Shalimar, Florida, in Okaloosa County is just minutes away from Eglin Air Force Base. As Eglin expanded, so did Shalimar, growing into a peaceful community designed to accommodate military personnel.
The Beginnings of Shalimar
Originally known as Port Dixie, the area was slated to become a major commercial-industrial hub. In 1931, developers envisioned a bustling port on Garnier’s Bayou, with plans for large sea vessels and a supporting railroad. This grand project never came to be, but it set the stage for what was to come.
By the 1940s, visionary developer Clifford Meigs began transforming the area into a military housing community. He built 160 homes specifically for military officers stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. The new community was named Shalimar, which means “by the beautiful water.”
Taking a Gamble on Shalimar
The town of Shalimar officially incorporated in 1947 in an attempt to save the popular Shalimar Club, known for its nightlife and gambling. Florida law restricted clubs in unincorporated areas from operating on weekends, so incorporation became necessary to keep the club thriving. Meigs, already a key figure in the community, became the town’s first mayor.
The Meigs family continued to play a significant role in Shalimar’s growth, donating land for schools, public buildings, and commercial development.
Modern Shalimar
Today, Shalimar boasts a strong sense of community with established neighborhoods and affordable waterfront homes along Garnier’s Bayou, Hand Cove, Paquito Bayou, and Lake Lorraine. The area has seen new construction alongside its well-preserved older homes and maintains its small-town charm.
Quiet Living
With around 10,000 residents, Shalimar offers quiet living just outside the tourist-heavy areas of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Florida. The town provides quick access to the beaches and Okaloosa Island yet is far enough away from the crowds to maintain its peaceful vibe. Residents enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping and dining, along with the beauty of waterfront communities.
Venture Outside
In addition to nearby beaches and waterways, there’s much to explore on land. The Shalimar Pointe Golf Club is a scenic, 18-hole course along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, ideal for golf enthusiasts. With a newly renovated clubhouse, driving range, and bar and grill, it prides itself as one of the best-kept golf secrets in Northwest Florida.
