The Best Neighborhoods In Panama City FL

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Located by St. Andrew’s Bay, Panama City FL is famed for its white-sand beaches, humid summers, diverse sea life, and fun amusement parks. Panama City and its beaches are also rife with restaurants and shops for your fix of Florida cuisines and retail therapy.

But where do you start? If living in Panama City FL is at the top of your list, then check out this comprehensive list of the best neighborhoods in Panama City FL to call home.

Inside Panama City FL

Panama City FL is a haven for water sports. Here, you’ll enjoy activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, and boating. You can also go on guided day trips to enjoy Panama City’s diverse sea life and snack on locally-caught seafood at beachfront restaurants.

When exploring, keep these best neighborhoods in Panama City FL in mind.

Bunkers Cove

Bunkers Cove is home to the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, where visitors can learn how to sail and dine on delicious seafood with a stunning view of the water. Participate in weekly trivia nights, karaoke, and Sunday brunches. Members can also look forward to seasonal luaus and the 4th of July fireworks.

First-time and veteran fly fishers should book a day out with Fly Times. Fly Times offers casting lessons and guided tours if your skills could use some touching up.

The Woods

The Woods in Panama City is a quaint neighborhood perfect for those who enjoy the quiet. If you’re not just visiting and are looking to actually settle down in the area, The Woods is just a stone’s throw away from central banks, restaurants, home centers, and clinics.

Forest Park

Another option for visitors looking to relocate is Forest Park, a small subdivision in Panama City that has dozens of accessible home services and sits next to the Stanford Station Shopping Center.

Residents can shop at Apna Agora Panama, a market for delicious halal goods like Jamaican vegetables, spinach samosas, and chicken shawarma.

Forest Hills

Forest Hills has an exciting variety of places to live. You’ll find everything from bungalows to multi-story houses to apartments suitable for all budgets. Smack dab in the middle of Forest Hills is Mimi and Papa D’s, a beloved Panama City bed and breakfast for those just passing through.

Forest Hills is just a short drive away from SweetBay Chickadee Park for people who appreciate time outdoors.

Bayside

If you’re interested in a home with a stunning seaside view, Bayside has available homes right by the water. Not to mention, it neighbors the Al Helms Dog Park – perfect for those with pets. Bayside is also next to the Bay Memorial Park Disc Golf Course, which boasts a mix of wooded holes and clear paths that are great for walking.

Avid readers can spend afternoons at the Bay County Public Library or the Oakland Terrace Recreation Center. At the latter, you’ll have access to 28 acres of playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, pavilions, and baseball fields.

Around Panama City, Florida

Even outside of Panama City, you’ll get a lot of turquoise blue water, white-sand beaches, and picture-perfect landscapes. If you don’t want to stray too far away from attractions like Pier Park, rides on the Sky Wheel, and places to go kayaking, consider these neighborhoods around Panama City.

Lynn Haven

Home to three major Florida parks (i.e. A.L. Kinsaul Park, Sharon J. Sheffield Park, and Cain Griffin Park), Lynn Haven has a lot in store for new residents and visitors alike. Make sure to book a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Panama City Area Lynn Haven and visit the Panama Country Club.

Built in 1927 by W.C. Sherman, the Panama Country Club is just under 6,700 yards and offers narrow to medium-width fairways. Doubling as a Northwest Florida wildlife haven, expect to see fox squirrels, herons, turtles, and eagles as you tee off.

After an afternoon at the club, grab a bite of fresh seafood at Simply Seafood Market and Oyster Bar, which serves (you guessed it) fresh oysters and classic seafood gumbo.

Upper Grand Lagoon

Adventurous folks will love living in Upper Grand Lagoon, which is home to a handful of Panama City’s best beaches, including Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay. Avid divers can explore sunken ships through Lagoon Pontoons or shop dive gear at Diver’s Den.

After a full day out on the beach, there are still many things in store for you at this locale. Art enthusiasts can take art classes and workshops at the Beach Art Group, while nature lovers will enjoy the sea-life and sight-seeing tour on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise.

Pretty Bayou

If you’re looking for a tight-knit community, Pretty Bayou has a small population with no shortage of things to do. People who are always on the go can rent or buy motorhomes, complete with camping gear, from Camping World of Panama City.

Pretty Bayou also has multiple boating ports from where you can sail into the sea for an afternoon. Beach-goers can then retire for a pint at the Salty Oak Brewing Company.

Lower Grand Lagoon

Situated next to its Upper counterpart, Lower Grand Lagoon is rife with stunning beaches, fun-filled activities, and everything you need to start a new life in Florida. Lower Grand Lagoon is known for its premier fishing charter, Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing, – it’s home to an impressive variety of species, so avid anglers will especially love it here.

Lower Grand Lagoon is also populated with live music bars like Ms. Newby’s Liquors and Spinnaker Beach Club, – one of the best spots to unwind with a drink on the weekends.

Magnolia Beach

Part of Upper Grand Lagoon is Magnolia Beach, a small community perfect for people who want to strike a balance between fun adventures and quiet time. There are only a handful of condominiums in Magnolia Beach, which means limited housing options, but you’ll get the best views of the bay.

Delwood Beach

On the other side of Upper Grand Lagoon is Delwood Beach, home to the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort, where residents can tee off with a stunning view of the ocean. After an afternoon on the course, grab a bite at the famous TIDES Restaurant.

Staycation at Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point and The Grand at Bay Point by Panhandle Getaways.

Tyndall AFB And Callaway

Military members can enjoy retired life at the Tyndall Air Force Base, complete with a visitor’s center, academy, and nature trails. It also has several inns where visitors can check-in when visiting.

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of moving to Florida, and are looking for the best neighborhoods in Panama City FL, you have lots of options. Panama City is full of safe and activity-filled neighborhoods that both single movers and couples will love. Contact Carolyn Mobley with the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group to learn more about the best neighborhoods in Panama City FL in which to live.

Are you interested in other Florida cities? Learn more by exploring OutCoast!

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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