Welcome to East Hill Pensacola
East Hill in Pensacola is a historic, vibrant, and highly sought-after neighborhood that blends Southern charm with urban convenience. From its 12th Avenue Tree Tunnel (pictured) to its graffiti bridge, East Hill offers a balanced blend of past and present.
East Hill, Pensacola:Beloved
Known for its tree‑lined streets, mature oaks draped in moss, and front porch culture. Here, people know names and greet neighbors on evening walks. And, you will see expressions of the love residents feel for East Hill throughout the neighborhood.
Pride in Neighborhood
The East Hill Neighborhood Association actively organizes block parties, home tours, and festivals—and champions the maintenance of historic architectural stock
This association has been a driving force behind why East Hill is the winner of Best Neighborhood, the winner of Best Place to Walk, and runner-up for Best Concert Series and for Best Makers Market. Best yet, this volunteer association is not an HOA, and there are no HOA fees for living in East Hill.
Enjoy Quality Time in Nature
Bayview Park is the centerpiece of East Hill. This waterfront park on Bayou Texar includes playgrounds, tennis and bocce courts, outdoor fitness equipment, kayak rentals, a boat launch, dog park, and “dog beach,” a senior activity center, pavilion shelters, and hosts community events year-round. Grill out under one of the covered picnic areas and finish with a stroll along one of the scenic trails.
Lions Park is recognized for its meticulously maintained baseball fields with stadium seating. It is home to the Kaboom Kickball League and various sports programs. Casual green space with a sports vibe!
H.K. Matthews Park is a compact park of 2.47 acres that makes the most of its space with a playground, basketball court, benches, water fountains, and walking paths.
Miraflores Park features a 1934 cottage-style building that is used by the Boy Scouts. This park also has a playground and walking paths and is known for fun community events like medieval "cosplay" meets.
Semmes Park is adjacent to an Elementary school and showcases a basketball court, playground, slides, and a rock‑climbing wall—perfect for school-aged kids. Relax in the gazebo while watching the play.
Recreate in 17 Exceptional Parks and Squares
East Hill has crafted over 17 parks designed to make the quality of life for its residents truly exceptional. Over half of these verdant resources are grown from ancient squares with roots dating back to the 1880's.
Cordova Square is a neighborhood park with an abundance of parking. Its large open field makes it a favorite for soccer. A charming gazebo adds ambiance. This park hosts the East Hill Maker’s Market. After a day in the park, be sure to stroll to one of the nearby cafés and gelato shops for refreshments.
Andalusia Square dates back to 1884 and is one of the city's oldest squares. This peaceful community retreat hosts a gazebo, playground, and meandering walking path.
Catalonia Square features a playground, two baseball fields, and a walking loop—perfect for casual recreation and family games.
Estramadura Square has ample open space, a playground, swings, picnic tables, and a walking path—ideal for a quiet family outing.
Granada Square offers a playground, swings, benches, and a walking loop in a well-landscaped setting—family-friendly and accessible.
Malaga Square is a small shaded park featuring a playground, swings, a basketball court, and a walking path.
Operto Square is equipped with a playground, basketball court, and walking path—great for families and children to play and exercise.
Toledo Square features a new playground with varied equipment, walking trails, a covered shelter, picnic area—often called the “spider‑web” park by locals.
Zamora Square is packed with amenities—a playground with swings, a baseball field, a basketball court, a walking trail, and shady spots—all perfect for recreational variety.
Lamancha Square is a well-manicured park with a playground, benches, and a walking path—a lovely spot for relaxation.
Sunset Concerts, Local Vibes, and Waterfront Fun
The Bands on the Bayou concert series in East Hill is an amazing community event that blends local music, family fun, and a philanthropic spirit. All this takes place against the stunning backdrop of Bayou Texar. You can bring blankets, lawn chairs, and even arrive by water!
The music is from local soul/funk bands like Nobius, ensuring a variety of entertainment. Enjoy a rotating mix of local eats and treats — past favorites have included BBQ, gelato, cotton candy, and more. Games, giveaways, and a relaxed lawn setting with everything from baby strollers to boats make this a perfect family evening out.
The goal of this event is to foster community connections and support local nonprofits, with all donations and sponsorship proceeds going to area charities.
Delight in Eclectic Local Shops
The area around 9th and 12th Avenues is home to charming cafes, boutiques, and small businesses that foster that neighborhood feel. Here are just a few of the many East Hill offerings:
East Hill Bottle Shop - a neighborhood gem with over 1,000 wines, 50 craft beers, and a curated array of cheeses and meats. Sample your options during their lively Wednesday wine tastings.
Zayszly Artz - a local art studio/gallery showcasing creations by Pensacola artists—paintings, sculpture, mixed media—and hosting workshops and community art nights. It’s a hub for creativity and artistic connection.
Revolver Records - Vinyl enthusiasts rejoice! This shop digs into genres from classic rock to indie, with a handpicked collection of LPs, CDs, turntables, and accessories—plus occasional local artist events and Record Store Day celebrations (as seen recently).
East Hill Pharmacy - Pensacola’s empathetic neighborhood pharmacy, dispensing meds with excellent patient care and personalized service—a true pillar in the community.
Party Parlor - Your go-to for festive flair—think balloons, streamers, décor, and custom party supplies. Whether a birthday or anniversary, Party Parlor helps you celebrate in style.
This stunning Late-Gothic landmark, which was established in 1915, has been restored. Now known as Tower East, it hosts a mix of dining, education & workspace -- all set within preserved Gothic stone facades and Tudor arches, beautifully marrying Pensacola’s past and present.
O’Zone Pizza Pub retains a charmingly eerie “castle‑like” atmosphere. The vibe is cozy, low‑key, and family-friendly, with locals calling it a “hidden gem” and a “cool, subterranean pub”.
Lamonte Gelato - An authentic, Italian gelato shop that is one of the few gelato producers in the country to make all of their flavors completely from scratch, without the use of pre-mixes or artificial flavors.
Treat Yourself at the East Hill Makers Market
This vibrant community event brings together over 50 local artisans, crafters, and small businesses offering a wide variety of handmade goods — from art, jewelry, and home décor to baked treats, natural skincare, and more. But it’s more than just shopping — it’s an experience. You’ll find live music, food trucks, a photo booth, bounce houses, crafts, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where neighbors connect and creativity shines.
Live in East Hill, Pensacola
East Hill is not just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. With its historic architecture, active community, leafy streets, and proximity to both downtown and waterfront, it offers a balanced blend of past and present. East Hill is a top-tier choice.
- If you seek a walkable, character-filled neighborhood
- If you value front porch culture and community events
- If you want easy access to downtown, parks, water, beaches
- If you are looking for a home that holds historic charm and long-term value
Expect early‑20th‑century bungalows, Craftsman cottages, historic Victorians, restored Tudors, and newer infill homes designed to blend in. The price range for East Hill starter/reno homes is in the mid-$300,000 range, while renovated homes are between $450,000–$700,000 and up. Premium historic restorations and large lots can exceed $800,000 and reach million‑dollar territory.
East Hill is a fast‑moving market, especially for homes that respect the historic character. New builds and infill homes are also increasingly common.
Where Sense of History has Built Community
OLD EAST HILL PRESERVATION DISTRICT
This neighborhood was developed late 1800s–1920s and stands out with over 300 lovingly restored homes, narrow sidewalks, and front-porch neighborliness that fosters tight-knit bonds. Just south of Cervantes Street, often referred to as “The Dent,” you’ll find the most upscale homes that were once built by the city's elite businessmen along the waterfront.
"NEW CITY"
This is not a "New City" but rather a historic part of Pensacola with a mix of architectural styles, including Craftsman, Bungalow, and Victorian homes. Within East Hill, you'll find smaller sub-neighborhoods or areas with their own unique character, but they are all part of the larger East Hill community.
While East Hill has some newer construction, there isn't a separate "New" area within it. Newer homes are integrated into the existing fabric of the neighborhood.
SMALLER SUB-AREAS:
Within East Hill, you might hear specific street names or areas mentioned, like "the streets near Bayou Texar" or "the streets closer to 12th Avenue," but these are still considered part of the broader East Hill neighborhood.
TANYARD:
Tanyard is a neighborhood known for its convenient location and friendly atmosphere. It is located southwest of Old East Hill and northeast of Aero Vista. Tanyard is a popular neighborhood for home buyers who can afford to buy a home in the median price range of $435,000.
