Eight Top-Rated Places to Live in the Florida Panhandle in 2022

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The Florida Panhandle consists of 200 miles of coastline in the North West of Florida. The panhandle offers an outdoor lifestyle and world-famous beaches, including Grayton Beach and St. Andrews Beach, along with cities with affordable lifestyles and great job markets. Every year, many relocate to the panhandle for the beaches, fishing, and the technology industry. Also, cities not on the coast offer an attractive lifestyle with outdoor activities and job opportunities.

Here is an overview of the top cities to live in, in the Florida Panhandle.

8 Top-Rated Places to Live in Florida Panhandle in 2022

1. Destin

Pros and Cons:

+ Great beaches

+ Active boardwalk area

+ Very safe

– Can be expensive

– Not close to major cities

Details:

Median Home Value: $ 516,211

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 13.90

Unemployment Rate: 4 %

Destin is located right on the Gulf Coast in the panhandle. Destin is known for its spectacular beaches and proximity to Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach. The city’s sugar-white beaches contain Appalachian quartz, which keeps the sand cool in the sun. Destin also has a famous boardwalk, Destin Harbor Boardwalk, that offers plentiful dining, drinking, and shopping experiences. Other destinations include Henderson Beach State Park and Crab Island.

The city, in its popularity, is more expensive to live in than the rest of the U.S. It has an almost 20% higher cost of living. However, the public schools in Destin are rated highly, and Destin is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida.

Destin is also a hot spot for retirees. Here are some of the top independent care retirement communities in the Destin area.

• Brookdale Destin
• Meridian at Westwood
• Belvedere Commons of Fort Walton Beach
• Brookdale Fort Walton Beach
• Somerby of Santa Rosa Beach

2. Tallahassee

Pros and Cons:

+ Focus on education

+ Many outdoor activities and experiences in the city

+ Low traffic during peak times

– Housing costs increasing

– Not close to significant beaches

Details:

Median Home Value: $231,967

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 34.42

Unemployment Rate: 4.7 %

Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida. The population is small for a capital city with around 200,000 residents, but it offers amenities and activities, including a Downtown Farmers Markets and a thriving restaurant and shopping scene. Tallahassee is home to many state parks, including Leon County Geological Sinks and the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. The city is affordable with a growing job market and is home to two major universities, Florida A&M University and Florida State University.

3. Pensacola

Pros and Cons:

+ Great school system

+ Excellent job prospects

+ Inexpensive housing

– Some crime

Details:

Median Home Value: $199,391

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 43.98

Unemployment Rate: 4.3%

Pensacola’s population is around 60,000, and it is located in West Florida near the neighboring state of Alabama. The city has a relaxed vibe, and many move to Pensacola to retire. Activities are abundant, including fishing, biking, kayaking, and other water activities. The city also offers a rich history, including the Pensacola Historic District, where the earliest known European settlement in 1559 was founded. The cost of living is also less expensive than in the rest of the United States, and there is no state income tax.

4. Seaside

Pros and Cons:

+ Very safe and walkable

+ A lot of restaurants and shops

+ Easy access to many highly-rated beaches

– Expensive living costs

– Many tourists

Details:

Median Home Value: $ 720,418

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 10.64

Unemployment Rate: 4.2 %

Seaside offers a slower pace of life and a beautiful town with walkable neighborhoods. The city’s architecture is superb, and the city is famous among residents and tourists. However, the population is only around 10,000 residents. However, the city has a lot to offer. A large amphitheater lawn in the town center shows movies and hosts concerts.

The town center also offers many shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and various restaurants, from simple cuisine to fine dining. The beaches in Seaside are also spectacular, with Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Miramar Beach a close drive away.

The city is located between Pensacola and Panama Beach and has low crime rates. However, the homes are costly, with a median home value of over $700,000.

5. Port St. Joe

Pros and Cons:

+ Safe and inexpensive

+ Nearby highly rated beaches

+ Very laid back city

– Might be too small for many

– Not a lot of job growth

Details:

Median Home Value: $251,419

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 13.18

Unemployment Rate: 4.2 %

Port St. Joe is a charming town in the Florida Panhandle with around 3500 residents. It is a quiet, quaint town where residents can relax. The city was originally an industrial town in the 1930s but has transformed into a beach town for retirees and tourists. The crime rate is low, and living costs are 6% below the national average. There are many locally-owned restaurants, and most of the city’s economy is based on hospitality and retail. The town is an excellent location for romantic vacations and offers a lot of history.

6. Panama City Beach

Details:

Median Home Value: $ 384,976

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 77.49

Unemployment Rate: 4.2

Panama City Beach is a summer beach destination town and great for families.The amusement parks such as Shipwreck Island, Coconut Creek Family Park, Seacrest Work Preserve, and ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory make the location popular. The city does offer a sound education system and is ranked as one of the most affordable vacation getaways in the U.S.

7. South Walton Beaches and 30 A

Details:

Median Home Value: $291,889

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 24.11

Unemployment Rate: 4 %

South Walton Beaches and 30A are located west of Destin, Florida. The location is popular amongst students and offers excellent educational opportunities. Beaches nearby include Santa Rosa Beach, Alys Beach, and Grayton Beach. In addition, the city is also known for its rich history and culture with Fort Walton Temple Mound, the Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse, and Garnier Post Office Museum.

8. Navarre

Details:

Median Home Value: $ 350,070

Crime Rate/1,000 Residents: 7.63

Unemployment Rate: 4 %

Navarre is located east of Pensacola Beach and west of Fort Walton Beach. Navarre is one of the cheapest cities to live in the panhandle. It is a calm city and does not offer exciting nightlife, but it is a friendly fishing community. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is one of Florida’s most beautiful fishing piers.

The famous attractions in Navarre are Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, The Navarre Beach Marine Park, Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, and the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and artificial reefs.

Top Places in the Florida Panhandle for Families

Here are the top four places for families to visit and live in the panhandle.

1. Apalachicola

The location offers a great beach and a quiet respite from the big city and the best shrimp, crab, and fish.

2. Blountstown

The location also offers excellent beaches and great views.

3. Carrabelle

The location is famous for oysters and the annual Riverfront Festival. If you are a beach person who wants to enjoy great nightlife, this location is for you.

4. Marianna

Marianna is known for its old St Luke’s Episcopal Church. The city is ancient, built around the 19th century. It is also where the Marianna Civil War battle occurred.

Top Beaches in Florida

Here is a list of the top beaches in Florida.

• Siesta Key Public Beach, Sarasota
• Clearwater Beach, Clearwater
• Sanibel Island Beaches, Sanibel Island
• Henderson Beach State Park, Destin
• Pensacola Beach, Pensacola
• Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers
• Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Petersburg
• Venice Beach, Venice
• Naples Municipal Beach, Naples
• Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island
• Manatee Public Beach, Anna Maria Island
• Madeira Beach
• Tigertail Beach, Marco Island
• Barefoot Beach County Preserve, Naples
• Bonita Beach
• St. Pete Beach
• Navarre Beach, Navarre
• Fort De Soto Park Beach
• Pelicans Beach at North Beach in Fort De Soto Park
• St. George Island State Park Beach on St. George Island

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Positives and Negatives of Living in the Florida Panhandle?

Positives of the Florida Panhandle:

• Inexpensive cities to visit and live
• Milder climates compared to the rest of Florida
• Easy access to the top-rated beaches

Negatives of the Florida Panhandle:

• Not close to many of the larger Florida cities
• Not as many activities are offered as in the rest of the state
• A higher risk of hurricanes in the direct path of many hurricanes

What is the Best Place for Retirees in the Panhandle?

The best place for retirees in the Florida Panhandle is Port St. Joe for those who want a quiet lifestyle. However, Tallahassee would be best for those who wish to access more community events and cultural amenities.

Where is the Safest Place in the Florida Panhandle?

The safest place to live in the Florida Panhandle is Seaside, where the crime rate is 67% lower than the rest of Florida, and Destin, whose crime rate is 58% lower than the state average.

What Are the Most Affordable Cities in Florida?

1. Cape Coral

Population: 170,063

Median Home Price: $173,400 median purchase price; $1,095 median monthly rent

Crime: Safer than 80% of Florida cities

Unemployment: 5.5%

Distance from Beach: 2.5 miles

Cape Coral is very affordable and is the eighth-largest city in the state. Cape Coral is a family-friendly community and is located across the Caloosahatchee River. The Southwest Florida city is affordable and known for having the most canals globally, with 400 miles of navigable waterways.

2. Dunedin

Population: 35,882

Median Home Price: $157,200 median purchase price; $985 median monthly rent

Crime: Safer than 78% of Florida cities

Unemployment: 3.5%

Distance from Beach: 5.4 miles

Dunedin is one of the most affordable cities to live in Florida and offers budget-friendly homes with waterfront views. Many outdoor recreation opportunities and excellent restaurants are all within biking or walking distance. Dunedin is also close to cities like Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.

3. Fort Walton Beach

Population: 21,238

Median Home Price: $164,100 median purchase price; $941 median monthly rent

Crime: Safer than 47% of Florida cities.

Unemployment: 4.8%

Distance from Beach: 2.4 miles

Fort Walton Beach offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle. There is a small-town feel in the Florida panhandle town, but with many amenities still abundant. There are various housing options ranging from low-cost condominiums to sprawling estates.

4. Lakeland

Population: 102,714

Median Home Price: $109,300 median purchase price; $890 median monthly rent

Crime: Safer than 39% of Florida cities

Unemployment: 5.2%

Distance from Beach: 44.8 miles

Lakeland is an affordable city between Tampa and Orlando. The city has various lakes, but it is also a hub based on its central location. Job opportunities are abundant.

5. Vero Beach

Population: 16,070

Median Home Price: $211,500 median purchase price; $829 median monthly rent

Crime: Safer than 48% of Florida cities

Unemployment: 5.2%

Distance from Beach: 3.2 miles (South Beach Park)

Vero Beach is a great city with a ton of culture with a lot of tourism and agriculture. The average days of sun in the city outpace the rest of the country. Also, outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant.

What are All of the Cities in the Florida Panhandle?

Here is a list of all the significant Florida Panhandle towns and cities:

• Apalachicola

• Bonifay

• Callaway

• Cedar Grove

• Century

• Chipley

• Crawfordville

• Crestview

• Destin

• Fort Walton Beach

• Gulf Breeze

• Lynn Haven

• Marianna

• Mexico Beach

• Milton

• Miramar Beach

• Monticello

• Panama City

• Panama City Beach

• Perry

• Pensacola

• Pensacola Beach

• Ponce De Leon

• Port St Joe

• Rosemary Beach

• Springfield

• Tallahassee

Summary

There are many great Florida Panhandle towns and cities in the sunshine state, ranging from large cities to perfect little beach towns. Wherever you plan to go, you’ll likely be able to enjoy an affordable lifestyle that is near to some of the best beaches in the world.