Panama City

Panama City area guide

Buying and owning in Panama City

Panama City is the mainland side of Bay County: a working city on St. Andrews Bay with older neighborhoods near the water and newer ones inland. This is how it breaks down.

Neighborhoods and areas

Historic St. Andrews is on the west side, around the St. Andrews Marina and Beck Avenue, with older cottages and bungalows close to the bay. Downtown centers on Harrison Avenue and the city marina. East of downtown, the Cove follows the bayfront with mid-century homes, large lots and live oaks. Millville sits farther east around Watson Bayou. To the north, areas such as Forest Park and Northshore, and the corridors along Highway 77, Highway 231 and Highway 390, have newer homes and most of the larger subdivisions.

Waterfront property

Waterfront in Panama City means open bay frontage on St. Andrews Bay, or protected water on bayous such as Massalina and Watson. For boaters the details matter: depth at the dock at low tide, the condition and permits for the dock and seawall, and any bridge between the property and open water, such as the Tarpon Dock drawbridge at the mouth of Massalina Bayou. Check flood zone and elevation on anything near the water.

Homes near Tyndall AFB

Tyndall Air Force Base is southeast of the city across the DuPont Bridge on Highway 98. The east side of Panama City, along with neighboring Parker and Callaway, puts you closest to the gate. If you are moving on PCS orders or using a VA loan, tell us your timeline early.

New construction and older homes

New homes are being built on infill lots in the older neighborhoods and in subdivisions on the north and east sides. Much of the existing housing was repaired or re-roofed after Hurricane Michael in 2018. On an older home, ask about roof age and permits, and expect your insurer to want a four-point inspection and a wind mitigation report. The buyer guide explains both.

Getting around

Highway 98 crosses the city east to west and continues over the Hathaway Bridge to Panama City Beach. Twenty-third Street is the main commercial corridor. Highway 77 runs north to Lynn Haven, and Highway 231 heads north toward I-10. Employers within reach include the hospitals, Port Panama City, Gulf Coast State College and FSU Panama City, Naval Support Activity Panama City just across the Hathaway Bridge, and Tyndall AFB to the east.

Common questions

How far is Panama City from Panama City Beach?

The Hathaway Bridge is about five miles west of downtown, and the beach starts on the other side. Drive time depends on where on the beach you are going and on the season.

Are there waterfront homes in Panama City?

Yes. Bay-front, bayou-front and canal-front homes are found in St. Andrews, the Cove, around Massalina and Watson bayous, and on the north side toward North Bay. See the current Panama City listings and filter for waterfront.

What should I know about selling a home in Panama City?

Roof age, flood zone, condition and, on the water, the dock and seawall drive price more than sellers expect. The seller guide covers pricing, Florida closing costs and what to do before you list.

• Panama City market data
• Panama City Beach guide
• Lynn Haven guide
• Contact The Allen Group at Real Broker LLC

General information only, not legal, tax, insurance or engineering advice. The Allen Group is not affiliated with the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense.