In the midst of rural Cantonment, the Pine Forest Royale community offers a taste of upscale city life. A collection of single-family homes and townhouses frame the lazy loop of Trailwood Drive. In the center of the complex is a community park, playground, and swimming pool area. Developed in 2002, this pocket neighborhood is filled with both homeowners and renters, all enjoying the resort-like amenities.
The single-family homes are all one story with contemporary styling, while the town homes are found in clusters of five or six units per building. Both styles are mixed throughout the development. Homes on the inner side of Trailwood Drive have backyards that front the recreation area and its abundant shade trees. Those on the exterior face groves of hardwood trees and open land.
Trailwood Drive provides the only ingress to and egress from the neighborhood. The street exits off Pine Forest Road/County Road 297. Heading south on this roadway leads to West 9 Mile Road, a commercial zone that is home to restaurants, service businesses and Lowe’s Shopping Center. Following West 9 Mile Road east takes travelers past the John R Jones Jr. Athletic Park, known for its illuminated Adult Softball Complex complete with covered dugouts, bleachers and 12-foot high fences. Travel another few miles east and the road leads to the University of West Florida.
The closest schools are east of State Route 29 near Ashton Brosnaham Park. L D McArthur Elementary and Escambia Westgate Center are adjacent to this park, a 103-acre open space that is the home of the Pensacola Futbol Club. The nearest church, Milestone Baptist, is across the street from the neighborhood on Pine Forest Road.