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The Third Perspective • August 6, 2026

Sometimes the Right Move Changes More Than Your Address

by Kim Francks
Quiet coastal neighborhood in Blue Mountain Beach with bike path leading toward the Gulf

One decision can change far more than where you live.

Sometimes it changes how you spend your days.
How you experience your community.
Even how you think about life itself.

For me, that decision was moving from Niceville to Blue Mountain Beach. We raised our family in Niceville for 24 years. It was home-filled with lifelong friends, a wonderful church family, and countless memories.

Leaving was bittersweet, but after our youngest daughter left for college, my husband and I decided it was time to begin a new chapter.

Kim Francks and her husband in Blue Mountain Beach after beginning a new chapter of coastal living

A new address became a new way of living.

Life changes often influence real estate decisions in ways we don’t always expect. Looking back, this was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Our lifestyle has completely changed. We spend more time outdoors, enjoy biking, walking, and of course, taking advantage of the beautiful beaches.

Living near the coast has given us a greater appreciation for slowing down, enjoying God’s creation, and embracing a healthier, more active way of life.

Sometimes the biggest blessings come from stepping outside of your comfort zone and being willing to start a new chapter. Every move is different. Sometimes the right decision isn’t about finding a better house. Sometimes it’s about finding a lifestyle that better fits the season of life you’re entering – or finding one that continues to fit your life as it is but enhances it.

Looking back, our move gave us much more than a new address. It gave us a new rhythm for living.

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