Carriage Hills Realty, Inc. 1821 John Sims Parkway Niceville, FL 32578

(800) 874-8929 (850) 678-5178 FAX 678-5232 realtor@carriagehills.com Rentals (850) 678-9448

NICEVILLE-VALPARAISO
"THE TWIN CITIES"

See the Carriage Hills Hot Spot page for more information for all the communities around the area.

Aptly named the "Twin Cities," Niceville and Valparaiso are nestled beside the waters of Boggy Bayou, Tom's Bayou, Valparaiso Bay, and Choctawhatchee Bay.

Niceville's modern history began in the 1880's when the name of the tiny fishing village was Boggy, for the bayou on which it was located. Boggy attracted settlers and fisherman by virtue of its location. As the area grew, the citizens decided that the name "Boggy" was no longer attractive, so in 1910 they renamed the city "Niceville", then in 1919 changed it to "Valparaiso," which is Spanish for "Vale of Paradise." However, the neighboring community of "New Valparaiso" objected to the name and in 1925 the two communities came to a compromise. The Twin Cities have since remained Valparaiso and Niceville.

Life in the Twin Cities today is uncomplicated and serene. Being a little out of the way is part of the area's charm. Tourists usually travel further south and leave area residents to enjoy life without the harried crowd.

This region provides a recreational paradise. Facilities abound for water skiing, sailing, snorkeling, boating, fishing, and other outdoor sports. The 464,000 wooded acres of Eglin reservation are easily accessible and provide additional opportunities for leisure activities.

Okaloosa-Walton Junior College is located in Niceville, and provides outstanding educational programs to the entire county populace. If you can be charmed by a lovely, sparkling community that offers you the best of all things whether you are just contemplating a visit or becoming a permanent resident, then by all means, visit the "Twin Cities" of Niceville-Valparaiso.

Until now, the Niceville to Destin trip has been a 30-mile, one-hour drive. But now the new Choctawhatchee Mid-Bay Bridge makes it a mere 17-mile, less than half-hour drive. The Mid-Bay Bridge connects highways leading from I-10 to State Highway 20 in Niceville to Highway 98 in Destin. A $2 toll is required.

NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

UTILITIES

The electric utility for the municipalities of Niceville, Valparaiso & county residences west of the Rocky Bayou Bridge:

Gulf Power Company
1057 E. John Sims Parkway
Niceville, FL 32578
678-4114

The utilities to call for county residences East of Rocky Bayou Bridge:

Local schools: