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Panama City, FL


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Panama City, Florida

Introduction to Panama City, Florida

Panama City is situated on St. Andrews Bay along the Florida Panhandle in Bay County. The municipality is the county's center for business, culture, and education. Tyndall Air Field Base and Coastal Systems Station are primary factors for the economy. It contains a few large marinas. The popular tourist location, Panama City Beach is nearby. The town is somewhat unspoiled by the crowds of tourists who vacation at the beaches along the Emerald Coast. The hotels in Panama City are about 15 to 30 minutes away from the beach area.

History

In the 1830's settlers arrived from the states of Georgia and Alabama and constructed cabins near the shoreline. In 1909 the city was incorporated and soon commerce began to thrive. The Florida Land Boom during the 1920's significantly increased the growth of Panama City. Another major growth spurt occurred during World War II due to Tyndall Air Field and the building of ships at the Wainwright Shipyard.

Activities

Saint Andrews State Park is located across the bay and features coastal dunes, forest areas, nature trails, wetlands and an undeveloped island. Camping, boating, fishing, crabbing and hiking are popular in the park. Wildlife viewing tours are available which take visitors into the marshlands and creeks. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous scenic golf courses. The Bay Point Yacht & Golf Club is one of the prominent locations to play golf in Florida. The clear ocean water provides excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling on the nearby reefs.

Salt water fishing is popular and charter boats are available. Glass-bottom boat excursions provide opportunities for viewing the ocean's wildlife. Excellent Nature trails are available for hikers and bicycle riders. The tourist destination, Panama City Beach incldudes beautiful beach areas, amusement parks, including Cobra Adventure Park and plenty of cafes, restaurants and gift shops. Shipwreck Island Water Park and Water World are nearby. There are numerous notable state parks including Pine Log State Forest. The Indian Summer Festival is a prominent event and the Iron Man Florida Triathlon takes place in the area.

Attractions

Panama City has numerous art galleries, excellent restaurants, and plenty of places for shopping, including the Panama City Mall. Museum of Man in the Sea is a noteworthy attraction. The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement showcases historic structures including several of the pioneer's log cabins. Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida features the artwork of local, regional as well as national artists. The Martin Theatre provides plays and a variety of events.

Transportation

The city is home to the Panama City-Bay County International Airport.

Higher Education

Troy University and Gulf Coast Community College are located in the region.

High Points

Panama City strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Florida):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)
Top 4%trophyPanama City Affordability of Property Taxes
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyPanama City Short Commute Times

Comparative Profile of Panama City, FL

Comparing Panama City to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Florida (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Senior Citizens94
Age of the Population84
Racial Diversity66
Male Share of the Population67
Female Share of the Population54
Children Under 5 Years Old46
Well-Paid Single Men35
Well-Paid Single Women36

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married33
Average Household Size25

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults46
People in Middle Class or Better35
People Above Poverty34
Median Family Income35

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times910
Walking and Biking to Work76
Working at Home44
Public Transportation Use36

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Property Taxes108
Seasonal and Vacation Housing93
People Living Alone87
Affordability of Rents87
Housing Recently Built63
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals57

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime23
Low Violent Crime24

Detailed pages on related topics: Panama City collegesPanama City travelPanama City mortgages and property.

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Additional Details

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