers significant value for its target audience, but only when the fit aligns with both financial realities and a desire for a purpose-driven, veteran-friendly lifestyle.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Transportation

  • Eglin Air Force Base (4 miles away) Eglin Air Force Base (4 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

The Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, FL is an assisted living community that offers a variety of care options for seniors. The community provides independent living and memory care services to meet the individual needs of residents.

Residents can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle with access to various amenities and services. Devotional services are available off-site to cater to spiritual needs, while indoor common areas provide spaces for socializing and relaxation.

For residents with specific medical requirements, the community offers diabetic care, ensuring that their health needs are properly addressed.

Engaging activities are provided for residents' enjoyment and enrichment, including off-site devotional activities. This encourages social interaction and allows residents to maintain a sense of connection to their faith.

Conveniently located nearby are two cafes, offering dining options for residents when they want a change of scenery or some delicious food outside the community. Additionally, there are several parks where residents can go for walks or enjoy nature, as well as pharmacies and physicians readily accessible in case any medical assistance is needed. A wide selection of restaurants ensures that residents have plenty of choices when it comes to dining out with friends or family members. Two transportation options make it easy for residents to get around town, attend appointments or run errands. And should the need arise, two hospitals are also conveniently located in close proximity.

Overall, the Air Force Enlisted Village provides a supportive and friendly environment where seniors can enjoy their retirement years with peace of mind knowing that their needs will be met within a vibrant community surrounded by convenient amenities and essential services.

Nearby Places of Interest

Restaurants

  • Subway (1.1 miles)
  • peppers Mexican grill (1.4 miles)
  • Corner Cafe (2.4 miles)
  • Burger King (2.8 miles)
  • Wendy's (2.8 miles)
  • AJ's on the Bayou (2.8 miles)
  • Stewby's Seafood Shanty (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
  • Winn-Dixie (3.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (3.4 miles)
  • Genoa-Qol Healthcare Co. (3.5 miles)
  • Winn-Dixie (3.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (4.4 miles)

Physicians

  • Dress Cosmectic Surgery P.A. (2.1 miles)
  • Family Eyecare Center (2.2 miles)
  • Donald Whitaker (2.8 miles)
  • Jason R Boole, MD (2.8 miles)
  • Interventional Pain Center (3 miles)
  • White Wilson General Surgery (3 miles)
  • Robert P Feldman, MD - Florida Institute of Neuroscience (3 miles)

Hospitals

  • Kidney center (3 miles)
  • Fort Walton Beach Medical Center OB OR (3.1 miles)

Transportation

  • Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) (3 miles)
  • Hertz Rent A Car (3.1 miles)

Parks

  • Sunset Park (3.1 miles)
  • Vesta Heights Park (3.9 miles)
  • Ferry Park (4 miles)
  • Fort Walton Beach Landing (4.4 miles)
  • John Beasley Park (4.7 miles)
  • Liza Jackson Park (5.1 miles)
  • Mattie Kelly Park (6.3 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (3.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (4 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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