Panama City Area, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Panama City area is a wonderful place for retirees looking for an active and enjoyable lifestyle. With its mild climate and beautiful beaches, residents can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and golfing all year round. The area is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, including live music, museums, and art galleries. With its welcoming community and range of amenities, the Panama City area is a great choice for retirees looking for a retirement focused on fun in the sun. 

The Panama City area is a wonderful place for retirees looking for an active and enjoyable lifestyle. With its mild climate and beautiful beaches, residents can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and golfing all year round. The area is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, including live music, museums, and art galleries. With its welcoming community and range of amenities, the Panama City area is a great choice for retirees looking for a retirement focused on fun in the sun. 

Local resources for the Panama City metro area:

Panama Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Panama City area offers retirees an affordable cost of living compared to other popular retirement destinations in Florida. Housing prices are more reasonable than in some other areas of the state, with a median home price of around $347,000. Groceries and other necessities are affordable, with prices similar to or slightly lower than the national average.

Florida is a popular retirement spot partially because of the state’s tax structure. Florida has no income tax, or estate tax. Property tax varies by county, Panama City is in Bay County where the property taxes are about 0.61 percent. There are several exemptions for seniors and low-income residents that can reduce the property tax burden. Average sales tax for the state is about 7 percent and is a combination of state and local tax. 

Panama Area Climate and Geography 

The Panama City area has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences plenty of sunshine throughout the year averaging 320 days annually. The summer months, from June to September, are the hottest and most humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. Thunderstorms are common during this season, especially in the afternoons. Winters are mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. Hurricane season in Panama City typically runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of storms in August and September.

 The Panama City area is located in the Florida Panhandle, along the Gulf of Mexico. The area enjoys beautiful beaches, bays, forests, and wetlands. The St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are the most prominent water bodies in the area, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The region is characterized by flat, sandy terrain with an elevation of only 20 feet above sea level. The climate and scenery make the area an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, beach lovers, and nature lovers alike. With its year-round sunshine, warm waters, and abundant wildlife, the area is a paradise for retirees seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment Near Panama Area 

Panama City is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The area is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings and offers a range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment for all ages.

Golf and Racquet Sports

  • Bay Point Golf Club in Panama City Beach
  • Camp Creek Golf Club in Watersound
  • Origins Golf Club in Watersound
  • Frank Brown Park Pickleball Courts in Panama City Beach
  • Carl Grey Park Tennis Courts in Panama City

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

  • St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach
  • Conservation Park in Panama City Beach
  • Camp Helen State Park in Freeport
  • Gayle's Trails in Panama City
  • Shell Island Shuttle in Panama City Beach

Museums and Historical Sites

  • Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach
  • Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida in Panama City
  • The Historical Society of Bay County in Panama City
  • Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum in Fort Walton Beach

Performing Arts

  • Marina Civic Center in Panama City
  • Kaleidoscope Theatre in Lynn Haven
  • Gulf Coast State College Visual & Performing Arts in Panama City
  • The REP Theatre in Seaside

Shopping

  • Pier Park in Panama City Beach
  • Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach
  • Destin Commons in Destin

Parks and Gardens

  • Bay County Arboretum in Lynn Haven
  • Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership Rose Garden in Panama City
  • Panama City Beach Conservation Park in Panama City Beach

Festivals and Fairs

  • Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach
  • Bay County Fair & Youth Fair in Panama City
  • Lobster Festival & Tournament in Panama City Beach
  • Panama City Oktoberfest in Panama City

Panama Area Health and Wellness 

There are several options in the area for those interested in self-care and keeping fit. The Bay Medical Center Wellness Center, located in Panama City, offers a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and strength training. Several of the local parks have trails for walking, hiking, and biking, including the Panama City Beach Conservation Park and the Gayle's Trails system. There are also local spas and salons that offer services such as massages, facials, and other wellness treatments. Nutrition is an important part of staying healthy and residents in the Panama area have multiple farmers markets where fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and other items can be purchased. Local farmers markets in the area include:

  • St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8am to 1pm in the historic St. Andrews area of Panama City. 
  • Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8am to 1pm at Capt. Anderson's Marina in Panama City Beach.
  • Seaside Farmers Market - Saturdays from 8am to 12pm in nearby Seaside.
  • 30A Farmers Market - Sundays from 9am to 1pm in nearby Rosemary Beach.

Medical centers in the area include HCA Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center in Panama City, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay,  and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast located in Miramar Beach. Bay City Medical Sacred Heart is a Level II trauma center providing comprehensive trauma care for the region. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has a certified comprehensive stroke center. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Panama Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

  • Start the day with a walk on the beach at Panama City Beach to enjoy the beautiful views and breathe in the fresh sea air.
  • Head to Thomas Donut and Snack Shop for breakfast or coffee. This local favorite is known for its delicious donuts and coffee.
  • After breakfast, visit the Conservation Park for a nature walk. This park offers miles of trails and boardwalks through pristine Florida wilderness, and is a great way to experience the area's natural beauty.

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch at Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Bar & Grill. This waterfront restaurant offers a range of seafood and other dishes, and has a laid-back atmosphere.
  • After lunch, take a tour of the historic St. Andrews district in Panama City. This charming neighborhood is full of beautiful historic homes, boutique shops, and galleries.
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Pier Park. This outdoor mall offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a movie theater and live music.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Firefly. This upscale restaurant offers a range of Southern-inspired dishes, as well as an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.

Day Two

Morning:

  • Start the day with breakfast or coffee at Sunrise Cafe & Bakery in Panama City Beach. This cozy cafe offers a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as coffee and baked goods.
  • Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement community options and tour the area's 55+ communities.

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch at Shades Bar & Grill. This laid-back restaurant offers a variety of pub-style dishes, as well as a range of beers and cocktails.
  • After lunch, visit the Museum of Man in the Sea. This museum offers a fascinating look at the history of diving and underwater exploration, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in maritime history.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at The Bay in Santa Rosa Beach. This waterfront restaurant offers a range of seafood and other dishes, as well as beautiful views of the bay.
  • After dinner, take a walk on the beach at Watersound Beach to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.

Getting to the Panama City Area

The Panama City area can be easily accessed by air, car, and bus.

By air: The nearest major airport to the Panama City, FL metro area is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), located approximately 20 miles northwest of Panama City Beach. Airlines that fly into ECP include Delta, United, American, and Southwest. The airport primarily serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, offering direct flights to cities such as Baltimore, Dallas, Nashville, and Houston. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi or rideshare service from the airport to their destination.

By car: The Panama City area can be reached by major highways such as Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 98. Visitors traveling from the east can take I-10 to U.S. 231 South, which leads directly into Panama City. Visitors traveling from the west can take U.S. 98 directly into the Panama City Beach area.

By bus: Greyhound and other bus companies offer service to the Panama City area. The Greyhound station is located in downtown Panama City.


Communities Near Panama City Area
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3 communities near Panama City Area

0 Homes for Sale

Latitude Margaritaville Watersound

For Sale
  • Low $400ks - Mid $800ks
  • 3500 Homes (19 for sale)
  • 55+ Age Restriction
  • New And Resale Homes
  • 2019 - Present
  • 2 reviews
View Community Contact Agent

Watersound Origins

For Sale
  • Low $700ks - High $2Ms
  • 1100 Homes (53 for sale)
  • No Age Restrictions
  • New And Resale Homes
  • 2018 - Present
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent
Firefly at Hammock Bay - Freeport, FL

Firefly at Hammock Bay

For Sale
  • High $300ks - Low $500ks
  • 108 Homes (9 for sale)
  • No Age Restrictions
  • Resale Homes Only
  • 2019 - 2021
  • No Reviews
View Community Contact Agent

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$369,000

1056 Southern Hills Drive, Banning, CA

Meadow Ranch Community

  • 3 bed
  • |
  • 3 bath
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  • 2320 SqFt
MLS CV23099287
Call Us: (800) 928-2055

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