Moving to Mary Esther on PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders often means searching for a rental while you are still living in another state. Fortunately, much of the search, touring, and application process can be completed before you arrive.
Westgate Townhomes has brought this blog to help incoming renters explore their options. Here is how you can prepare, compare rentals, and move forward with confidence.
Confirm Your PCS and Move-In Dates
Wait until you receive your official PCS orders before scheduling your move. Once you have them, confirm the dates that will guide your rental search:
- When must you report?
- When will you leave your current home?
- When do you want your lease to begin?
- When are your household goods expected to arrive?
- Will your family travel together or separately?
- Will you need temporary lodging between homes?
Your report date and lease start date may not be the same. A short overlap can give you time to receive your belongings, arrange utilities, and manage unexpected travel delays.
Decide What Your Household Needs
Before comparing rentals, decide what your household needs to live comfortably. Start with:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Monthly rental budget
- Preferred distance from Hurlburt Field
- Space for family members, roommates or pets
- Whether you need a home office or guest room
Whether you need 2-bedroom apartments for rent in Mary Esther or a larger home for your family, confirming your requirements early makes it easier to shortlist suitable rentals.
Check Your Commute Before Choosing a Rental
A listing described as “near Hurlburt Field” may not reflect your actual commute. Check the route from the property to your expected base entrance during the hours you would normally travel.
If someone else in your household works at Eglin AFB or in Fort Walton Beach, consider their commute as well.
Westgate Townhomes is located at 440 Westgate Way in Mary Esther, approximately five minutes from Hurlburt Field and 15 minutes from Eglin AFB, depending on your route and traffic.
Compare Apartments, Houses and Townhomes
Searching for apartments for rent in Mary Esther, FL, does not mean you have to limit your options to traditional apartments. A managed townhome may provide more privacy while still offering maintenance support.
If you are also considering houses for rent, compare:
- Living space and layout
- Parking and storage
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Pet policies and charges
- Monthly rent and total move-in costs
Westgate Townhomes offers two- and three-bedroom rentals for those who want an alternative to both a traditional apartment and a separately managed rental house.
Tour the Rental Before You Arrive
You do not need to be in Mary Esther to see your potential new home. Ask the leasing team for a virtual tour, recorded walkthrough, or detailed floor plan.
During the tour, check:
- Bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets
- Kitchen and laundry area
- Garage, driveway and entryway
- Outdoor areas
- Overall condition of the home
At Westgate Townhomes, we offer virtual tours for renters planning their move remotely and self-guided tours for those who can visit in person.
Confirm the Exact Home Before Applying
Before submitting an application, confirm whether the photographs, virtual tour, and floor plan show the exact available home or a comparable unit.
Ask the leasing team to clarify:
- Exact unit address and availability
- Monthly rent and total move-in costs
- Lease dates and utility responsibilities
- Pet policies and charges
- Required documents and typical approval timeline
Avoid making your decision based only on an advertised starting price. Request the complete cost for the specific rental and lease period you are considering.
Prepare Your Application in Advance
When your move is tied to a report date, having your documents ready can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Depending on the property, you may need:
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of income
- PCS orders or assignment documentation
- Rental history and household information
- Pet details, if applicable
Requirements vary by property, so ask the leasing team for its application checklist before you begin.
Keep a Backup Plan Until the Lease Is Signed
A scheduled tour or submitted application does not mean your rental is secured. Continue tracking other suitable properties until your application is approved and the lease has been signed.
Keep a backup plan for:
- Another suitable rental
- Temporary lodging if your move-in date changes
- Household goods arriving earlier or later than expected
- Pet accommodation during any gap between homes
A little preparation can make unexpected changes easier to manage.
Tell Us When You’re Moving
If you are comparing Mary Esther, FL apartments for rent before your PCS, Westgate Townhomes can help you explore your options before you arrive.
Tell us your expected move-in date and whether you need a two- or three-bedroom rental. Our leasing team can help you review current options and arrange a virtual tour.
Check Homes for Your Move-In Date
Frequently Asked
Questions
Yes. You can review floor plans, take a virtual tour, submit the required documents, and begin the application process remotely. Approval depends on current availability and completion of all requirements.
Yes. Westgate Townhomes offers two- and three-bedroom rentals. Contact the leasing team to confirm which floor plans and homes are currently available.
Begin once your orders are confirmed and you have a realistic move-in window. Starting early gives you more time to compare available rentals and prepare your documents.
Rental prices depend on the property, floor plan, lease terms, and current availability. Contact Westgate Townhomes for current pricing and estimated move-in costs.
Yes. Westgate Townhomes offers pet-friendly rentals in Mary Esther, approximately five minutes from Hurlburt Field. Ask the leasing team about current pet policies, restrictions, and applicable charges.
Military households can use their Basic Allowance for Housing toward eligible off-base rental costs. Compare the monthly rent, utilities, and move-in charges with your available housing budget.
Travel time depends on the property location, traffic, and the base entrance you use. Westgate Townhomes is approximately five minutes from Hurlburt Field.
Yes. Many renters relocating on PCS orders use virtual tours, floor plans, and online applications to evaluate and secure a rental before arriving.