Panama City is a medium-sized coastal city in the Florida Panhandle along the Emerald Coast and is the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola. It's also the county seat of Bay County. The population was 36,484 in the official Census of 2010, and the 2018 estimate was 37,908.

Homeowners and business owners in Panama City have been busy trying to make the community “bigger, better, and stronger,” according to City Manager Mark McQueen. 

Panama's City Manager holds weekly forums and discussions to encourage participation in the continuing efforts to revitalize the city that was damaged by Hurricane Michael, which made direct landfall with winds of 160 mph as a Category 5 hurricane on October 10, 2018.

Normally, the subtropical and humid climate makes Panama City a wonderful place to live, work, and play as there are mild and short winters and long hot summers. The year-round perfect weather stays pretty much the same at 65 to 74 degrees.

Working and Living in Panama City

Among the many employers in Panama City, the federal government is the largest. There's the Tyndall Air Force Base, the HHT 1-153 CAV, part of the Florida Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade, and the U.S. Navy's Naval Support Activity.

The area also grew as a center for boat building of commercial and recreational fishing vessels, sawmills, paper mills, sight-seeing boat tours, local chefs still harvesting the natural and healthful “sea salts,” and visitors seeking the “healthy sea baths.”

There are universities and colleges and an unique mix of technology, ecotourism, the arts, and music. Those who enjoy fresh Gulf seafood will find fresh shrimp, snapper, grouper, and others always on the restaurant menus.

Panama City is the 79th largest community in Florida and has 20 constituent neighborhoods. They vary in different ways including the ethnicities and backgrounds of their residents.

Originally, Native Americans called the area home, and the first permanent settlement by Europeans was in 1827. Panama City itself was formed in the early 1900s by incorporating smaller communities.

Living in Panama City, Florida is a fulfilling experience, and realtors® in Panama City are eager to show you everything this wonderful area has to offer. Using statistics and data, it has an AreaVibes Livability Score of 70 out of 100 and high rankings for local amenities (A+), weather (B+), and cost of living (B).

The median real estate prices is $134,700, which is 19.2% lower than the average in Florida. There are many things to do that are within walking distance or just a short drive away including St. Andrews State Park, Carillon Beach, and other attractions.

With so many great choices, you might wonder how to pick a neighborhood in Panama City. In addition to consulting the successful realtors® in Panama City, check out our list of the top neighborhoods in Panama City to consider.

Downtown Historic St. Andrews

Along the beautiful St. Andrews Bay, it's both a state-designated Waterfronts Florida Community and a Community Redevelopment Area. Originally, lots approximately 25 x 82 feet were sold for $1.25. Later, the price escalated to $8.00 for a lot in “St. Andrews by the Sea.”

The Cove

Located directly East of Downtown, this historic neighborhood on a peninsula has mature live oaks and craftsman-style houses that range from under 1,000 square feet to large ones with as much as 10,000 square feet. There are plenty of waterfront properties in this area with deep water and quick access. The protected bayous are a favorite for sailboats.

Millville

A suburban neighborhood, Millville's real estate is primarily made up of studio to two, three, or four-bedroom single-family homes, apartment complexes, and high-rise apartments.

The median real estate price is $104,047, less expensive than 88.2% of Florida neighborhoods and 82.8% of United States neighborhoods. The average rental price is $1,085, based on NeighborhoodScout, currently lower than 86.8% of neighborhoods in Florida.

Lower Grand Lagoon

Lower Grand Lagoon is a quiet family and dog-friendly neighborhood with homes and yards that are well-kept and allow the children to play outside. It's walkable to grocery stores and restaurants, and residents aren't afraid to walk alone at night on sidewalks as the streets are well-lit. There are also community events and a strong Christmas spirit during the holiday season.

The best realtors® in Panama City can lead you to the specific neighborhoods that would be ideal for the lifestyle that you and your family desire. Effective Agents can aid you in your search to find realtors in Panama City who are knowledgeable real estate agents.

They have superior recommendations for a top-selling realtor® in Panama City in Panama City who would be the perfect realtor® to show you the neighborhoods and all the amenities.

Find more housing in Panama City and other real estate news by registering on 850area, your free guide to the Panama City area.

Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons