When considering moving to Florida, many retirees immediately gravitate to some of the popular communities in the central, southwest, and southeast parts of the state.
While these areas are filled with many wonderful communities, there is another area of Florida that tends to get overlooked by potential new residents.
The Panhandle is the northwest region of Florida that stretches from Apalachicola to Pensacola. The region is known for its clear emerald water, beautiful sandy beaches, and many small fishing towns.
Because it is the least developed part of Florida, many refer to the Panhandle as “Florida’s Final Frontier.”
However, there are many advantages that lie here waiting for Boomers who are willing to look a bit deeper.
While development in the Panhandle has not matched the rest of the state, there is a strong infrastructure in place to support future development.
The area is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and unique cities in the entire state.
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Investing in Infrastructure
One of the most closely guarded secrets among Panhandle residents is that the only reason development hasn’t taken off here, like it has in Central and South Florida, is because developers have been spending time investing up-front in infrastructure to support future development.
This investment in infrastructure will ensure that the Panhandle region never suffers from growing too fast as has been the case in many other regions of Florida.
With great infrastructure elements like the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport already in place, many residents are enjoying the benefits of a more developed region without the drawbacks of being overrun by new neighbors.
Major Panhandle Cities
While the Panhandle is not quite as developed as other areas in Florida, there is no shortage of cities that provide great amenities.
Destin is a very popular area that is known for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
For more excitement, the Panama City Beach area is well known for being a popular location.
History buffs will be sure to get their fill between Pensacola and Tallahassee.
Pensacola is a city with a fascinating history, as well as a Naval Air Station and Museum, and a historic downtown district.
And let's not forget Tallahassee which is the capital of Florida, and also home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
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Panhandle Beaches
The Panhandle contains many cities that can provide amenities like restaurants, museums, and sports, but where the region really shines is in its beaches.
No matter where you choose to explore along the northwest coast of Florida, there is almost certainly a pristine beach located nearby.
On the eastern side of the Panhandle, beaches like the ones found at Dog Island and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offer powdery sand beaches and crystal clear water.
Heading a bit to the west, you will find beaches like Grayton Beach and Blue Mountain Beach which are located in quaint little beach towns.
Future Development
While the development in the Panhandle has not matched the development we have seen in other parts of Florida, that doesn’t mean that fantastic planned communities are not on the way or already being started.
Located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola &Panama City, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is the 2nd Jimmy Buffett-inspired 55+ community in Florida, and the 3rd one overall when you include Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.
Amenities in place or coming soon include a Latitude Town Square with Bandshell, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, 2nd Floor Overlook Bar with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Paradise Pool with Beach Entry Cabanas, Tiki Huts, Fins Up! Fitness Center, Barkaritaville Dog Park, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Port of Indecision Kayak Launch, Walking Trails, and more.
Home prices start in the $300k's.
With its unmatched beauty and solid foundation of infrastructure, the Panhandle region might just prove to be the best location in all of Florida.
So while it is known as “Florida’s Final Frontier” for now, it won’t be long until it is simply known as “One of The Best Places to Live in Florida.”
