Living in the Panama Florida Area-Cities

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Area Cities

Panama City

Destin

Panama City Fl

Located in Florida's northwestern Panhandle, along the Gulf of Mexico. Panama City is the county seat and principal city of Bay County, which is about 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee, 100 miles east of Pensacola and approximately 300 miles from both Atlanta and New Orleans.
More than 40 million people are within a day's drive of Bay County

Community life is supported with three elementary schools, a middle school and high school; various recreational and social areas including parks, senior and youth centers, golf courses, and a fishing pier; a branch of the Bay County library; and numerous medical, vision, and dental offices.

Bay County, Florida features one of the most beautiful beaches in America. The St. Andrew State Recreation Area is rated as one of the best of 600 beaches nationwide. This area is often referred to as the Riviera of the South.

A few statistics

Bay County Population (2003): 154,827
Average high temperature in July is 90 degrees I
Average low dips to 43 degrees in January.
average year-round air temperature of 78
Average water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Average rainfall of 64 inches
The City of Panama City Beach is approximately 20 square miles and
is populated by over 37,000
The median age is 37
As of Oct 2005 per a MLS search-The starting price of a 2/2 home in panama City was $79,900
Employment

Industries

Educational, health and social services
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
Retail trade
Bay District Schools

Area students attend 36 schools located throughout the county. There are
21 elementary schools
7 middle schools
6 senior high schools
3 special purpose schools
1vocational-technical facility
1 adult center
Gulf Coast Community College,
the Florida State University/Panama City Campus,
Tom P. Haney Technical Center, a highly regarded public school system, and several private and parochial schools.
Arts and Culture
In this area are one of the most exciting and important aspects of Bay County. Generous support is given to arts organizations and annual events. Schools

Health in Bay County

5 Hospitals
12 assisted living facilities
9 skilled nursing facilities
210 health facilities are located in Bay County
To see names and addresses go to http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/
Recreation
Within a 30-mile radius are three state parks ranked among the nation's top 20 beaches

14 golf courses
6 waterfront parks
3 nature parks
2 walking parks
Tennis
Biking
Hiking
Watersports
12 marinas
Fishing
One of the main sports in this area is of course the fishing and boating. There are numerous Charter services if you don’t own a boat.
Transportation

Automobile/Bus
Interstate 10, which extends from Florida to California is just 38 miles away.
A four-lane highway (U.S. 231) connects residents and shippers to the interstate.
Greyhound provides passenger service on its buses and maintains a Panama City bus stop.
Air
Bay County International Airport links to large hub airports. Daily service to major cities in the Southeast comes from six air carriers. Five air cargo carriers operate daily freight and parcel services.
Rail
Local rail freight service is provided by the Bay Line Railroad, which interlines with the CSX and Norfolk-Southern systems.
Port Panama City is deep-water, economical and features a progressive foreign trade zone.
UTILITIES

Electric, gas, telephone and water companies require deposits for first time service in the area. Deposits vary in each municipality.
Electricity
Gulf Power Company
800-225-5797
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
850-265-3631
Natural Gas
TECO Peoples Gas
1-877-832-6747
Telephone
BellSouth
Residential: 850-780-2355 Business: 850-780-2800
Web site links
http://www.cityofpanamacity.com/
http://www.co.bay.fl.us/
In conclusion, this a small community that has lots to offer, if you want a more laid back atmosphere, this could be just the ticket. Beautiful beaches, great outdoor sports and very affordable. In addition, the nearby Interstate I-10 gives you options to get to the Big cities if you need to.

Destin

Destin, Florida
Okaloosa County
Population: 12,563

White sandy beaches beckon you to stay awhile in sunny Destin! A true paradise awaits you as you stroll the sugar colored beaches and enjoy the emerald green waters. This beautiful city offers everything a person could ever imagine, and then some. Entertainment abounds in this fabulous place, from fishing, to boating, to snorkeling. If you don’t like to spend every waking minute in the water, there’s plenty to do on land. Shops, gardens, museums, and recreation centers abound, just to list a few. Do you enjoy weekly games of golf? There are 14 golf courses to choose from.

Local weather is warm and cheery.

Housing choices are abundant here in Destin. Quiet neighborhoods, beach front property, condominiums, and state-of-the-art custom built homes are but a few of the choices available. How would you like to live on the water? A house boat would be perfect for this area!

Health care services are covered with Destin Emergency Care Center and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Both offer a wide and complete range of medical care. Dentists, chiropractors, therapists, and spas are also located in the city.

Area education centers and schools have consistently received A+ scores, which make them an excellent choice for your child’s education. An exceptional library, arts and humanities, and many sports to choose from add to your children’s learning experience.

General information-

Average Summer temperature 88 degrees
Winter temperature 52 degrees
Average yearly precipitation 62 inches
Population 12,563
Median Household income $71,732
Median House value $303,747
Average Rent $2,763
Median Age rage 42

Employment industries-

Construction (14%)
Accommodation and food services (13%)
Professional, scientific, and technical services (8%)
Real estate and rental and leasing (7%)
Public administration (6%)
Arts, entertainment, and recreation (5%)
Other transportation, and support activities, and couriers (5%)
In conclusion, Destin is a perfect choice for vacation or residential living. Destin offers beautiful beaches, plenty of shopping, fishing, boating, and fun. Stop by and stay awhile. Stay a lifetime!